Hairy Dog Breeds and Shaggy Dog Breeds: The Complete Guide (25 Breeds)

There is something magical about a dog with a big, flowing coat. Whether it is a tiny Maltese with silky white hair sweeping the floor or a massive Old English Sheepdog that looks like a walking cloud, hairy dog breeds and shaggy dog breeds have a charm that is hard to resist.

But owning one of these beautiful dogs is not just about the looks. It comes with brushing sessions, grooming appointments, and the occasional fur emergency. The good news? When you know what you are getting into, these breeds are some of the most rewarding dogs you can own.

This guide covers 25 hairy and shaggy dog breeds organized by size, explains the difference between “hairy” and “shaggy,” and helps you figure out which one fits your life. If you are thinking about grooming a dog at home, this guide is a great place to start.

What’s the Difference Between Hairy and Shaggy Dog Breeds?

Before diving into the breeds, it helps to understand what separates “hairy” dogs from “shaggy” ones — because they are not the same thing.

Hairy dog breeds grow actual hair, which is a lot like human hair. It keeps growing, does not shed as much, and often needs regular trimming. Breeds like Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Maltese fall into this category. Because they shed less, many hairy dogs are considered better for people with allergies.

Shaggy dog breeds tend to have thick, dense fur that grows in wild, unkempt layers. It may be wavy, corded, or fluffy. Shaggy dogs often shed more than hairy breeds, and their coats mat easily without regular brushing.

Both types need grooming attention — just in different ways. Knowing which type you have helps you care for your dog better.

Small Hairy Dog Breeds

Small dogs with long hair pack a lot of personality into a tiny package. Many of them are low-shedding, which makes them popular for apartment living and families with allergy concerns.

1. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is one of the most popular small hairy dog breeds in the world. Their long, silky coat looks very similar to human hair and grows continuously, which means regular trims are a must.

Yorkies are bold, curious, and full of energy. Despite their size, they act like they own the room. Their coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free, and most owners take them to a groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.

• Size: 4–7 lbs
• Coat type: Silky, straight hair
• Shedding: Very low
• Best for: Apartment dwellers, seniors, families

2. Maltese

The Maltese is a tiny dog with a stunning long white coat that flows all the way to the ground. This is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, and they have been lap dogs for centuries.

Their coat is pure hair, not fur, which means minimal shedding. However, it tangles easily and needs brushing every single day. Many owners choose a shorter “puppy cut” to make maintenance easier.

• Size: Under 7 lbs
• Coat type: Long, silky hair
• Shedding: Very low
• Best for: Seniors, singles, indoor living

3. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog with fluffy hair that grows in all directions. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these dogs carry themselves like they know it. Their double coat is thick, soft, and surprisingly heavy for such a small dog.

Shih Tzus need brushing several times a week. Without it, their coat mats quickly around the ears and legs. They are gentle, friendly, and very good with children.

• Size: 9–16 lbs
• Coat type: Dense double coat, silky
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Families, kids, first-time owners

4. Havanese

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog and one of the most charming small hairy dog breeds around. Their coat is long, silky, and comes in almost every color imaginable. It has a soft, wavy texture that gives them a permanently fluffy appearance.

Havanese dogs are playful, affectionate, and highly social. They do not like being left alone for long periods. Their coat needs brushing three to four times a week.

• Size: 7–13 lbs
• Coat type: Long, silky, slightly wavy
• Shedding: Very low
• Best for: Families, apartments, allergy sufferers

5. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibetan monasteries to serve as a watchdog. Their long, heavy coat was designed to protect them from harsh mountain conditions. Today, that coat is their most striking feature.

The Lhasa Apso has a confident, independent personality. They are not overly clingy, which makes them great for owners who are away from home during the day. Their coat grows very fast and needs frequent trimming and brushing.

• Size: 12–18 lbs
• Coat type: Long, dense, straight
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Independent owners, apartment living

6. Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dogs in the world wrapped inside a fluffy, curly coat that does not shed. Their hair grows continuously and needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks to stay neat.

Poodles are incredibly versatile. They are athletic, trainable, and hypoallergenic, which makes them one of the most popular small hairy dog breeds for families with allergies. Their curly hair can be styled in many different ways.

• Size: 10–15 lbs
• Coat type: Dense, curly hair
• Shedding: Minimal
• Best for: Allergy sufferers, active families, first-time owners

Medium Shaggy Dog Breeds

Medium-sized shaggy dogs hit a sweet spot — big enough to be sturdy, small enough to manage. These breeds have some of the most visually striking coats in the dog world.

7. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, affectionately called the “Beardie,” looks like it walked straight out of an enchanted forest. Their long, flowing double coat and cheerful expression make them impossible to ignore.

Beardies are energetic herding dogs that love outdoor adventures. Their coat mats very quickly, especially behind the ears and under the legs. Daily brushing is not optional — it is a commitment you make when you bring one home.

• Size: 45–55 lbs
• Coat type: Long, wavy double coat
• Shedding: Moderate to high
• Best for: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts

8. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with fluffy hair that has a warm, golden-wheat color. Unlike many terriers, their coat is soft and silky rather than wiry, which gives them a distinctly cuddly appearance.

Wheatens are friendly, energetic, and sometimes stubborn. Their coat does not shed much, which makes them a popular choice for allergy-prone households. They need brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles.

• Size: 30–45 lbs
• Coat type: Silky, wavy, single coat
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Families, allergy sufferers, active owners

9. Barbet

The Barbet is a French water dog whose name literally means “beard” in French. Their thick, curly coat was built to protect them while hunting waterfowl in cold rivers. It is more like human hair than fur, which means very low shedding.

Barbets are cheerful, sociable, and eager to please. They are still relatively rare outside of Europe but are gaining popularity fast. Their coat needs regular brushing and trimming every few months.

• Size: 35–65 lbs
• Coat type: Dense, curly hair
• Shedding: Very low
• Best for: Active families, allergy sufferers, first-time owners

10. Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile working breed with a woolly, curly coat that can be kept short or grown into full shaggy mode. They were used for both herding and water work, and that double-purpose background gives them extraordinary energy and intelligence.

Their coat is low-maintenance when kept short but becomes a full grooming project when grown out. They are loyal, athletic, and deeply bonded to their families.

• Size: 31–49 lbs
• Coat type: Curly, woolly
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Active owners, farm settings, experienced dog owners

11. Bergamasco

The Bergamasco is an ancient Italian herding breed with one of the most unusual coats in the dog world. Their fur forms natural flat mats called “flocks” that look like felt layers draped over the body. It sounds high-maintenance, but once the coat is fully formed, it actually requires very little grooming.

Bergamascos are calm, observant, and deeply loyal. Their coat provides insulation in both hot and cold weather. This is a great choice for someone who wants a shaggy-looking dog without constant brushing sessions.

• Size: 57–84 lbs
• Coat type: Corded/felted mats
• Shedding: Minimal
• Best for: Experienced owners, outdoor settings

12. Tibetan Terrier

Despite the name, the Tibetan Terrier is not actually a terrier at all. They were bred in Tibetan monasteries as companion dogs and good-luck charms. Their long, thick double coat protected them in the extreme cold of the Himalayas.

Tibetan Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and slightly mischievous. Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, but it is not as demanding as many other shaggy dog breeds on this list.

• Size: 18–30 lbs
• Coat type: Long, thick double coat
• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Best for: Families, active owners, cold climates

Large Hairy and Shaggy Dog Breeds

Large shaggy dogs are a full commitment. Their coats are dramatic, their grooming needs are significant, and their personalities are enormous. But for the right owner, they are absolutely worth it.

13. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is the poster dog for shaggy dog breeds. Their thick, shaggy double coat covers their entire body, including their eyes, giving them that iconic bear-like look. Originally bred to herd cattle and sheep across England, today they are beloved family dogs.

Their coat mats incredibly fast and needs brushing multiple times a week. Many owners opt for a professional clip every few months to keep things manageable. Despite the grooming demands, Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, playful, and wonderful with children. For more ideas on caring for dogs at home, see these dog grooming styles.

• Size: 60–100 lbs
• Coat type: Dense, shaggy double coat
• Shedding: Heavy
• Best for: Active families, homes with yards

14. Komondor

The Komondor looks exactly like a giant living mop. Their coat forms long, rope-like cords naturally as the dog matures. It does not require brushing, but the cords need to be separated by hand regularly to prevent them from fusing together into one giant mat.

Bathing a Komondor is a serious event — those cords absorb enormous amounts of water and can take over a day to fully dry. The Komondor is calm, protective, and deeply loyal. They were originally bred to guard livestock and still carry strong protective instincts.

• Size: 80–100+ lbs
• Coat type: Corded
• Shedding: Minimal
• Best for: Experienced owners, homes with space, guard dog roles

15. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is the supermodel of the dog world. Their long, silky coat flows like a shampoo commercial wherever they walk. This is a dog with really long hair and a personality to match — independent, elegant, and a little aloof.

Afghan Hounds need daily brushing to keep their coat tangle-free. They are athletic and built for speed, so they need space to run. Despite their glamorous looks, they are not the easiest breed for first-time owners due to their independent nature.

• Size: 50–60 lbs
• Coat type: Long, silky, fine hair
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Experienced owners, active households

16. Briard

The Briard is a large French herding breed with a long, wavy coat and a personality that is equal parts loyal and determined. They have a distinctive “natural part” running down the center of their back where the coat flows to either side.

Briards are intelligent, protective, and deeply devoted to their families. Their coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming every couple of months. They are sometimes called “a heart wrapped in fur” because of how strongly they bond with their people.

• Size: 55–100 lbs
• Coat type: Long, coarse, wavy
• Shedding: Moderate
• Best for: Experienced owners, active families

17. Rough Collie

The Rough Collie, made famous by the fictional dog Lassie, has one of the most beautiful coats in the dog world. Their thick double coat features a dramatic mane around the neck and chest and a flowing skirt along the body.

Rough Collies are gentle, sensitive, and excellent with children. Their coat needs brushing two to three times per week, with more attention during shedding season. They thrive when they have space to move and a family to love.

• Size: 50–75 lbs
• Coat type: Thick double coat with long outer layer
• Shedding: Heavy during shedding season
• Best for: Families, homes with yards, gentle owners

18. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the most distinctive dogs on this shaggy dog breeds list. Their liver-colored, tightly curled coat is both waterproof and hypoallergenic, making them a rare combination of practical and allergy-friendly. Their signature smooth “rat tail” is a standout feature.

They are energetic, playful, and love water above everything else. Their coat needs trimming every few months but requires less daily brushing than many other curly breeds.

• Size: 55–68 lbs
• Coat type: Tightly curled, waterproof hair
• Shedding: Very low
• Best for: Active owners, allergy sufferers, water sport enthusiasts

19. Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerfully built Belgian working dog with a thick, rough double coat and a rugged, tousled appearance. They were originally used for general farm work including cattle herding, cart pulling, and even military roles during World War I.

Bouviers are calm, steady, and intensely loyal. Their coat needs brushing two to three times a week and professional grooming every few months. They are confident dogs that need consistent training from an early age. If you are thinking about getting a large dog, check out this best big dog breeds list for more options.

• Size: 70–110 lbs
• Coat type: Thick, rough double coat
• Shedding: Moderate
• Best for: Experienced owners, active families, working roles

20. Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most elegant dogs in the world. Their dense, curly coat is pure hair, which means it keeps growing and almost never sheds. This makes them one of the best large hairy dog breeds for people with allergies.

Standard Poodles are athletic, highly trainable, and surprisingly playful beneath their refined appearance. Their coat needs professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks and regular brushing at home to prevent matting between appointments.

• Size: 40–70 lbs
• Coat type: Dense, curly hair
• Shedding: Minimal
• Best for: Allergy sufferers, active families, dog sports enthusiasts

Dogs With Really Long Hair — The Most Dramatic Coats

Some dogs do not just have long hair — they have coats that define their entire identity. These five breeds take the long-haired dog breed category to the extreme.

21. Puli

The Puli is a Hungarian herding dog that shares the corded coat style of the Komondor but comes in a much smaller package. Their black, white, or gray cords form naturally and give them the appearance of a small, fast-moving mop.

Pulis are energetic, clever, and surprisingly agile despite the dramatic coat. The cords need regular separation to stay healthy, and bathing takes significant drying time. They are not for the faint of heart, but they are endlessly entertaining companions.

• Size: 25–35 lbs
• Coat type: Corded
• Shedding: Minimal
• Best for: Experienced owners, active households

22. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed famous for truffle hunting, but their dense, curly coat makes them equally famous in the world of hairy dogs. Their coat covers their entire body including their face, giving them an adorably scruffy look.

Lagottos are intelligent, affectionate, and remarkably calm for a working breed. Their coat needs regular trimming and brushing, but they shed very little. They are a great choice for owners who want a curly, hairy dog with a steady personality.

• Size: 24–35 lbs
• Coat type: Dense, curly hair
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Families, active owners, rural settings

23. Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a low-slung Scottish breed with a coat so long it nearly touches the ground on both sides. Their hair parts naturally down the center of the back and hangs in long, straight curtains to the floor. They are one of the most visually dramatic of all long-haired dog breeds.

Skye Terriers are devoted to their families but can be reserved with strangers. They are rare today but fiercely loved by those who own them. Their coat needs regular brushing to stay healthy and untangled.

• Size: 35–45 lbs
• Coat type: Long, straight, flat
• Shedding: Low
• Best for: Dedicated owners, quieter households

24. Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small but mighty herding dog from the mountains of France and Spain. Their rough-faced variety has a windswept, shaggy coat that looks like it has been permanently tousled by mountain winds. They were used alongside the Great Pyrenees to herd enormous flocks.

Pyrenean Shepherds are fast, focused, and very energetic. Their coat is lower maintenance than many shaggy breeds and just needs brushing a few times a week. They are best suited to active owners who can channel their working dog energy.

• Size: 15–30 lbs
• Coat type: Long, coarse, shaggy
• Shedding: Moderate
• Best for: Very active owners, experienced dog owners

25. Xoloitzcuintli (The Opposite of Hairy)

Every list of hairy dog breeds deserves one wildcard. The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is the complete opposite of everything on this list — no hair at all. We include it here as a reminder that if grooming is simply not for you, nature has provided an alternative.

Grooming Tips for Hairy and Shaggy Dog Breeds

Owning a hairy or shaggy dog means grooming is a regular part of your life. Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the mat situation.

Essential brushes to have:

• Pin brush — great for silky and wavy coats
• Slicker brush — removes loose fur and detangles curly coats
• Wide-tooth metal comb — reaches down to the skin to catch hidden mats
• Undercoat rake — essential for heavy double coats like Old English Sheepdogs and Collies
• Dematting comb — for tackling tough knots before they get worse

How often should you brush?

Coat Type	Brushing Frequency
Silky/long hair (Maltese, Afghan)	Daily
Wavy/fluffy (Bearded Collie, Briard)	3–5 times per week
Curly (Poodle, Barbet, Lagotto)	2–3 times per week
Corded (Komondor, Puli)	Hand-separate cords as needed
Double coat (Rough Collie, OES)	3–5 times per week, daily during shedding

Professional grooming cost: Most hairy and shaggy dog breeds need professional grooming every 6 to 12 weeks. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 per session depending on your location and the dog’s size and coat condition. Giant breeds like the Bouvier or Old English Sheepdog typically cost more.

Start grooming your dog as a puppy so they get used to being handled. A dog that tolerates grooming calmly makes the whole process much faster and less stressful for everyone. You might also want to explore dog grooming rooms at home to set up a dedicated grooming space.

Which Hairy Dog Breed Is Right for You?

With 25 breeds to choose from, picking the right one comes down to your lifestyle. Here is a quick suitability guide:

Best for families with kids: Shih Tzu, Rough Collie, Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Standard Poodle

Best for apartments and small spaces: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Havanese, Miniature Poodle, Lhasa Apso. For more ideas on small breed options, check out this guide to best small dog breeds.

Best for people with allergies: Miniature and Standard Poodle, Barbet, Maltese, Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Havanese. If shedding is a dealbreaker, also look at best small dogs that don’t shed.

Best for first-time dog owners: Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Best for experienced owners who want a challenge: Komondor, Puli, Afghan Hound, Briard, Bouvier des Flandres

Best for active owners: Bearded Collie, Irish Water Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Pyrenean Shepherd, Lagotto Romagnolo

Final Thoughts

Hairy dog breeds and shaggy dog breeds come in every size, personality, and coat type imaginable. Whether you want a tiny dog with really long silky hair sitting in your lap or a massive corded mop dog guarding your yard, there is a breed on this list that fits.

The key is being honest with yourself about how much time and money you can invest in grooming. A Maltese and a Komondor both have dramatic coats — but they need very different levels of care. Match the breed to your lifestyle, commit to the grooming routine, and you will have a loyal, stunning companion for life.