Looking to adopt a shaggy dog breed? From Bearded Collies to Irish Wolfhounds, fluffy long-haired dogs make great canine companions – if you don't mind regular trips to the groomers!
It's important to remember that some long-haired dog breeds require daily grooming, with many shedding fur all year round. If you are adopting a shaggy breed, we recommend researching grooming costs before committing.
"Shaggy dogs can have fur that is soft and sleek, curly and woolly, or rough and wavy. These beautiful coats often require more maintenance and grooming than other dog breeds, as they are prone to matting, which can be painful," PDSA Vet Nurse, Shauna Spooner, tells Country Living.
"Most dogs with shaggy coats will require daily brushing to prevent this—brushing will also improve circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Giving a shaggy dog a bath is less important than brushing, but you can do this every one to three months using a suitable doggy shampoo.
"Ensure to rinse well with plain water, as any shampoo residue could cause dry skin and a dull coat. It's important to start a grooming regime when your dog is a puppy, so they can get used to the process. Make it a fun and positive experience, with lots of treats and praise."
Keep reading for the full list of long-haired breeds...
1. Bearded Collie
"Bearded Collies are a medium-sized dog native to Scotland. They have long shaggy fur that sheds, and requires daily brushing. Their average lifespan is 12 years plus," vet Shauna tells us.
2. Briard
"A large-sized dog native to France," says Shauan. "They have long shaggy fur that sheds, and requires daily brushing. Their average lifespan is 10 years plus."
3. Scottish Deerhound
"A large-sized dog native to Scotland. They have medium-length shaggy fur that sheds, and requires brushing two to three times per week. Their average lifespan is 10 years plus."
4. Irish Wolfhound
Shauna continues: "Irish Wolfhounds are a large dog native to Ireland. They have medium-length shaggy fur that sheds, and requires brushing 2-3 times per week. Their average lifespan is below 10 years."
5. Pyrenean Sheepdog
"A medium-sized dog native to the Pyrenees. They have medium-length shaggy fur that sheds, and requires brushing 2-3 times per week. Their average lifespan is below 10 years."
6. Otterhound
"A large dog with a weather-resistant double coat and webbed feet. They have medium-length shaggy fur that sheds, and requires brushing 2-3 times per week. Their average lifespan is 10 years."
7. Old English Sheepdog
"A large dog native to Europe. They have long shaggy fur that sheds, and requires daily brushing. Their average lifespan is 10 years."
8. Tibetan Terrier
"A small dog native to Tibet. They have long shaggy fur that does not shed, but requires brushing every day. Their average life space is 12 years."
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
