Across windswept pastures and mountain homesteads, big, shaggy dogs have long worked as guardians, herders, and loyal companions. Their thick coats and steady temperaments make them well suited to cold climates and outdoor jobs, but they also vary widely in size and energy.
There are 23 big shaggy dog breeds, ranging from the Akbash Dog to the Tibetan Mastiff. For each, you’ll find below Scientific name,Weight (kg),Coat & grooming to help you compare characteristics, care needs, and suitability for different homes — you’ll find below the full list and details.
How do I choose the right big shaggy dog breed for my lifestyle?
Consider space, daily exercise, climate, and time for grooming: breeds bred for guarding and working need more space and purposeful activity, while some are calmer companions. Match a breed’s typical weight and coat care to your living situation, meet individual dogs, and ask breeders or shelters about temperament and health history before deciding.
What grooming and health upkeep do these breeds usually require?
Most large shaggy breeds need regular brushing (often several times a week), seasonal de-shedding care, and occasional professional trims; routine checks for skin, ears, and joints are important given their dense coats and size. Planning for grooming time, diet to support joint health, and preventive veterinary care will keep these dogs comfortable and fit.
Big Shaggy Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Weight (kg) | Coat & grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old English Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | 27-45 | Long, profuse double coat; daily brushing, regular trims |
| Bearded Collie | Canis lupus familiaris | 18-27 | Long, flowing double coat; daily brushing, occasional trimming |
| Briard | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-40 | Long, slightly wavy coat; several brushings weekly, occasional trimming |
| Bergamasco Shepherd | Canis lupus familiaris | 24-39 | Unique flattened mats (“flocks”); low shedding, periodic flock maintenance |
| Komondor | Canis lupus familiaris | 40-60 | Heavy corded coat; low brushing, cord formation and cleaning required |
| Puli | Canis lupus familiaris | 18-27 | Tight corded coat; regular cord maintenance, minimal shedding |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 45-73 | Thick, heavy double coat; regular brushing, seasonal heavy shedding |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 45-100 | Long, dense double coat; frequent brushing, heavy seasonal shedding |
| Great Pyrenees | Canis lupus familiaris | 40-54 | Long white double coat; weekly brushing, more during shedding |
| Maremma Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-40 | Long white double coat; regular brushing, seasonal heavy shedding |
| Kuvasz | Canis lupus familiaris | 30-52 | Long, dense white coat; regular brushing, seasonal shedding |
| Tatra Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 35-60 | Thick, weatherproof double coat; regular brushing, seasonal shedding |
| Saint Bernard | Canis lupus familiaris | 55-91 | Dense long coat; regular brushing, moderate trimming, drool care |
| Newfoundland | Canis lupus familiaris | 45-68 | Thick, water-resistant coat; regular brushing, ear care, seasonal blowouts |
| Leonberger | Canis lupus familiaris | 45-77 | Long, dense double coat; daily brushing, seasonal shedding |
| Otterhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 29-44 | Rough, shaggy, water-resistant coat; weekly brushing, ear care |
| Irish Wolfhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 40-69 | Rough, wiry coat; weekly brushing, occasional hand-stripping |
| Scottish Deerhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 32-50 | Rough, shaggy coat; weekly brushing, occasional stripping |
| Spanish Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 40-80 | Long, often heavy coat; regular brushing, seasonal shedding |
| Hovawart | Canis lupus familiaris | 25-40 | Long, dense coat; regular brushing, occasional trimming |
| Slovak Cuvac | Canis lupus familiaris | 30-45 | Thick white coat; weekly brushing, seasonal heavy shedding |
| Akbash Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 34-50 | Long white coat; regular brushing, occasional trimming |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | 34-68 | Dense double coat (short to long); regular brushing, heavy seasonal shed |
Images and Descriptions
Old English Sheepdog
British herding breed known for its profuse shaggy coat and gentle, playful temperament. Energetic and intelligent, needs daily grooming and regular exercise. Good family companion but needs space and consistent training; not ideal for low-maintenance owners.
Bearded Collie
Scottish herding dog with a long, shaggy coat and lively, affectionate personality. Agile and playful, requires daily grooming to prevent mats. Suited to active families who can provide time for exercise and regular coat care.
Briard
French herding breed with a long, expressive coat and strong protective instincts. Loyal, courageous, and affectionate with family. Requires frequent grooming and consistent training; well suited to active owners who want a devoted guardian.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Italian herding dog famed for its felted, mat-like coat. Calm, intelligent, and excellent with livestock and families. Low shedding but needs specific maintenance to form and care for flocks; ideal for experienced owners.
Komondor
Hungarian livestock guardian known for its dense corded coat that protects in all weather. Independent and territorial, needs early socialization and space. Cords reduce shedding but demand time-consuming care; best for experienced, rural owners.
Puli
Hungarian agile herding breed with a distinctive corded coat. Energetic, affectionate, and strong herding instincts. Cords require ongoing separation and care; suited to committed owners familiar with corded coat upkeep.
Tibetan Mastiff
Ancient Himalayan guardian with massive frame and mane-like coat. Independent, protective, and territorial; requires firm training and socialization. Heavy seasonal shedding and regular grooming; best for experienced owners with space.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Powerful Caucasus guardian with thick, weatherproof coat and strong protective instincts. Brave and territorial, needs firm leadership and early socialization. Heavy shedding and grooming demands make it best for experienced guardians on large properties.
Great Pyrenees
Pyrenean mountain guardian with calm, patient temperament and long white coat. Gentle with family but protective of flocks. Regular brushing and seasonal attention needed; well suited to rural owners and families with space.
Maremma Sheepdog
Italian livestock guardian that is calm, independent, and loyal to family and flock. Needs space and early socialization. Regular grooming prevents tangles; best for rural settings and owners experienced with guardian breeds.
Kuvasz
Hungarian large guardian with dignified, protective temperament. Loyal and independent, needs consistent training and socialization. Requires regular grooming to manage its thick coat; suited to experienced owners with ample space.
Tatra Shepherd Dog
Polish mountain guardian with heavy coat and calm, protective nature. Good family guardian when socialized early. Moderate-to-heavy grooming required and benefits from rural living with room to roam.
Saint Bernard
Swiss alpine rescue breed with massive build and long, dense coat. Patient, gentle, and family-oriented. Heavy shedding and drooling common; needs space, moderate exercise, and committed grooming care.
Newfoundland
Working water dog with a sweet, patient temperament and strong swimming ability. Excellent with children and families. Requires regular grooming, attention to ears, and space; suited to active households with room.
Leonberger
Large German breed with a lion-like mane and friendly, calm temperament. Good family companion that needs daily grooming to prevent matting and regular exercise; best for owners with space and time.
Otterhound
British scent hound with a coarse, shaggy coat and boisterous, friendly nature. Energetic and sociable; requires regular grooming and attentive ear care. Suited to active owners who can manage exercise and grooming needs.
Irish Wolfhound
Ancient Irish sighthound with towering height and rough, shaggy coat. Gentle and dignified but short-lived. Needs moderate grooming and daily exercise; best for owners who can provide large space and accept a lower-maintenance feel relative to matted breeds.
Scottish Deerhound
Tall Scottish sighthound with a gentle, calm temperament and rough-coated appearance. Independent and affectionate, requires regular exercise and moderate grooming. Suited to homes with space and owners preferring a dignified companion.
Spanish Mastiff
Iberian guardian breed with a calm, protective temperament and heavy winter coat. Territorial and loyal to family and flock. Requires frequent grooming during shedding seasons and is best kept in rural settings by experienced owners.
Hovawart
German working and guardian breed with a long, dense coat and loyal, intelligent temperament. Protective and family-oriented, needs consistent training and daily exercise. Suitable for active families and working homes that can maintain grooming.
Slovak Cuvac
Slovak livestock guardian with a thick white coat and alert, devoted temperament. Protective of family and livestock; requires regular brushing to prevent mats and manage shedding. Best suited to rural owners with space.
Akbash Dog
Turkish livestock guardian with a long white coat and calm, independent temperament. Loyal and protective of livestock, needing early socialization and space. Regular grooming manages tangles; ideal for experienced custodians on farms.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Turkish guardian with a confident, independent nature and dense coat varying by line. Protective and territorial, needs firm leadership and space. Moderate grooming with heavy seasonal shedding; suited to rural and livestock-focused owners.
