Across city streets, country lanes and family living rooms, medium-bodied dogs with shaggy coats often catch the eye — part cozy companion, part working partner. Their textured fur and approachable size make them a common choice for households that want personality without a giant dog to manage.
There are 14 medium shaggy dog breeds, ranging from American Water Spaniel to Tibetan Terrier. For each breed you’ll find the Scientific name, Size (kg) / Height (cm), and Coat & Grooming — details you’ll find below.
How much grooming do medium shaggy dog breeds typically require?
Grooming needs depend on coat type but expect regular maintenance: brush several times a week to prevent tangles and mats, bathe as needed, and consider professional trims every few months for certain breeds; pay special attention to ears, paws and undercoat during seasonal sheds and keep tools like a slicker brush and comb handy.
Which medium shaggy breeds are best for active families?
Many medium shaggy breeds enjoy daily exercise and play — some, like the American Water Spaniel, thrive on swimming and vigorous activity, while others such as the Tibetan Terrier are adaptable but still need walks and mental stimulation; match energy level, grooming commitment and temperament to your routine, and see the breed profiles below for specifics.
Medium Shaggy Dog Breeds
Name | Scientific name | Size (kg) / Height (cm) | Coat & Grooming |
---|---|---|---|
Lagotto Romagnolo | Lagotto Romagnolo | 11-16 kg / 40-48 cm | Woolly, curly; weekly brushing, trims occasionally |
Spanish Water Dog | Spanish Water Dog (Perro de Agua Español) | 14-22 kg / 40-50 cm | Corded or curly; weekly care, occasional cord maintenance |
Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Polski Owczarek Nizinny | 15-20 kg / 40-50 cm | Long, dense; daily brushing, seasonal trimming |
Schapendoes | Schapendoes (Dutch Sheepdog) | 10-20 kg / 43-53 cm | Long and tousled; frequent brushing, mat prevention |
Finnish Lapphund | Finnish Lapphund | 16-23 kg / 39-50 cm | Thick double coat; weekly brushing, heavy shedding seasons |
Swedish Lapphund | Swedish Lapphund | 14-18 kg / 40-48 cm | Long, dense coat; weekly brushing, seasonal de-shedding |
Keeshond | Keeshond | 15-20 kg / 43-46 cm | Thick, plush double coat; weekly brushing, seasonal heavy shedding |
Tibetan Terrier | Tibetan Terrier | 12-18 kg / 35-41 cm | Long, dense; regular brushing, occasional trims |
Puli | Puli | 13-15 kg / 36-46 cm | Corded, dense; hand-separate cords, regular maintenance |
Catalan Sheepdog | Gos d’Atura Català (Catalan Sheepdog) | 14-20 kg / 44-50 cm | Long, wavy-tousled; regular brushing, trimming occasionally |
Field Spaniel | Field Spaniel | 16-25 kg / 43-51 cm | Silky, moderate-length; weekly brushing, occasional trimming |
American Water Spaniel | American Water Spaniel | 11-20 kg / 38-46 cm | Curly to wavy; weekly brushing, bath and trims as needed |
English Cocker Spaniel | English Cocker Spaniel | 13-16 kg / 38-41 cm | Silky, feathered; regular brushing, ear care and trims |
Border Collie | Border Collie | 12-20 kg / 46-53 cm | Medium-long double coat; regular brushing, high activity needs |
Images and Descriptions

Lagotto Romagnolo
Italian water and truffle dog, affectionate and bright. Dense curly coat needs regular brushing and occasional clipping. Energetic and eager to train, good for active families or owners who want a busy, trainable companion.

Spanish Water Dog
Spanish herding and water-working breed, loyal and versatile. Intelligent and active, coat may be curly or corded and needs weekly maintenance and trimming. Suits active owners, farm life, and families who enjoy training and outdoor time.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish herding dog with a shaggy double coat and friendly, alert temperament. Requires daily brushing to prevent mats and occasional trims. Great family dog, good with children, and fits owners who can commit to grooming and exercise.

Schapendoes
Dutch herding breed with a lively, social personality and a long, shaggy coat. Needs frequent grooming to prevent tangles. Energetic and playful, ideal for active families or owners seeking a friendly, outdoorsy companion.

Finnish Lapphund
Northern herding dog from Finland, calm, intelligent, and people-oriented. Thick long coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. Great with families, enjoys outdoor activity, and adapts to yards or active urban homes.

Swedish Lapphund
Scandinavian herding dog, friendly and alert with a fluffy, shaggy coat. Requires regular brushing and extra care during shedding. Good family dog, enjoys outdoor adventures and suits active owners.

Keeshond
Dutch companion spitz with a friendly, playful temperament and a full ruff. Coat is thick and needs weekly grooming and strong de-shedding during seasons. Well-suited to families and apartment life with adequate exercise.

Tibetan Terrier
Originating in Tibet as a companion and herding dog, affectionate and moderately active. Long, shaggy coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats. Good for families and apartment dwellers who commit to grooming and moderate exercise.

Puli
Hungarian herding breed famed for its corded coat. Energetic, smart, and loyal. Cords form naturally but require regular separating and maintenance. Best for owners experienced with corded coats and active households that provide jobs and exercise.

Catalan Sheepdog
Spanish herding dog, alert and devoted with a shaggy, weather-resistant coat. Needs regular brushing and occasional trimming. Suits active families, farm life, or owners wanting an intelligent, energetic herding companion.

Field Spaniel
British sporting breed, steady and friendly with a longer, slightly tousled coat. Requires routine brushing and trims. Good for families, hunters, or active owners who enjoy outdoors and moderate grooming duties.

American Water Spaniel
American hunting and water dog, eager and versatile. Coat ranges curly to wavy and resists water; needs regular brushing and occasional clipping. Suitable for active families, hunters, and owners near water.

English Cocker Spaniel
British gundog known for a joyful, people-focused temperament. Silky, feathered coat needs regular grooming and ear checks. Fits families and active owners; adapts to apartments with daily walks and grooming commitment.

Border Collie
British herding breed, intensely intelligent and energetic. The rough (shaggy) variety has a longer coat needing regular grooming. Best for active owners or families able to provide training, tasks, and ample exercise.