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The Complete List of Medium Shaggy Dog Breeds

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

Other Sized Trait Dog Breeds