13 Shaggy Dog Breeds That Make Grooming A Full Workout

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Some dogs need a quick brush and they’re good to go. Others? They turn grooming into an upper-body workout, a patience test, and sometimes even a full-blown cardio session. These shaggy, lovable, mop-like breeds bring massive charm wrapped in layers of tangles, curls, and mats. Owning one of these fluff machines means accepting that your lint roller is now your best friend and your vacuum cleaner is on permanent overtime. But for those who love a little extra fuzz, these breeds are worth every brushing battle.

Old English Sheepdog

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Few breeds scream “walking mop” quite like the Old English Sheepdog. With their dense double coat and fuzzy bear-like appearance, they’re as cuddly as they are fluffy. That coat, however, does not maintain itself. It mats easily and requires multiple grooming sessions per week to stay in shape. Their fur can obscure their eyes, collect every leaf and twig in the yard, and somehow trap food even when they’re on a diet. Grooming this breed is less of a routine and more of a way of life.

Bearded Collie

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The Bearded Collie has a look that says, “I styled this with a leaf blower and no regrets.” Their long, flowing coat is beautiful but deceptively high maintenance. It tangles with shocking speed, especially behind the ears and legs. Brushing needs to happen several times a week, if not daily, or you’ll quickly have a dog wearing nature’s confetti. These dogs are energetic and love the outdoors, which means their coat becomes a mobile storage unit for dirt and debris with every walk.

Komondor

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The Komondor looks like a giant floor mop came to life. Their naturally corded coat is like nothing else in the dog world. It doesn’t shed, but that doesn’t mean it’s low maintenance. The cords must be separated regularly to avoid matting and mildew. Bathing one is like soaking a wool rug, and drying can take more than a full day. They’re majestic and loyal but owning one is a lesson in patience, strength, and mastering the fine art of detangling rope with feet.

Briard

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The Briard brings elegance and fluff in equal parts. Originally bred as a herding dog in France, the Briard’s wavy, long coat is like a glamorous curtain of hair that flows in the breeze and mats in a blink. This coat needs regular, thorough brushing to prevent clumps that can tug at their skin. They’re beautiful, brave, and intelligent, but if you skip a week of grooming, you might find an entire burr bush living in their tail. Keeping a Briard tidy could count as arm day.

Afghan Hound

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The Afghan Hound could walk a runway without blinking. Their long, silky coat flows with drama and dignity, but keeping that glamour intact takes serious effort. Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and legs. Their fur picks up everything from grass to glitter. Bathing requires time, high-end shampoo, and the patience of a saint. Despite the high-maintenance hair, they’re affectionate, independent, and full of quirky charm. This is not a wash-and-go kind of dog.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the definition of “shag with swagger.” Their long coat often covers their eyes, giving them a mysterious, adorable appearance. But underneath that tousled charm lies a grooming routine that demands dedication. Their double coat tangles with ease, especially after a romp in the yard or a nap on the couch. Regular brushing is a must, and trimming around the face helps them see and helps you avoid stepping on an invisible dog. They’re worth the work for the love they give back.

Lhasa Apso

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Small but mighty, the Lhasa Apso is a fluffy firecracker with a coat that could rival a show pony. Their hair grows long, straight, and thick, and without constant brushing, it tangles like holiday lights in a drawer. Grooming can be made easier with a shorter “puppy cut,” but even that requires regular maintenance. They are independent, often stubborn, and absolutely convinced they are royalty. Grooming them can be a battle of wills, but it’s also a great bonding opportunity. Eventually.

Tibetan Terrier

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Despite the name, the Tibetan Terrier isn’t a terrier at all, but it definitely has terrier energy when it comes to dodging grooming tools. Their thick double coat grows continuously and tangles at the speed of light. These dogs were bred for snowy mountains, so their coat insulates them beautifully and catches every burr and twig like Velcro. Grooming is a consistent, time-consuming routine. They’re affectionate, fun-loving, and known for their “wooly mammoth” charm, but you’ll be brushing while they try to wiggle out of it.

Bouvier des Flandres

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The Bouvier des Flandres is like a tank covered in fluff. Their coat is rough, dense, and very good at collecting things that do not belong on a dog. Grooming requires more than a quick brush; it’s a full-scale operation involving combs, detanglers, and possibly elbow grease. If left unattended, their coat mats quickly, especially around the legs and belly. They’re intelligent, loyal, and protective, but keeping them clean and trimmed is not for the lazy. You’ll sweat, but they’ll look amazing.

Puli

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The Puli looks like a cotton mop with four legs and boundless energy. Their coat naturally cords like the Komondor’s, but is often tighter and springier. Managing those cords is a time-consuming task. You don’t brush a Puli; you separate cords by hand, over and over again. Dirt, food, and leaves have nowhere to hide, because they cling proudly to every lock. Bathing takes forever and drying is a weekend plan. But their bounce, personality, and one-of-a-kind look keep people falling in love with the fluff.

Skye Terrier

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The Skye Terrier is a walking waterfall of hair. Their long, straight coat flows to the ground and looks like it belongs in a haircare commercial. Grooming is not optional. It’s essential. Without frequent brushing, mats form in places you didn’t know existed, and their sleek look turns into a shaggy mess. They’re affectionate, surprisingly bold, and full of character, but you’ll need a dedicated grooming schedule. And maybe a second vacuum.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is cheerful, loving, and perpetually bouncing. Their coat is soft, silky, and beautiful when brushed, but matts easily if neglected. Daily grooming is the safest bet if you want to maintain their signature soft look. The fur behind the ears and on the belly seems to tangle just by thinking about it. They love rolling in everything, which makes grooming feel like a full-contact sport. Still, they are wonderful family dogs and worth every tangle you pull free.

Portuguese Water Dog

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This breed’s thick, curly coat is waterproof and needs constant care to prevent knots. After a swim, the curls can tighten and tangle fast. Regular brushing and trimming help keep their coat in check. They’re energetic dogs that love water but bring their grooming challenges with every splash.

The Fluff Stops Here

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If you’re living with one of these furry wonders, you already know owning a shaggy dog is a workout with benefits. It’s brushing, bathing, untangling, lifting, fluffing, and sometimes just surrendering to the mess. But those soulful eyes peeking through a curtain of hair, the warm snuggles after a marathon grooming session, and the joy of seeing your dog look like a majestic mop make it all worthwhile. Grooming might be hard work, but loving a shaggy dog is the best kind of labor of love.