If your idea of comfort comes with four legs and a whole lot of fluff, then a big, shaggy dog might just be your dream come true.
These oversized furballs are basically walking, tail-wagging pillows, ready to shower you with cuddles, warmth, and pure joy. They’re more than just snuggle buddies during lonely nights; they’re full-on comfort companions with hearts (and coats) as big as their paws.
With their charmingly messy coats, they bring personality, playfulness, and a whole lot of cozy vibes into your home. And yes, don’t be surprised if someone mistakes them for a sheep while they’re out in the yard, especially if they’re herding actual ones!
Loved by kids and adults alike, these fluffy giants are the perfect mix of cuddly and majestic. So, let’s meet 7 of the most lovable large, shaggy dog breeds that prove being messy can be magnificent!
Large shaggy dog breeds
1. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog, known for its distinct appearance.
These dogs are around 22 inches in height and weigh around 90 pounds, making them quite big, fluffy dog breeds!
WebMD says they are massive! Their shaggy appearance, coupled with a massive build, is enough to make heads turn.
These sheepdogs come with a double coat. They are thick and have a luxurious layer of fur covering them. Hence, the dog tends to have quite a fluffy outlook.
As far as their color is concerned, they are blue, great, and white.
These dogs are known not only for their gorgeous appearance but also for their courage and intelligence. They are quite watchful, and if you keep them at your home as pets, they will always guard you.
They don’t shed as much as a lot of people would expect them to! Rather, they are average in shedding, and you’ll often see their hair hugging your clothes or some furniture items.
Their bark is also quite loud and distinctive. However, they are not big barkers and would rather stay silent till something really strange happens that requires your attention.
2. Briard
Briard is the epitome of cuteness and elegance.
They wear wavy coats that are super-soft and luxurious. They are black or grey in color. The head of these dogs is covered with hair with an adorable see-through hairstyle.
PetMD mentions these shepherded dogs are large in size, with a height of 27 inches and a weight ranging between 50 and 100 pounds. With these dimensions, this French breed of dogs that were originally bred and used for herding sheep and defending them, are capable of showcasing their skills in the best possible manner.
This fluffy dog’s outer coat is not straight. Rather, it comes with a distinct wave, adding to its beauty and charm.
This extra fluffy dog comes with some extra grooming needs. You need to brush the dog’s coat numerous times a week to avoid matting. Frequent brushing also helps in keeping the coat healthy.
While bathing your pet, use a hydrating shampoo and it will keep the coat nice and moisturised!
3. Komondor
Belonging to Hungary, a Komondor is one of the most distinct-looking dogs you’ll ever come across.
These herding dogs with a protective nature resemble a mop! They have such a unique shaggy coat that is white in color, and while they are protecting a flock of sheep, they appear to be one of them.
This is a big, shaggy dog with a massive size of 110–132 lbs and a height ranging around 32 inches. It is also well-covered, and even the harshest cold weather doesn’t bother them!
At home, these dogs are smart, loving, and gentle with children and their human companions. However, they need their sweet time to adjust to the house, which is why early socialization and training are a MUST!
Once they are well-trained, they turn into well-adjusted adult dogs.
Their corded coats require regular grooming and maintenance. As a pet owner, you’ll have to regularly separate and split the cords manually, without using a brush. Drying the cords properly after bathing keeps them healthy. Regularly trimming the corded fur will help you manage it easily.
4. Bergamasco Sheepdog
This adorable fluffy dog is covered completely with felted mats or “flocks”.
Wisdom Panel says they are massive dogs with a height of 23-24 inches and a weight of 70-84 pounds.
Bergamasco Sheepdog has a thick, protective layer that protects it from the outer environment in the best possible manner. As it originates from the Italian Alps, this outer cover protects it from the cold and harsh weather.
You’ll be surprised to know that, unlike other dogs with a dense coat, this one doesn’t really require very much grooming. It has a fully developed coat, requiring you to just bathe it 1-3 times a year.
Phenomenal, isn’t it?
These dogs with a gentle demeanor also don’t shed, thanks to their hypoallergenic coats.
They love spending time outdoors, hence if you have kids, they’ll love spending time with them.
5. Irish Wolfhound
The typical appearance of an Irish Wolfhound boasts a double coat having a harsh, wiry outer coat, alongside a super-soft undercoat.
This double-coated, gentle giant is adorable and super-fluffy, making it appear like a fur bag at its finest!
On top of it, it has shaggy eyebrows and a beard covering most of its face, giving it an endearing look.
Britannica mentions that despite being fully covered, they are moderate shedders year-round. You won’t have to worry about them pilling your rug with their hair every day!
All you need to do is brush them once a week, and it will remove all the loose hair from the coat, giving them a cleaner appearance.
Despite being massive, these dogs are calm and easygoing with all the family members. This makes them a great addition to the house!
6. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound has a harsh and thick outer coat that gives it a fluffy appearance.
The dog sheds minimally, making it quite a convenient dog to keep at home. They will not cause any kind of mess on your furniture, clothes, or rugs.
These dogs come with a height of 30-32 inches and a weight of around 85-110 pounds.
Dog lovers adore them for their qualities. This fluffy friend comes with an easy-going personality. They are extremely quiet dogs, making them a perfect fit for a house with babies.
Their maintenance is not a tough task. You’ll just need to brush your dog’s coat at least once a week and choose a shampoo according to your dog’s coat type.
7. Russian Black Terrier
This black dog wears a double coat. It has a dense, soft undercoat, covered with a coarse outer coat.
Compared to many other dogs mentioned here, this family pet has a hard appearance, not the typical soft, woolly, silky feel!
The hair is prone to matting.
This is why you’ll have to opt for a regular weekly brushing routine or even more often. Apart from that, there is no need for frequent grooming as this dog is an easy-going one!
Also, these guard dogs don’t shed heavily!
Size-wise, this is quite a large breed. It has a height of 26–30 inches, while it weighs around 80–130 pounds.
Conclusion
What’s better than an adorable-looking dog that gives you warmth and love every time you come back home after a long day at work? These dogs are great cuddlers, and their thick fur makes them soft and velvety. They are also large enough to give you massive hugs.
The Bernese mountain dog, German shepherd, Siberian husky, Saint Bernard, Rough collies, Chow chows, and Tibetan mastiff are also some dogs known for similar qualities.
