If you're a fan of dogs with a rugged, bearded look, you're in luck - there are many breeds from around the world that fit the bill.
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest dog breeds and is often referred to as a "bearded dog" due to its distinctive beard-like facial hair.
These dogs have a unique appearance that's both rugged and elegant.
Bearded Dog Breeds
The Airedale Terrier is the biggest Terrier in the world. They have a hard and wiry dense coat that's quite easy to maintain, but it needs regular stripping to prevent it from becoming too scruffy.
Their bearded look is quite adorable, but it does tend to collect a lot of mud, water, and other unwanted things. Cleaning from time to time, especially after walks, is a must.
Some bearded dog breeds have a lot of hair around their muzzle, which gives them a distinct bearded look.
Terrier Breeds with Facial Hair
The Sealyham Terrier has a distinctive bushy beard that's longer than the rest of its coat, making it a standout among other breeds.
This breed originated in Wales and was developed in the 19th century for hunting vermin, such as badgers.
The Airedale Terrier is also known for its facial hair, with a lot of hair around its muzzle giving it a bearded look.
This breed's hard and wiry coat requires regular stripping to prevent it from becoming too scruffy, and its facial hair can collect mud, water, and other unwanted things, so cleaning is a must after walks.
Here's a brief rundown of some bearded terrier breeds:
The Sealyham Terrier's lifespan is 12 to 14 years, and it stands between 10 to 12 inches tall.
Collie
The Collie breed is a great example of a Terrier with facial hair. Bearded Collies, in particular, are known for their long coats and mustached snouts. They originate from Scotland, where they were bred as herding dogs.
Their intelligence and working drive make them highly effective at herding sheep. However, they can be quite stubborn, which can make training challenging, especially for novice owners.
Bearded Collies are active dogs that require regular exercise and outdoor space. They can thrive in colder weather conditions due to their thick double coat. A stringent grooming routine is also necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.
Here's a quick rundown of some key Bearded Collie facts:
Bearded Collies are great with other dogs, kids, and people in general. They are friendly and fun-loving, making them a great addition to active families.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a spirited dog originating from Scotland, where they were used to hunt vermin in the Scottish Highlands.
They're one of the smallest terrier breeds, standing at only 8 to 10 inches tall.
One of their distinctive features is their long wiry coats, which come with thick beards framing their muzzles.
These coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Scottish Terriers have erect ears, which add to their unique appearance.
Their ancestry dates back to the 1800s, making them the oldest of the Highland Terrier breeds.
The breed has a rich history, having been associated with royalty and given as gifts by England's King James I in the 17th century.
Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is a rare working dog that originates from Wales. They have a medium-sized build and are recognized by their white coat and rectangular bodies.
Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 14 years. This is a significant advantage for owners who are looking for a loyal companion.
Sealyham Terriers have a distinctive feature - their bushy beards are longer than the rest of their coats. This facial hair is a key characteristic of the breed.
Here are some key facts about the Sealyham Terrier:
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a type of English hunting and tracking dog. It originated in England in the 1700s, a time when British fox hunting was extremely popular.
These dogs have a distinctive appearance, with sturdy bodies, rectangular faces, and bearded faces. They're often groomed to have more hair along their snouts and legs than the rest of their body, which accentuates their beards.
The Wire Fox Terrier's lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years. This makes them a great companion for many families.
Wire Fox Terriers are usually between 13 to 16 inches in height, which is quite compact for a hunting dog. Their small size belies their excellent hunting and tracking abilities.
Here's a quick summary of the Wire Fox Terrier's key characteristics:
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small dog breed that's native to Belgium, originating from the 19th century. It's believed that Affenpinscher-type dogs were used to develop the Brussels Griffon.
This bearded dog breed is quite small, standing between 7 to 10 inches tall. They have a flat snout and a more pronounced beard than the Affenpinscher.
Recommended read: Small Dogs Breeds
Brussels Griffons were originally used as ratters during the 1800s, but they soon caught the eye of the aristocracy due to their unique appearance. They became associated with royalty in the 1870s and were refined as a breed.
Their reserved temperament means that introducing them to new people or small children requires care. They will need plenty of dog socialisation and training to build up their confidence.
To keep their beards looking their best, Brussels Griffons will need regular trimming and cleaning. Their coats will also need hand-stripping several times a year.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a unique breed with a fascinating face. They have a monkey-like appearance with a long mustache framing their short snouts.
Their history is a bit of a mystery, but it's believed they descended from rough-coated ratter dog breeds. Another theory suggests they're a cross between the German Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, and Pug.
Affenpinschers are small dogs, typically standing between 9 to 12 inches tall. They have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 12 to 15 years.
Their origins are somewhat disputed, but one thing is certain: they have a distinctive look that's been described as a "mustached little devil" by the French.
10 Dog Breeds with Facial Hair
Terrier Breeds with Facial Hair are a delight to behold. Their distinctive beards and mustaches add to their charm and character. Let's take a closer look at some of these breeds.
Scottish Terriers have erect ears and long wiry coats with thick beards framing their muzzles. Their ancestry dates back to the 1800s, making them one of the oldest Highland Terrier breeds.
Bearded Collies have incredibly long coats and mustached snouts, making them a striking sight. They are highly intelligent working dogs with origins as sheep herders.
The Affenpinscher has a monkey-like face with a long mustache framing their short snouts. Their history isn’t well-documented, but a popular theory is that they descended from Schooshundrassen, a type of lapdog.
The Airedale Terrier is the biggest Terrier in the world, with a hard and wiry dense coat that needs regular stripping. They have a lot of hair around their muzzle, giving them a distinct bearded look.
Here are some dog breeds with facial hair:
These breeds are sure to bring a smile to your face with their adorable beards and mustaches.
Other Bearded Dog Breeds
The Bearded Collie and the Bearded Irish Terrier are two other breeds that share similarities with the Bearded Collie in terms of their rugged and energetic nature. They both require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
The Bearded Collie's gentle and patient nature makes it a great breed for families with children, a trait also observed in the Bearded Irish Terrier, which is known for being affectionate and playful.
The Bearded Collie's medium-length coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, a maintenance task also recommended for the Bearded Irish Terrier, which has a similar coat type.
The Bearded Irish Terrier's strong prey drive makes it a great breed for hunting and agility activities, a trait that is also evident in the Bearded Collie, which excels in dog sports and activities that require physical and mental agility.
A different take: Flat Coat Doodle
Lists of Bearded Dog Breeds
Bearded dog breeds have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other dogs. Their distinctive beards and mustaches can be long and flowing, or short and trimmed, depending on the breed.
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest bearded dog breeds, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. They have a long, fine coat that requires regular grooming.
The Bichon Frise is a small bearded dog breed that is playful and friendly. They have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming.
The Chinese Crested is a bearded dog breed that comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has a crest of fur on its head and a plume on its tail.
The Komondor is a large bearded dog breed that originated in Hungary. They have a distinctive corded coat that requires regular grooming.
The Puli is a small bearded dog breed that originated in Hungary. They have a corded coat that requires regular grooming.
The Samoyed is a large bearded dog breed that originated in Siberia. They have a thick, white coat that requires regular grooming.
The Shih Tzu is a small bearded dog breed that is friendly and outgoing. They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small bearded dog breed that originated in Tibet. They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.
The Xoloitzcuintli is a bearded dog breed that comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Expand your knowledge: Large Bully Breeds
Sources
- http://www.dogica.com/dog-beard.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/pets/g40413087/herding-dog-breeds/
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-breeds-with-beards-and-mustaches
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/dogs-with-beards-4796841
- https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/dogs-with-beards
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