Top 10 Bearded Dog Breeds
Around the world, November becomes Movember as guys unite to Grow their Mo and raise awareness for men’s health issues. But while these dudes can lose the stubble and revert to clean-shaven at the end of the month, not all moustaches and beards are intended to be that temporary. In fact, for several of our four-legged friends it’s a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from all other pooches. So who are these bearded four-legged buddies with the Fu Manchus? Check out our Top 10 List of bearded dog breeds.
Of course we kick off our list of bearded dog breeds with the pooch that not only sports the growth but bears the name. This laddie was bred for herding, hails from Scotland and is one of the oldest breeds in Britain. His long, coarse outer coat repels wind, snow and rain while his handsome beard just looks super cool. When it comes to keeping this doggio nice and clean, here are a few steps to remember:
- Groom regularly!
- Use professional tools for management.
- Line brushing–brush from bottom-up in layers.
- Do NOT forget conditioner!
- Keep track of what products work best.
- Dry with ambient air.
(Photo credit: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock.com)
This spunky little pooch with the dramatic blue and tan coat has attitude galore! In spite of his tiny size, he wears his ‘stash with pride and dignity – even when he’s unceremoniously tucked into someone’s handbag. When grooming your little dynamo, you’ll want to remember that it will be near impossible to brush his hair when it’s wet. PRO TIP: Always brush the beard on your Yorkie before you bathe! Start from his head and neck and move back to his body, legs, chest and then tail. Brush gently, and until his beard and body hair are nice and straight. THEN bath time will be so much easier!
(Photo credit: dien/Shutterstock.com)
Want a lap dog that makes you chuckle every time he looks up at you? This is the pooch for you. Also known as a chrysanthemum dog because of his unruly facial hair, he adores hanging with his human pack and proving that in spite of his lightweight physique, he can sport a beard with the best of them. That said–looking as adorable as he does takes effort, and you’ll want to be sure to follow a consistent grooming schedule for the beard. Every 1-3 days, you’ll want to brush, depending on how long his coat is. If it’s a longer coat, brush daily for your sanity and his. If more a moderate coat, every 2 days should be okay and if your little Shi likes it short? Brush that beard every 3 days. Brush before you bathe, by the way, which you should do about every 3 weeks or so. (Photo credit: Jagodka/Shutterstock.com)
Now this boy knows how to wear a beard! Whether giant, standard or miniature this extroverted terrier’s iconic walrus beard and chiseled good looks make him matinee idol material in the world of dogs. Am I wrong? Be sure to give his beard a good brush every 5-7 days, depending on length, as these sweeties are prone to knots and mats if you don’t. (Photo credit: Frank11/Shutterstock.com)
You’d never guess this fun-loving dog with the need for play and a passion for getting into mischief was originally bred to work on English farms. Today this dashing dog with the sculpted beard and dramatic profile is more likely found goofing off with his human pack. These lovelies need to be fully groomed at least four times a year in order to remove dead coat and stimulate fresh and new healthy coat. Their beards are as unique as they are so be mindful of brushing to keep mats out and bacteria-free (as they like to really get into what they’re eating!
(Photo credit: Digital Deliverance/Shutterstock.com)
Seriously! While this poufy little Wookie look-alike appears to be of the pampered pooch variety, he was originally bred as a ratter and lived as a street dog in Belgium. With this school-of-hard-knocks background, it’s no wonder he wears his massive ‘stash with an air of self-importance. And since they’re so stately looking, you’ll want to keep these classy pups looking good in the beard department too. The best way to do so is comb regularly with a small, metal comb. If you don’t they look downright homeless, and their hair can get really coarse. Use a bristle brush and metal tooth comb for best beards!
(Photo credit: Okssi/Shutterstock.com)
Nope, not a lot of dignity with this pooch’s facial growth. This beloved terrier loves to wear his food after a big meal – most notably in his beard – then wipe it on your pant leg, sofa, the closest chair… Yes, his beard becomes his own personal paintbrush.
Not to mention that brushing his beard can make him look like a big, old fluffball! Breeders prefer these doggos to be combed through daily with a medium-toothed comb. This gets rid of the last meal, cuts down on tangles and keeps them from looking like they ate a bag of cotton balls.
(Photo credit: Denis Babenko/Shutterstock.com)
This serious-minded little Scot with the independent streak and determined profile was bred to track vermin back in the day. While he can still give the cat a good work-out he’s more likely to enjoy a good walk with his people and of course having his iconic chin scruff trimmed and looking dapper. You’ll want to brush at least once or twice a week, and you’ll want to brush that beard hair forward for the bestest locks looks.
(Photo credit: Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com)
Arrrrr, matey! This poufy little dog with the beady dark eyes and dramatic mustachio hails from Madagascar and was thought to have been brought over on pirate ships! No wonder he loves swimming! In spite of his bounty of fur, he isn’t a big shedder and is known to just treasure his fluffy mustache! Just make sure you’re using a large-toothed comb for brushing or you may end up looking like you’ve got a field of cotton at the end of that leash! (Photo credit: Andreas Zerndl/Shutterstock.com)
Finishing up our bearded dog breeds list is a unique looking pooch dates back to the 1400s and is traditionally clipped to resemble a lion (yes!) complete with bracelets of fur around his ankles, a poof at the end of his tail and of course the distinctive furry ruff around his face. While his body is regularly shaved, that beard is forever! Just use a wide-toothed comb or pin brush and here’s a PRO tip: add a bit of conditioner after each bath to the beard and food just slides right off!
(Photo credit: Svetlana Valoueva/Shutterstock.com)
Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife
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