It may not come as a surprise to read that dogs with beards are filled to the brim with pizzazz and personality.
However, it’s important to remember that these brilliantly bearded breeds will often require a tad more grooming than other, beardless dogs who have less defining facial features to maintain.
However, before we move on to our top dogs with beards, did you know that many bearded dogs were originally bred to be used as hunting dogs? Trained to catch small prey such as mice, rodents, and burrowing animals, it is said that their beards helped to protect them from any nasty bites the small animals may take in defence, as well as from branches and thorns – so you’ll spot a lot of terrier breeds in this list! And plenty of wiry haired breeds, too.
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Regardless of what these bearded beauties were bred for, they all have the ability to make the best companions. Here are our 15 favorite dogs with beards.
Dogs with beards
1. Scottish Terrier
Recognised worldwide, Scottish Terriers have a distinct skirt to match their iconic beard. But it takes a lot of time and effort to always look this good! If you choose to keep your Scottie’s coat long, it’s important to maintain a regular grooming regime to prevent the development of mats or knots, especially in the skirt.
Since the coat also continuously grows at a fairly fast rate, periodic clipping or hand-stripping will also be required. Even though it may sound a lot, this Scottish dog breed is totally worth it.
2. Airedale Terrier
Commonly nicknamed the ‘King of Terriers’ as a result of their regal looks and being the largest breed of terrier, Airedales are incredibly smart, adaptable, and full of character breeds.
They have a manageable dense, wiry top coat, which will need to be stripped occasionally. However, their straight, distinct beard may require more frequent cleaning as it is prone to absorbing lots of muck and water, especially after they quench their thirst in the water bowl!
3. Miniature Schnauzer
These salt-and-pepper coloured pooches have distinct eyebrows to match their brilliant beards, giving them the ultimate ‘old man’ look that Miniature Schnauzer owners instantly fall in love with.
A notoriously vocal dog breed, it’s important that they receive the correct training and enough exercise to help control their barks.
Miniature Schnauzers don’t have an intensive grooming regime as their wiry topcoat doesn’t shed very often. Their eyebrows and beard may need frequent trimming to stop it from getting too unruly.
4. Bearded collie
Nicknamed ‘Beardie’, the bearded collie’s beard can often blend in with the rest of the fur on its face. Known for being exceptionally friendly with both people and other four-legged beauties, this breed can sometimes have a stubborn streak too.
Paired with their intense grooming regime, owners will need to have lots of time and patience in order to get the best out of them, all while making sure they look their best, too!
5. Lhasa Apso
Originally from the Himalayas in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso sports a long coat, which keeps them nice and warm when they’re up against the harsh weather conditions that can be found there.
Affectionate towards their owners and wider family, they have been described as behaving somewhat aloof around strangers at times, which could be eased with the appropriate behavioural training. Similar to bearded collies, these dogs can be a fairly high-maintenance breed, especially if their coat is kept long and flowy.
6. German Wirehaired Pointer
Historically, German Wirehaired Pointers were bred as hunting dogs and their wiry muzzle hair and beard tended to keep them out of trouble as they scoured the thick underbrush for prey.
Despite still being incredibly active and energetic dogs that require lots of exercise, this breed are low shedders that only need minimal grooming. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have to clean their faces from time to time – that beard is sure to gather some muck!
7. Brussels Griffon
As dogs with beards go, this breed might have the best of the lot! Often resembling a four-legged, miniature Chewbacca, the Brussels Griffon was originally bred in Belgium as expert ratters working for coachmen in their stables.
This pooch’s beard, which can commonly reach epic proportions, is the part of the coat that requires the most maintenance with the trimming and grooming. Moving on from their straightforward grooming regime, the Brussels Griffon is full of charm and character but can be wary of strangers and boisterous children.
8. Wire Fox Terrier
Originally bred to run with foxhounds and go to ground after foxes, this British breed has looks and personality to burn! With adorable folded ears and a bright, curious eyes, the striking wire fox terrier is much more popular than its smooth-coated counterpart.
While they are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department, ‘foxies’ can be a handful when it comes to training. In knowledgable and consistent hands, though, they are wonderfully trainable and characterful dogs who love human and canine company alike.
9. Old English Sheepdog
The ultimate ‘floofball’, the Old English Sheepdog is quite possibly the most cheerful pooch around. Their moniker is a bit of misnomer, though, as the breed isn’t especially old and they were mainly used for moving cattle rather than sheep.
Despite their laid-back nautures, the Old English Sheepdog is something of a high-maintenance dog breed, needing a couple of hours of exercise and grooming every day. It might be time to invest in one of the best dog grooming kits!
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This medium-sized Irish breed is super upbeat and, historically a farm dog, requires plenty of exercise to meet high energy levels. Outdoorsy and cheerful, these pups love to run and play but also thrive in human company, so they’ll love to curl up on the couch with you after a hike or run.
Their beautiful coats need daily attention, and you’ll likely need to budget for extra groomers trips, too.
11. Tibetan Terrier
Friendly and loving, this medium-sized terrier is a fabulous family pooch. Characterised by a study build and exuberant yet affectionate natures, the breed’s history takes us to Tibet, where these terriers were employed to move sheep.
Tibetan Terriers are a smart breed and are sure to take to training well – provided you keen keep their attention. They can be vocal, too, and prospective owners should consider how they would deal with the likelihood of separation anxiety.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie has become a classic lap or handbag dog. An affectionate and loyal companion, the Yorkie is a true “Velcro dog” and won’t take too kindly to being separated from their human.
With flowing hair similar in texture to a human’s, don’t be fooled by the Yorkie’s diminutive stature – this small dog breed comes with a big attitude. They are lively and curious, and many would trot for hours you let them, so be sure to understand that while a Yorkie loves to perch on your knee, they also need stimulation and daily walks for a fulfilling life.
13. West Highland Terrier
Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, the Westie is a big dog in a teeny tiny package! With a soft double coat, Westies are sweet-natured yet feisty characters who love their families but might be vocally suspicious of strangers.
That said, their adorable looks and friendly dispositions make them an appealing companion. They need around an hour of exercise a day and can be taught a number of commands. While it’s tempting to bath a Westie often, it’s best to let mud dry and brush it off so the coat maintains its natural qualities.
14. Irish Wolfhound
From little, to large! The Irish Wolfhound cuts an imposing figure. Standing at around 82cm tall and weighing up to 55kg, Irish Wolfhounds are a very large breed dog. but don’t be fooled by their large, rugged exterior – these dogs are extremely sweet.
As the name suggests, they were originally bred for hunting wolves. Nowadays, they are perfect for active homes with plenty of space, and preferably a wonderful fire to snooze in front of!
15. Berger Picard
This scruffy-looking canine has a lively personality and energy to burn. Originally bred in France as a farm dog, the Berger Picard needs plenty of exercise and can be a little cheeky, if not stubborn, so you’ll need to get one on side!
The Berger Picard’s shaggy coat benefits from brushing a couple of times a week, but really most of your time would be devoted to entertaining and exercising this energetic pup!
Did you love looking at these gorgeous faces? Why not check out these poodle crossbreeds with curly hair?
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
This feature was last updated on March 20, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
