7 Bearded Dog Breeds: Meet the Most Charming Canine Companions

Dogs with beards have a unique look. Although most dogs have facial hair, only some have hair that grows long enough to give them a distinctive bearded appearance. Bearded dogs are not a specific breed; rather, several dog breeds have hair that grows longer around their muzzles.

If a bearded dog has caught your eye, consider the breed's temperament and care needs before getting one of your own. Bearded dogs often have more intensive grooming requirements.

Meet 7 dogs with beards and learn more about their personalities and needs.

01 of 07

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is often referred to as the 'King of Terriers'. This is, in part, due to their size—they're the largest of all the terrier breeds. It's also due to their regal look and temperament. These dogs are incredibly smart, adaptable, have a bucket load of energy and stamina, and they're full of character.

Their strong personality means a novice dog owner may find an Airedale a challenge. They can be independent and might have a stubborn streak; you're certainly not going to have an obliging lap dog in this dog.

Like many terriers, Airedales have a strong prey drive and you may need to work hard on training a solid recall. It also means they won't be best suited for a household with other small furries, unless they are raised together from a young age.

An Airedales hard, wiry and dense topcoat isn't difficult to maintain, although their coat will need regular stripping and/or grooming, to prevent it from looking too unruly. They also grow more hair around their muzzle, giving them a very distinct beard. Be prepared for this absorbing lots of water and muck. They may need a good clean and dry off after a wet walk, or even a drink of water!

Breed Overview

02 of 07

Bearded Collie

We couldn't leave the breed that is affectionately known as the 'Beardie' off this list. Their beard is perhaps less distinct than some of the other breeds featured here, blending in with the overall long hair across their face, but it's there nonetheless.

Unlike some of the other popular Collie breeds, like the Border Collie or the Australian Cattle Dog, the working drive is less intense in this breed, making them less of a challenge as a family pet. Beardies are known for being exceptionally friendly with people and other dogs

Bearded Collies can also have a stubborn streak that means that, even though they're intelligent, you may need to be a bit more patient when it comes to training. You'll also need to change it up as they can get bored quickly too.

Of all the dogs featured on this list, the Beardie is the one with the most intensive grooming requirements. Don't consider this breed unless you're prepared to devote the time to this. If neglected, their coat can quickly become tangled and matted.

Breed Overview

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03 of 07

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons stand out because of their beards, which can sometimes reach epic proportions, but they're also little dogs full of character and charm.

The breed is native to Belgium, where they were originally developed as expert ratters for the stables of coachmen. Their personalities and unique appearance soon caught the eyes of the aristocracy, and their popularity grew when Queen Marie Henrietta of Belgium started to breed them.

When it comes to strangers and boisterous children, Griffs aren't always the most tolerant due to their small size and reserved temperaments. This means they aren't necessarily suited to a home with young kids, and they will need plenty of socialization and gentle training to ensure they don't become nervous or reactive when they meet new people.

Aside from trimming and cleaning that profuse beard, your Brussels Griffon won't have a high-maintenance grooming regime but their needs vary if they are smooth-coated or rough-coated.

Breed Overview

04 of 07

German Wirehaired Pointer

The German wirehaired pointer is an athletic sporting dog traditionally used for hunting. What sets them apart from the closely related German shorthaired pointer is their wiry coat and beard, created by crossing GSPs with Pudelpointers (poodle-pointer mixes).

German wirehaired pointers are known for their enthusiasm and eager-to-please personalities. This high-energy breed loves to play and needs plenty of daily exercise. They're smart dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats and praise.

The breed's wiry coat is fairly low-maintenance and does not require regular trimming. Most German wirehaired pointers should be brushed weekly and bathed about once a month, but dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors may need more frequent grooming.

In general, German wirehaired pointers are typically friendly and outgoing dogs who thrive in active households.

Breed Overview

05 of 07

Miniature Schnauzer

When you think of dogs with beards, the miniature schnauzer might be the breed that springs to many people's minds. They commonly come in salt and pepper coloring and, with their profuse and distinctive eyebrows and beards, they have a bit of an 'old man' look that many breed enthusiasts fall in love with.

These adaptable little dogs tend to settle just as well in an apartment, provided they get enough exercise, as they will living on a farm. They enjoy spending time around their people and, with the right introductions, can get on well with other dogs. Because of their ratting background, however, they can have the drive to chase after small furries.

One thing you may have to work on more than anything else is training to make sure their barking doesn't get out of control. They're notoriously vocal and can be prolific alert barkers. Mini Schnauzers, with their wiry topcoat, shed very little, and their grooming regime isn't intensive. Their coat will need to be clipped every 2 months to prevent it from getting unruly, and you may even need to trim their eyebrows and beard more frequently too.

Breed Overview

Standard Schnauzer: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

06 of 07

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is another dog known for having rather lavish facial hair, including a distinct beard. Their long coat served well keeping them warm in the harsh climates of the Himalayas in Tibet, where they originate from.

Although they're affectionate with their family, they can be somewhat aloof around strangers. Alert barking is common with the breed, and you may need to work on training alternative behaviors if this starts to become a problem.

Like the Beardie, the Lhasa Apso has a high-maintenance grooming regime. Their coat is constantly growing and, if your dog is kept with the long, flowing show-style cut, they will need daily grooming to prevent knots and tangles from forming. Some owners choose to keep them in a shorter puppy cut. This is much more practical, but regular grooming will still be required.

Breed Overview

07 of 07

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier has one of the most well-known dog silhouettes around. With their long noses, full skirts on their body, and prominent beards, they are recognized the world over.

Be prepared to put the work in when it comes to training a Scottie. They can be very strong-willed, independent and tenacious. They won't respond well to you trying to force them to do something they don't want to. If you're patient, keep sessions short to prevent your Scottie getting bored, and use positive reinforcement training techniques, you may be surprised by how quickly they pick things up. This breed is smart; it's just they often choose to do things their way!

Scotties tend to be unfailingly loyal to their family and will form strong attachments, but this doesn't mean they're a lapdog. They tend to be free-spirited and will usually look for attention on their own terms.

If you keep your Scottie's coat in the longer style, with a full skirt, you'll need to adopt a regular grooming regime to prevent knots or mats developing. They will also need clipping or hand-stripping periodically, as the coat grows continually and at a relatively fast rate. Some owners elect to keep the coat short for lower maintenance and this requires grooming every few months.

Breed Overview

The bearded dog breeds on this list all have their own unique characteristics. If you're drawn to a particular breed, it's important to do your research to understand if their temperament, grooming and exercise requirements are going to match up with your lifestyle.

It's also worth being prepared for a little extra slobber, and regular beard trimming and cleaning to keep things under control!