Big dogs are back. Not just big, though—hairy, lumbering, and high-maintenance in a way that feels like a direct rebellion against the "handbag dog" era we suffered through for so long. People are calling it the return of the shaggy dog, and honestly, it’s about time.
For years, minimalist apartments and busy corporate schedules pushed us toward sleek, short-haired breeds or those tiny, shivering things that fit in a tote. But something shifted. Maybe it was the collective isolation of the last few years or just a realization that a house isn't a home unless there’s a giant, sentient rug sleeping on the floor. We’re seeing a massive resurgence in breeds like the Old English Sheepdog, the Briard, and the Bearded Collie.
These aren't "easy" pets. They're projects.
They track mud. They require professional-grade grooming tools. They lean on you with 90 pounds of weight when you're trying to drink coffee. Yet, the data from kennel clubs globally shows a distinct uptick in registrations for these classic "shaggy" breeds. It’s a vibe shift. We’re trading aesthetic perfection for a kind of messy, tactile companionship that a Chihuahua just can't provide.
The Nostalgia Factor and the Old English Sheepdog
Remember The Shaggy Dog? The 1959 Disney classic (and the various remakes) cemented the Old English Sheepdog as the ultimate symbol of suburban chaos and heart. For a long time, that image faded. The breed actually landed on the "Vulnerable Native Breeds" list by the Kennel Club in the UK because registrations had dropped so low. People were scared of the hair.
But the return of the shaggy dog is being fueled by a generation that grew up watching those movies and now wants that specific brand of "big dog energy."
It’s not just the Sheepdog, either. The Bearded Collie—the "Beardie"—is seeing a similar lift. These dogs are the clowns of the canine world. They have this "bounce" that breeders literally call the "Beardie Bounce." When life feels heavy and digital and clinical, having a dog that looks like a Muppet and behaves like a circus performer is a legitimate mental health strategy.
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Why now?
Honestly, our homes have become too sterile. White walls, grey floors, minimalist furniture. A shaggy dog is the ultimate disruptor of that boredom. They bring texture. They bring life. You can't be a perfectionist and own a Briard. It's impossible. Their facial hair acts as a literal sponge for water, which they will then deposit on your jeans.
The Grooming Reality: It's Not All Fun and Games
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re jumping on the bandwagon for the return of the shaggy dog, you need to know what you’re signing up for. This isn't a "wash and go" situation.
We are talking about "line brushing." If you don't know what that is, you'll learn fast. It involves parting the hair down to the skin and brushing out every single layer. If you just brush the top, the bottom mats into a hard felt-like armor that eventually has to be shaved off, leaving your majestic beast looking like a very embarrassed mole rat.
Professional groomers are seeing a surge in these breeds, and they'll tell you: it's expensive. A full groom for a Newfoundland or a large Sheepdog can take four hours and cost hundreds of dollars.
- Matting happens in hours, not days. Especially behind the ears and in the "armpits."
- The "Wet Dog" smell is amplified by about 400% when there’s ten inches of fur involved.
- Debris collection is a real thing. You will find sticks, leaves, and occasionally small pebbles deep in their coat three days after a walk.
But for enthusiasts, this ritual is part of the bond. There’s something meditative about spending forty minutes brushing out a dog while they groan with contentment. It's a slow-living flex.
Modern Breeding and Health Nuances
One thing we have to talk about regarding the return of the shaggy dog is the health of these specific lineages. Back in the 70s and 80s, some of these breeds suffered from over-breeding, leading to hip dysplasia and eye issues.
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Today’s reputable breeders are much more clinical. They’re using DNA testing and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clearances to ensure these big guys stay mobile. If you're looking at a shaggy breed, you have to ask about hip scores. No exceptions. A big dog with bad hips is a heartbreak waiting to happen.
Also, consider the temperament. A Briard is not an Old English Sheepdog. Briards were used as war dogs and guardians; they are "velcro dogs" but can be wary of strangers. An Old English is generally more "love the one you're with."
The "Doodle" Fatigue
We can't talk about shaggy dogs without mentioning the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle craze. For the last decade, if you wanted a fluffy dog, you got a Doodle. They were marketed as hypoallergenic (which is a bit of a gamble, honestly) and easy.
But people are getting tired of the unpredictability of crossbreeds. You never know if a Doodle will have the Poodle coat or the Retriever coat, or some weird, wiry mix that mats if you look at it funny.
The return of the shaggy dog represents a move back toward "heritage" breeds. People want the predictability of a purebred’s temperament and coat type. They want the history. There’s a certain pride in owning a breed that has looked and acted the same way for three hundred years.
How to Prepare Your Life for a Shaggy Companion
If you’re convinced that your life needs more fluff, don't just run out and find a puppy. Your house needs to change first.
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First, get a high-velocity dryer. A standard hair dryer won't do anything but make the dog damp and grumpy. You need the kind of air pressure that literally blows the water off the skin. It sounds like a jet engine, but it’s the only way to prevent "hot spots"—skin infections caused by trapped moisture in thick fur.
Second, rethink your flooring. Rugs are magnets for the "treasures" these dogs bring in from the yard. Hardwood or tile is your friend, but you’ll need runners so the dog doesn't slip and hurt those heavy joints.
Third, find a groomer before you get the dog. Many groomers are actually closing their books to large, long-haired breeds because they are so much work. You need a professional partner in this.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Research the "Work" Level: A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is shaggy but manageable. A Komondor (the one that looks like a mop) is a full-time job. Be honest about your patience.
- Budget for the "Big Dog Tax": Food costs more. Heartworm meds cost more. Anesthesia for surgery is based on weight, so it costs more. The shaggy dog life is a premium lifestyle.
- Invest in a "Blaster": Buy a high-quality slicker brush (the Chris Christensen Big G is the industry gold standard) and a metal greyhound comb.
- Embrace the Mess: If you can't handle a bit of drool on your baseboards or hair in your butter, stick to a Greyhound.
The return of the shaggy dog isn't just a trend; it's a return to a more rugged, honest form of pet ownership. It’s about accepting that life is messy and beautiful and that sometimes, the best therapy is burying your face in a mountain of clean, brushed fur after a long day. It’s a commitment to a creature that requires more from you, but in return, offers a presence that fills up a room in a way no small dog ever could.
Check your local breed-specific rescues first. Many of these "project" dogs end up there because owners didn't realize how much work the coat would be. You might find your perfect, shaggy soulmate waiting for someone who finally understands that the hair is just part of the charm.