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 that other, beard-less pooches 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.
Regardless of what these bearded beauties were bred for, they all have the ability to make the best companions.
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, it’s 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.
Notoriously vocal, 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 whilst 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, this breed can be fairly high maintenance, 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
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.
