In humans, a beard connotes masculinity and maturity. It is a symbol of prestige and dominance. It is one visible thing that sets men apart from females.
When you hear the word beard or mustache, you might be thinking only of men. In the animal kingdom, you may think of goats having goatees. But have you imagined dogs with beards?
Beards are not exclusive to men and goats. There are bearded dogs also. Yes, that little tuff of facial hair can also sprout from your canine friend’s snout!
Why does my dog have a beard?
Most of the dogs with beards were originally bred as hunting dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these bearded dog breeds were tasked to hunt small prey like burrowing animals, mice, and rodents.
A dog’s beard serves as a protection for the muzzles from anything while hunting. It could be from a possible prey’s bite, branches, or thorns.
Dogs with beards and mustaches are the among the best dogs for a family pet
Many pet owners have shared that dogs with beards, goatees, or mustaches are the best dogs. Is that because of their one-of-a-kind look that these bearded dogs are frequent head turners? Or could it be their charm? Or, perhaps their character and temperament as a breed?
The unique charm these dogs with beards draw from their owners and the people around them could be one. Read along to know what these stunning breeds are.
What breed of dogs has beards?
Let us know these bearded dog breeds, their temperament, lifespan, size, height, and grooming requirements.
1. Shih Tzu
Pronounced as “Sher – zer” in the East and “Shee – zoo” in the West, the Shih Tzu is considered a toy breed. On average, this dog weighs 9-16 pounds and stands 8-11 inches from the shoulder.
Outgoing, happy, and affectionate, the Shih Tzu is known to be a companion dog. They would love to follow you in every corner of your home.
Their friendliness extends to all people, including other dogs and other pets within the household. Most of them are very sweet, and rarely would you find a harsh or rough Shih Tzu.
Covering a Shih Tzu’s body is luxurious, silky, straight, long hair. Along with this dog’s beard is a mustache. Although it may not be immediately apparent, you will notice the cream and white fur on this dog’s face.
The eyes become more prominent because of the light beard, which is a perfect contrast to their dark-colored eyes. That gives this dog a more striking look.
Since Shih Tzus are small dogs, they can be great for apartment living. But they don’t mind where you live exactly as long as they stay just by their loving owner’s side.
As with exercise, short walks will do. They are not very active dogs and enjoy playing or following their owners around.
Keeping their hair looking its best is every owner’s responsibility. Owners should comb and brush their hair daily to avoid tangles. Their beards often get discolored or stained after nibbling at their food, so owners should always be ready with a beard stain cleaner.
They are generally healthy, but like other dog breeds, they can be prone to other canine conditions such as hip dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, and eye problems. Their life expectancy, given they are healthy, is 11-14 years.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Listed as one of the smallest among the many dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier weighs only around 2-7 pounds and stands 6-7 inches from its shoulder. It is also one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States, and you can literally tuck them in your handbag!
Domineering, feisty, and energetic, Yorkshire Terriers can also be affectionate. They are attention-seekers, so they fit owners who want to spend more time on their dogs.
While they are small and may be a good fit for apartment living, they can be stubborn and yappy at times. Neighbors can get annoyed with their barking, so owners should take the responsibility of training their dogs on how to behave well.
Yorkshire Terriers can get back at children who don’t treat them with respect. They can get along well with other dogs and cats but also appear aggressive towards other animals.
Notable for their glamorous and straight long coat that touches the floor, what completes their look is a short beard and mustache. Yorkies are single-coated.
Because of their small size, they can simply go and hide wherever they want to collect dust on their beards. You can decide whether to have their facial hair grow longer into a goatee or trim it often.
They do not require much exercise, but these dogs enjoy walking and good play. A regular grooming regime which means gently brushing their daily is needed to avoid tangles and mats.
While Yorkies are generally healthy, they are still not excused from canine conditions like gum diseases, eye infections, and patellar luxation among others. Their recorded average life expectancy is 14-16 years.
3. Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as palace guards in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is now a known companion and family dog. They are fairly small, weighing 12-18 pounds and standing 10-11 inches on average. Its size makes this dog fit for condo or apartment living.
Lhasa Apso dogs are intelligent, independent, and sturdy. They can be barky and aloof with strangers because they were bred as guard dogs. When it comes to family members, they are playful and affectionate but not so with other dogs and other animals unless they were socialized when they were puppies.
The Lhasa Apso dog has straight, flowing, long hair that is also heavy and dense. A long fall of hair covers the eyes. It has a long beard, hence the name “bearded lion dog”. Instead of a lion’s mane, it sports a long beard, or should we call it a long goatee, which adds to its regal appearance.
Unlike other breeds, Lhasa Apso dogs do not shed much. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their long coat and keep them from mats and tangles.
These dogs can be stubborn at times. Thus, owners must be firm and consistent in training them. They don’t need long walks because they are small dogs. Play sessions and short walks should suffice.
Their lavishly growing hair requires a high-maintenance regime. Daily grooming is necessary to maintain its long coat, which can be time-consuming. That includes daily combing and brushing.
Although they are a healthy breed, Lhasa Apso dogs are not spared from the common canine health conditions such as cherry eye, allergies, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy among others. Although the oldest Lhasa (per record) lived 29 years, the average lifespan for this breed is 12-14 years.
4. Airedale Terrier
With an average weight of 40-80 pounds and standing 22-24 inches, the Airedale Terrier is considered the largest of all terriers and thus, called “the King of Terriers”. This adorable breed was originally bred as hunting dogs and sporting dogs. Their size also made them perfect as defense and security dogs.
Incredibly smart and a toughie, the Airedale Terrier is also confident and outgoing. The Airedale Terrier has remarkably high stamina. This dog breed possesses a stubborn streak that delights its owners.
Generally, they are friendly with older children but can be rough with smaller kids. Of all the terrier breeds, they get along better with other canines, including other pets, provided they grew up together with those other pets. Take note of the caveat here because these dogs have strong prey drives.
Because the Airedale Terrier is an active dog breed, they need plenty of daily exercise. Owners should introduce new exercises and activities to keep them from getting bored. They will need at least a yard to run around; that means they are not suitable for apartment living.
Airedale Terriers are double-coated dogs that come in tan and black. Their topcoat is dense and wiry coat. The undercoat is soft and short. It has an oversized head with dominant facial hair that adds to its striking appearance.
Airedale Terriers are not excessive shedders. In maintaining the coat, regular brushing is required. Never over-bath them as that can soften their coarse coat. As with their distinct beard, owners should get used to wiping them after drinking or eating their favorite dog food.
This breed has no known breed-predisposed ailments but may be prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, allergies, and even cancer. This dashing dog can live up to 10-13 years.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Standing around 12-14 inches and weighing about 11-19 pounds, the Miniature Schnauzer is proof that you should never underestimate a small dog. This dog with a bushy beard is brave, smart, and sturdy being bred as a farm dog and vermin hunter.
Whether it is country or apartment living in a metropolis, Miniature Schnauzers are highly adaptable and are quick learners. These affectionate dogs will gladly follow you even when you go to the bathroom.
They are extroverted and full of humor. You will never get bored if you decide to raise this dog breed. Miniature Schnauzers are ideal for families and can get along well with children. They would always want to be part of every activity — whether watching movies or going for some walks.
Do you know that the word “schnauzer” means “snout” or “muzzle” in German? Thus this breed’s name means “a dog with a bearded snout or muzzle”.
They need to exercise every day because you should know that these dogs are also Terriers. Training is easy because they are very intelligent, but watch out as they can be masters of manipulation!
Their wiry topcoat does not shed much, thus, making them perfect house dogs for people with asthma. Although they do not require an intensive grooming regime, hand stripping is necessary to remove their dead hair. Brushing their fur must be done twice or thrice weekly to avoid mats and tangles.
For their goatees, special care is important as slobber, food, and even water can easily discolor them. Wipe them daily to dry them out and brush them daily to remove the remnants. These may cause their goatees to become unhealthy and smelly.
As they are known to be a healthy breed, owners need not worry much. However, they are still prone to have eye diseases like entropion, cataracts, and other common canine ailments. These bearded dogs have an average longevity of 12-14 years.
6. Scottish Terrier
Immediately recognizable for its sturdy little body, distinctive beard, erect thin ears, and wiry fur, the Scottish Terrier is also a head-turner. With incredibly short legs, it only stands 10 inches and weighs 18-22 pounds.
Independent, feisty, and loyal to its family, the Scottish Terrier can easily form an attachment with its owner, but that does not transform this breed into a lapdog. Being a terrier breed, this dog loves to chase and dig.
The Scottish Terrier can be aloof with strangers and aggressive towards other animals. Towards kids, Scottish Terriers may not be very good with them, especially younger children. This breed is on top of the list among dogs that snap at kids.
Scottish terriers should get enough play, exercise, and training. They are an active breed, so owners should always be aware that they can become destructive when under-exercised and bored.
Better canine citizenship starts with training during puppyhood. So train your pup while young or soon as you bring your fur babies home with you.
These double-coated dogs do not shed much, but they have high grooming needs to maintain their coat and prevent knots and mats. Periodic hand stripping is also needed as their fur grows fast.
While they are generally healthy, this breed may inherit Von Willebrand’s disease. They can also have certain types of cancers, allergies, Scottie cramp, craniomandibular osteopathy, and other canine diseases. As per the record, the average lifespan for this breed is 11-13 years.
7. Bearded Collie
Developed as a herding breed in Scotland, the Bearded Collie we know today is not only a great family dog but also an excellent sheepdog and show dog. Bearded Collies are medium in size, weighing 45-55 pounds and standing 20-22 to their shoulder.
Intelligent, quick-witted, fun-loving, lively, and affectionate, the Bearded Collie is a great choice even for first-time dog owners.
The name “Bearded Collie” says it all — this dog’s face is endowed with facial hair! That is why, at times, it is called “Beardie”. Their double coat protects them from all weather conditions.
These dogs have a stubborn streak; thus, you should be firm when training. Also, train them as early as possible the moment you bring them home with you. They should get a good amount of exercise and attention else it will lead to bad habits.
They can be excellent playmates with children but not with very small children as they might bite as the play gets rough. When it comes to other dogs, they can be friendly, too, including cats with whom they grew up together for years. One thing that might trigger a fight between these animals will be their prized toys because they are quite possessive.
As with other bearded dogs, owning these Bearded Collies come with a prize, and, that is, having to give them extra grooming and care. Weekly brushing is required to protect their double coat from mats and tangles.
You must clean and wipe their beards dry after they munch on their favorite food or even drink water. You don’t want a stinky dog for sure, do you?
As there are no known breed-predisposed ailments, these dogs are generally healthy. However, they may encounter certain conditions such as eye diseases, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. That is why regular check-ups with the vet are vital. Beardies have a recorded average lifespan of 12-14 years.
8. Brussels Griffon
Although small in size, weighing only 6-12 pounds and standing 7-10 inches in height, the Brussels Griffon is such a toughie. This Ewoks look-alike dog is not even a lapdog as it was bred from terriers for vermin control.
Because of its size, the Brussels Griffon can be a good fit for apartment living. You should note that these dogs were bred as hunters and thus are full of energy, so they need much exercise and play to release that energy.
Although they are affectionate, they are not best in homes with boisterous children because they don’t want to get hit, chased, surprised with hugs, or carried into laps against their will. For that reason, you should never leave your children with them unsupervised. Constant training and socialization also are needed to ensure they don’t get frightened when meeting new people.
These pooches’ coats are of two types: smooth and rough. What adds to this breed’s charm are their beards. Their grooming maintenance is moderate but varies depending on the coat. Those with a rough coat require hand stripping and clipping, while the smooth-coated ones need only weekly brushing.
This intelligent breed can be independent thinkers. Be kind during training and reward them for their achievements. Training should always be fun and interesting. They always love mental stimulation.
Griffons can be prone to certain health conditions such as patella luxation, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and some eye problems. A well-cared Griffon can live up to 12-15 years.
9. German Wirehaired Pointer
This breed is the product of the German’s desire to have a perfect retrieving and hunting dog. Popularly known as Drahthaar (the German word for wirehaired), the German Wirehair Pointer stands 24-25 inches and weighs 45-75 pounds.
These dogs are highly energetic. They are loyal and affectionate with their family members, including older children. Smaller kids should not be allowed to play with them unsupervised as they can knock them down when the play gets rough.
German Wirehaired Pointers are independent and definitely not couch potatoes! They are a perfect fit for families with an active lifestyle and would love agility training and mentally-stimulating exercises.
Their rough coat is water-resistant and wiry, protecting them from briars, thick underbrush, and harsh elements. Adding to their goofy look is their facial hair — beard, mustache, and bushy, wiry eyebrows. Add to that their webbed feet.
While they have much hair, they only need minimal grooming (credit to their water-resistant coat). They do not shed much, and trimming is not required. Bath them only when needed, and brush their coat regularly.
While other dog breeds may suffer from some health issues, this breed is generally healthy. Dog owners should be mindful that they are still not exempted from common canine health conditions such as cardiac disease, hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, some cataracts, and entropion. If well-cared, they can live as long as 12-14 years.
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The paler version of the Airedale Terrier, the medium-sized Soft Coated Wheaten terrier weighs about 30-45 pounds and has an average height of 17-19 inches. These dogs were bred to work on Irish farms.
Fun-loving, intelligent, sturdy, and active, the Soft Coated Wheaten terrier is also a charmer. They are a friend to everyone they meet and love kids including other animals especially those raised with them together.
They can adapt well to both country and city living so they can be good apartment dogs too. Unlike other terrier breeds, they are less territorial and aggressive.
They are called “wheaten” because their coat is wheaten-colored. This bearded dog can be a messy eater. They will love to wipe their beards just on anything — be it your sofa, bed sheets, or pant leg. So you need to keep an eye on these pooches while eating and drinking and be ready to wipe any debris right away.
Wheatens have an independent streak so training them can be a challenge. They also need to be pre-occupied at all times although their exercise requirement is moderate. An hour will do each day.
When it comes to grooming, these silky beauties need to be brushed and combed regularly. Brushing will remove any dirt from their coat while combing will help detangle.
Although generally healthy, they can be prone to renal dysplasia, Addison’s disease, protein-losing enteropathy, and protein-losing neuropathy. You should be committed before bringing home this breed, and if properly cared for, these dogs can live for 12-14 years.
11. Berger Picard
This French herding dog is the oldest of the French sheepdogs. It got its name from the French word “Berger”, which means shepherd, while “Picard” refers to Picardy, the French region where the breed originated. They are medium in size, weighing about 50-70 pounds and standing 21.5-25.5 inches to their shoulder.
For centuries, this intelligent, lively, and scruffy dog has captured the heart of many. They can get along well with kids, other canines, cats, and other animals, especially those that were raised along with them. However, being a protective dogs, they can be aloof to strangers.
Their rough and waterproof coat is complemented by their equally rough facial hair that makes up the eyebrows, mustache, and beard. Their fur needs regular brushing to remove any dead hair.
While these intelligent pooches are easy to train, they can also be stubborn sometimes. These dogs are also sensitive to the tone of your voice, so better command them enthusiastically and praise them each time they perform well.
Bergers need plenty of exercise and activities; otherwise, they will become destructive, similar to other herding breeds. Your utmost responsibility as an owner is to make sure they behave well. It can be a bit embarrassing if your dog begins to misbehave.
The majority of these pooches are healthy, but they are not spared from the possibility of contracting common illnesses such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years.
12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
For people with an active lifestyle, this dog is the best match for you. These medium-sized sporting dogs weigh about 50-60 pounds and stand about 20-24 inches to its shoulder. They are referred to as the “supreme gundog” and excellent swimmers.
While they can be great family companions, you should be aware that these Griffons are not apartment dogs because they will need much space for their activities and exercises.
Their bodies are covered with a dense topcoat and undercoat that require minimal grooming. Their eyebrows and mustache serve as undercoat extensions. This breed has a small scruffy beard. In maintaining their coat, weekly brushing and occasional stripping are necessary.
Eye diseases and elbow dysplasia are the recorded conditions that may affect this breed, although Griffons are healthy in general. This breed has an average lifespan of 10-14 years.
13. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Another herding breed, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a naturally corded dog breed. This medium-sized dog weighs 55-85 pounds and stands 20-24 inches tall.
They are immediately recognizable for their unique coat a mop-like appearance. You will notice that three types of hair seemingly intertwine, forming long mats, but its trim beard contrasts its appearance nicely.
They bond well with humans, so they are great for huge families. Intelligent, sociable, and independent, they can sometimes be rebellious.
When it comes to grooming, the Bergasamo Sheepdog is a low-maintenance breed. Their breed standard requires no brushing and just a few baths per year.
Being a rare breed, not much is known of this breed yet as to possible breed-predisposed ailments. They have a pretty good lifespan of 13-15 years.
Conclusion
Humans are not the only creatures donning facial hair. Some of our canine friends have them, be it a beard, mustache, or goatee. Some dog breeds are endowed with all these three.
What you have here is only a few of the many dog breeds with beards, but the list will definitely give you the best choices should you think of adding pups with fashionable beards or mustaches into your family. If you are eyeing a particular breed, be sure to know the dog’s temperament, training, grooming, and exercise requirements, among others.
Yes, their beards, mustaches, and goatees become a bit dirty whenever they drink or eat, but that does not mean you should be discouraged from owning one. As they say, these doggos are simply the best plus an instant head-turner.
The extra facial hair in these dog breeds upstage and take their looks to the next level. While you wonder if these canines would fit into your life, think if you deserve their love and companionship also.
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*photo by Magdanatka – depositphotos