Have you ever fallen in love with a handsome bearded man? Or perhaps a bearded lady? We were, of course, talking about dogs! Yes, indeed, there are several dog breeds, even some of the most popular ones, who have a beard, they are called bearded dogs. The most famous one being, as its name suggests, the Bearded Collie. But it is not the only breed with a beard.
Let’s take a look at the most well-known bearded dog breeds and what it involves to take care of these adorable chin hairs.
What is a bearded dog?
A bearded dog is a dog who has hair growing on each side of it’s muzzle and that looks like a beard of a moustache. It is a distinguishing feature that sets several dogs apart from all other pooches. Some bearded breeds grow downwards from the upper lip, upper cheek, or under the chin.
Most bearded dogs were bred to hunt small prey (rodents and mice) and burrowing animals. Their beards would protect their muzzles from animal bites, thorns, branches and any other dangerous thing a dog could run into when out on the hunt.
Let’s delve right into the topic of this article shall we? You are about to discover 10 of the most popular bearded dog breeds.
Affenpinscher
As one of the oldest toy dogs, the Affenpinscher is distinguished by its small size, its sulky expression which makes it look like a little monkey but also by its adorable beard. The Affenpinscher is an excellent companion dog for both old people and children, bringing joy and energy at home.
The Affenpinscher is a very old dog breed whose origins date back to around the 15th century in Germany. In the past, the Affenpinscher was used by traders and farmers to hunt rodents.
The Affenpinscher develops different characters. First of all, it is a pleasant, calm, affectionate, gentle animal that is very attached to its owners. It cannot stand solitude and can get into mischief if it is bored. They can become the faithful four-legged companion of the elderly, but also of children, as long as the cohabitation is done in a respectful manner. The Affenpinscher is a bit stubborn and needs a firm education. At times, he can be exuberant. As for its lifestyle, since it is small, the dog can live in a flat. However, his energy and liveliness mean that he prefers houses with a garden to let off steam.
It is important to brush your affenpinscher regularly: their rough coat needs to be brushed two to three times a week, and trimmed about every three months with carving scissors (the ideal length is about 2.5cm).
Airedale
The Airedale Terrier is known as the "King of Terriers". Elegant, with a very atypical physique and above all with a strong personality, this dog makes an impression on everyone. After having been used for a long time for hunting, he now proudly takes on the title of companion dog, a role in which he excels.
The Airedale Terrier originated in Yorkshire. It was developed in the 1850s in the Aire Valley to hunt rodents and otters. It is said to be a cross between the Otterhound and the Old English Black, which no longer exist. Later, he was found in Germany where he was used to hunt wild boar. He even became a bear hunter in Russia.
The Airedale Terrier is an active, energetic and alert animal, due to its origins as a hunting dog. They have developed incredible intelligence and, above all, great alertness. Even if he is a bit scruffy, he is courageous, devoted and affectionate towards his owners. On the other hand, he has difficulty living with cats. In addition, he needs experienced owners because of his strong personality. Ideally, they should also be sporty, as the Airedale Terrier needs a lot of exercise to be happy and stay fit. If this condition is met, they do not need to live in the country, but can live in a city flat.
The Airedale Terrier needs to be groomed, and in particular dehaired, by a professional at least twice a year to avoid eczema problems. Between groomings, he needs to be brushed several times a week to avoid knots and remove dead hair.
Bearded Collie
The experts speak of "a fabulous breed". It must be said that in addition to its long, magnificent coat, the Bearded Collie has an exemplary character that makes it very endearing. Sociable, intelligent and clever, this 100% British breed is the perfect family companion.
The Beardie is native to the north of England and Scotland. It is believed that this breed was introduced during the Middle Ages during trade with Poland. The dog was mainly used to guard livestock, watch and protect the herds, a task in which it excelled.
Protective, intelligent, sociable and outgoing, the Beardie has many qualities. He is the ideal companion for children, whom he will watch over and protect as he would for a herd. He is a clever, playful, dynamic dog and very pleasant to live with. He also needs to exercise as he is a great sportsman. This is why he prefers to live in a house with a garden. As far as training is concerned, even if he is a bit stubborn, the Beardie learns quickly thanks to his intelligence.
The Bearded Collie needs to be cared for very regularly. It has a very long coat that can quickly become matted and knotty. If the dog's coat is not properly cared for, it can lead to illness. Combing and brushing should be done on a weekly basis, especially during the moulting period.
Griffon Bruxellois
In the range of small dogs with an unusual appearance, you are not at the end of your surprises. One of the most striking dogs is the Griffon Bruxellois. It is distinguished by its face, which is often likened to that of a human. This lively and funny dog is a pleasant companion for the whole family.
Originating from Belgium like its cousins the Petit Brabançon and the Belgian Griffon, the Brussels Griffon is also a descendant of the Smousje which comes from Brussels. It was mainly used by Brussel coachmen to watch over carts and horses or to eliminate rats in the stables.
The Brussels Griffon has an exemplary temperament. He is cheerful, curious and highly intelligent. They have a strong character and are funny, lively and expressive at the same time. With children, the playtime is likely to be endless. Moreover, this dog will never shy away from a little walk, even if he prefers to be cuddled on his owner's lap. As a small dog, he has no problem living in a flat. However, as it is a very dynamic animal, it should be taken out as regularly as possible.
As far as grooming is concerned, his semi-long coat does not require much care apart from regular brushing once a week.
German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer, also known as the Drahthaar, is an excellent hunting dog, with an energetic and harmonious appearance that is built for endurance and strength. The wirehaired coat provides perfect protection during hunting activities.
The Drahthaar originated in Germany. Over the years, improvements have been made on the breed to produce a courageous, versatile pointing dog capable of working in the harshest environments. Thanks to this rigorous selection work, the Drahthaar is one of the most successful and beloved hunting dogs.
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a very good personality. It is not aggressive or fearful, has a balanced temperament and above all is very confident. When hunting, they are very energetic and are very versatile. They can also be used as a guard dog, as they naturally develop a distrust of strangers. The Drahthaar can become an affectionate pet and attached to its owner. It loves children and cannot resist playing with them. As far as training is concerned, as this breed has an excellent memory, it is imperative to start training as soon as possible.
As for grooming, the Drahthaar must be brushed very regularly. It is also necessary to inspect its ears regularly to avoid infections and ear infections.
Irish Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
A hardy breed that has been used since the dawn of time to destroy pests and do hauling work, the Irish Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier also specialises in hunting otters and badgers. Today, the Irish Terrier is a versatile breed that shines as a pet, especially in the United States, where it is very popular.
The Irish Soft Coated Terrier is considered to be one of the oldest Irish terrier breeds. There are several hypotheses about its origins. Some say that the animal has existed since the Bronze Age and was discovered in 55 BC by the Romans. What we do know for sure is that the Irish Soft Coated Terrier is the result of work carried out by Irish farmers in the 19th century. It is a versatile dog that was used to communicate messages in the trenches during the Great War.
The Irish Soft Coated Terrier is a hardy breed, formerly used as a hunting dog, and carries in its blood a certain vigour and dynamism. Their life must therefore be very active and there must be plenty of physical and intellectual stimulation. Sedentary owners are not for him and he will prefer sporty families. They are very much appreciated for their extreme devotion and loyalty to their family. Protective and courageous, he is capable of putting his life at risk to protect his family, which is why he is sometimes nicknamed "Daredevil". It is an affectionate animal that likes to spend time with children.
The Soft Coated Irish Terrier is easy to care for and only needs to be brushed twice a week. It is a dog that, moreover, only needs to be washed in exceptional cases. They can be groomed by plucking three times a year if desired, but they should never be clipped, as this will permanently damage their coat.
Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is an elegant breed with a strong temperament and a reputation for its intelligence. It is a perfect watchdog, but it is also a pleasant pet. For a harmonious cohabitation with him, a training without brutality will be of rigour.
The Schnauzer originated in Bavaria, Germany. The Schnauzer was mainly used for hunting, especially rodents. Then, it evolved and became mainly a guard dog. He was very popular in the stables and acted as a companion to coachmen.
The Schnauzer has a lively and jovial personality, but is also gentle, calm and good-natured. It is an animal that is very affectionate towards its owner and is very attached to him provided that a form of respect is established between the two. Let us not forget that the Schnauzer is a dog with a strong temperament and cannot be owned by people who are new to dog training. It must be trained with care and firmness, without unjust reprimands or violence. As for its lifestyle, the Schnauzer can live in a flat if it is given the necessary space and plenty of exercise and walks.
This dog does not shed, but it does require daily brushing. It should also be regularly plucked or shorn, at least twice a year. Its eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a breed with a very distinctive look, a stylish physique, great intelligence and expressiveness. This energetic breed with a strong character can be daunting for those new to dog training.
Apparently, this dog has very ancient origins, dating back to Roman times to be precise. The Scottish Terrier was highly prized for its ability to hunt small pests. It was used to track badgers and otters among others. This dog also had the power to track foxes.
The Scottish Terrier has an aloof demeanour that can put many people off. It is a dog with a reputation for being independent and can be left alone. He has a strong personality which complicates his education, especially as he does not appreciate being forced to do things. In parallel to these few faults, it is also an animal that has many qualities. It is bold, robust, courageous and attached to its owners. The Scottish Terrier is very dynamic and, above all, highly intelligent. One of its advantages is that it can live in a flat in the city, provided that it can exercise.
The Scottish Terrier is not a dog that sheds much, but it does require weekly brushing and careful grooming. As they have fragile skin, it is advisable to leave this task to a professional. It should be thoroughly plucked once or twice a year.
Shih Tzu
Its small size, its calm and affectionate personality, all these qualities explain the success of the Shih Tzu among dog lovers. This excellent companion dog will be happy living with families with children or elderly people.
The Shih Tzu has Tibetan origins. It is a particularly old breed that is said to be the result of a cross between the Lhasa Apso (also a Tibetan breed) and another Chinese dog breed. Legend has it that the Shih Tzu is also related to the Tibetan Snow Lion. This is the reason why the Shih Tzu was nicknamed the Tibetan Lion, as its name means "lion dog".
Because of its small size, the Shih Tzu do not really need to live in a large house. This does not prevent him from getting regular exercise and going out to stay in shape. It also needs a minimum of comfort to feel good. He only barks when he has a problem. The Shih Tzu is calm and composed, but also clever, cheerful and courageous. It can sometimes be surprising when it starts to make almost human expressions. Beware, this breed is known to be a bit stubborn. Its education is not easy, because the Shih Tzu does not like to act when it is not of its own will.
The Shih Tzu's coat requires special care. Daily brushing is necessary to avoid tangles and regular shampoos are necessary to prevent the Shih Tzu from carrying too much dirt and parasites in its long hair.
Yorkshire Terrier
Don't be fooled by its small size and teddy bear-like appearance, the Yorkshire Terrier has a strong personality and sometimes develops a certain nervousness. In any case, they are very attached to their owners and need love to feel good.
According to history, the breed originated in a region of northern England called Yorkshire. In the 19th century, Scottish labourers and miners brought small terriers to Yorkshire. The dogs were mainly used for hunting pests and poaching.
The Yorkshire Terrier shines with intelligence, alertness and curiosity. However, they also have a temper and it is important to train them as early as possible, because if they are punished, they can develop aggression and end up biting. As he is a companion dog, he does very well with families to whom he shows attachment and love. On the other hand, because of their small size, children are tempted to treat them like toys. It is important, even crucial, to prevent them from treating it like a toy, first of all for their safety, but also for the animal's well-being. Because of its hunting background, the Yorkshire Terrier needs regular exercise.
The York's coat is what gives it its charm, but it needs maintenance! It should be brushed and detangled weekly, and bathed once a month. It can be dried with a hairdryer. You can cut the long fringes with scissors to even them out, or opt for a short cut to give it a frumpy look. A visit to the groomer every three months is recommended. The Yorkie's haircut can be semi-long or short, or even clipped; the latter makes it easier to maintain.
