Did you know that "pogonophilia" is the love of beards? That may not be the most flattering name, but it's not uncommon. Good news for people who like both beards and dogs, you can definitely find a pup with extra facial fur - such as these 45 bearded dog breeds and dogs with mustaches, goatees and facial hair. Some you've likely heard of, while others may be new to you. And believe it or not, there are even more dogs with facial hair than listed here!
What is a dog beard?
A dog beard is considered longer fur or hair on the muzzle. It can grow out and down from the nose and under the mouth and chin.
Why do some dogs have beards?
Bearded dogs usually have the extra facial hair to protect them from something. Most (but not all) bearded dogs were bred to hunt rodents and burrowing animals, so their beard actually served a purpose - to protect their muzzles from bites, branches, thorns and more. For bearded dogs who aren't hunters, the extra facial hair also served to protect them, just in other ways. For instance, the Bearded Collie's facial hair served as insulation and protection against the cold and harsh conditions they worked in.
Are there any drawbacks to dog beards?
Though many people find them adorable, dogs with beards do require more grooming than those without. This is because the extra face fur tends to catch dirt, debris and even food, as well as become saturated with water and mud (so you may be wiping up water from the floor after they drink from their water bowl). In addition, their face hair will likely need more brushing and trimming to avoid matting and overgrowth.
On the other hand, many bearded dogs are hypoallergenic - so that's a pro for many people! Read on to see a bunch of breeds with extra facial fur:
1 comment
Why has my Lakeland not yet grown facial hair and beard at nine month old