This rug has a high pile and would be considered a shag rug though the density of the shag is sparse. The rug sheds synthetic hairs and when my 15montg old crawls on it- it gets tangled between his fingers. The rug needs a nice pad if it were to feel any more cozy than a simple woven rug. 
I am returning because the rug wasn't a good fit for my room.
I did love the tassel edging on either side of the rug. It gives the style a little more character. 
The white/grey patters was very attractive as well.