As a dog lover, you may find it hard to resist petting a dog breed with luscious locks. Long-haired dog breeds look super adorable, just like a real-life teddy bear moving around. But their luxurious coats come with a responsibility.
Long-haired dog breeds usually have extensive grooming needs. You need to spend several hours every week brushing their fur. Along with regular brushing, grooming needs also include frequent bathing and trimming.
Before welcoming a long-haired pooch into your life, you need to consider various factors. One of them is the amount of allergens produced by them. Every dog produces dander and allergens, but it is better to opt for a minimally shedding hypoallergenic dog, especially if you are prone to allergies.
Have a look at these lovely long-haired dog breeds so that you can choose the perfect one.
Lovely Long-Haired Dog Breeds: Choosing the Perfect One
1. Afghan Hound
Originally bred to hunt game in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Afghan Hounds boast a regal look. A long, flowing, silky coat is the hallmark of this breed. This long-haired dog breed does not shed much, but requires daily brushing to keep their coat free from mats and tangles.
The American Kennel Club also recommends regular bathing using a good-quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Afghan Hounds not only steal hearts with their long locks, but they are beautiful inside and out. They are sweet and gentle towards their loved ones but are somewhat aloof.
Afghan Hounds do not need a professional groomer for their hair, but a regular grooming schedule is a must. As pets, they are incredibly loyal and affectionate and bond tightly with their owners. Regular exercise provides adequate physical and mental stimulation.
2. Shih Tzu
These charming “little dogs” have a dense double coat and a larger-than-life persona. Shih Tzu requires regular grooming and frequent brushing to keep their coat in top-notch condition. According to PetMD, you can brush your Shih Tzu’s coat a few times a week using a pin brush.
They also need a bath once a week. If you are a pet lover who loves spending time with your dog, grooming their lustrous coat, you can adopt a Shih Tzu. And cherry on top, they shed minimally and are hypoallergenic. It makes them an ideal pet for allergy sufferers.
Pet parents who want easier grooming give this long-haired dog breed a puppy cut, which is easier to maintain. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also recommended. Shih Tzus make wonderful companions for people of all ages.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
This toy dog is quite energetic and feisty, having the temperament of a typical temperament. Yorkshire Terriers have a long silky coat which requires lots of grooming to look its best. Their fur resembles human hair and should be treated accordingly.
You need to brush your Yorkshire Terrier’s coat daily. The hair on the upper part of the head can be trimmed short to avoid irritation or pulled up into a topknot. Also, give your Yorkie a bath every week or so. Get your pup’s coat trimmed by a professional groomer every four to six weeks.
Fortunately, Yorkshire Terriers are hypoallergenic dogs that shed minimally. It makes them a perfect pet for allergy sufferers. Yorkies are loving companions who make excellent watchdogs, but they can be loud and hard to housebreak.
4. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is another long-haired breed, hailing from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. A long, straight coat that sometimes covers their face and eyes is the distinguishing feature of this breed. Daily brushing helps keep the hair free from mats and tangles.
Their dense double coat sheds minimally and is hypoallergenic. However, some dog owners opt to clip their Lhasa Apso’s coat short several times a year. Lhasa Apsos look super adorable and have an equally beautiful personality.
They make great family dogs and get along well with kids and other pets. Lhasa Apsos may be aloof towards strangers, but are loving towards the people they know. They may bark excessively, but you can overcome this habit with proper training and socialization.
5. Maltese
Maltese is an affectionate little pooch with a straight, silky, floor-length coat. This long-haired dog breed looks like a cloud walking on the ground. Maltese are small white dogs with a versatile single coat, which can be styled in many ways.
Many owners crop their Maltese dogs’ coats short, while others prefer to keep them long. When short, the coat has a slight wave, but it straightens as the coat grows in length. Some Maltese often boast a cute little topknot.
These fantastic lap dogs do not shed a lot and make loving companions for most households. Maltese are loyal and affectionate to their owners and make effective watchdogs. Remember, you may need to offer a treat to your stubborn Maltese during training.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog is a popular dog breed loved for its beautiful, long coat and high intelligence. Shelties are small, fluffy dogs that were originally bred for herding. Their dense double coat makes them look irresistibly cute and provides insulation in extreme weather conditions.
The coat comprises a long and harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat. Their long locks require regular brushing at least two times a week. Shelties tend to shed their coat two times a year, in the fall and spring. Brushing helps distribute skin oils throughout and encourages new hair growth.
According to Purina, a Sheltie’s coat can be a combination of white and one or two other colors, such as black, tan, blue merle, sable, and sable merle. This fluffy dog breed is highly energetic and requires regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
7. Havanese
These long-haired dogs are loved for their lustrous locks and peppy personalities. Hailing from Cuba, Havanese are intelligent and social dogs with a friendly disposition. Their silky coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
A shorter trim makes their coat easier to maintain and reduces the brushing needs. Regardless of its length, the coat sheds minimally. It is hypoallergenic as well, making the Havanese ideal pets for people prone to allergies.
Havanese are small, fluffy dogs with moderate energy needs. Only a few short walks and indoor play sessions provide enough exercise every day. Having a cheerful and outgoing personality, Haavanese dogs can be easily trained.
8. Samoyed
Samoyed is a gentle, friendly, and adorable dog with a thick double coat, with a longer outer coat of harsh hair and a woolly undercoat. The coat provides protection against harsh weather and makes the dogs look super adorable.
This long-haired dog sheds quite a bit all the time, but heavily during the shedding season. Daily brushing helps remove dirt and loose hair. Mats and tangles can be removed using a slicker brush or a metal comb.
Samoyeds were used in the past for herding reindeer and hunting. Their profuse white coat enables them to blend in with the snowy landscapes so that potential threats may not recognize them. These happy-go-lucky dogs seem to have a permanent smile, which is actually an adaptation to cold weather.
9. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie is a wonderful long-haired dog, having the same look and high-maintenance coat as the English Sheepdog. Having a beard-like pattern of hair around the neck, these shaggy dogs need to two-part grooming process to keep their fur healthy.
The first part involves daily brushing to remove tangles and debris, and the second part includes a weekly session with a comb and detangling product. Bearded Collies also need occasional baths. Fortunately, they do not shed a lot.
Bearded Collies are loving and one of the smartest dogs that get along nicely with other pets and kids. They integrate seamlessly into family life and thrive on having a task to do. Bearded Collies are better suited for active families who can keep up with their athleticism and high energy.
Conclusion
Several lovely long-haired dog breeds are capable of stealing hearts with their luxurious looks. Some of them have a single coat, while others have a dense double coat. The long fur hides loving and loyal companions underneath.
However, their long locks come with a heavy responsibility as they require regular grooming and frequent brushing to stay free from mats and tangles. Some of them are hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
