Long hair always adds an extra touch of elegance and charm in canines, but for pet parents this beauty comes with lots of maintenance and responsibility. Many of us are drawn to their irresistible fluffy coats, that need regular grooming, and care to keep them looking their best.
However, dog breeds with different sizes and temperaments come with different and unique coat types, from flowy to moplike to fluffy.
For example, Spitz-type canines have double coat that protects them from harsh climates, and herding dogs have flowy coat that also comes in front of their eyes preventing them from scorching sunlight for better vision.
And last not the least comes single coated dogs that were mostly bred for companionship and are suitable for allergy sufferers.
Fun Fact: Some dogs have hair with a structure closer to human hair, making their fur flowing smoothly instead of puffing up like a cotton.
Dog Breeds with the Most Beautiful Silky Fur You’ll Adore
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Long haired dog breed, the Yorkshire Terrier, has one of the most appealing coats in the dog world. Their hypoallergenic dogs are happy go lucky canines for people suffering from dog allergies. However, this beauty needs frequent grooming to keep its looks at its best.
Yorkies are toy sized dogs, who easily adapt different life styles including apartment living. They crave human interactions and get along with children and other pets. This fluffy dog breed with its silky coat, and affectionate nature makes great family dog.
Interestingly enough, their coat looks like human hair, that can be styled in various ways. If you want the length of coat long ,then hair coming into the eyes should be kept short or pulled up into a top knot. Socialization and training are important at early age for these bold and tenacious dogs.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle and easy going Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is very much popular dog breed among the inhabitants of USA. With even temperament, Cavs come with various colors of silky coats such as black and tan, mahogany red and black and white making dog lovers more irresistible to buy them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are physically characterized by their flat faces, expressive eyes, floppy ears and moderately long plushy fur. These medium-sized dogs shed in autumn and spring. Professional grooming and regular brushing are vital to keep the coats in top condition.
Cavs are an ideal choice for novice pet parents as they are people oriented and overall have easier maintenance when compared to other breeds. Love, care and mental stimulation are few requirements for their happy and long lasting companionship, says the AKC.
3. Maltese
The floor-length coats of Maltese dogs are fun, as the pet owners can style them in many ways with endless options. This long haired dog breed does not have thick coat, and also have minimalistic shedding, perfect for apartment dwellers.
Maltese short cut hair looks wavy, but after getting a certain length they become straight. Their coat does not called fur but hair, and short one would not shed, so you have to visit the groomer after every 6 to 10 weeks for a cut, if you do not want any shedding.
This breed makes ideal lap dog, and loves being involved in its beloved human’s activities. According to PetMD, these devoted dogs make strong bonds with their families and are highly adaptable. Regardless of their active energy levels, Maltese are good choice for busy families.
4. Shih Tzu
The ancient Shih Tzu has been loved by Chinese royalty for several hundred years and was initially bred to look like lions. Today these small dogs make great family pets and are also adored by their striking appearances, due to a balance of loving attitude and floor length hair.
Their temperament ranges from lively to snuggling partners. They have dense double coat which barely sheds and falls over eyes forming a beard and whiskers on their faces. To avoid tangling and matting, this long haired dog breed needs regular grooming such as daily brushing, as mentioned by Britannica.
Their show stopping luxurious coats can be styled from front into a top knot for better vison. These little lion dogs have tendency to bark but with early training and socialization their behavior can be managed. The Shih Tzu is the friendliest dog breed for people of all ages.
5. Afghan Hound
Dignified and luxurious appearance of Afghan Hounds is due to their long hair that shed infrequently. These medium sized dogs were originally bred for hunting purpose, and their long coat helps them against harsh climates of mountains of Afghanistan.
They are high energy dogs, and are well suited to active families. Overall, Afghan Hounds are high maintenance from every aspect, but their appealing looks, and impressive athleticism are worth the efforts of dedicated pet parents.
These sight hounds need several times a weekly brushing to remove dead hair to keep the hair clean and neat. Their history as working dogs and agile build demand ample amount of exercise on daily basis like obedience and agility competitions.
These affectionate and loyal dogs are eager to please and trainable breed.
6. Havanese
Smart and fun loving Havanese dogs belong to the Bichon family and are national dog of Cuba. This long haired dog breed with tiny body require frequent brushing to prevent tangles. Their playful nature and moderate energy levels need regular exercise of 30 minutes to stay happy and healthy.
Havaneses’ emotional intelligence enables them to serve as therapy dogs, though their social and adaptable nature enables them to live in various environments. They form deep bonds with their owners and if left alone for a long time, they develop separation anxiety.
Havanese dogs are blessed with a thick double coat, as well as light fluffy coat. This breed has naturally long hair and that’s why it needs regular grooming, but pet parents can cut their hair short into puppy style cut.
With daily brushing, exercise, and playtime, this compact-sized dog does well in apartments.
7. Irish Setter
If you are looking for a beautiful dog with red or mahogany coat, the Irish Setter is the one standing among those attractive and long haired dog breeds. They are also loved by their pet parents due to puppy like personalities, bringing love and entertainment together.
Irish Setter is also known as red head. To prevent matting in their smooth fur, one does not need several hours of brushing, but twice a week is mandatory. They generally love to be involved in what their people are doing.
Irish Setters should not be left alone even in backyard, as they do not like to be alone and prefer human companionship. Despite being friendly and affectionate dogs, when it comes to training they become independent thinkers, which is why positive reinforcement methods work the best.
Conclusion
Selecting one of the mentioned dogs from our list will be fun for you but with thoughtful decision. Your lifestyle and time are two important things that you should consider before adopting or purchasing any enlisted pooch, as beauty comes with cost and responsibility.
All of these breeds are intelligent, beautiful and loyal. What really matters is your commitment and dedication to further enhance their appearances as well as temperament.
There are some other fluffy dogs as well with different coat colors and traits, such as English Sheepdog, Siberian Huskies, Lhasa Apso, Alaskan Malamute, Bichon Frise, Shetland Sheepdog,
