Long-haired dog breeds are loved for their beautiful, flowing coat that adds to their charm. They possess many types of coats, including thick, dense, silky, and fine. The coat can be corded or intentionally kept in mats.
Some long-haired dog breeds are well suited for allergy sufferers due to their minimally shedding coat, while others may exacerbate allergies due to shedding and dander. Many long-haired dogs need extensive grooming and regular brushing to keep their coats healthy.
Long-haired dog breeds vary in their sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs. Some have an energetic and playful nature, while others tend to be calm and gentle. However, all of them share one common trait, and that is their elegant fur.
Have a look at these 7 elegant long-haired dog breeds you will adore.
Elegant Long-Haired Dog Breeds You’ll Adore
1. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a boisterous droving dog from Scotland, with a shaggy coat. This ancient dog breed can be easily recognized by its profuse beard and long coat. Bearded Collies are athletic, bouncy, and full of energy.
They make fun-loving playmates for kids who know how to interact with dogs. Their double coat comprises two layers: a straight, harsh, and shaggy outercoat and a soft, furry undercoat. The coat requires a significant amount of grooming to look healthy and clean.
A double coat is prone to matting, so PetMD recommends 10 to 15-minute brushing sessions every day. Thorough weekly brushing to prevent tangles and remove debris is also important. Fortunately, Bearded Collies do not shed much.
Bearded Collies are loving and smart dogs who get along nicely with other pets. These athletic and active dogs require lots of exercise daily for physical and mental stimulation.
2. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, these cute little cotton balls are adored for their beautiful, long coat. Their appearance, combined with their calm and sweet temperament make them simply irresistible. This long-haired dog breed does not shed a lot and is hypoallergenic.
It makes them a good fit for allergy sufferers who can keep up with their grooming needs. They need regular brushing several times a week to maintain their coat. Bolognese make devoted companions and faithful lap dogs.
You can clip your Bolo’s coat into a shorter cut of about one inch for easier maintenance, explains the American Kennel Club. Beyond regular grooming, occasional baths also help keep the dog clean and tidy. These small white dogs are sometimes confused with their cousins Maltese.
However, Bolognese are slightly larger in size. They can be recognized by their round, black eyes, gumdrop nose, black nails, and a feathered nose.
3. Briard
Briards are incredibly cuddly-looking dogs with a strong and muscular body. These herders possess a wavy outer coat of either gray, tawny, or black color. They also have an adorable peek-a-boo hairdo parted naturally in the middle.
The double coat also comprises a soft undercoat. At least two hours of weekly brushing is required to keep the long hair in top-notch condition. Briards do not shed a ton and don’t accumulate much dirt, but keeping them free from mats and tangles is a must.
A Briard’s personality is a fascinating blend of intelligence, loyalty, and love. Since they were bred as sheepherders and guardians, Briards tend to think independently. Due to their loving personality, they can be called ‘hearts wrapped in fur.’
Briards are always on high alert and tend to be reserved towards strangers. Proper training and socialization help turn them into well-behaved pets.
4. Lhasa Apso
An ancient dog breed originating from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet, the Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, and silky coat. Sometimes, it is a bit difficult to see Lhasa Apsos underneath their beautiful locks. When left to grow, the fur reaches down to the ground.
It gives them a majestic gait, looking as if they are floating on the ground. Lhasa Apsos were bred as watchdogs and companion dogs. Their coat requires regular brushing and frequent grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
Some owners choose to keep their Lhasa Apso’s coat short as it is very prone to tangles. The dense double coat also needs professional grooming from time to time. Lhasa Apsos get along nicely with kids and make loving family pets.
Lhasa Apsos are intelligent dogs with loud barks, but training can help overcome this behavior. These playful and smart dogs need regular exercise for stimulation.
5. Shih Tzu
Originally bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu is a long-haired dog with a silky coat. Their double coat comes in a variety of colors, including gold and black or gold and white. With their name literally translating to ‘little lion,’ the Shih Tzu is a charming dog.
The hair on the top of their head can be long. Remember to pin it up so that it does not fall into their face and irritate their eyes. These cuddly lap dogs require lots of grooming to keep their coat in top-notch condition.
Professional grooming, along with frequent brushing, helps maintain the coat. According to WebMD, Shih Tzus have a sweet, friendly, and playful nature. They are ultimate social butterflies who get along well with everyone.
Thanks to their small size, they are highly adaptable and adjust well to a variety of environments, including apartments and smaller living spaces.
6. Pekingese
Pekingese are long-haired dogs recognized by a lion-like mane around their neck. Daily brushing and bathing once a week help maintain the coat. Pekingese is an alert and charming toy breed that makes wonderful companions and lap dogs.
You can cut your Pekingese’s coat shorter for easier maintenance, but constantly keeping it short can destroy the coat’s texture. A trim now and then is a good option to keep the coat healthy. Pekingese have a friendly, social, and affectionate nature.
Proper training and socialization can help Pekingese get along well with other pets in the house. They enjoy participating in canine sports but only at their own pace. However, they are brachycephalic, which makes them prone to overheating.
7. Irish Setter
Irish Setter is another long-haired dog breed with a silky coat. Their red or mahogany colored coat is longer on the belly and under the legs and can easily get tangled. Show dogs have relatively longer hair, while family pets, such as Irish Setters, have coats that can be trimmed slightly shorter.
The coat needs moderate grooming that includes brushing twice a week using soft bristle brush. Grooming sessions are a good time to check the dog all over for new lumps or skin problems. Occasional baths using a gentle shampoo can help keep the coat clean.
These rambunctious redheads have a lovable personality and an eager-to-please nature. Irish Setters respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. These energetic dogs love having a job to do and require plenty of exercise every day.
Conclusion
Long-haired dog breeds are loved for their elegant appearance and flowing coats. Their long hair needs plenty of coat care and grooming to keep looking beautiful. Regular brushing and occasional bathing help keep the coat clean and healthy.
Their luxurious coats hide a beautiful personality underneath. They make loving, loyal, and affectionate family pets. Their social nature enables them to get along nicely with everyone. These wonderful canines need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
