The moment a dog with its cotton-like coat curls up beside you, it becomes obvious why so many people choose them again and again. Regardless of their top-notch appearances, these breeds bring warmth, love, and closeness that many of us value the most.
Appearances, expressions, and the emotional attributes are the main key factors for their popularity, even when short-haired dogs seem easier to manage. Long hair does come with extra care, and also deepens the mutual bond between the owner and the dog.
Calm interactions aided by coat maintenance create unforgettable moments, making your canine pal feel secure, safe, and healthy. This balance of beauty, care, and connection is what continues to make long-haired breeds such a meaningful choice for dog owners.
Fact: There are a few long-haired dogs that have hypoallergenic coats that shed minimally and make an ideal option for those suffering from pet allergies.
Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Magnificent Fur
1. Old English Sheepdog
Known for a shaggy coat covering the whole body, including the face, and dark eyes, this beautiful white dog breed is the Old English Sheepdog. Their double coat requires daily brushing, and regular trimming from a groomer makes this task easier for owners.
Old English Sheepdog was originally bred as a herding dog. But today these irresistible long haired dog carries intelligence, and love together, and are considered excellent family pets. Since they were bred for work, physical and mental stimulation is necessary for their well-being.
According to PetMD, these fluffy dogs are perfect for people of all ages due to their cuddly and affectionate nature. They are a little wary of strangers and other dogs, but with proper socialization, they get along beautifully with them.
2. Bolognese
Bolognese is a small, fluffy dog breed that is blessed with a long, wavy coat that needs a regular grooming routine; otherwise, it becomes clumped together. They move with a dignified manner and become eye-catching due to their luxurious fur and loving temperament.
This long-haired dog breed was a hot favorite of the royalty of Italy for many centuries. Silky flowing coat of the Bolognese does not shed much, but for easy maintenance, pet parents often go for shorter cuts. In the 20th century, this Italian breed became almost extinct, and today it is one of the rarest dogs.
Bolognese is a calm yet alert dog who bonds strongly with their loved ones and stays reserved around new people. It is a quiet vocal canine and uses its skill to alert the family about something unusual. Being eager to please and smart, Bolognese is highly trainable.
3. Briard
A long-haired dog breed with well muscled body, the Briard hails from France and makes an affectionate dog for families. Other than its even personality, this fluffy dog is celebrated for its long hair consisting of a wavy outer coat and a fine and tight undercoat, says Purina.
Briard’s double coat needs regular brushing at least three to four times a week. A pin brush and undercoat rake are basic tools to get rid of their dead hair, making them smooth and manageable. The thick coat of the Briard mainly comes in gray, tawny, or black colors.
Owing to the background as a sheep herder and guardian, this long-haired dog breed needs plenty of exercise and loves to have some kind of job. Thus, it thrives in active households that can manage its energy levels. This dog does well with families having children.
4. Afghan Hound
Elegancy walks in a large-sized Afghan hound thanks to its silky coat that, when it flows, blows the minds of dog lovers. Though this sighthound was developed as a hunting partner for humans in the Asian mountains, today it is also honored as a family companion in different countries of the world.
Afghan hound is a famous long-haired dog, which is blessed with a gorgeously silky coat, agility, and power. Its dense double coat not only gives it a decent look but also protects it from harsh weather. This big canine sheds minimally, but it still needs regular brushing to prevent matting in long hair.
Afghan hounds thrive in active families who adore outdoor adventures like hunting and hiking. To keep its appearance at its best, committed and patient individuals can adopt or purchase this stunning dog. They form strong bonds with their loved ones and are proud, loyal companions.
5. Maltese
Dramatic single-coated Maltese ranks high among the long-haired breeds. You can spot this popular dog worldwide with a top knot and flowing gait, thanks to its silky and long hair. Maltese’s luxurious coat can be styled in various ways, and it looks gorgeous either long or short.
This small fluffy dog breed with a long coat in bright white colour caries gentle and approachable personality. Their energy levels are not so high. Therefore, short walks and ample time in the lap of their favorite ones are enough for well being of Maltese, mentioned by AKC.
Daily brushing and professional grooming are the basic commitments to have their coats in the best shape. Interestingly enough, this fluffy four-legged friend has fur that behaves and looks like human hair. As a result, you do not see much fur on your sofas, but an increase in the length of their silky hair.
6. Komondor
Unique but gorgeous coat of Komondor makes it eye catching in first glance. This white Hungarian sheepdog was primarily bred to be a guardian and herding dog that camouflaged in the herds to save the animals from predators.
Komondor, in its puppyhood, has a soft and wavy coat, but in its adult phase, this long-haired breed’s unusual coat naturally forms cords, saving it from weather changes and animal bites. Though it’s uncommon, the grooming routine of the Komondor is not easy at all.
The cord coat does not need brushing, but regular bathing is necessary. Do not leave the cords wet, as they get dirty and smelly, leading to skin infections. Dilute the shampoos for cleaning and squeezing the cords just like towels, followed drying phase is crucial.
7. Skye Terrier
The distinctive characteristic of the Skye Terrier is its floor length and incredibly dramatic coat. Their fluffy hair flows through their erect ears, giving an almost bat-wing appearance. This long-haired dog breed often looks cute in a peekaboo look; fringes covering its eyes and face.
Skye terrier is initially bred in Scotland, and it has a big personality packed in a compact size. Provided with regular exercise in short intervals, these dogs make a great addition to apartments as well. If you are a busy individual, you can ask your groomer for a short and stylish haircut.
This dog breed’s energy levels are balanced; it is equally content being involved in outdoor activities and being a couch potato. These intense lovers and loyal dogs are strongly bonded to one individual of the family and stay aloof from strangers.
8. Bearded Collie
This shaggy dog has thick fur that appears rustic and charming among other long-haired dog breeds. The double coat of the Bearded Collie has a flat outer coat and a soft and furry undercoat, protecting it from the frigid temperatures of icy mountains.
This glamorous breed served its role as herding dogs back in the past, and today they still excel in herding, agility, and other dog sports to channelize their boundless energy. Being a medium-sized dog with long hair Bearded Collie needs a dedicated owner for its grooming.
They are reputed to be friendly dogs who get along beautifully with children and other pets. But consistent training and early socialization are important for these smart pooches to behave well. Their dense coat is prone to matting, which is why daily brushing keeps the coat tangle-free.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
The tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog hails from Switzerland and is famous for its herding skills and cute looks. Being a long-haired breed, this mountain dog has a silky double coat that needs proper brushing at least 3-4 times a week or more, as it is a heavy shedder too.
Regardless of its large stature, the Bernese Mountain Dog does not have hyper active nature. They are calm and gentle giants who get along with kids and make wonderful companions for families. However, they remain reserved around strangers in order to protect their loved ones.
Since the ancestors of this dog were used to work on farms for herding purposes, today’s Bernese still needs some training and early exposure to stimuli to react with awareness. Moreover, do not leave your Bernese alone for too long, otherwise it develops separation anxiety.
10. Havanese
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, is a small, fluffy dog that is known for its mind-blowing soft and long coat. As their fluffy coat flows, so does their temperament, easy and manageable. Havanese is an adaptable dog with an affectionate and calm demeanor.
This small dog can become an ideal pet for apartment dwellers as well as novice pet owners. They are people-pleasing and intelligent, making training sessions a breeze for owners. Amiable Havanese get along beautifully with families having kids.
Havanese’s fur is of two types, wavy or smooth, but both of them need frequent brushing keeping coat free from matting. Daily walks and play sessions with their family members are enough for their physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Though all long-haired dogs are admired for their beauty, but it does not maintain themselves on their own. It depends on the efforts and consistency of the pet parents who care for them. For overall well-being and care of your pooch, one must take care of some essential things, such as regular brushing, timely bathing, and nail trimming.
Grooming is not just a task but a part of companionship that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. There are some other breeds as well that boast beautiful coats and temperament together, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, and Yorkshire Terrier.
