Ever stopped mid-walk just to admire a dog whose coat flows, swishes, or bounces with every step? Long-haired dog breeds have a way of turning heads without even trying.
Their coats can be silky smooth, fluffy and full, or styled in eye-catching cords—and yes, they’re often as soft and cuddly as they look. But there’s more to these glamorous pups than good hair days.
These dogs are known for their charm, intelligence, and strong bonds with their humans. They’ve worked as herders, hunters, companions, and showstoppers for centuries, proving that elegance and ability can go paw in paw.
Of course, owning a long-haired dog does come with responsibility—frequent brushing, coat care, and a bit of patience—but for many dog lovers, that grooming time becomes a relaxing bonding ritual.
So, is a long-haired dog right for you? If you love a mix of personality, presence, and undeniable charm, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will explore a world where stunning looks meet lovable traits.
Top Long-Haired Dog Breeds: Beauty and Personality Combined
1. Havanese
Named after Havana, the capital city of Cuba, the Havanese proudly holds the title of National Dog of Cuba, according to the American Kennel Club. It is the only dog breed native to the island nation.
This toy breed is loved for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and social personality. It comes in many coat colors and is often mistaken for similar-looking breeds due to its long, silky hair and sweet expression.
Coat Care & Grooming Needs
The Havanese has a double coat that is thick, long, and silky.
When kept long, the coat needs daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats.
If trimmed short, brushing once or twice a week is usually enough.
Many owners choose regular trims every few weeks for easier care.
The coat sheds very little, no matter the length.
This breed can also be corded, but forming cords takes careful sectioning and constant checks. The full process can take up to two years.
Personality & Lifestyle Fit
The Havanese is friendly, social, and great with families. It is known for its playful “fursonality” and strong bond with people. Unlike many toy breeds, it is not overly barky.
It adapts well to apartment living but still enjoys outdoor play. About 30 minutes of daily exercise is usually enough. Its coat helps protect it from the sun, making it comfortable in warm climates, while keeping the coat longer in winter offers added warmth.
2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed from the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. For centuries, these dogs served as indoor watchdogs in palaces and Buddhist monasteries, alerting monks when strangers approached.
The breed is named after the sacred city of Lhasa, with “apso” meaning long-haired dog. Highly valued by Tibetan dignitaries and even the Dalai Lama, this breed has long been admired for both beauty and purpose.
Coat, Grooming & Care
The Lhasa Apso has a heavy, straight, dense double coat.
The coat sheds very little but needs thorough brushing two to three times a week.
Many owners choose a shorter pet clip for easier maintenance.
Regular trimming by a professional groomer is recommended.
Whether long or short, the coat must be brushed to prevent tangles.
After baths, the coat should be fully dried, as damp hair tangles easily.
Personality & Family Fit
Lhasa Apsos are cheerful, affectionate, and deeply loyal to their families. They get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. While they are cuddly companions, they also have a natural guarding instinct and like to watch over their home.
Early socialization helps them feel comfortable around new people and animals. As a bonus, this pretty dog breed is considered hypoallergenic and is known as one of the longest-living dog breeds.
3. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in Afghanistan, where it was known as Tazi and valued for hunting in cold, mountainous regions.
Its thick coat helped protect it from harsh weather. Most modern Afghan Hounds, however, trace their lineage to Great Britain in the early 20th century. With its flowing coat and curled tail, this breed is a true showstopper and a classic example of timeless beauty.
Coat Care & Grooming Routine
The Afghan Hound has a long, silky, flowing coat that sheds infrequently.
The coat should never be brushed when dry.
Weekly baths with shampoo and conditioner are recommended.
Several hours of brushing each week are needed to maintain the coat.
This breed is not clipped and usually does not require a professional groomer if brushed properly.
Puppies start with short, curly coats that grow long and silky with age.
Personality, Health & Lifestyle
Afghan Hounds are independent, proud, and self-confident. They are sighthounds, meaning they hunt using sharp vision and speed. Daily exercise is essential, and they do best in active homes. Allowing them to run freely in a safe, enclosed space once or twice a week is ideal.
They are gentle, sweet, and not known for excessive barking, but training requires patience due to their stubborn streak. The long hair around their ears can trap moisture, so ears should be cleaned and checked often. Many owners tie the hair in a top knot to prevent infections.
4. Maltese
The Maltese may be small, but it has a bold and confident personality. Historically, this breed has been known as an excellent miniature watchdog, always alert to what’s happening around them.
Loved for their gentle nature and cheerful attitude, Maltese dogs enjoy attention and make wonderful lap companions. Their long, fluffy, white coat is one of their most recognizable features and adds to their timeless charm.
Coat Style & Grooming Options
The Maltese has a single-layer coat that is more like hair than fur.
The coat can be worn long enough to touch the ground or styled in many ways.
Common styles include all short, or long on the head and tail, with a shorter body.
Most owners prefer a short coat since long coats need more upkeep.
Short coats may appear slightly wavy, while longer hair straightens as it grows.
Daily brushing is recommended, along with professional grooming every few weeks.
Personality, Care & Lifestyle
Maltese dogs are affectionate, gentle, and love being close to their people. They shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for allergy-sensitive homes.
Routine care is important and includes nail trimming, regular baths, and consistent dental hygiene. They are prone to dental issues, so daily tooth brushing is advised.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Fondly called Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers originated in England, where they were once used to hunt and kill rodents. Today, they are loved for their bold, playful, and confident nature.
Despite their small size, Yorkies often act much bigger than they are, a trait commonly called “little dog syndrome.” They are affectionate, loyal, entertaining, and make excellent companion dogs, as well as alert little watchdogs.
Coat Type & Grooming Needs
Yorkies have a single coat of long, silky hair that closely resembles human hair.
The hair grows continuously and sheds very little.
When kept long, the coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Hair on the head should be clipped short or tied into a top knot to protect the eyes.
Baths are recommended weekly or every two weeks.
Professional grooming is often needed every few weeks.
Care, Personality & Lifestyle
Yorkshire Terriers are energetic, feisty, and always ready for cuddles. They enjoy going out and adapt well to apartment living. Since their coat is only a single layer, they should be kept warm in winter with sweaters or jackets.
Routine care includes weekly ear checks, monthly nail trims, and daily tooth brushing, as dental care is important for this breed. While they can be loud, stubborn during house-training, and occasionally snappy with children, they usually live long lives and stay relatively healthy.
6. Silky Terrier
True to its name, the Silky Terrier is a gorgeous, spirited, and intelligent long-haired breed. Known for being alert and protective, these pups make great watchdogs.
But underneath that feisty side, they’re affectionate and friendly, loving to please their people. While they can be a bit territorial, Silkies rarely show aggression and tend to be good-natured companions.
Coat Care & Grooming Tips
The Silky Terrier’s long, straight, silky coat feels much like human hair.
Weekly brushing with a pin brush or soft bristle brush keeps the coat shiny and tangle-free.
Use a long-toothed metal comb to gently work through any tangles.
Their hair grows continuously, so frequent grooming is often needed to keep it trimmed.
Nail trimming and monthly baths are also part of routine care.
Personality & Lifestyle
Silkies are energetic but not hyperactive, making them well-suited for apartment living. They enjoy outdoor time as long as you’re there to join them.
PetMD mentions that these small dynamos thrive on daily exercise, needing at least one hour of activity like long walks or agility play to stay happy. Loyal and full of affection, the Silky Terrier combines beauty and personality with a playful spirit and loving heart.
7. Papillon
The Papillon, named after the French word for “butterfly,” is instantly recognizable by its large, wing-shaped ears fringed with long, wispy hair. This small toy dog combines delicate beauty with an energetic and hardy nature.
Despite its refined, dainty appearance, the Papillon is a lively, happy, and friendly companion who thrives in almost any environment—whether warm or cool, city or country. They’re also stars in the agility ring and excel at learning tricks, making them a joyful family member for active homes.
Coat & Grooming Essentials
Papillons have a long, silky coat with no undercoat, giving a smooth, flowing appearance.
The coat should be polished and straight, with a profuse, poofy frill around the chest.
Regular brushing or combing a few times a week helps prevent tangles and mats.
Hair should be slightly damp when brushed to avoid breakage.
Small mats should be carefully teased apart—not pulled—sometimes using corn starch to loosen them
Frequent bathing encourages healthy hair growth and prevents damage.
Personality & Care
Papillons are cheerful, alert, and loving dogs who quickly bond with their families. They require consistent, positive training to grow into the ideal companion.
Their coat quality depends on good health, diet, and genetics, with variations influenced by factors like color and spaying. As elegant as they look, Papillons are also spirited little athletes who love to stay active and engaged
8. Cocker Spaniel
With their big, soulful eyes and playful personality, Cocker Spaniels have long been one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they’ve since won hearts as friendly, all-around companions.
Their sturdy yet compact build, smooth gait, and flowing coat make them both athletic and elegant. Cockers are known for their loving nature and make wonderful playmates for kids and adults alike.
Coat Care & Grooming Tips
Their flowing coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats.
Long ears and legs are prone to tangles and require extra attention.
Weekly deep grooming checks for mats and skin irritation.
Use detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb on stubborn mats.
Professional grooming may be needed for severe mats.
Personality & Lifestyle
Energetic and eager, Cocker Spaniels thrive on playtime and brisk walks. Their charming looks come with some grooming commitment, but the reward is a beautiful, healthy coat and a happy, comfortable dog.
With their balance of beauty, personality, and athleticism, Cocker Spaniels are a perfect example of beauty and personality combined.
9. Briard
The Briard is a large, muscular herding dog from France known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. With a wavy coat in gray, tawny, or black, and a signature peek-a-boo hairdo, Briards carry an air of elegance and strength.
They are nimble despite their size and deeply devoted to their families, especially children, whom they guard like their own flock. Their herding instinct is powerful—just a few Briards can manage hundreds of sheep—but their warm, friendly personalities make them great family companions for active homes.
Coat Care & Grooming
The Briard’s long, wavy fur requires multiple brushings weekly to prevent mats.
Regular bathing with quality shampoo keeps their coat healthy.
Teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are essential parts of care.
Briards are light shedders compared to other large long-haired breeds.
Teaching them to enjoy grooming helps make maintenance easier.
A balanced diet supports coat quality and overall health.
Personality & Lifestyle
Briards are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They have a protective streak, especially with children, often seeing them as part of their own “flock” to watch over.
These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, but need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Their energy and zest for life mean they thrive in homes where they can be active and engaged every day. Without enough exercise or attention, they may become bored or restless.
10. Pekingese
The Pekingese is the ultimate lapdog—friendly, affectionate, and wonderfully social. Treasured by Chinese royalty for centuries, this little fluffy dog breed was once so precious that stealing one was said to be punishable by torture or even death.
Coat Care & Grooming
Their long double coat forms a magnificent lion-like ruff around the neck and shoulders.
Regular brushing, about two to three times a week, is essential to prevent mats and tangles.
Brushing for at least one hour weekly is recommended to keep the coat healthy.
Occasional baths and gentle detangling with slicker brushes or metal combs help maintain their beautiful coats.
Pekingese shed seasonally and require regular nail trims to prevent discomfort.
Clipping the coat shorter can help keep this flat-faced breed cooler in warm weather.
Personality & Lifestyle
Pekingese are confident, charming, and fiercely loyal companions. They form tight bonds with their favorite humans and carry an air of independence reminiscent of ancient emperors. Though they tolerate children, they prefer gentle interactions and can be quite opinionated.
Orvis says that their alert nature makes them good watchdogs. With their unique rolling gait and regal presence, Pekingese are a perfect blend of elegance and affectionate companionship.
Conclusion
Long-haired dog breeds bring a special kind of charm and personality to any home. From their stunning coats to their unique traits and loving natures, these dogs truly stand out in both beauty and character.
While they do require extra care and grooming, the bond you build through that care makes every moment worthwhile. If you’re ready to welcome one of these gorgeous, fluffy companions into your life, make sure to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and grooming commitment.
Remember, every dog has its own personality waiting to shine—sometimes it’s their coat that catches your eye, but it’s their heart that keeps you hooked for life.
There are many long-haired breeds apart from the ones mentioned above that are worth considering. These include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Bearded Collie, Siberian Husky, Irish Setter, and Puli.
