Dogs with a long coat possess a unique allure. Their elegant appearance is due to a flowing coat, but there is much more to these dog breeds than just beauty. Some of these companions are playful family members, while others are quiet lap dogs that love an afternoon reset.
You will also find a few energetic athletic dogs that love the outdoors. When you select a new dog breed, consider your lifestyle, grooming schedule, and how much time you can spend with your pet. The best dog is not the most beautiful one, but the one that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle.
Here are a few of the top long-haired pups for your home and family.
Long-Haired Dog Breeds: Finding Your Perfect Match
1. Afghan Hound
There is no place to hide from the Afghan Hound. It has a long, silky coat that hangs down to give it one of the most graceful looks in the dog world. This dog, however, is more than just a beautiful face.
Afghan Hounds are among the pups that were bred to hunt in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. Due to their past, they are athletic, fast, and somewhat independent. They love spending time with their families, yet they don’t need to be the center of attention all the time.
This breed might not be an ideal pet for those who prefer a dog that is sure of itself, and not afraid of being different. It is kept happy with daily walks and opportunities to run in an enclosed, safe space.
Its luxurious coat requires dedication. Regular grooming will help to prevent tangles, and regular bathing will help maintain a smooth and healthy coat. When this happens, grooming can become a great part of the weekly routine.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was bred to hunt and kill rats in textile mills. Dog ownership for this pup became popular years later when it became one of the favorite lap dogs of Victorian ladies.
This pup has a hypoallergenic coat, and its human-like hair grows steadily. If the coat is kept long, it needs to be provided with daily brushing. There are some owners who prefer a shorter cut, as it is easier to take care of while some people like these adorable best friends to have the traditional long flowing coats.
Yorkies enjoy being a part of everyday activities. They welcome their owners around the house, go to the door and say hello to people with a wagging little tail. They are also very happy to accompany their pet parents on short trips.
These pups are inquisitive and like to explore everything around them. Even though they are small, these smart dogs love to learn tricks and take part in obedience training. Early training and socialization can mold their temperament and prevent them from barking unnecessarily.
3. Havanese
According to Pooch and Mutt, the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. If you are looking for a dog that will be with you from dusk till dawn then this pup stands at the first place. It is like a little shadow that cannot stay away from its owner.
It is a cheerful little dog and possesses a soft and wavy coat. The Havanese is a friendly dog that likes to play games, and also loves to lie down beside its family.
This dog will always look stylish and well-groomed if given proper care. The coat is soft, thus more comfortable to brush. Pet owners prefer to have the fur clipped up so that the grooming routine is much easier. It is also important to clean the corners of its eyes to prevent tear staining.
These pups are sensitive so great care needs to be taken when training them as speaking to them harshly can hurt them and cause destructive behaviors. These dogs are generally very kind as compared to other dogs that might become nervous around strangers.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is known for one thing above everything else, i.e., being a loyal companion for centuries. It was originally bred to be kept in royal palaces with the noble families. It still lives a peaceful lifestyle with modern-day family members.
While most energetic breeds require hours of exercise, the Shih Tzu is not one of them. It is usually happy with a few walks for a couple of minutes each day. It prefers to spend the rest of the day relaxing on a couch next to its owner.
It has a long coat that makes it look graceful, but many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” that is easier to wash and brush without going through any hassle and compromising the pup’s beauty.
The Shih Tzu’s calm temperament is one of the reasons why it is so popular. It is good with children, visitors, and other pets if provided with socialization skills from an early age.
5. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a very confident dog despite being very small. This breed was bred in the Tibetan monasteries where it was used as an indoor watchdog, according to Purina. This is why it is so alert and observant even now.
It has a long, straight coat that lends a dignified look to the animal. Under the pretty hair is a faithful family member that establishes deep bonds with its family members. Lhasa Apso may take some time to get comfortable around strangers, unlike some social breeds who welcome visitors with open arms (or open paws as we might say!).
Its independent nature is ideal for those dog owners who prefer to have a dog that has personality and does not need constant attention. It likes to gather all the love but needs its own privacy as well.
The Lhasa Apso needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting around the ears and around its legs. Many owners prefer a shorter trim that is easier to maintain, yet still allows the breed to maintain its stylish look.
6. Tibetan Terrier
Although the Tibetan Terrier’s name suggests it is a terrier, it actually isn’t. It was bred by Tibetan monks to be an all-purpose companion and working dog. It has a powerful body and big, flat feet, which enabled it to move over rocky mountain paths with ease.
The Tibetan Terrier has a long double coat that protects it from cold weather. Despite its soft and fluffy look, this breed is active and loves to explore the outdoors. Its love for activities is fulfilled through hikes, nature walks, and interactive games during the weekends.
It is gentle and loving at home. It enjoys being near its own family and may become very attached to the people it trusts the most. It is also very intelligent, which can make training fun, particularly through positive reinforcement.
Owners are encouraged to brush the coat several times a week to keep it from tangling. If well cared for, this dog’s coat is one of the most attractive features.
7. Maltese
The Maltese has been a cherished companion dog for thousands of years, and it’s not hard to see why. It is one of the most popular long-haired dog breeds because of its sweet nature, white coat and lovely expressions.
This one is not a big yard dog. It is perfect for apartment living and can suit well to small or medium sized homes. It enjoys being near its owner and does not mind accompanying them on walks and trips to the park or grocery store.
The Maltese puppies are also very playful. They are kept entertained all day with indoor games. They are sporting dogs and would happily take part in obedience or agility training. Although they can be a bit stubborn, they respond well to positive training methods.
They have a white silky coat which requires regular grooming. A nice dog shampoo and conditioner should be considered to keep the coat soft and healthy. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly as these pups are prone to dental diseases as per the American Kennel Club.
Conclusion
There is much more to choosing a long-haired dog than just falling in love with its beautiful coat. Each breed comes with a different character, energy, and grooming requirements.
Some are playful and like to go outside to explore, others love to spend their days curled up next to their owners at home.
If you are aware of which breed is capable of accommodating different lifestyles, you will have a happy friend for many years.
