There’s nothing like a long-haired dog to transform a house. Some breeds look almost royal with flowing coats, feathered tails, elegant faces, and unique grooming styles. However, that pretty appearance comes with various care, activity, and personality levels.
Some long-haired dogs were bred to be valuable companions, others as watchdogs, hunters, or outdoor dogs. They also have a great deal of diversity in terms of their coats. There are also some with silky, long hair and others with a dense double coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
It’s best to understand what lies beneath that dog’s impressive coat if you’re looking to get a naturally refined dog rather than one that’s just for looks. These breeds are known for their longer coats and unique temperaments that lie beneath.
Let’s check out some of the best breeds with gorgeous flowing locks.
Beautiful Long-Haired Dog Breeds for a Regal Home
1. Afghan Hound
Few dogs have the dramatic appearance of the Afghan Hound. It has a very elegant appearance with its long, silky coat, narrow face, thin ears, and feathered legs. However, this breed was not bred just for looks.
Afghan Hounds are originally hunting sighthounds of the mountainous areas of Central and South Asia, according to the American Kennel Club. They had long legs and athletic bodies that enabled them to move over rugged terrain and catch swift prey. That’s still a factor today, and an Afghan Hound can be a great bug catcher if something suddenly moves.
The hair is not fluffy and dense, but in loose curls which require regular grooming to ensure that it remains clean and free from tangles. Any owners wishing for a show dog appearance will find that they will have to work on their dog’s coat significantly more than they would with a normal type of short-haired dog.
These heavy-coated breeds come in a big package, typically about 25–27 inches tall and 50–60 pounds, and look good with a big body.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu exudes a different sort of regal flair. This breed is compact, small, and is covered with a long, flowing coat and has been associated with the Chinese imperial families.
These little dogs with long locks are friendly and love playing with children and other pets.
Though small, the Shih Tzu may seem very fancy with its 8-11 inches height and 9-16 pound weight. It has a double coat that may grow to the floor, hair draped around the face, and the characteristic “topknot”.
What matters for prospective owners is that this look needs care. A long-haired Shih Tzu will need to be brushed every day to prevent matting. Many owners prefer to have a shorter “puppy clip” for ease of everyday care, according to Hill’s Pet.
Shih Tzu is a companion breed, whereas some breeds that have a more active working history require more attention. It’s no wonder that it looks so luxurious in a house where the dog can spend more time inside with its family.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a little bit of an aristocrat, but its beginnings are quite functional. Under this glistening, floor-length coat is a former working terrier, used to control rats and vermin in mills and mines.
A Yorkie is typically about 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 7 pounds, which makes its long hair length appear even more dramatic in its little size! It is unlike a standard coat, their fur has texture more like human hair.
This makes Yorkshire Terriers especially intriguing for those looking for a dog that is both elegant in appearance and has a precedent for feisty working dogs. The coat can be left long for a formal look, or it can be cut into an easier-to-care-for pet coat.
Brushing regularly is a must anyway, as per PetMD. Longer hair can easily tangle up, and the coat could require professional trimming every few weeks depending on the style you select.
4. Lhasa Apso
One of the most unique and recognizable breeds of long-haired dogs is the Lhasa Apso. It has a straight, heavy coat on either side of its body, and its feathered tail is rolled over its back.
This is not a decoration of the hair. The dense coat of the breed was to protect a compact body against harsh weather conditions in Tibet. Lhasa Apsos were also employed as guard dogs to guard monasteries and palaces, and so are noticeably observant as well.
They grow to be about 10-11 inches tall and 12-18 pounds. They are sturdy dogs, not lapdogs, although they are small.
They have a long coat that requires lots of care, especially if they are kept in a full-length coat. Facial hair also must be regularly maintained to prevent the eyes and face from becoming soiled. If you like to groom your dog and would love to have a small breed dog that looks so proud, then Lhasa Apso has something for you.
5. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is slightly larger than the long-haired companion. The body is naturally balanced, square, small to medium in size, with a full coat, and a broad chest.
Although the Tibetan Terrier is called a terrier, it was not bred as a working dog. It grew wild in Tibet and was used as a companion and watchdog at Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Adults are about 14-17 inches long, weighing approximately 20-24 pounds. When left long, its coat may seem like a floppy curtain, but under all the fur, it’s a nimble dog that can easily move across rugged ground.
The breed has a long, double coat which needs to be brushed regularly. This is particularly important as the softness allows any developing tangles to be hidden near the skin. With its size, history, and rich coat, it’s a unique breed for a home that desires something a little different than a standard toy breed.
6. Bolognese
The Bolognese’s charm is a more subdued one. This small companion dog was developed in Italy for its beautiful, soft, fluffy, pure white coat that makes it look sophisticated.
The Bolognese’s coat is more textured than the straight, silky fur of a Yorkshire terrier or Maltese, and may curl up in loose, fluffy curls. That difference will make it look different in both styled and unstyled conditions.
The Bolognese is a small dog, weighing 5.5-9 pounds and measuring 10-12 inches tall. It wasn’t designed for hard work in the fields, but rather to keep a company of people warm, so it had very different life habits from the Afghan Hound or Tibetan Terrier.
It is still necessary to brush regularly, especially as a fluffy coat may develop hidden knots. The result is an elegant little white dog with a distinctly Italian appearance, which is the result when kept in good condition.
7. Maltese
Though very small, the Maltese has a very royal appearance thanks to its coat. Long hair is kept straight, and the white color can drop almost to the floor, creating the typical show ring style for the breed.
The Maltese is one of the smallest of all the breeds on this list, standing at about 7–9 inches and 7 pounds. It’s a good size for smaller dwellings, but still requires serious grooming.
Brushing and combing daily will help to prevent matting, particularly if the hair is long. Some owners will opt for a shortcut, making the coat easier to take care of, while others will keep the coat in its traditional flowing style.
However, the Maltese has a very spirited personality. It is lively, cunning, and can perform feats like obedience and agility, despite its fragile looks. It’s that contrast that makes it so great: the dog can appear as if it belongs on a velvet cushion, but it’s still a little dog that’s got a lot of energy under its fur coat.
Conclusion
When you meet the breed with long hair, you might find it gorgeous and breathtakingly beautiful. They will not only be wonderful family pets but will bring joy to your home. But these long-haired friends will be hard to maintain.
Dogs will vary from large breeds to small ancient breeds. Before adopting a fluffy dog breed with a long, beautiful coat, you can check out their adorable pet photos online. They will give you an idea of what you need to do in order to maintain their beautiful flowing hair.
These eye-catching classic family dogs are not only for dog shows. They can be working breeds, farm dogs, and even good watchdogs. The only difficult thing is that a pet owner will have to be indulged in constant grooming to maintain these gentle giants.
However, a professional groomer can always help you get used to the grooming habits required to keep their warm appearance in order. If you are consistent, then these lap dogs will be easier to maintain, but if you are someone who suffers from allergies, then we would recommend getting a non-shedding breed instead.
