Max, my neighbor, had no intention of dealing with dog fur in his apartment. Then came Bella, the long-haired rescue who changed everything. “I spend more on brushes and vacuums now,” he laughs, “but I wouldn’t trade her for anything.”
Long-haired dogs have that effect on people!
They transform vacuum-hating minimalists into proud fur-parents who carry lint rollers everywhere. These dogs with their flowing coats bring both beauty and work into our lives. Some need daily brushing, others weekly grooming sessions.
Those who share their homes with these magnificent animals say the same thing: the extra cleaning is nothing compared to the joy they bring.
So, are you ready to meet ten breeds that might make you reach for both your wallet and a new vacuum cleaner? Here’s the list:
Long-Haired Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
With its flowing, silky coat and effortless elegance, the Afghan Hound makes even humans jealous.
But besides their supermodel looks, these ancient sight hounds were desert hunters who needed that luxurious hair as protection from harsh climates.
Their independent nature means they’re not constantly begging for attention. They might make distance with strangers, but only their owners know how deeply they share their bond with this loving breed
That gorgeous long hair demands commitment. Without regular grooming sessions every few days, that elegant coat becomes a tangled nightmare faster than you can say “where’s my pin brush?”
The Afghan hound is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty that comes with responsibility.
2. Briard
The Briard is more than just a dog. You can expect them to bump into your furniture, as its shaggy coat covers its eyes. As Zealandia Pets claims that these French farm dogs were working alongside shepherds long before Instagram made fluffy dogs famous.
Their thick double coat served a purpose beyond looks. It provides protection from both weather and potential wolf bites while guarding flocks.
What makes them particularly lovable is that they form such deep bonds with their humans that they seem to read minds, anticipating needs before you even know you have them.
Weekly brushing isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory unless you want a dog with natural dreadlocks. They’re smart dogs who need mental challenges as much as physical exercise, turning boredom into creative mischief that somehow always involves your favorite shoes.
3. Lhasa Apso
For hundreds of years, Lhasa Apsos kept Tibetan temples safe by sending fluffy little alerts when strangers came nearby.
Initially bred in the Himalayan region of Tibet, these dogs wear their ancestral double-layer coat like royal robes. Their flowing coat is just for show, it evolved as a protection against the harsh environment they lived in.
Though they appear high-maintenance, many owners discover that the regular grooming sessions become meditative bonding rituals that both human and dog come to cherish. They carry themselves with the confidence of much larger dogs, a reminder of their royal heritage.
Apart from that, these dogs are exceptionally affectionate in their selective devotion. They form strong bonds with their chosen people while remaining politely reserved with others.
Behind those hair-covered eyes hides a sharp mind that remembers every person who’s ever wronged them, especially the mail carrier.
4. Pekingese
In ancient China, the Pekingese was seen as a lap dog and was thought to be a form of lion spirits in a compact form. These little dogs are very proud of their status and behave in a way that is sometimes almost stubborn.
Their dense coat creates the famous lion-like appearance, with the abundant mane and feathering that once served as a status symbol in imperial courts. Their unique demonstration of affection comes through loyalty—they choose their person and remain fiercely devoted.
What many first-time handlers don’t expect is the Pekingese’s independent nature. They’re not eager pleasers but rather equal partners in the relationship.
Their thick double-layer coat requires considerable maintenance, though the effort pays off in their magnificent appearance. Another amazing fact about this breed is that they have surprisingly deep barks that once alerted palace guards to intruders.
5. Komondor
Komondor is nature’s perfect livestock guardian, with its remarkable corded coat resembling dreadlocks that serves multiple purposes on the Hungarian plains.
These impressive cords aren’t a fashion statement but a functional adaptation. They protect against wolf bites and extreme weather while allowing the dog to blend among sheep flocks. They bond deeply with their families and consider them part of their “flock” to guard.
The Komondor’s cords form naturally as the puppy’s soft fur tangles with the coarser outer coat, eventually creating the distinctive rope-like appearance that requires occasional bathing but minimal brushing.
They don’t bark without reason, but act decisively when threats appear. Their independent thinking developed from working alone with flocks, making them both self-sufficient and deeply connected to their families.
6. Puli
The Puli’s signature corded coat looks more like a mop in motion than a traditional dog, but that’s part of its charm. These Hungarian herding dogs pack serious working skills into a medium-sized package topped with a curly coat that requires both patience and commitment.
Originally bred for herding in harsh conditions, their cords provided protection from both weather extremes and predator bites. What makes them especially charming is their playfulness that never quite fades with age. They’ll be doing puppy-like antics well into their senior years as well.
If you live with a Puli, you have to adopt a special way to groom them. They are different from other long-haired breeds because once the cords form, they need to be separated instead of brushed.
Their boundless energy channels into remarkable athletic abilities, too. They can change direction mid-air and beat dogs twice their size, proving there’s much more to them than just their extraordinary appearance.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
A fashion designer might describe the Yorkshire Terrier as the perfect pocket-sized companion with runway-ready looks.
These tiny dogs sport long, flowing locks that aren’t actually fur but continuously growing hair similar to human hair, which explains their popularity among allergy sufferers. Their soft fur requires diligent care, but owners insist the extra grooming time doubles as bonding sessions.
What makes Yorkies exceptionally affectionate is their shadow-like behavior. They want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you’re doing. Their portable size makes them adaptable to apartment living, though their big personalities sometimes make you forget they’re among the smallest of dog breeds.
Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, these former working dogs retain surprising toughness beneath their elegant appearance. Their distinctive blue and tan coloring actually changes as they mature, with puppies born nearly black before developing their signature coloring.
8. Coton de Tulear
The Coton brings Madagascar’s sunny disposition right into your living room, wearing a cotton-soft coat that gives it its fitting name. These playful companions float rather than walk, with their fluffy feet barely seeming to touch the ground.
Their single coat feels different from most long-haired breeds. They don’t have heavy double layers, instead, they have a light, airy material that doesn’t shed much despite being very long.
Their calm and easygoing nature lets them match their energy to yours. They only start barking when you’re ready to play and curl up next to you when you need to relax. And, this is what makes them great family dogs.
Their distinctive soft fur requires regular maintenance but doesn’t mat as easily as some other breeds, making them slightly more forgiving of missed grooming sessions. These natural comedians seem to understand the power of their charm, using those expressive eyes peeking through their fluffy bangs to get exactly what they want.
9. Leonberger
Not only is a Leonberger towering above its audience, but its lion-like mane frames its expressive face, making it impossible to ignore. They bred in Germany to resemble forest lions while having the temperament of oversized teddy bears.
As per the AKC breed profile, these gentle giants shed heavily twice a year in dramatic “blowing coat” episodes that transform homes with tumbleweeds of fur, requiring dedicated brushing during these periods. Their affection manifests uniquely through their body awareness.
Despite their massive size, they move carefully around children and smaller pets, seeming to understand their own strength. The Leonberger’s webbed feet reveal their secondary purpose as water rescue dogs, making them naturally drawn to swimming opportunities.
Their double coat provides insulation that keeps them comfortable in cold weather while remaining surprisingly manageable with proper and maintained grooming sessions.
10. Old English Sheepdog
A professional groomer would tell you the Old English Sheepdog represents both a challenge and a canvas. Their abundant, shaggy double coat served practical purposes in their working past—protecting them from Britain’s damp weather while herding livestock.
Without regular maintenance, the coat of this big, fluffy dog breed quickly becomes unmanageable, forming painful mats that can affect mobility.
What makes these dogs especially loving is their heightened sensitivity to human emotions. They often press their substantial bodies against their owners during times of stress, offering living comfort.
The characteristic “bounce” in their movement comes from their herding heritage, where quick direction changes were essential.
Despite looking like oversized teddy bears, these family dogs maintain impressive athletic abilities and benefit from regular exercise. Many owners opt for the practical “puppy cut” that preserves the breed’s distinctive look while reducing maintenance demands.
Conclusion
After meeting these magnificent ten breeds, perhaps you’re already picturing yourself with an armful of dog hair and a heart full of joy!
The Shih Tzu and Alaskan Malamute belong in this conversation too, though they didn’t make our featured list—both showcase stunning long coats that require dedicated care.
The journey with these woolly undercoat wonders turns everyday moments into something special. Whether you’re casually combing through that dense fluff while watching TV, or suddenly the center of attention on a neighborhood walk as people admire your dog’s flowing locks. It’s all part of the charm.
Small dogs with big personalities or gentle giants with soft undercoats—they all leave paw prints across our hearts and fur across our furniture. The frequent brushing becomes less of a chore and more of a meditation, a quiet moment between you and your extraordinary companion dogs.
