A well-maintained long haired breed can steal your heart with its luxurious locks! Just like a long-haired guy you might be envious of, these fluffy dogs need regular grooming to keep looking their best.
Long haired dogs take pride in their beautiful silky coats. Some long hair breeds are small while others are large. Some also have hypoallergenic coats. Remember, all dogs shed but some coats are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people.
Whether you are interested in long haired small dogs or you like large breeds, you will find them here. This article will help you learn everything about these dogs, from breed characteristics to grooming tips.
Have a look at these 9 dog breeds with long coat that can be your devoted companions.
Long Haired Dog Breeds
1. Collie
Collie has a long double coat that you should groom frequently to prevent tangles. They have two coat types: rough and smooth. Rough collies are fluffy dogs with Lassie like coloring. We recommend brushing your Collie two to three times a week to get shinier and smoother hair.
Surprisingly, collies do not shed a lot. However, seasonal changes can increase shedding. Pay attention to elbows and ears to avoid missing mats. Collies are fastidious dogs with very little doggie odor.
Belonging to the herding group, Collies are very playful and active. A daily exercise of one to two hours is important for physical health and mental stimulation. Collies are smart, devoted, and affectionate family dogs.
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low
2. Briard
A Briard has a flowing coat and strong muscular body. It is a cuddly canine with a slightly wavy coat on the outside and a tight coat on the inside. Briards are popular for their loving personalities. The American Kennel Club describes them as a “heart wrapped in fur.”
Originally bred in France, Briards served as sheep herders and flock guardians. It is a smart and spirited breed that gets along well with children. Briards are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise to stay fit.
We recommend brushing your Briard at least three times a week. Consider using a pin brush and an undercoat rake to get rid of loose undercoat. Although the Briards don’t shed a lot, regular grooming helps to keep their thick double coat tangle free.
Weight: 55 to 100 pounds
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low
3. Komondor
Komondor has a mop like long coat. It has a rough and wavy outercoat and a fluffy undercoat. It can take up to two years to form completely. Once the coat starts clumping, you have to split it into sections.
Always wash your Komondor’s dirty coat with water. Damp coats are susceptible to mildew so better dry their wet coats completely using warm air. Maintaining healthy coats can be a bit time taking but gives you agile and powerful pups.
According to PetMD, Komondors are quite and independent, yet affectionate. If socialized properly, they behave well around children and other pets. However, they are standoffish towards strangers. Therefore, expose your dog to new people and situations to prepare them for new experiences.
Weight: 88 to 120 pounds
Height: 25 to 28 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Non shedding
4. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso are the little dogs with long and silky hair. Sometimes, you cannot see them underneath those beautiful locks. Their fur can grow so long that it touches the ground and gives a fell as if they are floating on the ground.
Lhasa Apso’s thick fur is hypoallergenic prone to getting tangled. Regular baths and frequent brushing help keep the coat clean. But, grooming can be time consuming. So, if you’re not planning to take your pup to a dog show, better get the coat trimmed short from a professional groomer.
Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and protective by nature. They get well along with your children and other animals. They are devoted and affectionate towards their owners due to which they make great family pets.
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low
5. Pekingese
Pekingese, the ultimate toy breed, is popular for its luxurious fur that looks like “lion’s mane.” Treasured by the Chinese royalties for centuries, these fluffy dogs are believed to be created by Buddha. Pekes have a long thick coat that requires intensive care.
Daily brushing and weekly bathing is recommended to maintain your Peke’s overall hygiene. If you are finding it hard to maintain, you can trim their fur. However, keeping the fur short for long durations can affect its coloring and texture. These little lions are known for their confidence and loyalty.
Weight: 14 pounds
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Grooming Needs: Moderate to high
Shedding Factor: Moderate
6. Puli
Komondor’s close relative, Puli has dense, weatherproof, and wooly double coat. A Puli’s coat has rope like thinner cords. The inner and outer coat can intertwine and require regular grooming and care to prevent matting.
Pulis are active, playful, and smart dogs. Komondors are night watchers but Pulis work during the day. Along with the Komondors, they are used as livestock guardians. Pulis form strong bonds with their owners and are friendly with kids.
Pulis are one of the double coated breeds with corded fur. Omlet suggests brushing your puppy’s hair daily. While brushing, use your hands to remove tangles. Gently massage the skin. If required, use scissors to separate the cords that have started to clump together.
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Non shedding
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terrier was used in England to kill rodents. They are highly sought for their loving and affectionate nature. Yorkie’s beautiful coat looks like human hair. Puppies are born with a thick coat which lightens over the next two years.
Their silky fur has to be brushed every day. If you want to keep your Yorkie’s hair long, bath them weekly. Otherwise, contact a professional groomer to trim the long coat every four to six months. Yorkies have a single coat, so make sure to keep them cozy during winter months with warm clothes.
Weight: 7 pounds
Height: 7 to 8 inches (toy breed)
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low but hypoallergenic
8. Afghan Hound
Afghan hound is one of the oldest known dog breeds. Silky, long, and flowing coat is the defining characteristic of this breed. Its thick fur protects it from cold weather and harsh elements in Afghanistan’s mountains.
The long coat requires extensive grooming. Frequent brushing is required every week to maintain the fur. Breed specialists also recommend using a good shampoo and conditioner while bathing your Afghan hound.
Afghan hounds are known for their sweet and gentle personalities. If you are looking for a canine guardian who does not bark much, consider adopting this breed.
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low
9. Bearded Collie
It is a dog breed with profuse beard and long coat. Bearded collies originated decades ago in Scotland where shepherds used them to drive cattle. Bearded collies are athletic pups with high energy levels. They are friendly with pets and young kids, and make wonderful family dogs.
They have a harsh and shaggy outercoat and a soft and dense undercoat. Regular grooming is required to prevent mats and tangles. Brush and comb the bearded collie frequently and bath them occasionally. Luckily, beardies don’t shed much.
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Height: 20 to 22 inches
Grooming Needs: High
Shedding Factor: Low
Conclusion
Long haired dog breeds look adorable but these fur balls need extensive grooming. They tend to shed and their dander can be hypoallergenic. If you own a dog with long hair, take care of their grooming needs. Consider weekly brushing, trimming, and occasional bathing to maintain hygiene. Lastly, if you are prone to allergies, opt for non-hypoallergenic long-haired breeds that don’t shed much such as Afghan hound and Lhasa Apso.
