Long-haired dogs have a special kind of magic—their beautiful, flowing coats make them look regal, cuddly, and downright unforgettable. From glossy waves to soft, cloud-like fluff, these pups easily steal the spotlight wherever they go. Of course, that glamour doesn’t come without effort; their luscious locks often need regular brushing and grooming to stay in top shape.
Interestingly, a dog’s coat isn’t just about beauty—it’s also nature’s design. Coat types evolved to suit the environments dogs were originally bred for, helping them stay warm, protected, or even camouflaged. So behind every silky strand or fluffy curl lies a touch of history and purpose.
Whether you adore the elegance of silky fur or the charm of a fluffy mane, these long-coated companions prove that great hair truly runs in the pack. Here are the 10 dog breeds that have the best hair—and they’re every bit as fabulous as you’d expect.
Key Takeaways
Meet the show-stoppers of the dog world, from the silky Yorkie to the majestic Afghan Hound.
Uncover the surprising history behind those flowing coats and what makes each one unique.
Get quick, real-life grooming tips to keep your fluffy friend looking fabulous year-round.
Learn fun, surprising facts about each breed—from royal favorites to ancient temple guardians.
Dog Breeds That Have The Best Hair
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, may be small, but it has the heart of a true terrier. Beneath those glossy, long coats is a bold and spirited little dog. Once bred to hunt rats in English mines, this feisty pup now enjoys life as a stylish, loving companion.
The Signature Silky Coat
The Yorkie’s coat is its greatest charm—long, fine, and silky, much like human hair. It grows continuously and needs frequent brushing to keep it smooth. Luckily, these small dogs are hypoallergenic and shed very little, making them perfect for allergy sufferers.
Their allergy-friendly hair is more like human hair than fur, which makes grooming easier maintenance than it appears. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and keeps that stunning shine.
Yorkies love spending time with their family members, offering a heart wrapped in fur that’s full of warmth, loyalty, and love.
Fun Facts
Their blue and golden coat is part of the breed standard.
Descended from Scottish terriers brought to England by weavers.
Whip-smart dogs that love mastering tricks and commands.
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2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, tracing its roots back to Tibet around 800 BCE, according to the American Lhasa Apso Club.
Bred by Tibetan monks, these dogs served as watchdogs in monasteries and palaces, alerting their masters to any approaching visitors. Their name comes from Lhasa, Tibet’s sacred city, while “Apso” means “long-haired dog.”
A Regal Coat with a Purpose
This breed’s luxurious, floor-length coat once protected it from the cold Himalayan winds. The hair parts neatly down the middle, flowing gracefully on both sides. Their dark, oval eyes peek through long facial hair, giving them a wise and soulful expression.
According to Britannica, in Tibet, they were called “abso seng kye,” meaning “bark lion sentinel dog.” Some even believed Lhasa was the living incarnation of the Snow Lion, a mythical guardian of Tibet.
Fun Facts
Believed to have provided temporary shelter for the souls of deceased lamas.
Once considered sacred and often gifted by the Dalai Lama himself.
Their long, silky coat gives them a majestic, floating appearance when they walk.
3. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier, also known as the Tsang Apso, is an ancient breed once cherished in Buddhist monasteries high in the Himalayas. Despite its name, it’s not actually a terrier.
Westerners mistakenly gave it that label when the breed first left Tibet. These dogs were known as the “holy dogs of Tibet,” serving as loyal watchdogs and loving companions for monks.
A Shaggy Coat Built for the Mountains
This breed’s coat is truly impressive—a soft, dense undercoat covered by a long, fine, slightly wavy outer layer. It kept them warm and protected in Tibet’s harsh climate.
Their large, snowshoe-like feet helped them move easily over icy ground. Tibetan Terriers come in many colors, including black, white, gold, cream, grey, and sable, often in striking combinations.
Fun Facts
Known for over 2,000 years as loyal monastery dogs.
Brought to England in the 1920s by Dr. Agnes Greig, who helped establish the breed.
Recognized by The Kennel Club in 1937 and later by the AKC as a non-sporting breed.
4. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the most famous long-haired dog breeds in the world. Known for its silky, flowing coat and regal presence, this ancient breed has been admired for thousands of years.
Originating from the mountains of Afghanistan, these graceful dogs were bred to hunt and herd in harsh, cold conditions. Their thick, luxurious coat wasn’t just for beauty—it protected them from the freezing mountain winds.
A Coat with a Purpose
An Afghan’s long, fine hair is truly its crowning glory. It comes in stunning shades of black, rust, or cream, and requires regular care to maintain its shine and smoothness.
AKC mentions that the puppies start out with short, fuzzy coats (often with adorable “monkey whiskers”) that gradually turn into the sleek, elegant fur the breed is known for. Beneath that beauty lies a powerful, athletic dog built for speed and endurance.
Fun Facts
One of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
Brought to Europe in the 19th century by British soldiers.
Famous for their dignified charm and occasional silly side.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have been melting hearts for over a thousand years. Their name means “lion dog” in Chinese, inspired by their majestic face and flowing mane.
Originating in Tibet, the breed was created by crossing Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese, later becoming cherished pets of Chinese royalty. These adorable companions lived in palaces, bringing warmth, laughter, and charm wherever they went.
A Luxurious Little Companion
The Shih Tzu’s silky, straight coat is one of the most beautiful in the dog world. It comes in many colors, including black, grey, and white, red and white, and other lovely shades.
Their long hair often forms a topknot so they can peek out from under their fringe. But beauty takes effort—daily brushing is a must to keep that stunning coat soft and tangle-free.
Fun Facts
Known as palace pets since the Tang dynasty.
Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.
Their name is pronounced “sheed-zoo” in English.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, affectionately called “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta.” This elegant small dog has been adored by nobles and royalty for centuries.
Known for their charm and affectionate nature, Maltese dogs have been lap companions since biblical times. Despite their dainty looks, these fluffy dogs are lively, playful, and love being the center of attention.
The Signature Cotton-Like Coat
The Maltese is famous for its pure white, straight, and silky coat that flows gracefully to the floor. Unlike many breeds, they have a single layer of hair, not fur, making them low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
Their coat can be styled in many ways—kept long, trimmed short, or tied up with cute topknots. Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and keep that show-stopping shine.
Fun Facts
Their coat is more like human hair than fur.
Known as a hypoallergenic breed, ideal for allergy sufferers.
A favorite companion of royalty and artists for thousands of years.
7. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is often called one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. With its glossy mahogany coat and graceful build, this breed turns heads wherever it goes.
Originally bred in 18th-century Ireland, Irish Setters were skilled hunting dogs, known for their ability to locate game birds with precision. Their name comes from the way they would “set” or point toward the prey before hunters closed in.
A Coat That Shines Like Fire
The breed’s silky, chestnut-red coat is its signature trait. It’s a dense double coat that’s long and flat, with feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and tail, giving the dog a flowing, elegant look.
This stunning coat was designed to protect them in the field while adding to their natural beauty. Irish Setters are not just athletes—they’re show-stoppers with a style all their own.
Fun Facts
Bred from English and Gordon Setters, spaniels, and pointers.
Once used to “set” birds for hunters before firearms were common.
Their stunning red coat was once red-and-white in their early ancestors.
8. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel, lovingly called the Tibbie, is a small and spirited dog with deep roots in Tibet’s Himalayan Mountains. For more than 2,000 years, these clever little dogs lived in Buddhist monasteries, keeping watch from the high walls and alerting monks to strangers or wolves.
Though early visitors to Tibet named them “spaniels,” they are not related to Western spaniels. Instead, they share ancestry with other ancient Asian breeds like Pekingese and Lhasa Apsos.
A Silky Coat and Lion’s Mane Look
The Tibetan Spaniel’s beauty lies in its flat, silky coat and the distinctive lion’s mane around its neck. Their tails curl elegantly over their backs, and they come in many lovely colors and combinations. The coat may look long, but it’s fine and smooth, flowing gently to give them a regal look.
This breed became more common in England after World War II, thanks to families like Lord and Lady Wakefield, who brought their beloved Tibbies home from Tibet.
Fun Facts
Known as monastery watchdogs in ancient Tibet.
The Tibetan Spaniel Association was formed in 1957.
Not a true spaniel—more closely related to ancient Asian companion breeds.
9. Komondor
The Komondor is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. Known for its long, corded white coat, this ancient breed hails from Hungary, where it served for centuries as a guardian of sheep and livestock.
Their unique look helped them blend perfectly into flocks while protecting them from wolves and other predators, as mentioned by WebMD. The breed’s plural name in Hungarian is Komondor, a fun fact for dog lovers everywhere!
A Coat Unlike Any Other
The Komondor’s coat forms natural cords that resemble dreadlocks or mop strands. These long locks start as soft, fluffy fur and gradually clump together as the dog matures—a process that can take up to two years.
The thick coat shields them from cold, rain, and snow, yet remains surprisingly light for summer weather. Instead of brushing, owners simply wash and separate the cords, letting them air-dry naturally.
Fun Facts
Nicknamed the “mop dog” because of their corded appearance.
The coat helps them blend in with sheep for protection.
Considered a national treasure of Hungary by many locals.
10. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, also known as the American Cocker Spaniel, is one of the most adored dog breeds in the world. With their big, soulful eyes, floppy ears, and sweet expression, these dogs have charmed families for generations.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cockers soon became popular as loving, all-around companions thanks to their cheerful and affectionate personalities.
A Glamorous, Flowing Coat
The Cocker’s soft, silky coat is a showstopper. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, often with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly.
While they were once bred to hunt woodcock (hence the name “Cocker”), today’s American Cocker Spaniels have a more refined and glamorous look than their English cousins.
Their beautiful coats do require regular grooming, but the result is a dog that moves with elegance and shine—like a four-legged supermodel.
Fun Facts
The name “Cocker” comes from their skill at hunting woodcock birds.
Once part of the broader “Land Spaniel” group before gaining recognition in 1893.
Known for their merry, eager-to-please nature and flowing coats.
Conclusion
Owning a long-coated pup is a true labor of love. Among all the long-haired breeds, there isn’t only one dog breed that stands out—they all have their own charm, personality, and coat care needs.
These dogs may require a little extra time, but pet parents know the joy of running their fingers through that long fur makes every grooming session worth it.
Most of these fluffy companions need weekly brushing with a good pin brush to keep their coats shiny and prevent tangles. Some owners visit a professional groomer a few times a week, especially during shedding season or hot weather, when maintenance can be trickier.
Whether your pup has a flowing coat or short hair, regular care keeps them looking their best and feeling comfortable around other pets and family.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other dog breeds with good hair as well. These include the English Sheepdog, Siberian Huskies, Rough Collies, Bearded Collies, Poodle, and Shetland Sheepdogs.
