Some dogs just stand out. Not because they bark the loudest or run the fastest, but because their hair is simply amazing. If you are also one of those people who simply adore fluffy coats and silky strands, this blog is right for you!
In this guide, we’ll talk about the dog breeds that have the best hair— dogs that truly look like they walked off a runaway. Some have thick double coats. Others have soft fur that feels like human hair. But all of them have one thing in common: they’re showstoppers!
We’ll walk through seven breeds and explain why their dog hair makes them so unique. We will also give grooming tips and talk about what it really takes to care for a long-haired dog.
Dog Breeds That Have The Best Hair
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is truly something special. Their hair is long, soft, and silky. It flows like human hair and shines in the light.
This ancient breed comes from the cold mountains of Afghanistan. Their beautiful coat helped keep them warm in the cold weather. Now, it just makes them look like a star!
Afghans are tall and elegant. They walk like they own the place! But don’t let the fancy look fool you. These dogs can be pretty silly and playful. They love their people and stay loyal for life.
Even Barbie has an Afghan Hound named Beauty! And the world’s first cloned dog? Yup. That was an Afghan, too! His name was Snuppy. So if you want a dog that turns heads and makes people say “Wow,” this is the one!
2. Shih Tzu
These small dogs were first loved by Chinese royals. Britannica mentions that the name “Shih Tzu” literally means lion dog. They were bred to look like little lions. But don’t worry. They’re sweet and friendly!
The Shih Tzu has a thick double coat, consisting of an outer coat and an undercoat. It comes in many colors like gold, black, white, gray, and red. Some even have mixes like black and white or gold and white. But no matter what color they have, their hair always stands out.
Their hair grows fast and doesn’t stop. That’s why they need regular grooming. Some people keep their coats short in what’s called a “puppy cut”. It’s easier to manage that way. But if you keep it long, be ready to brush it every day!
One thing to love about this long-haired dog breed is that they don’t shed a lot. Similar to most poodle mixes, they are often called hypoallergenic breeds. But keep in mind that no dog is truly allergy-free.
3. Maltese
These intelligent dogs have been loved for thousands of years. Even queens and kings kept them as pets. You can spot them in old paintings and pottery. Even today, they are still a favorite for people who love cute dogs with fancy coats.
The Maltese is small and light. They usually weigh between 3 to 7 pounds. But don’t let the size fool you. These little dogs are smart and full of personality. They love to cuddle, but they are also playful and curious.
Their fluffy white coat are what makes them stand out. It is soft and silky with no woolly undercoat. It also doesn’t shed much. That’s why many people with allergies choose this breed.
Their hair grows fast and tangles easily. Dirt, food, and even tears can stain their white fur. Their coat will mat and pull on their skin if you do not brush it every day. That’s painful and hard to fix. Many owners give them a short “puppy cut” by a professional groomer.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is known for one thing: amazing, long fur! It is long, straight, and super silky! Some people say it feels just like human hair, and they are not wrong.
Their silky coat can grow all the way to the floor. It moves when they walk and makes them look really fancy, even if they are just playing around. But here’s the truth: this coat needs proper care. It can keep growing and get messy fast. If you skip brushing, this coat can turn into tangles and mats before you know it.
Some Yorkies have a soft or cotton-like coat. This type is even harder to care for! If your Yorkie also has this kind of coat, many vets and groomers recommend a short “puppy cut”. It’s cute and way easier to manage.
One good thing? Yorkies don’t shed much. They are suitable for people with allergies. They also don’t have a thick coat. That means they get cold fast. You’ll need to make them wear a sweater to stay warm in the winter.
5. Lhasa Apso
This little dog has a long, straight coat that flows like a royal robe. Their hair is thick and shiny, and often reaches the floor. PetMD states that this breed was originally bred in the mountains of Tibet around 800 BCE. Their long coats helped them stay warm in the freezing cold. Today, that same coat is what makes them so special.
The Lhasa Apso has a signature center part and a lion-like mane that frames its face. It almost looks like a little lion! That’s why their name means “bearded lion dog”. This long hair covers their entire body and gives them an elegant look.
But don’t let their beauty fool you! This hair needs time and care. If you keep it long, you must do weekly brushing using a pin brush to prevent mats and knots.
The good news? The coats of Lhasa Apsos are similar to poodle coats. That is why they also don’t shed much! This makes them a good pick for families with allergies.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a silky and wavy coat. It feels velvety and flows gently over their little bodies.
This breed goes back to the 1600s. They were named after King Charles II of England, who was rarely seen without one. These lap dogs are still known for being loyal and full of charm.
Their medium-length coat is one of their best features. It grows evenly across their body with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. They don’t need daily grooming, but if you skip brushing for a few days, you will start to see knots. A quick brush two to three times a week is usually enough to keep them looking great.
Their coat isn’t oily. That means they don’t smell like “wet dog” just days after a bath. And since they don’t have a shaggy coat, it dries faster and is easier to manage.
7. Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is one of those dogs that instantly grabs your attention. It is not just because of their size or attitude, but because of their amazing hair. That’s right! This tiny dog has one of the best dog fur coats in the canine world. It’s soft, shiny, and smooth like real human hair!
This breed gets its name from its hair. It’s so silky that even people with dog allergies can usually live with a Silky. Their coat doesn’t shed much, and that means less hair on your furniture!
The coat is long and shiny. It falls in a neat part down the middle of the back and flows over both sides. It’s not a double-layer coat like most Terrier breeds. They also don’t have a dense undercoat, so their single coat is light and breezy. It grows continuously. It requires weekly brushing sessions to avoid tight curls and knots.
Conclusion
Whether you are into big, fluffy dog breeds or smaller pups with a silky or curly coat, there is a dog out there with the perfect hair for you. Each dog breed on this list has its own personality and grooming needs. Then there are other breeds as well!
It can be the water-resistant coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog, the shaggy double coat of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, or the long double coat of Rough Collies. There’s definitely a dog out there for everyone!
Some require thorough brushing. Others may need about an hour of care a few times a week. But all of them offer a unique bond and some seriously good looks that will make people look in awe! Just be ready to love, brush, and cuddle them. And in return, you will get back even more love from them!
