Long-haired dog breeds have a special kind of magic.
With their flowing coats and silky fringes, these dogs turn heads wherever they go. Their fur does not just keep them warm but also gives them elegance, beauty and personality. From floor-length glamour to soft waves, these coats are living works of art.
However, long silky coats are not just for beauty. They had a practical purpose as well in history. Thick fur was to protect them from harsh weather conditions. Moreover, also shielded them from rough terrains and thorns. Over time, these coats evolved into a symbol of beauty.
Owning a long-haired dog breed also comes with responsibilities. They demand dedicated grooming to keep the coat healthy and maintained. In this article, we will explore dog breeds with majestic hair coats.
Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Flowing, Fabulous Coats
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkie is a long-haired breed of England that has a tiny but sturdy build with straight, flowing, silky hair. It was originally bred to catch rodents in textile mills and mines. It has alert expressions and upright ears.
The Yorkie is affectionate with the family and forms a deep bond with them. It makes itself a great family pet by playing and staying energetic. Interestingly, its coat is often compared with human hair rather than dog fur. Unlike other breeds, it does not have an undercoat, which gives it a sleek, curtain-like fall. Its hair is the symbol of elegance and refinement.
But it has high grooming needs to prevent matting. Moreover, it is a small dog, so not ideal for a home with very young children.
2. Skye Terrier
Skye Terrier is a Scottish breed with a long, low body, short legs and a straight, hard outercoat. The purpose of its origin was to hunt foxes and badgers. It has an elegant but sturdy appearance. According to the American Kennel Club, its popularity increased due to Queen Victoria’s fondness for it.
It is deeply devoted to the family and forms a bond with one primary person. It has a dense undercoat, while the outer coat is shaggy to protect from thorns. Its coat parts down the middle of the back and falls evenly on both sides.
Its heavy coat requires daily brushing to maintain its beauty and to prevent tangles. It has a strong prey drive, so it is not suitable for homes with other pets.
3. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an exceptionally elegant dog breed with a tall, slender body, long, silky, gorgeous hair and a curled tail. It was developed in Afghanistan as a sighthound for hunting large game and small game. Being a long-legged dog breed is a distinctive feature of it as well.
Elegant Afghan Hound is dignified, independent and sometimes aloof. It is affectionate with the family but not over clingy. When it runs, its coat streams behind it like fabric caught in the wind. Further, its long coat is the biggest shield against harsh cold weather.
Its grooming routine should be consistent enough to keep the actual elegance of the hair. It can be challenging and stubborn to train.
4. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed of Tibet with a small, sturdy body, long, dense, straight coat and dark, expressive eyes. It was developed to be a sentinel dog in Tibetan monasteries. Apso is an alert, independent and loyal dog.
It is amiable and faithful to the families. Its hair grows over the face and forms a beard, mustache and often covers the eyes. The long coat protected the dog from the icy winds of Tibet. It sheds very little, but tangles are the real challenge for the pet parent.
But it demands professional grooming when mats and tangles are formed. It also has a tendency to bark if not trained properly.
5. Maltese
The Maltese dog is a beautiful white dog breed of Malta with a small body, pure white coat, dark, round eyes and a black nose. It originated as a companion dog for nobles. It is gentle, friendly and lively as well.
Maltese thrives on human companionship and likes to be close to its owners. It does not have a thick double coat, which is why it drapes down like a silky veil. Its facial hair is long and often tied into a topknot to keep it out of the eyes. Undoubtedly, it is one of the eye-catching breeds of dogs.
It needs regular brushing to keep the coat tangle-free. It is also prone to tear staining around the eyes. Since it is small and delicate, it needs gentle handling.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is also a little dog breed of China with a short muzzle, sturdy body, long, flowing double coat, and sweet expressions. It was purely bred to be a companion and lap dog for Chinese royalty to provide warmth and comfort.
It is one of the great family dogs, being affectionate and lovely with them. It gets along easily with children and other pets. It has a soft undercoat and a silky outer layer. When fully grown, hair that reaches the floor creates a regal look. Additionally, its soft, flowing mane that moves with a gentle bounce.
This dog sheds less but demands regular grooming to prevent mats, especially behind the ears. It can also have breathing issues due to a flat face.
7. Havanese
Havanese is a small dog with a soft, long, wavy coat, expressive dark eyes and a light, springy gait. It was bred in Cuba primarily as a companion of humans to provide entertainment. As stated by Royal Canin, it remains alert and notifies its owner of the approaching strangers and makes itself a great watchdog.
It is cheerful, affectionate and a wonderful companion. The Havanese is known to be playful without being hyperactive. Unlike silky coats, its gentle curls have an airy texture that gives it a bit ruffle look. Its texture keeps it cooler on a hot sunny day.
Extensive grooming is needed because of a shaggy coat to curb matting. This dog needs social interaction to stay happy and healthy.
8. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build, shaggy hair, thick coat, a short tail and a bear-like appearance. It was developed in England as a drover of cattle and sheep.
This Sheepdog is amiable, playful and a warm-hearted furry friend. An interesting fact shared by Britannica is that in earlier times shepherd used to shear the dog annually to make clothes from its yarn.
It keeps the family happy and forms a strong bond with them. Its coat covers the entire body from nose to tail. When the dog moves, the coat sways in all directions, and it looks like a ball of fluff due to its fluffy hair coat. Its coat acts as a barrier against wind and air.
Its grooming is a serious commitment, as with many long-haired dog breeds. Without frequent brushing, the undercoat can mat tightly against the skin.
9. Bearded Collie
Beardie is a medium-sized dog with a long, flowing double coat, agile and athletic body. It was bred in Scotland as a herding dog for herding sheep and cattle. It is one of the best dog breeds with a beard. It is intelligent, lively and calm with the family.
Being a social dog, it loves playing games and participating in activities. Its most distinctive feature is the beard, which adds charm to its personality. Unlike many long-haired breeds purely bred for looks, the Beardie is both practical and stunning.
Like other long-coated dogs, it also requires daily brushing. Due to its high energy levels, it demands regular exercise for mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Long-haired dog breeds are the perfect example of how beauty and function can intertwine. From tiny toy companions like Maltese and Shih Tzu to majestic working dogs like Afghan Hound and Bearded Collie, each breed has a distinctive hair coat.
Such dogs grab the attention of everyone because of their glamorous appearance. Each coat tells us the story of survival, adaptation and human admiration. They are the symbol of elegance and ultimate beauty. They are also full of energy, love and warmth.
However, unlike short-haired counterparts, they demand regular grooming and brushing to keep the coat clean and tangle-free. Their flowing coats are the true testament of centuries of careful breeding and adaptability.
In the world of canine companions, long-haired dog breeds stand as living works of art and timeless beauty.
