Long-haired dogs are admired for their striking coats, graceful appearance, and unmistakable charm. Their impressive manes often give them a majestic look that sets them apart from other breeds, making them favorites among dog lovers and show enthusiasts alike.
A dog’s coat is more than just a style feature—it plays a vital role in protection and comfort. Serotonin KC notes that dog hair grows in cycles rather than continuously like human hair, which is why some long-haired dogs shed heavily while others shed very little.
This natural growth pattern also affects grooming routines, meaning maintenance can range from simple weekly brushing to daily coat care, depending on the dog.
Long-haired dogs often combine elegance with strong personalities, loyalty, and intelligence. Many were originally bred for work in challenging environments or to stand out in royal courts and competitions, giving their coats both function and flair.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes these dogs so captivating, how to care for their luxurious coats, and why they continue to win hearts around the world.
Key Takeaways
Meet long-haired legends like the Afghan Hound, Tibetan Mastiff, and Chow Chow with their show-stopping manes.
Uncover the fascinating history behind majestic breeds such as the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese.
Get simple grooming tips to care for flowing coats seen in breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Discover loyal, playful dogs with personalities as bold as their fur.
Top 10 Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Impressive Manes
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the most iconic long-haired dog breeds in the world. Known for its thick, silky, flowing coat, this breed has an elegant and almost royal appearance.
Despite its aloof and dignified look, the Afghan Hound is a powerful and agile sighthound. It is believed to be one of the oldest purebred dog breeds, with ancient roots in the mountainous regions of present-day Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as mentioned by Purina.
Originally bred to assist shepherds, hunters, and guards, Afghan Hounds were built for endurance and speed. Their long, silky coat helped protect them from harsh mountain climates and freezing temperatures.
While they may seem reserved, these dogs are loyal, affectionate, and even playful with their families. They excel in activities like lure coursing, agility, and dog shows, thanks to their unique build and natural athleticism.
Coat Care & Personality Highlights
Silky, long hair that flows beautifully when running
High grooming needs to maintain their impressive mane
Puppies start with short, curly coats that change with age
Training can be challenging and may require professional help
Gentle, loyal, and sometimes silly at home
2. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often called the Sheltie, is a beautiful long-haired herding dog known for its thick double coat and expressive appearance. Originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, this breed was developed to herd sheep, poultry, and ponies in a harsh and rugged environment.
Their impressive mane consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, rough outer coat. This natural insulation protects them from both cold and heat, which is why trimming their coat is not recommended.
Regular brushing every few days is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Shelties shed heavily twice a year, so frequent grooming and a reliable vacuum are a must for owners.
Coat & Temperament Highlights
Long, rough double coat with a dense underlayer
A coat protects against harsh weather conditions
Requires frequent brushing to avoid matting
Heavy seasonal shedding
Great with children but can be cautious with strangers
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, often called a Newfie, is a powerful working dog with an impressive long coat and a calm, noble presence. Developed on the island of Newfoundland in Northeast Canada, this breed is famous for its strength, patience, and gentle nature.
Despite its massive build, the Newfoundland is quiet, dignified, and especially good with children, making it a trusted family companion.
The Newfoundland’s thick, flat, double coat is designed for tough conditions. It is water-repellent and helps protect the dog in cold climates and icy waters.
This breed sheds heavily, especially during warmer months, and needs to stay indoors when temperatures rise, though swimming is a favorite activity.
Regular brushing several times a week with a slicker brush and comb is essential to prevent mats and manage shedding. Grooming should be slow and thorough to avoid missing areas.
Coat, Care & Working Traits
Thick, double coat that mats easily
Heavy shedding at least twice a year
Weekly brushing, more during shedding periods
Naturally suited for cold water and swimming
Known for rescue work, hauling nets, and assisting fishermen
4. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful and ancient guardian known for its massive frame and striking, lion-like mane. Originating from Tibet and the Himalayan region, this rare breed has been used for thousands of years to protect livestock and homes.
Written records of the breed date back to 1100 BCE, and it is often regarded as one of the world’s most ancient breeds and a possible ancestor of many mastiff types.
Bred as a natural protector, the Tibetan Mastiff has a thick, long outer coat with a coarse undercoat that shields it from harsh mountain climates. Its size alone is enough to deter intruders, which is why these dogs were often tethered at property entrances.
Coat colors range from golden-yellow to black or chocolate-brown, often with large white markings on the chest. According to the Royal Kennel Club, in 1828, one was famously presented to the London Zoo.
Temperament & Care Highlights
Thick, dense coat with a flowing mane
Strong protective instincts toward home and family
Aloof with strangers but loyal and gentle with owners
Independent and strong-willed personality
Requires firm, patient, and experienced training
5. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and is instantly recognized for its lion-like mane and dignified presence. Originating in ancient China, this breed dates back to the Han Dynasty and was once cherished by Chinese dynasties.
Chow Chows were sacred temple guardians, hunters, and protectors, admired for their strength, loyalty, and striking appearance.
This breed has several unique features, including a dense double coat, a stiff-legged gait, and a distinctive blue-black tongue. Their genetics are closely linked to the wolf, which adds to their ancient reputation.
Chow Chows were historically bred for multiple roles, including guarding and hunting, and at one time were also raised as a food source in early China. Today, they are valued as loyal domestic companions with strong protective instincts.
Coat & Temperament Highlights
Thick, lion-like double coat that needs regular grooming
Blue-black tongue and unique gait
Quiet, independent, and reserved nature
Loyal and protective of family
Benefits from early socialization and consistent training
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a regal toy breed known for its long, dense coat and signature lion-like mane. Bred to live among ancient Chinese royalty, this breed was once reserved for the imperial palace, where commoners were not allowed to own one.
Its noble history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and the breed was prized for both companionship and its role as a small palace guard.
The Pekingese has a thick double coat that grows especially long around the neck and head, creating its famous mane. While the coat can be trimmed, keeping it too short all the time can damage its natural texture and coloring.
Daily or weekly brushing is essential, and the AKC recommends at least one hour of professional grooming weekly. Extra care is needed during shedding seasons to keep the coat healthy and free of tangles.
Coat & Personality Highlights
Long, double coat with a prominent lion-like mane
Independent, alert, and confident temperament
Loyal to owners and well-suited for calm homes
Requires regular brushing to maintain coat quality
7. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient long-haired breed from Tibet, known for its flowing coat and lion-like appearance. Originating in the freezing Himalayan Mountains, this breed was developed to guard palaces and monasteries.
Britannica mentions that its name reflects its role as a “bark lion sentinel dog,” and it was deeply respected by Tibetan monks. The breed was considered sacred and believed to bring fortune and protection.
The Lhasa Apso’s long, straight coat can grow to the floor and often drapes over the face, forming an impressive mane. This thick coat helped protect the dog from harsh, high-altitude weather.
Owners can keep the coat long or choose a short trim if showing is not a goal. Both styles still need regular brushing to prevent tangles. Baths are often needed every few weeks, and coats must be dried completely to avoid matting.
Coat & Personality Highlights
Long, heavy coat built for cold climates
The coat can be kept long or trimmed short
Requires regular brushing and bathing
Alert, keen hearing, and a natural watchdog
Aloof with strangers but loving and playful with family
8. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a charming long-haired breed known for its plush double coat and distinctive “spectacles” — dark markings around its eyes that give it a smart, expressive look.
Originating from the Netherlands, this breed was once called the Dutch Barge Dog. Keeshonden served as loyal companions and watchdogs on barges traveling the canals, watching over cargo and alerting owners to visitors.
With a thick, silver and black double coat and a thick ruff around the neck, the Keeshond sports an impressive mane that stands out. Despite their long fur, they are surprisingly low-maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds.
Regular grooming throughout the year is important to keep their coat healthy and to prevent hidden mats, but they do not require constant attention even when not shedding.
Coat & Temperament Highlights
Plush, dense double coat with a thick neck ruff
Distinctive “spectacle” markings around the eyes
Low-maintenance grooming compared to many long-haired breeds
Gentle, loving, and great with families
Alert watchdog instincts with a playful, eager-to-please nature
9. Briard
The Briard is a rugged and handsome French sheepdog known for its long, wavy coat that often covers its eyes like a shaggy mane.
Originating from the Brie region of France, this breed has a history that dates back centuries. The Briard was prized as a herding and guard dog, valued for its keen eyesight and strong work ethic.
With a thick double coat, the Briard’s undercoat lies close to the skin to keep it warm, while the top coat is slightly coarse and wavy. This breed is intelligent, energetic, and independent.
Briards are quick learners and hardworking dogs, but need confident owners who can provide firm and consistent training. Early socialization is important to prevent timid or suspicious behaviors.
Coat & Temperament Highlights
Long, wavy double coat with a thick undercoat
Shaggy appearance with hair often covering the eyes
Energetic, devoted, and very intelligent dogs
Independent personality needing confident handling
Loyal family dog with playful and sensitive sides
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, often called the “Berner,” is a striking breed known for its thick, long tricolor coat. Originating in the Swiss midlands, Berners were hardworking farm dogs used for herding, guarding, and pulling carts.
Their beautiful black, white, and rust-colored fur forms a luxurious mane that is both functional and eye-catching.
Berners are gentle giants with calm, friendly personalities. They are loyal and devoted companions, making them excellent family dogs and watchdogs.
Their patient and good-natured nature also suits them for therapy work and activities like drafting. To keep their thick double coat healthy, weekly brushing is essential, especially during shedding seasons.
Coat & Personality Highlights
Thick, long tricolor coat with black, white, and rust
Requires regular grooming to manage shedding
Gentle, loyal, and calm temperament
Strong working heritage as farm and draft dogs
Great family pets with patient, protective instincts
Conclusion
Long-haired dogs are truly fine pups, admired for their fluffy coats, silky hair, and luxurious fur. While these popular breeds are stunning to look at, they often require extensive grooming to stay tangle-free, especially those with long, shaggy coats and thick fur.
Daily brushing helps maintain coat health and supports active dogs whose fur protects them from harsh elements.
For pet parents, understanding grooming needs and breed-related healthcare tips is essential. Some breeds benefit from visits to professional groomers, while guidance from the American Kennel Club can help owners make informed care choices.
With proper attention and consistency, these dogs are not only beautiful but also healthy companions whose fluffy coats reflect the care they receive.
There are other fluffy dogs as well that have beautiful coats. These include the Tibetan Terrier, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese dogs, Bearded Collie, and Skye Terrier.
