Flowing coats, dramatic fluff, and serious main character energy. Long-haired dogs turn heads everywhere they go, whether they are strutting down the sidewalk or lounging like royalty at home. But behind those majestic manes is more than just good looks.
These dogs often come with big personalities, loyal hearts, and grooming needs that are very real. If you love brushing sessions, don’t mind a little fur on your clothes, and want a dog that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel, you’re in the right place.
Let’s meet the long-haired breeds that wear their fur like a crown.
Fun Fact
Some long-haired dogs were historically groomed in specific styles not for fashion, but to help them move more easily while working or staying comfortable in different weather.
Top Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Majestic Manes
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is known for its long, silky coat that flows smoothly and gives the breed a refined, dignified presence. Hair is the defining feature, with shorter hair on the saddle area and a distinctive topknot framing the face and ears. Coat colors vary widely, adding to the breed’s striking visual appeal.
Daily life with an Afghan Hound involves consistent grooming to keep the coat clean, conditioned, and free of mats. Regular bathing followed by careful blow-drying helps maintain coat health and texture. Brushing is done from the skin outward, always on a clean, dampened coat to prevent hair damage.
Beyond grooming, the Afghan Hound has an independent personality shaped by its history as a hunter. These dogs form close bonds with their family but often choose a favorite person. However, according to the AKC, regular exercise, secure fencing, and patient training help them thrive in a home setting.
Fun Fact
Protective fabric coverings called snoods are commonly used to keep the Afghan Hound’s long ear fringe out of food bowls during meals. The breed’s stylish leg furnishings are often nicknamed Turkish Pants.
2. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is an agile herding dog developed in the rugged Shetland Islands of Scotland. This small, fluffy dog breed has a long, straight outer coat with a soft and dense undercoat, creating a plush appearance that frames a wedge-shaped head and expressive eyes.
Shelties are energetic, remarkably intelligent, and eager to please, which makes them excellent companions for active households. They enjoy mental challenges and physical activities such as obedience work and agility. Their alert nature means they often greet new situations with vocal enthusiasm.
Coat care focuses on regular brushing to manage shedding and prevent mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs. Bathing is only needed occasionally, while routine eye and ear checks help maintain overall comfort. With proper care, their coat stays full, clean, and naturally beautiful.
Fun Fact
The Shetland Sheepdog’s coat changes noticeably as it matures, with the adult coat becoming longer and more protective over time. This transformation can begin as early as six months of age.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, powerful dog originally bred to work alongside fishermen in cold coastal environments. Its thick double coat features a longer outer layer and a dense undercoat designed to repel water and provide insulation. Common coat colors include black, brown, gray, and white with black markings.
Newfoundlands are great family dogs, known for their gentle and affectionate temperament and especially beloved for their calm interactions. They are social dogs that enjoy staying close to their family and often warm up quickly to new people once introduced. Their moderate energy level balances daily activity with a strong love for relaxation.
As mentioned by WebMD, grooming a Newfoundland centers on weekly brushing to manage shedding and prevent tangles. Shaving the coat is discouraged because it interferes with natural temperature regulation. Regular nail care, dental hygiene, and occasional bathing help keep these large dogs comfortable and healthy.
Fun Fact
Newfoundlands have webbed feet that support their natural swimming ability. Their coat is naturally water-resistant, allowing them to move efficiently in wet conditions.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a gentle giant with a calm presence indoors and an alert, watchful nature outside. This breed takes its protective role seriously, often observing quietly before reacting to its surroundings. Its expression reflects confidence and independence rather than a constant need for attention.
The coat is thick and double-layered, featuring a heavy undercoat and coarse guard hair that forms a striking mane around the neck and shoulders. Weekly brushing keeps the coat tidy most of the year, while seasonal shedding calls for more frequent attention. Mats tend to form around the mane, legs, and tail if brushing is skipped.
Tibetan Mastiffs prefer purposeful movement over structured play and often patrol their surroundings at their own pace. Training requires patience and mutual respect, as they rely heavily on instinct and judgment. Daily moderate exercise and secure boundaries help this breed remain balanced and content.
Fun Fact
Tibetan Mastiffs were historically used to guard monasteries and villages in the Himalayas. Their presence alone was often enough to discourage intruders.
5. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is instantly recognizable by its dense coat, broad head, and dignified expression. Originating in ancient China, this breed has long served as a guardian, hunter, and companion. Its sturdy build and curled tail give it a bold, self-possessed appearance.
Personality-wise, Chow Chows are reserved and loyal, often forming a strong attachment to one person. They appreciate routine and clear boundaries and prefer calm interactions over constant handling. Early socialization helps them feel more comfortable around new people and pets.
According to PetMD, their thick coat sheds year-round and more heavily during seasonal changes, making regular brushing essential. Grooming sessions every other day help prevent matting and keep the coat healthy.
Fun Fact
Chow Chows are known for their distinctive blue-black tongue. This unusual trait is shared by only a few dog breeds.
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a compact toy breed with a confident attitude and unmistakable lion-like mane. Bred for Chinese royalty, this dog carries itself with a regal air and a rolling gait. The longest hair appears around the neck and shoulders, creating its signature look.
Pekingese are devoted and affectionate dogs that bond closely with their favorite person. They enjoy calm environments and prefer gentle, respectful handling, especially around children. Their natural watchdog instincts make them alert and attentive to changes in their surroundings.
Grooming focuses on managing their thick fur with weekly brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Seasonal shedding is common, and occasional baths help maintain coat condition. Exercise needs are modest, with short walks and gentle play suiting their relaxed lifestyle.
Fun Fact
According to legend, the Pekingese was created when a mighty lion was magically transformed into a small dog. Their fluffy coat, which resembles a lion’s mane, is why the breed has long been known as the “lion dog” in this ancient story.
7. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small yet sturdy dog with a long, luxurious coat that can reach the ground when left untrimmed. Its flowing hair, confident stance, and expressive eyes give it an elegant appearance that easily commands attention. This charming breed carries itself with poise and personality, making it a standout wherever it goes.
With family members, the Lhasa Apso is affectionate and fiercely loyal, though it can be cautious around strangers. Confidence and intelligence define its temperament, often paired with a touch of stubbornness. Consistent training and early socialization help channel these traits positively.
Coat care varies based on length, with long coats requiring daily brushing and shorter trims needing weekly maintenance. Regular bathing, ear checks, and dental care support overall health. Moderate daily exercise and mental stimulation keep this breed content and engaged.
Fun Fact
The Lhasa Apso’s original name translates to “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.” This reflects its long history as a vocal and watchful guardian indoors.
Conclusion
Long-haired dog breeds bring together beauty, personality, and presence in a way few others can. From regal guardians to compact companions with flowing coats, each breed on this list offers something unique beyond its striking mane.
Choosing the right one comes down to lifestyle, grooming commitment, and the kind of bond you want to build.
Some thrive on independence, others on devotion, but all reward attentive care with loyalty and character. If you are drawn to dramatic coats and don’t mind a little extra brushing, one of these majestic dogs may be the perfect match for your home and heart.
If you are further interested in such wonderful dogs, you can also look up breeds like the Shih Tzu, Bearded Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bichon Frise, Siberian Husky, Rough Collie, Skye Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Puli, Caucasian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees.
