Flowing coats, elegant movement, and unmistakable presence—long-haired dog breeds turn heads wherever they go. From silky strands to dramatic manes, these dogs are admired not only for their beauty but also for the personality and heritage woven into their luxurious coats.
According to a study by the AKC, long-haired dogs have a special kind of star power. One swish of that coat and everyone turns to look. But it is not just about being pretty.
A great long coat can show off a breed’s history, job, and personality at a glance. Some breeds look like they walked out of a royal painting. Others give full-on “movie hero” energy. And yes, a few look like adorable little mops on purpose.
In this blog, we will look at the 10 long-haired dog breeds that will turn heads. You will learn what makes each one stand out, what their coat is really like in daily life, and the simple care tips that keep them looking amazing.
Ready to meet your next obsession? Let’s go.
Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Striking Appearances
1. Bearded Collie
If you want a dog that looks like it belongs in a shampoo ad, this is it. The Bearded Collie has that long, shaggy coat that moves when they bounce around.
And trust me, they bounce a lot. Their hair frames the face like a fluffy curtain, and the “beard” is the cherry on top. They look cheerful even when they are just standing still.
But here’s the best part. Their striking appearance is not just for show. That coat helped them work outdoors, often in rough weather.
It is a true working-dog look, not a fake fashion thing. Their eyes can look soft and sweet under all that hair, which makes people melt fast. You will get stopped on walks. A lot.
Now, the real-life part. That gorgeous coat needs regular brushing, or it can tangle up fast. If you let it slide, it gets even worse, though, because mats can pull at the skin and feel awful.
Keep grooming simple and steady, and you will have a stunning, happy fluffball by your side.
Important notes for that iconic “beard”
Brush a few times a week to avoid knots near the legs and belly
Keep the facial hair clean, since food and water love to cling there
Expect shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes
A light trim around paws can help with muddy walks
2. Bolognese
The Bolognese is like a little cloud that learned how to walk. Their long coat is fluffy and soft, often white, and it gives them a clean, fancy look without trying too hard. They have this sweet, bright expression that makes them feel like a tiny best friend, not just a pretty long-haired dog.
Sounds crazy, right? A small dog can still look very “wow.” But this breed does. The coat tends to stand off the body in a puffy way, so they look round and plush.
Their striking appearance comes from that soft texture and the neat, doll-like vibe. They can look fancy in photos, even on a normal couch. But why bother with that? Because the coat can tangle if you ignore it. The good news is that they are small, so grooming time is not a whole workout.
Daily brushing keeps the coat looking clean and airy. Many people also choose a shorter cut for easy care, while still keeping that cute teddy look.
Important notes for that fluffy white look
Brush often to prevent mats behind ears and under arms
Wipe around the eyes to help with tear stains on light fur
Gentle baths help keep the coat bright and fresh
Great choice if you want a glam look in a small package
3. Briard
The Briard looks like a walking mop, but in the coolest way possible. Their long, slightly wavy coat falls over the body and often covers part of the eyes. They have a bold, rustic look, like an old movie farm dog that somehow became a runway model.
Exactly. The “messy but majestic” vibe is their whole thing. Their hair creates a strong outline, and they often have that beard and eyebrow fluff that makes their face look wise.
When they move, the coat swings with them, and it is hard not to stare. Their appearance feels dramatic, even when they are doing normal dog stuff.
But wait, there’s more! PetMD notes that their coat was made for real work and real weather. It helps protect them outdoors. Still, long hair can collect dirt, burrs, and tangles.
You will need consistent brushing, especially around the legs and where the collar sits. It is worth it, because a well-groomed Briard is straight-up stunning.
Important notes for that dramatic coat and face
Brush deeply to reach the undercoat and prevent hidden mats
Check for debris after walks, especially in grassy areas
Keep hair around the eyes tidy so they can see well
Strong, confident look that stands out in any crowd
4. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has that long, floor-length coat that screams “royal.” Their hair can be straight and heavy, and it frames the face like a silky curtain. They may be small, but their presence is big. When a Lhasa walks in, people notice. Every time.
Here’s the good part. That striking appearance comes with history. This breed is linked to Tibetan roots and was known for being alert and watchful.
Their look matches the vibe. They seem calm, proud, and a little bit like they are judging your life choices, in a funny way.
Now, real talk. Long coats that drag can pick up dirt fast. Many owners keep the coat trimmed shorter for daily life, while still keeping the signature style. If you keep it long, brushing becomes a routine, not a “when I feel like it” thing. The payoff is huge because their coat can look truly breathtaking when cared for.
Important notes for that “mini lion” glamour
Daily or near-daily brushing if the coat is kept long
Tie-up hair near the eyes to avoid irritation
Regular grooming helps prevent tangles close to the skin
Looks stunning with both long show coat and shorter pet cut
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are basically tiny royalty with flowing hair. Their long coat can be straight, smooth, and glossy, and it falls like a cape around them. They have that round face, big eyes, and sweet expression that makes people baby-talk instantly. Even the toughest person melts.
And here’s the best part! Their striking appearance is super flexible. You can keep the hair long and fancy, or go for the classic “puppy cut” and still keep the charm.
As per WebMD, their coat can be styled in cute topknots, bows, and all that fun stuff. They are the kind of dog that makes strangers smile without even trying. But why bother with that? Because the coat is high-maintenance if you keep it long. It tangles fast, and it can trap dirt.
Regular brushing, face cleaning, and grooming appointments make life easier. If you stay on top of it, a Shih Tzu looks like a tiny star walking beside you.
Important notes for that silky show-dog vibe
Brush often to avoid mats, especially behind ears
Keep the face clean since hair holds food and water
Regular trims help with comfort and neatness
Famous for adorable hairstyles and that “cute overload” face
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese looks like a little lion. Seriously. Their long, thick coat forms a mane around the neck and chest, and it gives them that bold, dramatic shape. Their face is flat, their eyes are expressive, and their whole vibe is “I own this place.” It is hilarious and impressive at the same time.
It gets even worse, though, in the best way, because their attitude often matches the look. They can be confident and stubborn, like a tiny boss. That striking appearance is not subtle.
The coat makes them look bigger than they are, and they carry themselves with a proud little strut. Now, the care part. That thick coat needs brushing to prevent tangles and mats, especially around the mane area.
You also need to keep them cool in hot weather, since all that hair can trap heat. But if you want a small companion dog with a huge, unforgettable look, the Pekingese is hard to beat.
Important notes for that lion-like coat
Brush the mane area often since it mats easily
Watch the heat and avoid long outdoor time on hot days
Keep the folds and the face area clean and dry
Big look, small body, and tons of character
7. Irish Setter
An Irish Setter is basically a moving flame. Their long, silky red coat shines in the light and flows when they run. And they love to run. Their feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail adds extra drama. You do not just see an Irish Setter, you notice them.
Sounds crazy, right? A coat can look “happy,” but theirs doesn’t. That rich red color and glossy texture give them one of the most striking appearances in the dog world.
They look sporty and elegant at the same time. Like an athlete who also knows how to pose for photos. Now, keep it real. Their coat needs brushing to stay smooth and knot-free, especially in feathered areas. They can pick up burrs and tangles on outdoor adventures.
But if you keep a simple grooming routine, you get an affectionate dog that looks like a masterpiece and acts like your funniest, most energetic friend.
Important notes for that red, feathered beauty
Brush feathering to prevent tangles and burrs
Expect lots of movement; this breed loves activity
Keep ears clean; long ear hair can trap moisture
One of the most eye-catching coat colors out there
8. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are giant, fluffy sweethearts. Their long, thick coat gives them a powerful, bear-like look. They are big, strong, and seriously impressive to see in person. Then they turn around and act like a gentle baby. That contrast is adorable.
Here’s the good part. Their striking appearance is not just about size. It is the whole package. Broad head, strong body, and a dense coat that looks plush and weather-ready.
Many have dark coats, often black or brown, which gives them a bold, solid silhouette. They look like they belong in snowy mountains, even if you live nowhere near snow.
But wait, there’s more! Their coat is thick, so significant grooming is needed. Brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the fur from matting, especially around the legs and behind the ears.
You will also want to keep them cool and dry after swims or baths, since dense fur holds moisture. If you can handle the fluff, you get a stunning giant with a soft heart.
Important notes for that giant, fluffy look
Brush regularly; heavy shedding is common
Dry the coat well after water to avoid skin issues
Watch heat, thick coats can overheat in hot weather
Big body, calm vibe, and a very “wow” presence
9. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound looks like a fashion model who decided to become a dog. Their long, silky coat drapes down in a smooth curtain, and it moves like hair in slow motion.
Their face is refined, their posture is elegant, and their whole look is pure drama. In the best way. Exactly. This is one of the most striking long-haired dog breeds on the planet. The coat can be very fine and smooth, and it often has that glamorous shine.
Their tail curls and long ear hair add even more style. They can look almost unreal, like a sculpture that came to life. Now for the honest part. That coat takes work. Regular brushing, careful bathing, and gentle handling keep it looking clean and tangle-free. If you skip grooming, knots can build up fast.
But if you keep up with it, you get a dog that turns heads so hard people forget what they were saying.
Important notes for that runway coat
Gentle brushing is key; the hair can’t tangle easily
Regular baths help maintain shine and softness
Best for owners who enjoy grooming as a routine
One of the most iconic “glam” dog looks ever
10. Komondor
The Komondor does not just have long hair. It has cords. Thick, rope-like cords that look like a living mop, but also like a legend. Their coat forms naturally over time, creating that unforgettable, one-of-a-kind look. If you want a striking appearance, this breed is basically the final boss.
And here’s the best part! That corded coat is not just for style. It helped protect them while guarding livestock, almost like natural armor.
Their white cords can blend with flocks, which is wild when you think about it. One minute you see a sheep, next minute you see a Komondor staring at you like, “Yeah, I was here the whole time.”
Now, the care part is different. You do not brush cords like normal fur. You separate them by hand to prevent big mats and keep airflow. Drying is also a big deal, because cords can hold water.
It takes commitment, but the payoff is huge. A Komondor is one of the most unique-looking dogs you will ever meet.
Important notes for that corded “wow” coat
Coats form cords that need careful separating
Drying after baths is critical to prevent odor and skin issues
Dirt can hide in cords; regular checks help a lot
Truly one of the most unforgettable dog styles
Conclusion
Choosing from many long-haired breeds is fun, but it also means being honest about coat maintenance. Some have luxurious coats with gorgeous hair and silky hair, while others carry thick fur, a dense undercoat, or a long double coat with outer and inner coats built for harsh weather.
If you deal with pet allergies, you will want to think carefully, since short-haired dogs can feel simpler than luxurious fur that requires regular grooming.
And here’s the best part! Whether your dream dog is a royal dog tied to Chinese royalty, a bold, large dog, or a fluff ball with tiny bodies and a playful nature, there is a match for you.
A Rough Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Shepherd with blue merle, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Maltese Dogs, Havanese Dogs, or even a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can all be loyal companions and great family pets when they are originally bred for close bonds.
