Long-haired dog breeds are capable of mesmerizing pet lovers with their beautiful locks. They may vary in their sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs, but are united by their long coats. From big and aloof Afghan Hounds to cute little Yorkies, there are numerous long-haired dog breeds.
Many of them need extensive grooming and frequent brushing to maintain their long coats. Some are even hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. Many long-haired breeds have thick double coats.
Their coats not only give them a striking appearance but also protect them against extreme weather conditions. Before bringing a long-haired dog breed home, make sure you understand their grooming requirements.
Have a look at 9 lovely long-haired dog breeds and find your perfect match.
Lovely Long-Haired Dog Breeds: Find Your Perfect Match
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are majestic dogs known for their aloof temperament and luxurious coat. Their long and silky coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, cream, blue, red, tan, and brindle. Afghan Hounds from mountainous areas have thick and dark coats.
The coat is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally, making it a good fit for allergy sufferers. The long hair also protects them against cold temperatures. Grooming is an essential part of an Afghan Hound’s coat.
Frequent brushing is important to keep the coat free from mats and tangles. Since they were bred to hunt independently, Afghan Hounds have an independent streak and require consistent training to turn into well-behaved pets.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an active and friendly dog breed, recognized by its squished muzzle, long and smooth fur, and floppy ears. These Spitz dogs possess a thick double coat that grows continuously, according to PetMD. Shih Tzus don’t shed much and are considered hypoallergenic.
Shih Tzus make ideal pets for allergy sufferers. However, their coats are prone to matting and tangling. Regular grooming and frequent bathing are needed to keep the Shih Tzu coat in top-notch condition. You can also cut your long-haired dog’s coat into a puppy cut for easier maintenance.
Shih Tzus are small in size, but have huge personalities. They make loving companions for families with children and other animals. Shih Tzus are playful and smart dogs with a strong desire to please their owners. Thanks to their adaptable nature, they are well-suited for a variety of homes.
3. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are sturdy and small dogs of aristocratic bearing. They are famous for their floor-length, flat-hanging coat. Loosely translated, their name means ‘bearded lion dog.’ Their silky coat sheds minimally and is hypoallergenic.
Like other breeds on our list, this long-haired dog also requires regular brushing to keep looking good. The American Kennel Club recommends bathing the coat every two weeks and brushing at least once between baths.
Lhasa Apsos are intelligent dogs and learn new commands quickly. However, they can be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit challenging. Lhasa Apsos do not require at least an hour of exercise daily to stay fit.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small toy dog breed hailing from England. Covered in long, silky hair, Yorkies have the heart of a typical terrier. These long-lived canines have tenacious yet affectionate personalities. Yorkies can be quite vocal and protective at times.
This long-haired breed is hypoallergenic. Its hair looks a lot like human hair and requires similar grooming to stay in good condition. If the coat is kept long, it needs to be brushed every day to prevent tangles and mats. Yorkies are small dogs having moderate exercise needs.
Thanks to their small size and low-maintenance personality. Yorkshire Terriers make excellent family pets. However, they cannot tolerate cold weather well, so you may need to protect them with stylish doggy sweaters.
5. Maltese
Weighing no more than a few pounds, Maltese are loyal and affectionate small dogs. Their tiny bodies are covered in a silky, straight, and long coat. These small white dogs exude pure elegance in their effortless and smooth gait.
Their all-white fur is complemented by black eyes and gum drop nose. Maltese is another long-haired dog that needs frequent brushing and regular bathing to keep the coat clean and tangle-free. According to Purina, Maltese are friendly and trusting dogs who bond closely with their pet parents.
These adorable little pooches love to accompany you everywhere. Maltese are adaptable dogs who adjust well in variety of new environments. They need moderate daily exercise for physical and mental enrichment. Maltese make a good choice for apartment dwellers.
6. Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers are affectionate and high-energy terriers having a wedge-shaped face, V-shaped ears, and blue and tan silky fur. This long-haired dog was originally bred as a ratter and watchdog, but it makes a loving family companion today.
Their glossy coat needs to be brushed at least twice a week using a soft-bristle brush. Otherwise, it will get tangled quickly. You can also book an appointment with a professional groomer every four to six weeks for your Silky Terrier.
You can also clip your dog’s hair short for easier maintenance. Also, bathe your dog with a good-quality dog shampoo every four to six weeks. They have a reputation for barking excessively, either to alert their owners or to seek attention. Proper training and socialization can help overcome this problem.
7. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a medium-sized herding dog from Scotland. Sturdy body, floppy ears, and a double coat are part of their personality. They also possess bearded facial hair, which is a part of their shaggy coat. Bearded Collies are prone to matting.
Regular 10 to 15-minute brushing sessions every day help prevent mats and tangles. Make sure to use tools and products that do not damage your Collie’s skin. Some people prefer shorter coats for their Bearded Collies. A professional groomer can give better advice on this.
This long-haired dog breed is highly intelligent and energetic. Since Bearded Collies were bred as working dogs, they thrive on having a job to do. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day to stay healthy and content.
8. Havanese
The Havanese is another long-haired dog with a silky coat, which can be wavy or slightly curled. The plumed tail carried over the back is the signature look of this fun-loving and loyal dog. The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, loved for its smart, spirited, and highly trainable personality.
The soft coat needs to be groomed every day to prevent mats and tangles. You can do this by gently running a comb or soft brush through your dog’s hair when it is in your lap. Some owners choose to clip their Havanese’s coat short to reduce grooming time, according to the AKC.
Havanese is a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed that makes an ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They make loyal and loving companions and are quite adaptable. Havanese are perfect for apartment living, but may bark excessively if not trained properly.
9. Skye Terrier
Skye Terrier is a medium-sized terrier breed hailing from Scotland. Notable physical traits include either upright or dropped ears, a long body, short legs, and a double coat. This long-haired dog is among the endangered dog breeds.
There is something regal about Skye Terriers, and it is not just that they were loved by Queen Mary of Scots. A Skye Terrier’s coat does not need to be clipped routinely, but it requires frequent brushing, bathing, and even trimming to look beautiful.
Brush your Skye Terrier’s coat using a pin brush or long-toothed comb at least several times a week. Remember to brush the coat before baths to avoid tangles. Skye Terriers are intelligent but strong-willed pets. They tend to be calmer than many other terrier breeds.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds stand out from others due to their long coats. Long-haired dog breeds vary in their sizes, temperaments, and personalities. From cute little Havanese to large and aloof Afghan Hound, there are many long-haired dogs.
Many of them are hypoallergenic, with minimally shedding coats, and make ideal pets for allergy sufferers. They usually need lots of grooming to keep looking good. If you are someone who loves grooming their furry friend, you can adopt a long-haired dog.
