There’s something downright magical about tiny dog breeds with long, flowing coats. They have a lovely appearance and a cuddly nature and are loved by many pet owners. However, these gorgeous coats require some care. They need regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of their fur.
The ASPCA recommends daily brushing for long-haired dog breeds because allowing their hair to become a knot of tangles and mats doesn’t benefit their coat or skin. However, the work is worth it, and you end up with a friend who is beautiful, loyal, and loving.
In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the small dogs with long, flowing coats that we often find so endearing, examining their unique attributes, ideal grooming needs, and why they make perfect family members.
7 Small Dog Breeds With Long And Luxurious Coats
Here are seven small dog breeds:
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Though they look tiny with a weight of only 5 to 7 pounds, these Terriers come with prominent personalities. These little balls of fur are known for their confidence and fearless nature, and have been known to act like the biggest dog in the room. Yorkies, bred in 19th-century England, originated as tireless rat catchers in textile mills.
Eventually, they went from working in mills to sitting on fans as the ladies of the Victorian era prettied them up and strapped them on. One of the things that makes this silky Terrier stand out is its long, flowing coat, often described as resembling human silky hair.
This plush coat is hypoallergenic and low-shedding, but there’s a catch: regular grooming is required, at least once a day. They have long hair, so they look like canine Rapunzels.
Yorkies are fearless and won’t hesitate to keep their ground, even when faced with bigger doggos. Their Terrier roots mean they’ve retained their spunky spirit.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu’s name is from Chinese, which means “little lion,” and they originally served as lapdogs for Chinese royalty. Bred to be adorable companions, these regal pups are some of the tail-wagging members of the imperial court. With long, silky fur, Shih Tzus have a double silky coat that is gorgeous and high-maintenance.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, to keep them looking luscious, length brushing and grooming are needed. Shih Tzus may be small (ranging from 9 to 16 pounds), but they’re sturdy and energetic little dogs.
They can strut their stuff like they’re royalty, but at the end of the day, they love a good cuddle session. Quick to bark at visitors or anything unusual, Shih Tzus, who were once palace “alarm systems,” will also famously chase mice and balls around the house.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient breed said to have been bred on the island of Malta for over 28 centuries. Bred for a thousand years, these small dogs were the darlings of Greek philosophers and Roman aristocrats, lounging on the arms of noblewomen as symbols of wealth.
Maltese are known for their beautiful, shiny white fur. They have so long hair that it could touch the ground if not cut. For a glamorous, glossy look, these dogs lack an undercoat, and therefore, they shed less. These pups are super food motivated and enjoy learning new things.
Their willingness to please and intelligence make them excellent competitors for obedience and trick training, as well as participants in agility classes.
4. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos originated from Tibet, where they have been bred as loyal guard dogs for palaces and monasteries. Their acute hearing abilities enabled them to effectively warn monks of intruders, protecting the inner sanctuaries while Tibetan Mastiffs patrolled the exterior.
In Tibetan folklore, it is considered sacred and believed to house the soul of a deceased lama, allowing it to be reincarnated. Lhasa Apsos, the long-haired dogs, were considered precious treasures; they were given as gifts to the upper class and never offered for sale.
According to the American Kennel Club, some of the earliest Lhasas were given as gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama to the U.S., so they were quite literally international VIPs.
Lhasa Apsos can be a bit bossy and independent, a temperament that may have been refined over centuries of managing visitors to monasteries. Weighing only 12-18 pounds, Lhasa’s low energy is a surprising attribute. They adore a brisk walk, some lively zoomies, and showing off their agility.
5. Havanese
Havanese dogs are the official dog of Cuba! These dainty long-haired dogs were once bred for the Cuban aristocracy and were referred to as the “Havana Silk Dog” because of their soft, luxurious, long coat. Not only is their coat silky, but its range extends from cream, gold, chocolate, and parti-color.
Havanese are very social dogs and will appreciate human companionship. They will trail their favorite humans anywhere, giving them the nickname “Velcro dog.” Havanese dogs are not just a pretty face, these little dogs are loaded with personality, and they know how to turn on the charm to win over anyone in the room, from pet parents to strangers.
Life Span: 14- 16 years. These puppies are very loyal and will stay with you for a long time.
6. Papillon
Papillons, French for “butterfly,” have been featured in royal courts since the 16th century. Characterized by their butterfly-like ears, this breed held the liking of European nobility, such as Marie Antoinette, who is said to have walked her Papillon to the guillotine.
The dog is named after its distinctively shaped, garden-like ears. If its ears hang down, it is known as a “Phalene,” which translates from French to mean “moth.” Papillons are among the most intelligent toy breeds and are wonderful pets and companion animals.
These dogs might even learn tricks before you have a chance to reward them. (Formerly described in old literature as Continental Toy Spaniel) There is even a story of a Papillon fancier’s wife who refused to have her portrait painted unless her Papillon was included.
7. Pekingese
The Pekingese dog was a favorite of Chinese royalty and was bred to be the emperor’s companion. Legend has it that Buddha himself shrunk a lion to make this incredible breed. Pekingese, originating in Peking, China, are known as lion dogs for their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions.
One of the three dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic was a Pekingese, so you can know that this breed is not only regal, but also seems to thrive under life-or-death pressure. The Pekingese dogs are bold, fearless, and self-assertive.
They are alert watchdogs and will alert you to any visitors. And those famous double coats of theirs aren’t just for good looks. They originated from Maine, and their thick undercoat and rough outer coat have protected them in various climates, giving them a lion-like appearance.
Conclusion
Having a long-haired dog breed with a flowing, thick coat is more than just for looks – it comes with a lifestyle of abundant patience! The dogs tend to need a little more, whether it’s learning how to groom them effectively or ensuring they feel comfortable and confident as they go about their daily activities.
Their thick and long coats are not just gorgeous, they are a reflection of health, heritage, and earned care. Behind each glitzy, floor-length coat or feathery frock train is a dog that relies on your commitment to maintain its well-being, inside and out.
Thus, these dogs can often help their owners create healthier routines, offer them a better understanding of pet care, or even develop a newfound appreciation for just the simple process of brushing them each day.
