From Irish Setters to Lhasa Apsos, there are variety of long-haired dog breeds. With their luscious locks, they stand out among the crowd and can easily steal your heart. Dog breeds with long hair vary in size, temperament, and grooming needs.
Long-haired dog breeds can have many kinds of coats. Some have thick double coats, while others lack an undercoat. Some have silky hair, while others are known for having corded coats. Many of them are hypoallergenic and shed minimally.
Many long-haired dog breeds are surprisingly low-maintenance. However, many of them have extensive grooming requirements. Their luxurious coats need to be brushed every day to remove mats and tangles. They may also need professional grooming every few weeks or months.
Have a look at these wonderful long-haired dog breeds.
Wonderful Long-Haired Dog Breeds: A Comprehensive List
1. Komondor
Komondor is a powerfully large Hungarian dog breed that was originally bred as a livestock guardian. These pooches can be easily recognized by their distinctive coat that forms profuse white cords from head to tail.
Their corded hair looks like a mop, which is why they are also known as ‘mop dogs.’ It protects them from harsh elements and enables them to camouflage and hide from predators. Komondor puppies have soft and wavy fur, but as the dogs age, the coat becomes rougher and forms cords.
Surprisingly, the coat does not need to be brushed. Instead, the Komondor owners wash them regularly to keep them free from dirt and debris, explains the American Kennel Club. Also, use your hand to separate the cords regularly to prevent mats.
Drying the coat using a hair dryer after a bath also helps keep the coat healthy. Komondors are loving dogs and exhibit a gentle nature towards their humans.
2. Pekingese
Pekingese are the ultimate lap dogs, having a lion-like mane. Because of their small size, their long hair often drags on the ground. These fluffy dogs have a luxurious double coat with a coarse outer layer and a soft and dense undercoat.
The coat requires regular brushing every two to three times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Usually, vets don’t recommend cutting a Pekingese’s fur as it does not always grow back very well. This dog breed also requires frequent baths.
According to PetMD, Pekingese also need professional grooming every six to eight weeks. They may shed seasonally, so some extra coat care may be needed during shedding season. Pekes are brachycephalic dogs, having flat faces.
It makes them prone to respiratory problems, so make sure you do not over-exercise your dog or take them out in hot and humid weather.
3. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are playful dogs, better suited for active households. These intelligent dogs were originally bred to herd highland sheep, but now make loyal and loving family pets. Bearded Collies are highly sociable and great with children.
Their double coats have a straight and coarse outer layer and a soft and furry undercoat. The coat provides insulation against freezing highland temperatures. This long-haired dog breed needs regular grooming to look clean and tidy.
The coat is prone to matting, so make sure to give your dog a 10 to 15-minute daily brushing session. Bearded Collies are enthusiastic dogs who excel in agility, herding, and obedience training. These herding dogs make versatile companions.
Due to their strong herding instincts, Bearded Collies have a natural instinct to herd and chase children, other pets, and even cars.
4. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog can be easily recognized by its shaggy coat that covers its entire body and face, including its peek-a-boo eyes. They have a waterproof, dense double coat that requires three to four hours of weekly brushing to stay mat-free and tangle-free.
This long-haired dog breed also needs regular baths to stay clean. Old English Sheepdogs may look like bears, but unlike a bear, they have a kind and agreeable temperament. They make lovable family pets and astute watchdogs.
Old English Sheepdogs are cheerful extroverts and are quite intelligent and faithful. They can be overly boisterous, but need plenty of exercise daily, explains Purina. OES owners should take them for long walks and invest time in grooming.
Old English Sheepdogs are fun to train and can be very obedient. They need early training and socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
5. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound is a majestic dog that was initially bred in Afghanistan as an independent hunter. Dignified and aloof in general, Afghan Hounds are known for their long and silky coat that gives them a regal appearance.
These powerful and agile dogs are very loyal and show the silly side of their personality to their owners. Afghan puppies have short and fuzzy coats and require little grooming. However, adult Afghan Hounds’ long coats need a lot of grooming.
You need to spend hours brushing your Afghan hound’s coat every week. You may also need to contact a professional groomer from time to time.
Afghan Hounds are self-confident dogs who need an ample amount of physical exercise and mental enrichment every day to stay fit and healthy.
6. Maltese
Maltese is a popular long haired dog breed known for its gentleness and cheerful disposition. Their single coat grows so long that it touches the ground if left untrimmed. The coat can be styled in many ways such as cute teddy bear cut, summer cut, or bob cut.
Some owners opt for a puppy cut for easier maintenance. When short, the hair has a wave or short curl but it straightens up as it lengthens. These small fluffy dogs often sport an adorable top knot. The luxurious fur needs plenty of grooming to keep looking beautiful.
You need to brush your furry friend’s coat every day to prevent mats and tangles. Professional grooming every few weeks is also important. Cherry on top, Maltese coat is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally.
7. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are lovely small dogs who make wonderful companions. Hailing from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet, these pooches served as internal watchdogs in palaces and moasteries. One of the oldest dog breeds, Lhasa Apso is recognized by its long and straight coat.
The coat touches the ground and covers their face, making them look like walking fur balls. This long haired dog breed has regular brushing and grooming requirements to prevent tangles and mats. These hypoallergenic dogs shed minimally and make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
You also need to take your Lhasa Apso to a professional groomer from time to time. The beautiful coat hides an even more delightful personality. Lhasa Apsos make wonderful lap dogs and are considered one of the longest living dog breeds.
Conclusion
Many wonderful long haired dog breeds are loved for their adorable looks and luxurious locks. Some of these pooches are surprisingly low maintenance while others need extensive grooming to keep looking beautiful.
Such dogs need regular brushing and frequent bathing to prevent mats and tangles and keep the coat clean and tidy. Professional grooming may also be required from time to time. Long haired dog breeds may vary in their size and temperaments, but all make loving and loyal pets.
