There’s a certain elegance and beauty when it comes to dogs with long hair. While these breeds do require extra maintenance and patience, they’re well worth it not just for their stunning coats but of course for the companionship they provide as well. So here are some of the most popular long-haired dog breeds, and what you’ll want to know about each of them.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an old breed, developed in Ancient China to be the lapdog of royalty. Don’t let their royal heritage fool you, though! These canines are incredibly playful and lively. This is an affectionate breed. And because it was created for the sole purpose of companionship Shih Tzus become very attached to their owners and will often follow them from room to room.
However, this also means that they are prone to separation anxiety. This is a friendly breed overall and is well-known for being friendly to just about everyone even complete strangers! The Shih Tzu’s trademark feature is its long, double-coat that is both thick and luxurious. Their hair mats and tangles easily, however, so they require frequent grooming, sometimes as often as daily.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is the epitome of grace. If you’re looking for a long-haired greyhound-type dog, the Afghan Hound is a good choice for experienced owners. This sighthound breed is naturally independent and aloof. In fact, many Afghan Hounds do not come when called.
In addition to being stubborn, these athletic dogs require a large amount of exercise. While beautiful another great challenge when it comes to Afghan Hounds is their long, silky coat. They shed twice a year, in the spring and fall, and must also be bathed and brushed about once a week. This is a truly high-maintenance dog and is not suggested for beginners.
Coton de Tulear
One of the many small white long-haired dog breeds, the Coton de Tulear earned its name because of its plush, cotton-like coat. These dogs are frequently described as clowns or jesters, providing all sorts of amusement for their owners. This breed was developed in Madagascar specifically to be a companion.
They’re intelligent and oftentimes silly. These lighthearted canines also have a sensitive side and are often so in-tune with their owners that they can tell when they are in a bad mood or upset. You can always count on the Coton de Tulear for steadfast loyalty and companionship!
Rough Collie
The Rough Collie is one of the most intelligent and courageous dog breeds, and they’re famous for their uncanny ability to sense danger. Many owners have remarkable stories about Rough Collies saving their lives! These sheep herding dogs have boundless energy, but are also patient and loving with family members, particularly children.
This is an incredibly athletic dog breed that simply cannot stand to live in an apartment or small house. They need a large backyard and plenty of space to roam and chase. The Rough Collie’s name refers to its long, rough double coat, which can come in sable and white, tricolor, or blue merle pure white! Like other longhaired dogs, the Rough Collie requires regular grooming and should be brushed once or twice every week.
Bearded Collie
Another one of the long-haired sheepdog breeds is the Bearded Collie. These dogs have very shaggy coats that often fall into their eyes, making this dog breed look quite charming. The long hair on their cheeks and chin also adds a stylish beard to the breed’s face, hence its name. The Bearded Collie is a large, incredibly active dog.
This breed is best suited for owners and families who enjoy exercising and outdoor activities with their pets. And while these dogs love to tag along on adventures, their long hair might require extra bathing to get rid of any dirt or mud afterwards. The Bearded Collie needs a house with a large backyard, as well as a family who can keep up with its active lifestyle!
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed of dog. Its silky steel-blue and tan coat is so long that it can reach the ground, and has a texture very similar to human hair. Of course, this means it requires lots of grooming to prevent mats and tangles. While these dogs may look a bit snobbish at first, the Yorkshire Terrier is anything but!
However, these little dogs are known for their feisty and sometimes bossy personalities. In fact, they do require firm training early on, or they might just end up training you! Yorkies are quite active, excel in competitions like obedience and agility.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a big long-haired dog breed that’s famous for its shaggy coat. And while their gray and white fluffy hair may make them look cumbersome, they’re surprisingly agile. The Old English Sheepdog needed to be nimble in order to successfully weave through the herd as they helped farmers drive sheep to market.
When they walk, they have a distinctive slow gait that actually resembles a bear. These gentle giants are known for their calm and patient nature, as well as their special connection with children. While the Old English Sheepdog is calm in most scenarios, they are also quite active, and need plenty of exercise! These dogs are great to spend a fun day hiking with, and they’ll be more than happy to cuddle on the couch with you afterwards!
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier gets its name for both the color and texture of its coat which shimmers in a beige to golden color, resembling ripe wheat. Its long coat is also soft, silky, and slightly wavy. In fact, because of their coat, these dogs are often described as looking like teddy bears!
This long-haired terrier breed is considered to be hypoallergenic, which is perfect for potential owners with dog allergies yet who are still interested in owning a long-haired dog.
While the Wheaten Terrier can be stubborn and difficult to train at times, as well as high maintenance when it comes to grooming to prevent matting, they’re considered good pets for a first-time dog owner. Overall this is an active, and highly affectionate dog that is especially good with children.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed that originated in Cuba in the 1500s. This is a sturdy canine that was bred for companionship. And because they tend to always stay close to their owners they’re considered to be “Velcro dogs.” The Havanese is also quite easy to train, and will readily learn all sorts of tricks.
They are even a popular choice for agility training. While they do require daily exercise, they’re adaptable and can live happily in an apartment. Like other breeds of hairy dogs, the Havanese needs to be groomed at least twice a week. Many owners choose to trim their hair to reduce maintenance. Fortunately, though, they are quite low-shedding.
Briard
The Briard is a long-haired shepherd breed from France. These dogs have thick, harsh coats that are meant to protect them from all sorts of weather and even predators. Their coat can be tawny, fawn, blue, gray, or black. While their hair does not shed often, it becomes extremely tangled and matted without constant care.
These dogs require brushing every single day. The Briard is an incredibly affectionate family companion and tends to follow their owners wherever they go in an unobtrusive manner. However, they can be aloof and reserved when meeting strangers. These large, active dogs need plenty of time with their family, as well as lots of regular exercise.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua comes in two different coat varieties, the smooth coat (which is not only smooth but short in length) and the long coat (which is long-haired). Long-Haired Chihuahuas have a distinctive poofy tail and long hair coming from their ears. These are one of the easiest long-haired breeds to take care of, as their coat does not require trimming.
They only need to be brushed about once a week, and while they do shed, it’s only a moderate amount. Long-Haired Chihuahuas have the same temperament as short-haired Chihuahuas; they are tiny dogs with a big personality! They need to be socialized and trained early on, or they can develop “Little Dog Syndrome,” and can become aggressive and bossy.
Maltese
These little white dogs are incredibly charming and are known for their surprisingly hilarious personality. While gentle and regal at first glance, they have a secret silly side. The Maltese dog loves to entertain its owners with all sorts of hilarious antics. So it’s no wonder the Maltese is one of the most popular small long-haired dog breeds.
And don’t let their pampered appearance fool you- they are surprisingly agile and athletic, as well. They’re especially fearless competitors on agility courses. While the Maltese dog does need to be regularly brushed to keep its hair silky and untangled they are low-shedding dogs.
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