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.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Black And White Dog Breeds
Dogs’ coats can be many different colors; however black and white coats are always one of the most popular. The contrast created by these two opposite colors can really make for an eye-catching canine. So here are some of the top black and white dog breeds you’ll want...
Austrian Dog Breeds
People all over the world have bred dogs to do a variety of different tasks, such as herding, guarding, hunting, and even just laying on someone's lap! As a result, there are hundreds of breeds that hail from countless different countries. Austria has created several...
Dogs That Look Like A Carpet
The best part about dogs is that there's a breed out there for every kind of person. If you're searching for dogs that look like a carpet, you'll be surprised to find that there are quite a few breeds that fit the bill. So here are nine different carpet-looking dogs!...
Hungarian Dog Breeds
When looking to adopt a dog, you might be overwhelmed by all of the choices. After all, there are hundreds of different breeds to choose one, and each is just as adorable as the next! Not only do dogs come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but each dog also...
Dogs That Look Like Dingoes
Black Panther Looking Dogs
One of the many wonderful things about dogs is that they come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and personalities. If you want a dog that looks a certain way, you have hundreds of breeds to choose from! If you are searching for a dog that looks as sleek and powerful as a...
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Dogs are the most popular pets in the entire world, with an estimated 33% of the earth's population owning at least one adorable pooch. Unfortunately, no matter how much you love dogs, there is one thing that can get in the way of you enjoying a canine of your own;...
American Dog Breeds
While dogs, as we know them today, are all ancestors of the wolf, different countries have carefully selected certain traits to create numerous different breeds. Just because some breeds were created in the same country, however, does not necessarily mean they will...
Tricolor Dogs
Part of what makes dogs so charming is that no two dogs look exactly alike! They come in so many different sizes, shapes, and of course, colors. One popular trait that many owners adore is tricolor dogs. Tricolor dogs have a coat that comes in three colors. The dog's...
Dogs That Look Like A Mop
With so many breeds on the planet, it’s no surprise that canines come in a wide variety of different coat types. However, seeing a dog that looks like a mop isn’t an everyday occurrence. So for those who love dogs with coats that are totally unique, here are the top...
Dogs That Look Like Wolves
Humans have been breeding dogs for centuries. With such adorable breeds as pugs and Pomeranians, it can be easy to forget where all of these dogs are descended from. Many modern dog breeds don't look anything like their ancient ancestors; wolves. However, there are...
Fox Looking Dogs
There are so many dog breeds in the world today that it can be overwhelming to choose one to take home with you. Different breeds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors, but those differences don't make any one breed less adorable than the other! Of...
Dogs That Look Like Lions
The lion is considered to be the king of the jungle. Yet while they may appear regal, lions are at the same time powerful and fearsome predators. Having a lion at home isn’t an option however there are many lion-like dogs that make fantastic pets. Therefore, lion fans...
Chinese Dog Breeds
All dogs are descended from the same breed: Canis lupus familiaris. However, over time, humans were able to domesticate dogs to have different physical features and temperaments. Today, there are around 360 officially recognized dog breeds, which come from all over...
African Dog Breeds
Dogs are undoubtedly the most popular pets in the entire world. With over 360 recognized breeds today, it's no wonder different breeds have origins from every country imaginable. The continent of Africa has contributed many different dog breeds, as well. So here are...
The Cleanest Dog Breeds
Are you considering getting a dog, but don't want to deal with too much mess? Then you've come to the right place! Dogs make wonderful pets because no matter what you want in a furry companion, you're sure to find a breed that works for you. Today, we're going to take...
Dogs That Look Like Bears
When it comes to comparing canines to other animals, most people automatically think of examples such as wolves, and foxes. However, there are actually many dogs that look like bears. From those that look similar to black bears, grizzlies, polar bears, and even teddy...
Dogs That Look Like Polar Bears
Many dog breeds look similar to other types of animals. For example, there are breeds that remind us of lions, foxes, wolves, and even bears. And a few special canines closely resemble polar bears. So here are the top dogs that look like polar bears and what you’ll...
Dogs With Purple Tongues
Most canines have pink tongues. Amazingly, however, there are actually a few different types of dogs with purple tongues. This is a highly unusual trait. So here are the only dog breeds with purple tongues on the planet, along with what you’ll want to know about them....
Dogs With Pointy Ears
Let’s face it, there’s something special about the look of pointy-eared dogs. Luckily there are many breeds that have this appealing physical characteristic. So here are some of the best dogs with pointy ears and what to know about them. Corgi Both types of Corgi, the...