For some, long-haired dog breeds might seem intimidating. All that fabulous fur must be a hassle to maintain, right? Lovers of these luscious locks will assuredly speak up and tell you that coat maintenance is simply the cost of entry when owning a pup with a gorgeous mane. Whether fluffy and puffy or sleek and shiny, the best long-haired dogs are some of the most beautiful breeds.
These breeds exude elegance and charm, boasting luxurious coats that capture attention wherever they go. Dogs like the majestic Afghan Hound, the regal Golden Retriever, and the graceful Yorkshire Terrier showcase a remarkable range of colors, textures, and patterns in their flowing locks. Beyond their stunning appearance, these long-haired companions often form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on regular grooming and affection, making them beloved additions to households seeking beauty and companionship.
Is there something to the mystique of the long-haired pooch that makes people want to befriend them? We visited our trusted sources to learn about the best long-haired dog breeds. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Long-Haired Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Afghan Hound
Does the Afghan hound evoke thoughts of a runway supermodel? For some dog enthusiasts, the answer is yes! The Spruce Pets details, “The Afghan hound’s long, silky, flowing coat is one of the breed’s hallmark characteristics… As a sighthound, it hunts prey using its keen eyesight and swift speed. The dog’s long coat requires considerable care to maintain. Prepare for several hours of brushing a week, plus routine bathing using both shampoo and conditioner.”
“The Afghan Hound’s thick, silky coat helped protect them in harsh mountainous regions where they were first bred, the AKC notes. Both their grooming and exercise needs make them a high-maintenance dog,” offers Woman’s Day.
Pure Wow adds, “As puppies, Afghan Hounds have short curly coats. As they age, the coats grow into long, silky smooth works of art. The Afghan Hound Club of America warns you should never brush a dry Afghan coat; this means using a spray bottle full of water mixed with doggy conditioner before a daily brushing or bathing your dog a few times a week before grooming. Definitely work with a reputable breeder to get some hot tips for keeping an Afghan Hound’s coat healthy.”
2. Old English Sheepdog
These fluffy long-haired dogs are loving and retro-famous thanks to the classic comedy film “The Shaggy Dog” from 1968 as well as its Tim Allen-led remake from 2006. They are known to be protective of their family and are reputed to be great companions. Hepper Blog writes, “You’ll recognize this dog breed for its famous shaggy hair that covers its entire body and face, including its peek-a-boo eyes. Old English Sheepdogs have a dense double coat that requires weekly, thorough grooming sessions. This long-haired dog moves about similarly to a bear, but unlike a bear, its temperament is kind and agreeable. They make loveable family dogs and astute watchdogs.”
The Pioneer Woman claims, “This big, shaggy bundle of love is neither especially old (the breed only dates to about the late 1700s, making them young for canines) nor only English (they may actually have Russian and European bloodlines). But he is a famously friendly, enthusiastic pup perfect for life as a family dog. You may seldom see his eyes, but brush the old English sheepdog thoroughly a few times a week to keep that long, beautiful coat knot-free and you’ll have a best bud for life.”
Not A Bully states, “Their background as a working breed means they enjoy mental and physical challenges, so training and socialization should start at an early age by an experienced dog owner. You also need to remember as with most dogs, daily exercise helps maintain their health and happiness and avoid destructive and unwanted behaviors.”
3. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso also has long flowing tresses. With as little as a gentle breeze or a fan set to low, these doggies always look ready for a selfie. AZ Animals claims, “The Lhasa Apso is intelligent, funny, and confident. They are small, hardy dogs belonging to the non-sporting group. They are popular for their floor-length coat that drapes on either side of their bodies. Despite their long, silky coat, Lhasa Apsos are light shedders. However, they require moderate grooming. Additionally, these dogs have a double coat with slightly rough outer coats.”
Daily Paws exclaims, “Lhasa apsos are bringing bangs back, baby! … Another breed rooted in Chinese royalty, Lhasa apsos stood watch over Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas and were prized possessions to Buddhist monks and Dalai Lamas alike over the centuries. It’s no wonder they still prefer a pampered lifestyle today!”
“The Lhasa apso is an ancient breed that comes from the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. The little dogs acted as interior watchdogs in palaces and Buddhist monasteries, sounding the alarm if they heard people approaching. The breed, which is named after the sacred Tibetan city of Lhasa (‘apso’ means ‘longhaired dog’), has been highly prized for centuries by dignitaries in the country and even the Dalai Lama himself,” according to The Spruce Pets.
4. Komondor
The Komondor, with its eye-catching corded fur, is not a dog for beginners. These loving dogs possess fierce guarding instincts and were bred to be able to fight and defend their families. “The Komondor is one of the world’s most recognizable dog breeds, with its long-corded coat that looks like dreadlocks… Their unique coat serves an essential purpose. It protects The Komondor from scratches and bites from bears and wolves, as they were initially bred in Hungary for guarding livestock. They are affectionate dogs who are very protective of their families. They tend to act quite aggressively towards strangers,” as explained by Fit Bark.
“To the casual observer, a Komondor’s unique coat looks like ‘locs,’ although the correct terms are cords, flocks, or mats. The dogs’ white coat helps them blend in with their herds and Hungary’s wintry landscape. As a puppy, the coat is soft and wavy. The outer coat grows coarse as the dog ages, trapping the softer undercoat to form cords. These help to protect the dog from ferocious predators going after the flock and provide warmth and coverage from the harsh elements,” explains The Spruce Pets.
Pure Wow also writes, “Look at these cords! Komondors, like Bergamasco Sheepdogs, require no brushing after their coats are initially corded. These are big, yet agile dogs. Komondor cords begin forming (with your help) between 8 months and a year old. As they age, their cords lengthen. The Komondor Club of America says a dirty coat can be simply rinsed with water. Always—always—dry their coats completely with warm air. Damp cords can develop mildew. Keeping a corded coat healthy take[s] diligence, but it’s worth it to see these agile, powerful dogs happy and healthy.”
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Impressive coats are not only in the domain of large breeds. The itty-bitty Yorkie also has striking looks thanks to long hair. Pet Keen states, “You’ve probably seen these chipper little dogs bopping around everywhere from dog parks to purses. Generally, you’ll see Yorkies that have been groomed and have shorter coats, but a show coat on a Yorkie is long, luxurious, and pools on the ground around them. Yorkies are pretty fearless, often being accused of ‘little dog syndrome,’ believing they’re much larger than they are.”
“Yorkies have a single coat of fine, long, silky hair, closely resembling human hair. Its hair grows continuously and needs constant grooming. These low-shed dogs are potentially a better option for people with allergies. When hair sheds, it’s usually a strand here or there, similar to how people lose hair on occasion. Puppies are born with darker markings and a thicker texture to their coat that thins out and lightens over the next two years of life,” adds The Spruce Pets.
Pure Wow mentions that “Yorkies have coats akin to human hair. Due to its silky texture, it needs to be brushed every day and bathed weekly if you keep it long. (Trimming is totally cool with Yorkies!) To avoid eye infections or vision issues, pull any lengthy locks on their heads up into a cute topknot. Since their coats are only single layers, be sure to keep Yorkies warm in winter months with sweaters or jackets.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
- Best Dog Breeds for Warm Climates
- Best Dog Breeds for Travel
- Best Dogs for Emotional Support
Sources:
- The Spruce Pets
- Woman’s Day
- Pure Wow
- Pet Keen
- AZ Animals
- Hepper Blog
- The Pioneer Woman
- Fit Bark
- Daily Paws
- Not A Bully
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.