Long-haired dogs captivate hearts around the world with their majestic appearance, expressive eyes hidden beneath flowing fur, and soft, fluffy coats that beg to be petted. But aside from their beauty, these breeds bring loyalty, personality, and companionship into homes everywhere.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular long-haired dog breeds, highlighting their unique traits, grooming needs, and personalities. Whether you’re looking to adopt or are simply curious, this guide will help you understand what makes each of these furry friends so special.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds globally, and their flowing golden coats are a big part of their appeal. Their long fur is dense and water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Key Traits:
- Friendly and affectionate
- Great with kids and families
- Requires regular brushing (3–4 times a week)
Their double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting.
2. Afghan Hound
Known for their aristocratic elegance, Afghan Hounds have silky, fine hair that flows like a cape. Originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, these dogs are both agile and independent.
Key Traits:
- Aloof but loyal to their families
- Requires daily brushing
- One of the most high-maintenance coats
Due to their long, silky fur, they need professional grooming and dedicated coat care to avoid tangling and matting.
3. Shih Tzu
These small dogs are often mistaken for toy animals due to their luxurious coats and adorable faces. Originally bred as royal companions in China, Shih Tzus are affectionate and social.
Key Traits:
- Excellent for apartment living
- Requires daily brushing and regular trims
- Known for their sweet and charming nature
Many owners choose to keep their coats trimmed in a “puppy cut” to reduce grooming time.
4. Rough Collie
Popularized by the fictional Lassie, Rough Collies are known for their intelligence and beautiful, long double coats.
Key Traits:
- Loyal and protective
- Great with children
- Requires regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons
Their thick undercoat makes them well-suited for colder climates but also means consistent grooming is needed to avoid tangles.
5. Lhasa Apso
Originally bred to guard palaces and monasteries in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso has a dense, long coat that provides protection from cold and dust.
Key Traits:
- Independent and confident
- Needs daily brushing or frequent trims
- Small in size but full of personality
Though small, they are quite assertive and benefit from early training.
6. Old English Sheepdog
These fluffy giants are instantly recognizable by their shaggy coats and playful personalities. They are strong herding dogs with coats that require serious grooming.
Key Traits:
- Gentle and affectionate
- Good with families and other pets
- Coat care requires time and patience
Weekly grooming and professional grooming every few months are essential to maintain their fur.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t let their small size fool you—Yorkies have a huge personality and a silky coat that resembles human hair.
Key Traits:
- Perfect for apartment living
- Needs daily grooming if coat is long
- Popular choice for people with allergies
Their coats can grow very long if left unclipped, and frequent trims help manage their care.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
This gentle giant from Switzerland has a thick, long, tri-colored coat that is as striking as it is soft.
Key Traits:
- Calm and affectionate
- Great with kids and other animals
- Moderate grooming required
They do shed, especially in spring and fall, so brushing multiple times a week is recommended.
9. Maltese
With a white, silky coat that hangs straight to the floor, the Maltese is a showstopper in the toy group.
Key Traits:
- Loyal and gentle
- Best suited to indoor life
- Requires daily brushing and eye care
Their coat is prone to tangling and staining, especially around the eyes, so a thorough grooming routine is essential.
10. Havanese
As the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese has a soft, wavy coat and a cheerful disposition.
Key Traits:
- Friendly and playful
- Adapts well to small homes
- Coat needs brushing several times per week
They’re a great choice for families and often thrive in urban settings.
11. Komondor
This unique breed is famous for its corded coat, which resembles dreadlocks. The Komondor was bred to guard livestock and blend in with sheep.
Key Traits:
- Very protective and loyal
- Not suitable for novice owners
- Coat requires special care and professional grooming
Despite the appearance, their coats need meticulous attention to avoid trapping dirt and moisture.
12. Briard
Briards are French herding dogs known for their long, flowing coats and strong guarding instincts.
Key Traits:
- Protective yet affectionate
- Intelligent and trainable
- Needs consistent grooming and exercise
These dogs thrive in active households and enjoy having a job to do.
13. Bearded Collie
As the name suggests, this breed has a signature “beard” and a long, shaggy coat.
Key Traits:
- Energetic and cheerful
- Great with kids
- Coat requires regular care and brushing
They are ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have time to dedicate to grooming.
14. Samoyed
Known for their “smiling” faces and fluffy white coats, Samoyeds are working dogs originally bred to pull sleds and herd reindeer in Siberia.
Key Traits:
- Friendly and sociable
- Heavy seasonal shedders
- Double coat needs consistent brushing
Their fur repels dirt but needs regular maintenance to stay clean and mat-free.
15. Tibetan Terrier
These medium-sized dogs have a profuse double coat and were bred to be companions in Tibetan monasteries.
Key Traits:
- Adaptable and friendly
- Requires frequent grooming
- Good watchdogs with a calm demeanor
Their hair can grow very long, and trimming around the eyes is necessary for visibility.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Long-Haired Breed
While long-haired dogs are undeniably beautiful, they come with unique responsibilities. Here are a few things to think about:
- Time Commitment: Grooming can take 15–60 minutes per session depending on the breed.
- Financial Considerations: Professional grooming can be costly but is often necessary.
- Lifestyle Fit: Some long-haired dogs are more active and need space to roam, while others are perfect for apartments.
- Health Maintenance: Long coats can hide skin issues, so regular checks are important.
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Family
Each long-haired breed brings its own set of traits, grooming needs, and personalities. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, living space, and willingness to commit to regular grooming. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of the Afghan Hound or the playfulness of the Shih Tzu, there’s a long-haired companion out there that’s perfect for you.
