Long haired dogs are breeds that have evolved to cope with blustery, cold winters in extreme locations, or breeds that have been specifically selected over centuries for their luscious, long locks!
Long haired dogs include the likes of the Afghan Hound, the Bearded Collie, the Shih Tzu, and many more different breeds, large and small. Long haired dogs can be hard working, or they can be pampered show dogs (or both!), but either way, this type of dog needs a lot of grooming to keep them in shape.
Let's take a look at the best long haired dogs!
How to Care for Long Haired Dogs
Long haired dog breeds are a varied bunch. There are long haired companion dogs that fit into a handbag, and there are enormous, long haired hunting dogs that are best suited to life on the farm!
Long haired dogs, regardless of their size and temperament, are all characterized by their ability to grow long locks of hair. This can be all over the body or confined to particularly hairy spots (such as long whiskers or a flowing head of hair!).
- For most of these fluffy dogs, their long locks can quickly get out of control if left to their own devices for too long. They all need regular grooming (some more than others) in order to keep their coats looking sleek and shiny. (Yes, you can shampoo your dog.)
- Most long haired dogs will shed hair regularly too, so it’s good to keep them well trimmed to avoid a build-up of hair around the home.
- Because these dogs developed in cold climates, they will need trimming in the summer as well, or else a long coat can lead to overheating.
- Due to the large amount of hair and fluffy coats these dogs have, they aren’t the best dogs for first time owners or for any families with lots of allergies. You’ll need experience matting and grooming, as you need to remove twigs, dirt, and any other objects that can get stuck in the fur.
There’s no denying that long haired dog breeds need lots of grooming, but look after these loyal pets, and they’ll be your companion for life. Let’s take a look at the best long haired dog breeds out there!
Large-sized Long Haired Dogs
Newfoundlands
- Newfoundlands are not only one of the largest dog breeds out there, but one of the longest haired dog breeds too.
- These enormous, large long haired dogs can grow up to 30 inches in height and weigh a staggering 150 pounds when fully grown, so be prepared for a lot of grooming.
- Conversely, though, Newfoundlands are some of the easiest dogs to get along with, despite their staggering size.
- They are highly intelligent, easy to train, yet exceptionally calm and collected.
- They don’t anger, they aren’t hyper-energetic like many smaller breeds of dog, and they are incredibly loyal.
- Their thick coats can easily be tangled, however, and they’ll need regular brushing and trimming to keep them comfortable.
Komondor
- The Komondor is one of the most unique of the big long haired dogs.
- Weighing up to 100 pounds and standing up to 27 inches tall, these big dogs need a lot of space!
- The Komondor is a distinctly white fluffy dog with long curls that droop over the face and reach down to the feet.
- This is one curly dog, and its long hair is often described as the doggie equivalent of dreadlocks.
- Because its hair is naturally curly, there’s no need to regularly brush or detangle the Komondor, making it a large, yet easy-to-groom dog.
Bernese Mountain dog
- The Bernese Mountain Dog is best known for its heroic mountain rescues, because this breed of enormous dogs was bred in the Swiss Alps and has provided centuries of service to human owners.
- Traditionally a working dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog loves the great outdoors, and can be trained to fulfill a wide variety of different roles (including the iconic mountain rescue role).
- The dog’s size, and long hair, however, make it unsuitable for small homes or first time dog owners.
Medium-sized Long Haired Dogs
Bearded Collie
- The Bearded Collie is a mid-sized working dog that also makes for a great family pet.
- These sheep-herders are tough yet lovable, with lovely grey-white whiskers that are rugged when unkempt yet sleek when shaped and styled.
- The Bearded Collie needs quite a lot of grooming, however, in order to keep the tangles away and the dog comfortable. Thankfully, they are easy to train and make for fantastic family companion dogs.
Afghan Hound
- The Afghan Hound was originally bred as a hunter, and its long coats protected it from the harsh winters and high altitudes of the Central Asian mountains.
- The Afghan Hound is slim and athletic, with long locks that can be groomed and styled for shows.
- To look its best, this hound needs regular baths and shampooing!
- Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest breeds in the world and are thought to be one of the first types of dogs to be domesticated by humans.
Shetland Sheepdog
- The Shetland Sheepdog is highly regarded for its long, fluffy mane of hair that’s often a distinct mix of golden brown, tan, and white.
- These Scottish dogs were bred to herd sheep on the remote Shetland Islands, where their long hair protected them from fierce storms and unpredictable weather.
- Shetland Sheepdogs are as intelligent as they are fluffy, however, which makes them perfectly suited for life as a working dog (or a life at the dog show!).
Small-sized Long Haired Dogs
Pomeranian
- If you’re looking for an ultra-fluffy toy dog, then look no further than the famously fabulous Pomeranian.
- These small companion dogs stand no more than 12 inches tall and weigh just a few pounds, but most of their mass is probably hair!
- The Pomeranian is perfect for styling, so if you love pampering, shampooing, and grooming your pet, then this breed is an excellent choice.
Yorkshire Terrier
- The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the fluffiest small dogs around, and when their coats are left to grow, they can reach outrageously long proportions.
- But while the Yorkshire Terrier is perfect for a life of pampering and hair-straightening, what it loves best is life outdoors.
- These are Terriers, and they love to chase, play, and run!
Shih Tzu
- The Shih Tzu is a classic lap dog that can trace its origins back to the Chinese royal courts of centuries past.
- Shih Tzus have luscious, long coats of hair, but they need regular washing, styling, and grooming to be at their best.
- If you’re looking for a loyal lap dog that loves being dressed up, then the Shih Tzu can be your loyal lifelong companion!
Long Haired Dogs: The Last Bark
Long haired dogs need lots of grooming and lots of trimming, but if you’re looking for a loyal companion that loves the outdoors, then these breeds are for you!
Long haired dogs range in size from the enormous shaggy Newfoundland to the handbag-sized Shih Tzu, so we’re sure that there’s a breed out there to suit your lifestyle.
If you’re confident that you’re up to the challenge of grooming a long haired dog, then why not bookmark our guide to help you choose the best breed?
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