Dog owners have a lot of choices to make when choosing furry companions. One of the biggest is the type of breed that they’ll get. While some may opt for a short-haired dog due to the low maintenance requirements, others may want a dog with a more distinctive coat of fur. A well-groomed long-haired dog is a sight to behold and can really make an impression on people.
Long-haired dog breeds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small toy breeds to large working dogs. Some long-haired breeds require frequent grooming while others are low maintenance and easy to care for. Regardless, these breeds all have unique traits and characteristics that make them great pets.
If you’re in the market for a four-legged friend with soft and silky fur, check out 10 long-haired dog breeds. But of course, before choosing a pup, make sure that you always check for a breeder’s ID number to make sure you’re getting a dog from a reputable breeder.
Top 10 Long-Haired Dog Breeds
- Afghan Hound
We’ll start off with one of the most glamorous and beautiful dog breeds in the world. The Afghan Hound is known for its characteristic long, silky coat which can be any colour including black, white, cream or red. With its luxurious coat, regal posture, and distinctive facial features, it stands out in any crowd. The Afghan hound loves to run and is very playful despite its distinguished appearance. This breed is intelligent but independent so training must be consistent.
- Collie
The Collie is a large herding dog with a thick double coat made up of two layers: an undercoat for insulation and a longer outer coat that’s usually rough or smooth in texture. Unlike other herding dogs, the Collie has a gentle nature that makes it great with children and other pets.
- Shih Tzu
The tiny Shih Tzu has a long double coat that comes in various colours including black and white, sable, gold and more. These dogs are known for their friendly, laid-back personalities, making them great family pets.This breed loves being around people but can be stubborn at times, which means patience is key when training them.
- Bichon Frise
This small breed has long curly hair that requires regular brushing to prevent mats from forming. Bichons are active yet gentle creatures that make excellent family pets due to their easygoing nature and undying loyalty towards their owners. They are cheerful little companions who love attention and get along well with other animals as well as with children.
- Maltese
The Maltese has a thick white coat that requires daily brushing to keep it looking its best. Despite their delicate appearance they are hardy little dogs who enjoy playing games like fetch or going on walks with their owners.
- Lhasa Apso
Named after the holy city of Lhasa in Tibet, this ancient breed was revered by Buddhist monks who kept them as watchdogs inside monasteries hundreds of years ago. Their thick coats protect them from cold weather conditions, but will require frequent bathing sessions to keep them looking clean and smelling fresh. They can be territorial at times but will bond deeply with their family when given proper socialisation training early on in life.
- Havanese
Hailing from Cuba where they were once kept by wealthy families, these small dogs are very playful yet sensitive animals that do best when surrounded by people they trust. These small companion dogs have thick wavy coats that come in many different colours such as grey, silver or cream. Most Havanese are friendly lap dogs who love spending time with their families but need regular mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
- Old English Sheepdog
This shaggy large breed has an impressive double coat consisting of an oily undercoat covered by longer hair growing over the body like a fringe. While they may look intimidating due to their size, Old English Sheepdogs are actually gentle giants who make loyal family companions. Regular brushing is necessary to keep this breed’s coat free from mats.
- Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels have medium length wavy coats in rich shades of brown, black or golden yellow. They’re active, loyal and intelligent dogs who thrive on being part of the family, making them ideal companions for all types of households. Due to their high energy levels, daily exercise and regular training is recommended for this breed.
- Yorkie
Also known as the Yorkshire Terrier, this small breed is one of the most popular toy dogs in the world today. Yorkies are intelligent and inquisitive but can also be stubborn at times. They have a high energy level that needs to be managed through daily walks and playtime with other dogs or people.
