15 dogs with long hair

Dogs with long hair are known for their luxurious locks and unique personalities. These beautiful dogs often catch the eye and steal the hearts of pet lovers. In this article, we’ll explore 15 stunning long-haired dog breeds and discuss their distinctive features, grooming needs, and general demeanors.

From the elegant Afghan hound to the playful Havanese, there are dogs with long coats in all shapes and sizes, so there are options out there for everyone. Let’s dive into the world of these magnificent, furry companions.

This elegant breed is known for its flowing, chestnut-colored coat. The Irish setter’s sociable nature and love for playtime make them an excellent companion for families with children or other pets. With a strong desire to please and a knack for learning, these graceful dogs excel in various activities, including obedience training, agility, and even therapy work. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coats tangle-free and gorgeous.

Facts about the Irish setter

• Breed group — Sporting group (American Kennel Club)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 12–15 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth, is recommended.

With their silky coat of long hair, Afghan hounds are true showstoppers. Afghans possess a dignified air and a unique, sighthound build, which allows them to excel in activities like lure coursing and agility, as well as in the conformation ring. Although they may have a reserved nature, their affectionate and gentle demeanor towards their families makes them endearing companions. These regal dogs require regular grooming to maintain their stunning appearance.

Facts about the Afghan hound

• Breed group — Hound group (AKC)
• Intelligence — Average
• Barking — Low
• Life span — 12–14 years
• Grooming requirements — A slicker brush and a metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth are recommended for detangling and keeping their long, silky coat smooth and shiny.

These strong, powerful dogs have a thick, double coat designed to withstand harsh climates. As natural-born workers, Alaskan malamutes thrive in activities that challenge their strength and endurance, such as sledding or weight-pulling competitions. Mals are affectionate and playful but require weekly brushing to manage their shedding and reduce matting.

Facts about the Alaskan malamute

• Breed group — Working group (AKC)
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 10–12 years
• Grooming requirements — An undercoat rake or a de-shedding tool helps remove the dense undercoat during the shedding season, while a slicker brush can be used for weekly grooming.

Known for their striking tricolor coats, Bernese mountain dogs are gentle giants with a calm and friendly demeanor. Berners are large dogs, renowned for their loyalty and devotion to their families, which makes them excellent watchdogs and companions. Their patient and good-natured personalities also make them well-suited for therapy work as well as activities like carting and drafting. Regular grooming will keep their luxurious fur healthy and clean. For a slightly smaller option with a bit more curly hair, consider the hybrid Bernedoodle.

Facts about the Bernese mountain dog

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Low
• Life span — 10–12 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

The bearded collie boasts a shaggy, double coat, giving it a charming, rustic appearance. These intelligent and enthusiastic dogs excel in herding, agility, and obedience activities, making them versatile and engaging companions for active families or individuals. The beardie coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles or matting.

Facts about the bearded collie

• Breed group — Herding group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 12–14 years
• Grooming requirements — Daily grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

Instantly recognizable by their shaggy, gray-and-white coats, Old English sheepdogs are intelligent, adaptable, and affectionate. Regular grooming is crucial to avoid matting and keep their coats looking fabulous.

Facts about the Old English sheepdog

• Breed group — Herding group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 10–12 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

The shih tzu is a small breed with a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. These little dogs, whose name translates to “little lion”, are known for their adaptable and easygoing nature, making them excellent pets for families, seniors, or apartment dwellers. With expressive eyes and charming demeanor, they are often well-suited for various activities, including therapy work and obedience training.

Facts about the shih tzu

• Breed group — Toy group (AKC)
• Intelligence — Average
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 10–16 years
• Grooming requirements — Professional grooming, plus regular grooming at home with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth, are recommended.

The long, flowing hair of the Lhasa apso is a symbol of their noble heritage. Bred for their keen sense of hearing and alert nature, their original purpose was to serve as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries. Their affectionate and loyal personalities endear them to their families, and with proper socialization, they can be wonderful companions for both children and adults. Regular bathing and grooming are required to maintain their beautiful appearance.

Facts about the Lhasa apso

• Breed group — Non-sporting group (AKC)
• Intelligence — Average
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 12–15 years
• Grooming requirements —Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

The Yorkshire terrier is a small breed with a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Yorkies are often described as feisty and confident, making them excellent watchdogs despite their small stature. They thrive in various settings, including apartments and family homes, and their adaptability makes them a popular choice for dog lovers of all ages.

Facts about the Yorkshire terrier

• Breed group — Terrier group (AKC)
• Intelligence — Above average
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 11–15 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

The Coton de Tulear is a small breed with a long, cotton-like coat that requires regular grooming. These dogs, originating from Madagascar, are highly adaptable and thrive in various living situations, making them excellent pets for families, singles, or seniors. Their cheerful and intelligent nature also lends itself well to participating in activities such as agility, obedience training, and therapy work.

Facts about the Coton du Tulear

• Breed group — Non-sporting group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Low
• Life span — 15–19 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended for their cottony coat.

With their bright, smiling faces and stunningly fluffy coats, Samoyeds are the picture of happiness. Sammies are highly adaptable and excel in activities such as sledding, herding, and agility sports. Their energetic and playful nature makes them wonderful companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors — especially in the colder months — and engaging in both physical and mental stimulation. These friendly, intelligent dogs require regular grooming to keep their thick, luxurious fur looking its best.

Facts about the Samoyed

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 12–14 years
• Grooming requirements —  A slicker brush, undercoat rake, or de-shedding tool for removing loose fur from their thick, double-layered coat is recommended, especially during the shedding season.

The Havanese is a small breed from Cuba with a long, silky coat more like human hair than dog hair.  These dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments and family homes. Their sociable and affectionate nature makes them excellent therapy dogs, and their intelligence lends itself well to obedience training and agility activities.

Facts about the Havanese

• Breed group — Toy group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Moderate
• Life span — 14–16 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

The regal chow is a medium-sized breed with a strong instinct to protect their families, making them excellent guard dogs. Although they can be aloof with strangers, they form deep bonds with their loved ones and benefit from early socialization and consistent training to ensure well-rounded behavior. Chows’ thick, lion-like manes require regular grooming to keep them free from matting.

Facts about the chow chow

• Breed group — Non-sporting group
• Intelligence — Average
• Barking — Low
• Life span — 8–12 years
• Grooming requirements — Regular grooming with a slicker brush, bristle brush, and/or metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is recommended.

With its matted coat that forms “flocks” or loose mats, the Bergamasco sheepdog is one of the most unique of the long-haired breeds.  The Bergamasco shepherd’s coat may look high-maintenance but requires minimal grooming once the cords have formed. Their adaptable nature and strong bond with their families also make these dogs excellent companions for those involved in various dog sports or outdoor activities.

Facts about the Bergamasco shepherd

• Breed group — Herding group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking —Low
• Life span — 13–15 years
• Grooming requirements — Use your fingers to separate the cords. A wide-toothed comb will help keep the cords neat and tangle-free.

The mop-like Komondor is a large breed known for its independent personality. Originally bred in Hungary for guarding livestock, Komondors possess a strong protective instinct and work well as farm dogs or family protectors. Despite their imposing appearance, they are gentle and affectionate with their loved ones, forming deep bonds with their human family members. Their distinctive, luscious locks require special grooming techniques to keep them clean and tangle-free.

Facts about the Komondor

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High
• Barking — Low
• Life span — 10–12 years
• Grooming requirements — Use your fingers to separate the cords. A wide-toothed comb can also help to keep the cords neat and tangle-free.

Using the wrong type of comb or brush while grooming your dog can lead to various issues, depending on their coat type. It’s essential to understand the risks associated with using inappropriate grooming tools and choose the right ones for your dog’s specific coat. Here are some potential risks and problems that can arise from using the wrong comb or brush:

• Damage to hair and coat. Using a brush or comb that’s too harsh for your dog’s coat can cause breakage, split ends, and damage to the hair shafts. This can result in a dull, unhealthy-looking coat and may even lead to hair loss.
• Skin irritation. Inappropriate grooming tools can scratch or irritate your dog’s skin, causing discomfort and potentially leading to redness, inflammation, or even infections if not addressed promptly.
• Ineffective grooming. Using the wrong comb or brush may not effectively remove tangles, mats, or loose hair. This can cause more significant problems down the road, as mats can tighten and become more challenging to remove, leading to pain and potential skin issues underneath.
• Increased shedding. Failing to remove loose hair properly with the right grooming tool can increase shedding around your home and on your clothes and furniture.
• Stress and discomfort. If grooming is painful or uncomfortable due to inappropriate tools, your dog may become anxious or stressed during grooming sessions. This can make it more difficult to maintain your dog’s coat and create a negative association with grooming.

Whether your pup needs daily, weekly, or monthly grooming, it’s essential to research and select the appropriate tools for your dog’s specific coat type to avoid these risks. Consult with a professional groomer or veterinarian for advice on the best brushes and combs for your dog. Remember to be gentle and patient during grooming sessions, as this will help make the process more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.