16 Long-Haired Dogs with Gorgeous Locks
Updated: Dec. 02, 2021
These long-haired dogs may be high maintenance but they're worth the extra effort. Best of all, most are surprisingly light shedders.
Long-haired dog breeds
There are few things more adorable than a fluffy dog rocking a full head of glorious hair. Here, we’re showcasing 16 of the most popular breeds with ultra-long locks, including some with peculiar or curly-haired and corded manes, like the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Komondor. Though many long-haired dog breeds require daily or weekly brushing, many shed infrequently or only seasonally.
Some of these long-haired dogs are rarer than others, but we guarantee each one of them will make you say “Aww!” Along the way, we’re outlining some important grooming, brushing, and breed-related healthcare tips from the American Kennel Club (AKC) so you know how to groom your dog should you ever own one of these fine pups.
1. Afghan hound
Let’s start off this long-haired dog roundup with a real showstopper: the Afghan hound. Regal indeed, this medium-sized pooch weighs in at around 50 to 60 pounds and comes in a variety of color variations. Their long manes are sleek and flowing, yet they shed infrequently.
“These sighthounds have quite the mane,” says Angie Krause, a veterinarian with “I and love and you” pet food. “Be ready for hours of brushing every week. They tend to be pretty healthy but, like all sighthounds, can be more sensitive to anesthesia.” Ideally, Afghan hounds should be brushed daily and see a professional groomer periodically.
2. Bergamasco sheepdog
The Bergamasco sheepdog is a member of the herding group with a very peculiar mane. According to the AKC, this medium-sized pup has three different textures of fur, which form natural “flocks” (felted hair) that cover its legs and body. These flocks look a bit unkempt, but they help this historically outdoorsy pup handle ultra-cold weather.
Bergamasco sheepdogs require monthly brushing to help smooth tangles and debris, and their hair shouldn’t be cut since this removes the felted coat they’ve worked so hard to create. Also note that this breed shouldn’t be bathed more than once or twice a year, and they shed infrequently.
3. Bearded collie
Any wild guesses for how this adorable long-haired dog breed gets its name? They do have hair everywhere, but it accumulates in a beard-like pattern around their neck, making them one of the adorable dog breeds with beards. Medium-sized at 45 to 55 pounds, the bearded collie has a rambunctious spirit and requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. The AKC notes that their long shaggy hair requires a unique, two-part grooming process: The first part is daily brushing to help nix tangles and debris, and the second is a weekly session with a comb and detangling product. They shed seasonally.
4. Briard
“Briards were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. They are very intelligent dogs that are ideal for owners who want an active dog for herding, hiking, or other outdoor activities,” says Megan McCarthy, a veterinarian with Best Friends Animal Society. With that said, this long-haired dog breed requires lots of activities to keep them occupied!
As for their mane, Briards have a unique double-coat that’s straight with slight waves. It grows at least six inches long. Though it naturally repels dirt and water and sheds infrequently, this breed still needs a thorough brushing and combing at least once a week.
5. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
If you’re seeking a sweet pooch with a more manageable mane of flowing hair, the regal Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an excellent pick. This medium-sized breed comes in four distinct color patterns, requires weekly grooming sessions at home, and sheds occasionally.
“The Cavalier King Charles spaniel might be the sweetest breed of dog there is,” says Laura Robinson, veterinarian and medical advisor to Pawp. “They are great companions and are very affectionate and intelligent.” They also tend to get along with almost all people, are one of the best dog breeds for kids, and do well with other dogs. “The biggest health problem with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is they are prone to heart disease,” Dr. Robinson says.
6. Irish Setter
If you’re in the market for a long-haired dog with a mane that’s a bit more manageable, the sweet Irish Setter might fit the bill. This medium-sized dog does have lots of hair, but not quite as much as some of the other breeds on this list. They do require brushing two to three times a week to keep their fur looking sleek and shiny, and they do shed seasonally.
“This dog’s gentle nature makes them great family dogs,” notes Dr. Krause. “They are very sporty and are great for obedience and agility activities. Their coats do require brushing a few times per week, and they also require daily exercise.”
7. Komondor
Have you ever seen a mop run? Probably not, but the majestic Komondor is the second closest thing (as are these other dogs that look like mops). With its unique corded mane and an average weight of 80 to 100 pounds, the Komondor is a big long-haired dog that’ll get noticed wherever it wanders.
“These herding dogs require special care of their corded coat. They cannot be brushed but need to be shampooed,” notes Dr. Krause. You’ll want to take them to a professional groomer frequently, and they’ll also require the occasional at-home bath (ideally with diluted dog shampoo). Shedding occurs seasonally.
8. Lhasa Apso
“Originally bred as guard dogs, Lhasa Apsos are lovely small breed dogs who make great companions. Their distinguishing feature is their long straight coat that sometimes covers their face making it difficult to see their eyes,” says Dr. McCarthy. “It is important to thoroughly socialize a Lhasa Apso puppy to get them used to different people and animals.” They are also one of the dog breeds that live the longest.
Lhasa Apsos need to be brushed almost daily to prevent tangles and mats, and some owners opt to clip their hair short several times a year. They shed infrequently.
9. Maltese
While some of the long-haired dogs in our roundup are much harder to come by, the ever-popular Maltese is seen much more often. It’s a small long-haired dog breed that weighs under 7 pounds and is known for its gentleness and cheery disposition. “This is a really popular breed that makes [an] excellent companion. They require professional grooming every six to ten weeks,” says Dr. Krause.
Additionally, they require daily brushing at home, though shedding is infrequent. Hair and fur on dogs are very similar. The primary difference is how each grows—with hair, which the Maltese has, taking longer to grow than fur and feeling smoother. Dr. Krause also notes that Maltese dogs are prone to dental disease, so be mindful to brush their teeth daily.
10. Newfoundland
“The Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds out there and usually weighs between 100 and 150 pounds,” says Dr. Robinson. “They are very sweet pets and are good companions. They are also big couch potatoes and tend to drool a lot. Also note that they typically have a shorter life span, usually only living until around the age of eight.”
As for their hair, Newfoundland dogs have a lot of it. They require weekly grooming and brushing at home and could benefit from an occasional professional grooming session. They shed seasonally, so increase grooming accordingly. Dr. Robinson says that, because of their thick and heavy coat, they can overheat easily.
11. Pekingese
The petite Pekingese has a long coat that dusts its neck and shoulders and resembles a lion’s mane. Because of their small size, their hair often drags on the ground, giving them an adorable, slightly silly-looking shape.
“These are very fluffy dogs that require regular brushing—two to three times a week—to prevent their fur from getting matted,” notes veterinarian Gary Richter, the medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. “It is not generally recommended to cut the fur of this toy dog breed as it doesn’t always grow back very well.” This breed sheds seasonally.
12. Puli
The Puli is another pooch with a peculiar mop of corded wild hair. They’re small- to medium-sized at an average weight of 25 to 35 pounds and known for being loyal and intelligent.
“Pulis do require some work to keep clean as you can’t brush these dogs, and they do tend to pick up debris in the cords,” notes Dr. Richter. “There is no reason someone couldn’t keep a Puli’s hair short or brush it out. Traditionally, however, the fur is corded, and this is how these dogs are shown.” When their hair is kept long, Pulis require specialty grooming by a professional. They shed infrequently. Check out these other loyal dog breeds that will always be by your side.
13. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu might be tiny in stature at an average weight of 9 to 16 pounds, but their ultra-long mane gives them a larger-than-life persona. This coat requires daily brushing and periodic professional grooming, but fortunately, the shedding is minimal!
“Shih Tzus are typically perky, happy, and friendly and generally get along with most dogs and people. They are lively pets and do have a tendency to bark,” says Dr. Robinson. She adds, “Shih Tzus tend to have dental problems and can also be prone to gaining weight. They have minimal shedding and require visits to the groomer fairly regularly because of their long coat.”
14. Shetland sheepdog (Sheltie)
This small breed is strong and agile, originally bred for sheep herding. They are also known for being very sweet and gentle dogs that require exercise to keep them busy. Dr. McCarthy adds, “They have a thick, straight double-coat that protects them from the weather. Their undercoat is very dense and woolly, and their fur requires frequent brushing twice weekly. Shelties will shed their coat in the fall and spring.”
15. Skye terrier
The Skye terrier is a long-haired terrier breed that’s very loyal and affectionate to its owners. Dr. McCarthy says, “Originally bred to hunt rodents, Skye terriers are very alert and protective of their loved ones and will sometimes chase smaller animals.”
She adds that they have a long, straight double-coat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting. An occasional visit to the professional groomer can also be helpful. They shed seasonally, so you’ll want to increase grooming around this time.
16. Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie)
Another type of long-haired terrier, the Yorkshire terrier is an energetic and feisty pooch who’s always up for a good snuggle session. This small breed has an average weight of 7 pounds and requires routine professional grooming to keep its hair in good shape. Fortunately, they shed infrequently.
“Yorkies are great apartment dogs as well as good watchdogs,” says Dr. Robinson. “They can be stubborn without house training and can bark quite often, and they can also sometimes be snappy toward children. Yorkshire terriers also require a commitment to grooming. They usually live long lives and don’t have too many serious health issues.”
Sources:
- Angie Krause, a veterinarian with I and love and you pet food
- Megan McCarthy, a veterinarian with Best Friends Animal Society
- Laura Robinson, veterinarian and medical advisor to Pawp
- Gary Richter, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition
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