There is something about a luscious flowing long hair that melts the heart, whether human hair or a dog’s. Like the hair on humans, dog hair comes in different types and lengths. Some canines have that puffy look with their thick double coat, and others have that majestic flowing hair; cue the Yorkshire Terrier. Irrespective of the type of long coat a puppy has, one thing is sure; they are so fluffy that you can cuddle them all day!
As much as their long coat makes them look so cuddly, a pup’s fur is more functional with beauty added perks. The coat usually helps safeguard the dog from environmental harshness. If you see the long puffy hair on a husky, it is to protect them from their cold environment. Same for the dominant energetic Tiberian Mastiff.
So, pet lovers, long-haired dogs are costly. They need an immense amount of grooming and maintenance, which means you have to be ready to be extra responsible. Yes, they are beautiful, but these fluffy dogs need you to keep them beautiful. If you are looking for a long-haired dog, these 15 breeds with different coat types are worth checking out.
#1. Afghan Hounds.
The world enjoys the long-flowing coat of this active breed. Initially, the ancient people called this silky-haired mutt Tazi, and through studies, we have discovered that this pooch predates Christianity. So, the Afghan Hound is an ancient breed.
Afghan Hound: Hair Details
We should add that the ancient people bred these dogs to be hunters and guard dogs. They hunted around the mountainous areas in Afghanistan, notorious for cold. They became a worldwide sensation due to soldiers from the British army bringing some of these glamorous pups back from war. That war was the one between India and Afghanistan in the 19th century.
Afghan Hounds have exquisite silky hair, which is also thick, and that fur you see on them is functional. Their thick silky coat protected them from the unfriendly cold of the eastern mountains around Afghanistan, where they hunted their prey. The AKC declares them to be a high-maintenance breed due to this wavy coat and its other characteristics. So, you have to groom them.
Grooming this long-haired dog will cost you as you would need a generous amount of shampoo and conditioner. A short warning from the Afghan Hound Club of America is that do not ever brush a dry Afghan Hound’s hair.
You can’t skimp on the shampoo and conditioner, as you would be hurting your mutt. To attend to their grooming needs, you have to be patient and dedicated as you would be grooming them frequently. To keep the coat healthy, you must be ready to spend.
#2. Puli.
You might want to spend all day snoozing with a Puli and feel the warmth and protection their coat offers. However, you should be ready to do some hair maintenance work.
Puli: Fur Details
If the Puli were to be into music, we’re sure it’ll be a jazz player with its beautiful glossy corded hair. Those hairs look like dreadlocks, and they are natural, too, as when they grow, their cord forms when the inner fur and outer fur twist into each other. Those precious locks are a sight to behold, and the best part is they don’t shed.
A Puli’s double coats protect it from the weather and prevent predators from easily tearing its flesh. This protective fur could become a source of pain for the Puli as it could mat if not adequately maintained.
You probably look at the Puli and want to argue that they are Komondors, mainly as they both originate from Hungary. You would be wrong, but the two long-haired dog breeds are cousins, and we are sure they won’t want you to create an argument on their behalf. A Puli is smaller than a Komondor. However, the AKC classifies the two as herding dogs.
Also, you can be creative with Puli’s coat. It doesn’t have to be corded as you can brush the fur out, making it look curly and fluffy. If you don’t want that, you could trim the hair. You have to bathe the Puli with just water and ensure that you rigorously dry them.
#3. Komondor
The Komondor shares its origin, looks, and duties with the Puli, and the two dog breeds get on well, one giant, the other smiling. They are two sides of herding dog balance, with the Komondor being the night guard and the Puli, the day pup.
Komondor: Coat Details
The Puli and Komondor have a similar white or cream-colored corded coat, and this thick fur gives them warmth and helps them against predators.
The Komondor coat is a hybrid between high and low maintenance. You don’t need to brush their fur when it begins to develop at about 8 to 12 months. However, you are responsible for helping the cords on this giant breed form at that stage.
According to the Komondor Club of America, maintaining their fur isn’t tricky as they recommend cleaning a Komondor with only water.
However, you must make sure that you dry them with warm air as wet cords could form mildew. While they might not be problematic to clean or require shampoos and conditioners, you have to make sure they are clean.
As long-haired dog breeds, these big dogs have an exotic adorable feel to them that just wants to make you snuggle them.
#4. Bearded Collies.
We would have called the Bearded Collie the wise mutt of all dog breeds because of its white beards but no. The wise are usually calm, but this sheep and cattle herder with shaggy hair from Scotland is the opposite of calm with its boundless energy.
Bearded Collie: Fur Details.
If you have a family who loves pups and are active, you should get the Bearded Collie, the cousin of the Rough Collie. Your family will have quite the fun with it, and you will also have helpers for grooming. Plus, they have a great life expectancy like their Rough Collie cousin.
The Bearded Collie has a double-layered coat. The soft hairy inner coat and the shaggy, harsher, and straight overcoat. Due to this multilayered coat, you have to be active in grooming as their fur could tangle and mat.
You have to brush and comb the outer long shaggy hair daily and carefully. Don’t forget to work on the inner fur as you have to brush it weekly with an inner coat brush. Also, you have to bathe them from time to time and allow them to dry out. The sweet part is that this bearded mutt doesn’t shed frequently.
#5. Japanese Chin
They have a more stately appearance than other pets with their noble silky, straight fluffy outer coat. However, apart from that outer straight hair, this pup doesn’t have inner fur, so you have to get your maintenance game up.
Japanese Chin: Hair Details
If you don’t take care of Chin’s fur, you could harm their skin. To maintain their hair, you have dedicated time for weekly brushing and bathing them monthly or when dirty.
When grooming or bathing them, focus on their skirt, looking at the area of their fur. Also, please pay attention to the places below their legs and ears.
The origin of the Japanese Chin is a bit confusing, with some historians claiming they originally came from China while others say they are from Korea. Debatable origin aside, this little dog can be low maintenance despite its lengthy hair. In addition, they have an impressive life expectancy.
So overall, they are a wonderful long-haired dog breed.
#6. Shih Tzus
From Imperial China, we present to you another stately Asian breed, the Shih Tzu, or, as the Chinese call them, the lion dogs. These guys have a striking look with the Lhasa Apso, and these are part of the divas of the dog world.
Shih Tzu: Coat Details
The Shih Tzu was the poster dog of the Imperial China royalty, and they adorn their owners with their soft and lengthy fur. These guys have a dense double coat with silky outer fur and woolly inner hair. This pup is the proper definition of a royal dog.
As expected, the double fur means double the work as you have to brush the hair to prevent tangles and mats consistently. To maintain this mutt’s coat, you have to comb it daily and be mindful to keep their fur from their eyes. Also, you have to wash them with shampoo and conditioner every 3 or 8 weeks, depending on fur length and environment.
Honestly, you may need to use a professional groomer frequently for this lion dog breed. That long double coat requires work. They are not part of the divas of the dog world for nothing. If you can engage in constant coat maintenance, you will continue to enjoy the beauty of this dog breed.
The Shih Tzu are wonderful family dogs available for a family looking for pets with fluffy coats. If you have kids, they would appreciate it if you get the Shih Tzu for them as a pet. Plus, there is the added advantage of a long life expectancy. The Shih Tzu is one of the best long-haired dog breeds
#7. Barbet.
The long hair Barbet will make anyone jealous with its bouncy, curly, silky coat, which doesn’t regularly drop off. This long shaggy coat pup also spots a lovely thick beard to complete its fabulous fur covering.
Barbet: Coat Details.
The Barbet is an active dog related to the Briard and the Poodle, and they are as equally exotic, even rarer than those two. They have become harder to get these days, but there are active moves to repopulate them. Like the Poodle, they also have a great life expectancy.
Due to their luscious, bouncy, and curly shaggy coat, their hair doesn’t fall off regularly, but this is not an excuse not to maintain them.
Like the other fluffy dogs here, you have to comb their coat regularly to prevent painful tangles and matting. Bathing the Barbet isn’t problematic, as it is a water dog breed. It loves water and mud. So, the French also call it the mud dog, which is not a particularly cool name.
#8. Maltese
The Maltese is another puppy that has a highly disputed origin. However, they are not on this list because of their heritage but because they touch the ground with long straight fur. Their small stature goes well with their long hair, making them even cuter. They look like a ball of warm fuzzy hair.
Maltese: Fur Details
Their furry looks make them similar to a Yorkshire Terrier. If you want, you can get creative with their hair if you can’t brush it often. If you can do daily gentle brushing, this is the dog you want. Its toy stature makes this mutt an excellent fit for the kids.
This pup’s long hair has a silky texture that barely sheds but can tangle or mat when left unattended. So, to prevent harm to your small-statured watchdog, you have to comb their fur daily.
#9. Bolognese
Unlike the Maltese with a debatable origin, the Bolognese has a precise one. This pup is native to Bologna, and it is the darling of the old Italian royalty due to its fluffy long hair and small size.
Bolognese: Coat Details
This long hair dog is the ultimate lapdog for the ancient Italian royalty with its calm demeanor and beauty. When we talk about its beauty, there is no way we wouldn’t talk about the hair.
The Bolognese has predominantly white hair, which complements the silky nature of its flowing coat. In addition, the hair has a curly look, which adds to this mutt’s regality.
As one of the long-haired dog breeds, you regularly have to comb the puppy’s hair to take care of this mutt. If you feel lazy, do it at least twice a week but do more if possible.
#10. Briard
The Briard is another French long-haired dog breed that is somewhat rare but excellent for guarding and herding sheep and other livestock.
Briard: Fur Details
This powerful puppy has lush flowing hair hanging magnificently on its body, and this hair is in two layers of hair. The outer fur consists of rough, tough, and dry flat hair cascading in lush wavy strands.
The inner coat consists of hair clinging firmly to the body. You already know the responsibility of dogs having two layers of fur. Interestingly with the Briard, you can afford to be lazy. Some Briards require regular brushing, while others don’t need regular brushing and won’t have tangled hair.
Notwithstanding the type of Briard you have, if you love your puppy, you should gently brush its hair regularly. This would prevent the coat from tangling.
#11. Bergamasco Shepherd
Initially, this breed comes from a place we now recognize as modern Iran before it found its way to Italy along the line. In Italy, the dogs mainly inhabited the Italian Alps, and through their thick coat, they adapted to the rough weather.
Bergamasco Shepherd: Hair Details
Their coat is excellent for maintaining body temperature, which means they could stay longer than usual in the cold.
Speaking of their coat, it is pretty lengthy and comes in natural cords. While some dogs would have a single fur type, the Bergamasco has 3, goat, wool, and dog.
These guys owe it to you to have proper fur growth, and when you do it right, they become low maintenance. They wouldn’t even need to bathe more than 3 times a year.
You must ensure that you manually split the goat and wool hair they get when they are about one year old. The process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it, as you have learned above.
#12. Coton De Tulear.
The Coton De Tulear, or as we love to call it, the cotton candy puppy, and don’t blame us. We couldn’t resist the nickname due to their impeccable white-colored cotton textured hair. Their coat is soft, bouncy, and of course, lengthy.
Coton De Tulear: Fur Details
This dog was the go-to pet for the Madagascan nobility, who cherished the puppy’s companionship. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to cuddle this fluffy cutie?
To keep this dog maintained, you must be ready to splash a bit of cash. When you own this canine, you need to invest in conditioners for it.
In addition, you would need a hydrating spray to keep the fur wet when brushing. Breeders stress that you must not brush the dog’s coat when it is dry as it can be painful for the pup.
So, bathe this dog weekly or every 2 weeks, and also, it would be ideal if you could brush the fur daily. However, if you can’t do it daily, don’t let it be less than 4 times a week.
#13. Havanese.
You need a Havanese to complete yourself. This dog from Cuba is one of the most alluring pups you would ever see.
Havanese: Coat Details.
With its fuzzy double-layered lush, silky, and fluffy coat, it is no surprise that it is Cuba’s national dog. This pup is Cuba’s only dog breed, and it has incomparable elegance.
Although the dog has natural long wavy hair, you can cord the fur, but you have to be ready to spend on maintenance. Cording isn’t necessary, though, as this pup doesn’t lose hair as often as some breeds.
Daily brushing of this double coat mutt is necessary, coupled with weekly bathing, or if you wash it weekly, you have to do it every 3 weeks. We must say that weekly bathing and regular grooming are best to prevent hurting tangles and matting.
#14. Shetland Sheepdog
This class originates from Scotland, and you can also call it Sheltie, as the Scottish people do or not, your choice. They have a similar hair type to the Yorkshire Terrier.
Shetland Sheepdog: Hair Details.
As you may have noticed, they look like the Collie because they are cousins who both have coarse double fur layers. Due to the nature of their coat, grooming is a frequent thing, especially with its thick inner hair, which is prone to severe matting and tangles.
While you have to make brushing a frequent thing, bathing, not so much. The Sheltie has organic oils which prevent itching and dryness.
So, bathe your puppy monthly or bi-monthly while using generous amounts of shampoo. Using quality shampoo will help reduce frequent hair droppings from your dog and clear dead skin. As a long hair dog breed, the Sheltie is a must-have.
#15. Newfoundland
Their thick fur goes with their strong stature perfectly. These large breed dogs have an obscure origin that contrasts their outward friendliness towards their owners. One thing is certain; they are mountain dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Newfoundland have similar strengths.
Newfoundland: Fur Details.
Like most pups on this list, these huge dogs have two fur layers and infrequently shed. Their undercoat is lush and soft, while the overcoat is rougher and lengthy.
Their fur can resist water, so you don’t need to bathe them as often, and once in 2 months is enough. Despite the infrequent bathing, you need to brush it about 3 times each week.
This giant breed of dogs works excellently as guard dogs even though people originally bred them as great swimmers.
Conclusion
Long-haired dogs have this elegant feel about them. However, this elegance comes with a price. You have to spend considerable time keeping these dogs fancy. While you might frown at the daily brushing, we guarantee you the results make it all worth it. So, when will you get your long hair dog breed?
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*photo by Wildstrawberry – depositphotos