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Long-Haired Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Overview 

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Long-haired dogs are highly valued for their beautiful coat and majestic appearance, which is why many pet lovers find them attractive.   

Such breeds usually require more grooming care, but their stunning, silky, or fluffy coats reward the time spent on their maintenance. Long-haired dogs come in all sizes, temperaments, and colors, making them perfect for various living situations.  

This article will discuss long-haired dog breeds in detail, looking into physical characteristics, grooming requirements, temperament, and overall care needs.   

Furthermore, we shall discuss the pros and cons of having a long-coated dog and recommend what breed best fits your lifestyle.   

Long-Haired Dogs: A Complete Overview

Long-Haired Dogs A Complete Overview

Its coat is characteristic of long and flowing, sometimes silky and fine, while others are thick and coarse. Very often, the pursuit of grace brings people to fall in love with long-haired dogs.   

But such grace may be part of its outer beauty: the beautiful fur. Though so beautiful, long-haired dogs come with problems, mostly on the grooming and maintenance front.  

Long-haired breeds are delicate and must be cautiously treated so their coat is beautiful. Many long-haired breeds are pleasant, intelligent, and affectionate, making them excellent pets for families, single people, or older adults.   

Characteristics of the long-haired breed vary greatly as some are in the small to medium size known as lap dogs, while the larger, heavier varieties differ among personality types.  

Long-haired dogs often bring along inappropriate grooming needs in a house. Some demand daily brushing, and even though others don’t, trims must be done occasionally. Even though such dogs make great pets, much more commitment is required in the upkeep for their looks and health to flourish.  

This chapter will describe the basic characteristics, grooming requirements, and temperaments of the most common long-haired breeds kept as pets. Each breed is unique and fits families’ or individuals’ lifestyles and demands in some special way.  

1. Shih Tzu:

Shih Tzu
Features Details 
Size Small (9 to 16 pounds) 
Height 8 to 11 inches 
Coat Long, silky, flowing hair 
Colors Gold, black, white, brindle, sable and combinations 
Temperament Friendly, affectionate, alert, good with children 
Life Span 10 to 18 years 

The Shih Tzu is a small toy breed with very long and flowing hair. This breed is pretty affectionate by nature.  Since it was bred originally as a palace companion dog in China, its luxuriant fur remains one of the breed’s best features. This breed tends to be friendly and tolerates children and pets quite well.  

Shih Tzus need to be brushed daily to prevent their long hair from getting matted. Many owners prefer to cut their Shih Tzu’s coat short to make it easier to care for, though the long coat can grow for a show-quality appearance.  

2. Afghan Hound:

Afghan Hound
Features Details 
Size Large (50 to 60 pounds) 
Height 27 to 29 inches 
Coat Long, silky, fine hair 
Colors Cream, black, red, blue, sable, or brindle 
Temperament Independent, dignified, gentle, aloof, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

The Afghan Hound is remarkable in looks it has a long, silky coat and an expression that borders on dignified aloofness.   

After all, this is a breed bred originally for hunting in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, so its appearance shows its royal bloodline.   

Being independent and sometimes quite stubborn, training is not simple; however, with the family, Afghan Hounds are loyal.  

Afghan Hounds have very long, heavy, silky coats. They need constant grooming. This breed should be brushed often and occasionally bathed to stay in prime shape.  

Quite many Afghan hound owners choose to have their dogs’ coats trimmed so that they do not spend too much time on them.  

3. Yorkshire Terrier:

Yorkshire Terrier
Features Details 
Size Small (4 to 7 pounds) 
Height 7 to 8 inches 
Coat Fine, silky, straight hair 
Colors Blue and tan 
Temperament Energetic, brave, affectionate, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 15 years 

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small popular breed with a lively presence due to its long, straight coat. Though a small dog, Yorkies can be bold and confident. This breed is also very energetic and plays frequently; they make outstanding family pets.  

Yorkshire Terriers have a long coat that tangles or mats quickly and must be brushed every day. Their owners need to bathe them often and professionally groom them to ensure their coats look good.  

4. Maltese:

Maltese
Features Details 
Size Small (4 to 7 pounds) 
Height 7 to 9 inches 
Coat Silky, long, straight hair 
Colors White  
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, playful, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 15 years 

The Maltese is a relatively small dog breed with a very lavish white coat. It is described as the perfect lap dog, being extremely sweet and affectionate. Although small, it does not lack energy; it is lively and loves to play with family members and children.   

Maltese dogs need to be brushed daily. This helps keep their silky coats tangle-free. They also need to be bathed frequently and sometimes trimmed, for they would otherwise look a little messy.   

5. Collie:

Collie
Features Details 
Size Large (50 to 75 pounds) 
Height 22 to 26 inches 
Coat Long, dense double coat 
Colors Sable, tri-color (black, white, tan), blue merle 
Temperament Intelligent, loyal, affectionate, good with children and pets 
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

Collie is a large dog with a beautiful, long coat. Its docile temperament popularized the television program “Lassie.”   

They are bright and eager to learn, making them the perfect breed for homes with children or other animals.   

The Collie has a thick double coat that must be brushed weekly to prevent matting. It is also sometimes required during the shedding season because of loose hair.  

6. Lhasa Apso:

Lhasa Apso
Features Details 
Size Small (12 to 18 pounds) 
Height 10 to 11 inches 
Coat Long, flowing, dense coat 
Colors Gold, black, white, gray, or cream 
Temperament Independent, friendly, protective, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

The small canine originated as a guard dog for monasteries in Tibet. The long Lhasa Apso has a flowing coat and an alert expression. It is ideal for any owner looking for both a companion and a vigilant protector.   

The Lhasa Apso possesses a long coat that requires daily brushing; otherwise, it would mat. Its coat also requires regular bathing and trimming at times to make it look beautiful.  

7. Havanese:

Havanese
Features Details 
Size Small (7 to 13 pounds) 
Height 8 to 1 inches 
Coat Long, silky, flowing coat 
Colors Black, white, chocolate, cream, silver, and tan 
Temperament Affectionate, friendly, playful, good with children 
Life Span 14 to 16 years 

The Havanese dog is exceedingly small, playful, and affectionate. It has a luscious, long, silky coat and was originally bred in Cuba as a companion dog.   

They thrive on human interaction and love the setting of being part of the family. Despite their lengthy coats, these dogs are pretty easy to groom and, thus, a wonderful choice for families.  

A Havanese must always have its coat brushed daily to keep it free from the tangling and matting of its coat. Frequent washing and clipping will keep its coat in top shape.  

8. Papillon:

Papillon
Features Details 
Size Small (5 to 10) pounds 
Height 8 to 11 inches 
Coat Long, flowing hair with fringed ears 
Colors White with black, tan, or sable patches 
Temperament Friendly, energetic, intelligent, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 16 years 

Papillon is one of the shortest dog breeds but still lively. It is recognized through its silky, long coat and large, butterfly-like ears.   

Intelligent, energetic, and full of affection, Papillons are a great companion to children or other pets with families.  

These dogs need to be brushed often to keep their coats in good condition. Bathing and some trimmings are even necessary to prevent matting.  

9. Samoyed:

Samoyed
Features Details 
Size Large (50 to 60 pounds) 
Height 19 to 23.5 inches 
Coat Thick, fluffy, double coat 
Colors White, cream 
Temperament Friendly, gentle, playful, good with children 
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

The Samoyed is a large, fluffy breed with an exquisite white coat and a “Sammy smile.” The Siberian people originally bred them to herd reindeer. Samoyeds are friendly and doting with family.  

Samoyeds have a very thick coat, so they must be brushed regularly to keep them mat-free. They shed heavily twice a year, so their grooming needs will be much more intense.  

10. Basset Hound:

Basset Hound
Features Details 
Size Medium (40 to 65 pounds) 
Height 12 to 15 inches 
Coat Short, dense coat 
Colors Tri color, lemon (white and tan), red and white 
Temperament Friendly, loyal, calm, affectionate, good with children 
Life Span 10 to 12 years 

Basset Hounds are medium dogs with a marked long coat and flopping ears. Renowned for their extraordinary sense of smell, they have been used extensively as scent hounds to track games. They make great, friendly, laid-back companions.   

Since Basset Hounds have short coats, their ears and skin folds need frequent cleaning to prevent infection. Their shedding is moderate, and they like the occasional brushing.  

11. Barbet:

Barbet
Features Details 
Size Medium (35 –65 pounds) 
Height 9 – 25 inches 
Activity Level Moderate 
Trainability Fairly easy to train 
Temperament Cheerful, tireless 
Shedding Level Non-shedding 
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

Popularly knows as a water dog, so it is obvious that they have a thick coat that is long and curly (or wavy). The thick coat of a Barbet can easily be trimmed to about three or five inches.   

 As per the Barbet Club of America, it is suggested that brushing out the fur quite frequently is important in order to avoid matting and tangling. And to maintain the bouncy curls as they should have them.  

12. Bergamasco Sheepdog:

Bergamasco Sheepdog
Features Details 
Size Moderate (57 – 84 pounds) 
Height 22 to 24 inches 
Activity Level Low  
Trainability Train well with firm, consistent techniques 
Temperament Independent, mellow 
Shedding Level Non-shedding  
Life Span 13 to15 years 

Known as a strong and calm shepherding dog, the Bergamasco Sheepdog are known to have corded coat, specially designed to withstand rough weather conditions of the Italian Alps.  

The cords that they have are natural and help regulate their body temperature, which is the reason why their coat should never be trimmed to the skin or shaved too much.  

The Bergamasco Sheepdog are known to have three different types of fur:  

  • Dog 
  • Goat  
  • Wool 

When they get their goat and wool fur around one year old, the coats need to be separated by hand into the mats. Even though the appearance is complicated, the coat needs to be hands-off after the first matting process.  

13. Briard:

Briard
Features Details 
Size Large (55 to 100 pounds) 
Height 22 to 27 inches 
Activity Level High  
Trainability May be difficult to train 
Temperament Protective, sweet 
Shedding Level Low  
Life Span 10 to 12 years 

With long, wavy and a slightly coarse coat, as per the Briard Club of America, their fur needs to be brushed and groomed for at least two hours every week. Although they don’t shed a lot, and their coat doesn’t get dirty too much, they do need to be kept untangled.  

14. German Long-Haired Pointer:

German Longhaired Pointer
Features Details 
Size  Moderate (55 to 80 pounds) 
Height 22 to 28 inches 
Activity Level High  
Trainability Easy to train 
Temperament Friendly, sweet 
Shedding Level Moderate  
Life Span 12 to 14 years 

If you are fond of hunting and your companion is a German long-haired pointer, then you must brush and snip out the burrs and twigs daily, since they get stuck on their tails.   

As it is common for a German dog to have double-coat, which means daily frequent brushing is required, making it easier during the shedding season.  

15. Gordon Setter:

Gordon Setter
Features Details 
Size Moderate (45 to 80 pounds) 
Height 23 to 27 inches 
Activity Level High  
Trainability Fairly easy to train, may bore easily 
Temperament Affectionate, intelligent 
Shedding Level Moderate  
Life Span 12 to 13 years 

Given the title of “Beauty, Brains & Birdsense,” Gordon Setter is known to be brushed at least once every week.

No matter if their fur is straight, or wavy, it is important that their feet is to be trimmed, along with kept their ears and tails trimmed every month. This is to keep them from getting knotted.  

16. Irish Setter:

Irish Setter
Features Details 
Size Moderate (60 to 70 pounds) 
Height 25 to 27 inches  
Activity Level High  
Trainability Fairly easy to train 
Temperament Affectionate, social  
Shedding Level Moderate  
Life Span 12 to 15 years  

Just like the Gordon Setter the Irish Setter too have a silky coat that requires a weekly brushing. To maintain such a silky coat, combs and dematting tools are important for these dogs, so that easy detanglement is possible.  

The areas along the legs and underbelly are to be brushed to avoid tangling and matting. Now if you are to prepare your dog as a show dog then keep their fur straight or incase as a family dog, trim the fur shorter, as it will be easy to maintain.  

17. Keeshond:

Keeshond
Features Details 
Size Medium (35 to 45 pounds) 
Height 17 to 18 inches 
Activity Level Moderate to High 
Trainability Easy to train 
Temperament Lively, smart 
Shedding Level Moderate  
Life Span 12 to 15 years 

These spitz-sized German dog breed are known as Keeshonds, who have a unique glass-like color on their face. These dogs have two layers of coats of fluffy fur, making them extremely low maintenance.  

As per the Keeshond Club of America, it is recommended that these dogs should be brushed with a variety of combs and brushes, to tackle the under coat and the topcoat throughout the year. When it’s not the shedding season, make sure there are no knots hidden.  

18. Komondor:

Komondor
Features Details 
Size Large (80 to 100+ pounds)  
Height 25 to 28 inches 
Activity Level Moderate 
Trainability Independent, may be trick to train 
Temperament Sweet, protective 
Shedding Level Non-shedding  
Life Span 10 to 12 years 

You might get afraid looking at these cords but worry not. The Komondor, just like the Bergamasco Sheepdog, doesn’t require brushing after the coats are corded initially. These Komondor are agile and big dogs.  

The cords of these Komondors take about 8 months to a year to form completely. Once the coat gets dirty it can easily be cleaned by rinsing with water, and it is very important to dry them properly, with warm air. Damp cords can easily develop to become mildew.  

19. Newfoundland:

Newfoundland
Features Details 
Size Large (100 to 150 pounds) 
Height 26 – 28 inches 
Activity Level Moderate  
Trainability Fairly easy to train 
Temperament Friendly, loving 
Shedding Level Moderate to High 
Life Span 9 to 10 years 

If you want a real challenge? Then you should try grooming Newfoundland. These gentle giants require proper brushing several times a week with both a comb and a slicker brush.    

These dogs have thick double coats that can easily get matted along with them shedding a lot. But with continuous brushing both of them can be maintained and controlled. But you should go slow while brushing so that you don’t miss even a small patch of coat unbrushed.  

20. Old English Sheepdog:

Old English Sheepdog
Features Details 
Size Large (60 to 100 pounds) 
Height 21 – 24 inches 
Activity Level Moderate 
Trainability Trains well, may bore easily 
Temperament Smart, sweet 
Shedding Level Moderate 
Life Span 12 years  

Here is another long double coated dog, the Old English Sheepdog. These giant dogs are nothing but giant balls of fluff.  

The key to making these dogs happy is to keep them properly brushed to the skin several times a week, so that they don’t snag or snarl. It is also important to trim their paws and in-between their toes, as dirt build up is a risk.  

Grooming Needs For Long Haired Dogs:  

A long-haired dog is a joy to have with magnificent, flowing beauty coats but lots of work. The grooming needs of long-haired dogs vary according to breed or type of coat, although they share various common requirements; here’s more about what it takes on a long-haired dog.  

1. Brushing And Combing:

Brushing and Combing

Brushing every dog, especially long-haired ones, is important every week. The most common reason is that the fur of most long-haired dogs tends to become easily tangled and matted, and brushing prevents this.   

Brushing also helps remove dirt, debris, and loose fur, keeping your dog clean and comfortable. For instance, a Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese must be brushed daily when their coats get extremely long.   

This is because mats can form all at once, and mats that the dog must carry around ultimately create pain. To unmat, a slicker brush or a comb with big teeth should be used to stroke through the tangles pretty gently.  

The ears need to be cleaned weekly. If your dog has a medium or long coat, such as a Havanese or Shih Tzu, he should only need good brushing a few times a week.   

However, these breeds will shed during most spring and fall seasons and need brushing every day. If a dog has thick or curly hair, detangling sprays come in handy by loosening the mats, so it does not irritate the pet.  

2. Bathing:

Bath

The coats of long-haired dogs are full of dirt and oils and thus need frequent baths to keep them fresh and free of skin infections. However, overbathing tends to dry out the coat and the skin, so there also has to be a balance.  

Frequency 

All long-haired dogs should be bathed at least every 4-6 weeks, depending on their energy level and skin condition. Dogs that go outside a lot will have to be bathed more often.  

Shampoo and Conditioner 

Use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, especially products developed for long-haired breeds. These helps keep natural oils in the coat, making it healthy and shiny.  

Long-haired dogs need to be dried up soon after a bath 

Extra moisture is blotted out using towels, and the blow dryer can be used at a low temperature to dry the coat without making the dog feel uneasy. Some long-haired dogs even get professional grooming to look perfect.  

3. Trimming And Cutting:

Trimming and Cutting

Though most long-haired breeds have flowing coats, trimming is mostly necessary to keep the coat well-managed and free of mats.  

Regular Trimming For Some Breeds: 

For example, the Shih Tzu requires trims to prevent its hair from getting too long and unruly. The trims are usually done every 6-8 weeks to keep the dog in shape and trim the hair around the eyes and paws.  

Puppy Cut Or Show Cut: 

If you don’t have time to deal with the full-length coat of a breed, most long-haired breeds can be clipped down to a “puppy cut” (shorter, easier to manage look). Or, in some instances, show dogs must maintain a more detailed, intricate cut.  

Ear And Facial Grooming: 

The ears of long-haired dogs collect dirt, wax, and moisture. The ears must be cleaned frequently, and trimming around the eyes and muzzle will prevent hair from blocking vision or irritating the skin.  

Nail Trimming: 

Long-haired dogs require their nails to be trimmed often. Keeping nails short will prevent injuries, discomfort, and improper posture.  

4. Brushing Teeth And Grooming Between Visits:

Brushing Teeth and Grooming Between Visits

 Of course, not as often thought of, brushing your dog’s teeth generally keeps them healthy.  

Dental Care: 

Long-haired dogs, particularly smaller breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkies, are especially prone to plaque buildup and gum disease. Brushing their teeth two or three times a week can help prevent such problems.  

Professional Grooming: 

Most owners of long-haired breeds take their dogs to professional grooming once they reach around 6 to 8 weeks. By this time, it is appropriate to entrust these very fragile cleaning duties, like trimming, etc., to the professional groomer.  

5. Shedding And Matting Management:

Shedding and Matting Management

Most long-haired dogs are going to blow their coats badly at certain points in the year, usually in the spring and fall.  

Seasonal Shedding: 

The Samoyed sheds all year round, though breeds like Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu often get worse in spring and fall. Brushing regularly during this time will maintain shedding and stop hair from spreading throughout the home.  

Preventing Matting: 

Mats are a problem for long-haired dogs, particularly if their coat is dense and long. If mats are not brushed out properly, they tend to form under the arms, behind the ears, and around the tail. Brushing and cleaning your dog will help prevent matting.  

Health Considerations:

Health Considerations

Like all other breeds of dogs, long-haired dogs have special health concerns that owners should consider ensuring the best care for their pets.   

Though long-haired dogs can mostly be healthy, provided that they receive good care, some common problems that tend to afflict certain breeds have been seen to affect such breeds.  

1. Skin Infections And Irritations:

In warm and humid climates, certain dog breeds may have long, dense fur coats that trap moisture next to the skin and promote infections by bacteria or fungi.   

Good grooming and hygiene prevent this condition. Skin infection presents signs such as itchy, inflamed skin, fur missing in patches, and compulsive licking or scratching.  

Proper routine bathing, adequate coat drying when wet, and minimizing exposure time under wet coats will reduce some risks.   

2. Dental Issues:

Small, long-haired dogs such as the Shih Tzu or Maltese are very prone to dental problems, including periodontal disease.   

Small mouths and teeth facilitate the formation of plaque and tartar in dogs’ teeth. Regular dental check-ups, brushing of dogs’ teeth, and dental chews can prevent dental disease.  

3. Periodontal Disease:

It causes tooth loss and infections, which, if left untreated, might lead to diseases of the heart and other body organs.  

4. Hip Dysplasia:

Long-haired breeds, especially the bigger ones, like the Collie, Samoyed, and Afghan Hound, are particularly prone to hip dysplasia.  This condition, wherein the hip joint does not form properly, causes great pain and the start of arthritis.   

A longer-bodied dog might need more attention to its exercise level, prevent potential weight gain, and even consider joint supplements that could help strengthen its hip region.  

Symptoms include an unwillingness to jump or get up the staircase, limping, or hind limb stiffness, and an inability to stand up.  

5. Ocular Problems:

Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus or Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to diseases or conditions such as dry eye, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or cataracts. Moreover, dirt surrounding their eyes can cause irritations, so the whole area surrounding the eyes should be washed clean from time to time.  

6. Hot Spots And Allergies:

Long-haired dogs can easily develop hot spots-infected, inflamed skin due to moisture trapped on the skin, excess moisture due to grooming, or allergies. Some long-haired dogs are extremely sensitive to allergens, such as pollen, dust, or shampoos.  

Treatment: Hot spots must be treated immediately with medicated shampoos. If this persists, your vet could also prescribe allergy tests or medication.  

7. Joint Problems:

So, some of the most common joint issues are arthritis and luxating patella, where the kneecap often slips out of place in small breeds of long-haired dogs.    

A luxating patella can occur in a small breed dog, such as a Papillon or Yorkie, while degeneration and arthritis are more typical in large breeds, such as the Collie.  

Management: Glucosamine supplements and chondroitin, along with a healthy weight, can also help prevent significant joint problems. Similarly, low-impact exercise helps maintain joints for the same reason.  

8. Respiratory Issues (In Some Breeds):

For example, some long-hair breeds, such as the Shih Tzu or the Lhasa Apso, are predisposed to various respiratory problems, including brachycephalic syndrome.   

Additionally, such canine breeds tend more often to pant as an expression of oxygen deficiency in an organism, created by a flattened skull blocking free airway supply.    

9. Weight Gain Or Obesity:

Long-haired dogs, especially those with low activity, can easily become obese. Some breeds, such as the Maltese or Lhasa Apso, just love to lounge around, and their small size makes it very easy for them to become overweight.  

Moreover, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and portion control will keep your dog at a healthy weight.  

Are Long-Haired Dogs The One For You?   

So, long haired dogs are beautiful, affectionate pets that, if well cared for, fit into many lifestyles. Grooming them might take a lot of time, but their loyalty and loving nature make it all worthwhile.   

Whether you have a small breed, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, or a bigger breed, like the Samoyed, long-haired dogs will bring you joy and companionship for decades. 

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Nabamita Sinha

Meet Nabamita, a first-time pet sibling of a beautiful 3-year old Indian breed pup named Bruno. Her love for dogs can be seen all over her social media accounts and also over the fact that she can't even walk a mile without petting every single dog she comes across. She is a walking talking encyclopedia when it comes to health and wellness for your fur babies, so she is a on e stop destination for all your queries.

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