Long-Haired Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Overview 

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

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.  

Most Popular Long-Haired Dog Breeds

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 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:

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:

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:

 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:

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:

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.