Ready for a furry embrace? Nothing beats sinking into the plush comfort of a long-haired dog’s coat. From flowing locks to fluffy clouds of fur, these breeds are the ultimate cuddle companions. We’ve gathered seven of the most lovable long-haired breeds, each with their unique personalities and grooming needs. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a regal companion, prepare to fall in love with these irresistible fluffballs. Get ready for a dose of cuteness overload!
Long-haired dog breeds are known for their stunning, flowing coats that make them stand out in any setting. However, such gorgeous fur comes with a responsibility. Each dog breed has unique grooming needs, and for long-haired breeds, this requires extra attention. Regular grooming is especially important for those dogs who love to explore the outdoors, where mud and dirt can quickly tangle their fur.
By brushing their coat regularly, you can prevent matting and tangles. Contrary to what many believe, long-haired dogs don’t always shed more than short-haired breeds. In fact, VCA states that some long-haired breeds shed less, which can mean fewer allergens in your home.
One thing to keep in mind before adopting a long-haired dog is your environment. These dogs can be prone to overheating, so they may not be the best fit for very warm climates.
Now, let’s take a look at 7 of the best long-haired dog breeds you’ll love!
Long-Haired Dog Breeds
1. Puli
The Puli is a medium-sized, sturdy dog known for its unique, mop-like coat. Standing about 16 to 17 inches tall, the Puli’s most noticeable feature is its long, corded, water-resistant fur. Interestingly, Pulik aren’t born with these cords. As their coat grows and sheds, it naturally tangles into the signature cords over time, with a fully corded coat taking up to five years to develop.
Although their coat often hangs over their eyes, Pulik can see perfectly fine, as the cords shift with their movements. You can tie up their fur with a band if they need a clearer vision for activities like agility competitions. According to WebMD, Pulik are good with children, especially when raised together, and can make wonderful family pets.
Pulik are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation and love to stay busy. They are known for their good-natured and playful personalities, but they can also be quite stubborn. This means they need an experienced owner who knows how to manage a strong-willed dog and provide the structure and guidance they require.
2. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, iconic breed that originated in England, known for its role as a herding dog. They are easily recognizable due to their thick, shaggy grey and white coat, which covers their face and eyes.
This double-layered coat, with a soft undercoat and a rough top layer, is waterproof and requires regular care to prevent matting and tangles. It’s recommended to brush them every other day, and the hair around their eyes is often tied back to help with vision.
Old English Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, and despite their size, they make excellent house pets. They are strong and active dogs, requiring regular exercise to stay healthy. Known for their watchfulness, courage, and intelligence, they are also wonderful with children, acting as patient and protective playmates. According to AKC, their loud, distinctive bark makes them excellent watchdogs as well.
3. Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd, or Pyr Shep, is an energetic, clever, and playful herding dog with roots tracing back to ancient sheepdogs from the Pyrenees mountains. These dogs are tough, lean, and full of energy, excelling at herding and known for their agile, free-flowing movement. They come in two coat types: rough-faced and smooth-faced.
Rough-faced Pyr Sheps have a thick, windswept coat and scruffy hair around the muzzle, while smooth-faced varieties have shorter facial hair, a finer coat, and a slightly longer muzzle. Despite their differences, both types share a double coat with a soft undercoat and a protective outer layer, which gives them their rugged, scruffy look. Regular weekly brushing helps keep their coats free of mats and tangles.
Their dark, almond-shaped eyes reflect their alertness and intelligence, giving them a sharp, cunning expression. These dogs are great for active owners who can keep up with their lively nature and mental sharpness.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a sturdy, medium-sized breed with a muscular build, known for its two distinct coat types. Some have long, wavy hair, while others sport shorter, curly hair with tighter curls. Both coat types require regular grooming to stay in good condition, and dogs in show trims need regular clipping. Many pet owners opt for a simpler ‘puppy’ trim for easier maintenance.
Despite being highly active, Portuguese Water Dogs are remarkably self-controlled and easy to train. Purina points out that they are friendly, happy dogs that form strong bonds with their families and love being involved in all activities.
However, without proper training and enough exercise, they can become bored and unruly. As their name suggests, they have a natural affinity for water and are always drawn to it!
5. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a highly intelligent, quick, and obedient herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Small, agile, and active, the Sheltie is known for its beautiful, long double coat, which comes in black, blue merle, and sable with white markings.
The outer coat is long and harsh, while the dense undercoat is soft and furry. Shelties shed quite a bit, so weekly brushing is essential, and even more frequent grooming is needed during shedding season to manage loose fur around the house.
Bright and eager to please, Shelties are easy to train and excel in activities like obedience, agility, and herding trials. They are an affectionate family dog breed, highly sensitive to the emotions of those around them. Known for being vocal, they make excellent watchdogs, often being reserved around strangers and quick to alert their owners with a bark.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are famous for their long, silky coats that shine in the show ring. However, maintaining this beautiful coat requires a lot of effort. Because their hair is similar to human hair, it tangles easily if not brushed daily and can break from rubbing against carpets.
On the plus side, Yorkies don’t have an undercoat, so they shed very little—about the same amount as human hair. Many owners opt for a “puppy cut,” which is short and much easier to maintain.
Despite their glamorous appearance, Yorkies have a bold and spirited terrier personality. Originally bred as rat hunters in mines and mills, they are tenacious, brave, and sometimes a bit bossy. Though small in size, Yorkies carry themselves with a big attitude, which makes them especially popular in urban areas. They are beloved companions for city dwellers worldwide, packing a lot of personality into their tiny frames.
7. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a shaggy-coated, long-haired dog breed known for being a loyal and vocal companion. They have a thick, double coat that can be either wavy or straight, providing protection against harsh weather. The soft, dense undercoat and fine outer coat, which isn’t silky, can come in any color or combination of colors, including pure white. When left long, their hair forms a natural part over their head, neck, and back, requiring daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, along with weekly baths to keep them clean.
Historically, Tibetan Terriers were valued in ancient Tibet as good luck charms and alert watchdogs, warning the community when someone approached. Today, they are affectionate, loving pets devoted to their families. While they may be a bit reserved around strangers, they warm up and become friendly over time.
According to Orvis, Tibetan Terriers are well-suited for apartment living, as long as they get plenty of exercise and aren’t left alone for extended periods. They thrive with companionship and regular activity, making them excellent family pets.
Conclusion
Long-haired dog breeds are cherished for their striking beauty and unique coats, whether it’s the silky coat of a Yorkshire Terrier, the flowing coat of a Puli, or the wavy coat of a Tibetan Terrier. These breeds, known for their long coat, bring not only elegance but also a range of personalities and histories. From herding dogs like the Shetland Sheepdog to hunting dogs with strong instincts, long-haired breeds come in a variety of sizes and temperaments. Their long coats, often measuring a few inches or more, require frequent brushing to maintain their silky fur and prevent tangles and mats.
As family dogs, many long-haired breeds bond closely with their owners and are wonderful companions. While the maintenance of their coats, like the Puli’s coat or the Yorkie’s silky hair, can be time-consuming, their affectionate and loyal nature makes the effort worthwhile. Whether you’re drawn to the protective nature of herding dogs or the playful charm of hunting dog breeds, these long-haired companions bring beauty and joy to any home with proper care and attention to their grooming needs.
From the flowing locks of the Afghan Hound to the fluffy embrace of a Samoyed, long-haired dog breeds offer an undeniable allure. Their luxurious coats require dedicated grooming, but the reward is a cuddly companion whose soft fur practically begs for pets and snuggles. While each breed possesses unique characteristics, they share a common thread: the ability to steal your heart with their gentle nature and cloud-like fluffiness. Whether you’re seeking an active adventurer or a laid-back lapdog, there’s a long-haired breed perfectly suited to shower you with affection.