When it comes to choosing a dog, some individuals consider the coat length as a huge factor. Long hair makes most dog breeds look cute, cuddly and outstanding but grooming needs are in most cases high.
Overall, the Afgan Hound has the longest coat. Small dog breeds with long hair include Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Maltese. Big long-haired dogs include Briard, komondor and the Bergamasco Shepherd while medium-sized pooch breeds with lengthy fur are the Tibetan Terrier, American Eskimo Dog, Afghan hound and Bearded Collie.
Following is a comprehensive list with pictures of long-coat small, big, medium dog breeds of different colors including white, black, red, or brown. Also find pros and cons of long fur, basic grooming ideas, best tools(clips &brushes) and more.
Small Long-haired Dogs
Small-sized pooches cost less to feed, take little room space, are easier to cuddle and carry around. The following is a list of the top small dog breeds with long coats.
Shih Tzu
Another excellent companion/ pet is the Shih Tzu. Small in size like the Yorkshire terrier weighing only nine pounds to a maximum of 16 pounds.
They’re also short with a height of 10 inches. Their hair grows straight silky and trims on the edges.
The hair can be as long as six inches and can have multiple hues such as brown, white, black, blonde, rust, or grey. In terms of training, they’re a bit hard to train, especially when it comes to using the potty or using pads.
They are excellent at jumping high places, which is good and also dangerous in case they fall. However, they are easily adaptable and great at socializing.
Lhasa Apso
Yet another small-sized breed with extremely long hair is the Lhasa Apso. Very similar to the Shih Tzu, they weigh about 12 to 15 pounds maximum and grow to about 11 inches tall. Their long hair comes in solid shades like black, brown, and grey, and more often than not it’s usually dragging on the floor.
Covering the ears and part of their eyes, their hair can grow to over five inches long, offering an excellent coat for the animal. They are great companions but require a deal of exercise, care, and grooming. Maintenance is also high, just as training is tricky as well.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small long-haired Chinese dog breed. It has so much hair that resembles a lion’s mane. It has long hair on the ears and the tail. It’s small in size weighing approximately 50 pounds and grows to a length of 11 to 12 inches tall. Their hair is equally long measuring close to six inches long or more.
The hair is very shaggy and needs constant grooming once or twice a week. You may see this dog associated with some royal family because of their subtle and reserved temperament.
They are best bred as pets but can also be used as a shield since they tend to bark really loud and ferociously at the sight of danger.
Maltese
The Maltese is also a small dog that weighs ten pounds and said to grow no more than 10 inches tall.
Their long white silky coat is one of its great features probably because it’s always white and doesn’t shed often – hence, an excellent choice for those with pet allergies.
Bred mainly as pets, the Maltese is very playful even in old age. They need constant grooming to keep their white appearance and to keep the coat from getting tangled.
Other than that, they are easy to please as they only need small enclosures to keep them happy and occupied.
Papillon
Of the spaniel family, papillon is a small light-weight dog with long hair, especially on the ears and tail. It derives its name from its outstanding characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears.
Papillons are in most cases used as therapy dogs. Both the female and male weigh 9-10 lbs. In terms of height, females are nine inches while males are 10 inches.
They have above-average tracking abilities and they also have been champions for years. One of the most interesting things about this cute dog is that it has no doggy odor.
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel also called King Charles Spaniel,Toy Spaniel, Charlies, Prince Charles Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel or Blenheim Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel(ETS) is a small lap dog breed, mostly kept by royals, abundantly covered with silky, flowing fur, especially on ears. The hair can be straight or slightly wavy. It has heavy fringing, including feathering on the feet.
The color of the ETS coat gives these breed different names;
- Red and white (Blenheim)
- Black and tan (King Charles);
- White, black, and tan (Prince Charles)
- Solid red (Ruby)
Generally, ETS are known to be choosy but affectionate at home, cheerful and amazing to play with.
Japanese Chin
Like the Papillon and the English Toy Spaniel, the Japanese Chin is a toy companion dog breed. It also goes by the name Japanese Spaniel.
It has profuse, long straight, and silky black and white hair that seems to stand out from the body. Like the English Toy Spaniel, the Japanese chin has an appearance of oriental nobility.
Havanese
Havanese is a small companion dog breed regarded as the national dog of Cuba. It is thought to have been developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana.
The Havanese’s long silky/fluffy hair is one of the features that make most people admire it. The coat comes in many colors and patterns.
These cute dogs are cheerful and they love staying indoors, close to their owners.
Pomeranian
It’s a small toy dog breed with long fluffy white coat. It has a history of royalty.
It has a vibrant character with a face shape similar to that of a fox.
Males can get to 7 inches and 7 pounds, while females can get to 6 inches and 5 pounds.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog breed weighing only six pounds. They have very glossy, silky, and straight hair growing as long as 10 inches, almost the same as their height. Their hue is blonde or brown for most of them, with unique breeds having a white and black hair color.
This terrier is very difficult to train, mainly because they are very troublesome and energetic which makes them lose interest in training faster than any other breed. However, it’s not impossible to train.
They also require a lot of grooming and proper care, especially in extreme weather conditions like summer and winter.
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
Lowchen is a small dog that is bred to be a family companion. It has a lion-like appearance which has earned it the name, little lion dog.
It has long soft and wavy non-shedding hair especially around the head and torso. The lengthy fur comes in many colors and color combinations.
Commonly, most of the hindquarters and tailcoats are trimmed close to the skin while the shoulders and neck are left with a full mane…what is commonly referred to as lion clip and the exact characteristic that makes this dog look like a little lion.
Grooming needs are medium. These dogs are cheerful, intelligent and like staying close to their owners
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland sheepdog is a small long-haired dog breed that is thought to have originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It is also called sheltie and, in most cases, mistaken to be a small version of the rough collie.
It has a straight double coat of different colors including, black with white and or tan, blue merle with white and or tan, sable with white and or tan. Overall grooming needs are high.
Shelties are hard-working, intelligent, vocal, excitable dogs that are more often than not willing to please their owners.
Big Long-haired Dogs
If you prefer pooches that are not only huge in size but also have lengthy coat, here some of the breeds you choose from.
Briard
Originally bred as a herd and guard dog in France, the Briard is a large canine breed identified by his bushy eyebrows, shaggy beard, double dewclaws on each hind leg and a J-shaped tail.
Briards have long elegant wavy coat that that comes in many uniform colors except white. Lovers of this dog breed often describe briards as hearts wrapped in fur. The large size and lengthy hair, unfortunately, call for extensive grooming.
Briards are loyal, trainable, smart, and have a strong protective instinct. Today, the Briards are kept as a family companion or show dog.
Komondor
Also known as the Hungarian sheepdog or mop dog, Komondor has not only one of the longest but also the thickest, moppy-like hair. It is one of the largest dog breeds available.
They weigh about 80 to 100 pounds and have an average height of 26 inches. Their hair is almost the same length measuring about 20 inches.
As seen from the photo above, the hue on their hair is white with some shades or instances of brown or black. Even with the shaggy hair, they equally make a loving companion. For breeding purposes, most owners keep them around to safeguard their livestock.
They’re easy to train and very adaptable to different lifestyles, as long as you take the time to actually train them.
They’re very intelligent and don’t necessarily need much exercise but they’re high on adrenaline as they get bored easily. So be sure to keep them occupied with toys and walking strides every now and then.
Unfortunately, the dog breed is rather low on energy and won’t do so well when tasked with overly intense work.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Bergamasco – the sheepdog, has a thick and furry coat almost similar to the Komondor, but with way more hair. It’s a medium-sized dog weight between 50 to 80 pounds and a height of 21 inches. Their hair has the capacity to grow to over two feet, without the need to constantly groom and brush it out.
Its thick coat is of great advantage seeing that it uses it to protect it from the cold and can also cover in during the hot months of summer. The hue on their coat is usually deep colored with multiple shades of brown, grey, black, or white
They are excellent herders just like the Komondor, hence require regular striding in the field to get them used to walk over long distances. Besides that, the Bergamasco is a very subtle fog that doesn’t require much except shade and water.
Borzoi
Borzois are large or giant dog breeds that originate from Russia. They look similar to some medium-long-haired breeds such as the Afghan hound. Borzois can generally be described as “long-haired greyhounds”.
Coming in all colors, the coat of borzois is silky and flat, often wavy or slightly curly.
Generally, this dog breed is obedient, calm and with exceptional running abilities.
Rough Collie
A large and children-loving family pet, the rough type of collies has one of the most beautiful long coat of sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, or white. The breed has a wedge-shaped head, with mobile ears and almond eyes.
In terms of looks, it is in fact the huge version of the Shetland sheepdog. It is athletic, intelligent, loyal and trainable
Irish Setter
Known to be great family dogs, Irish Setters come in two types: show and field dogs. The show variety are heavier and larger than field dogs, with a long heavier, thicker coat of mahogany or rich chestnut red that requires regular grooming.
With an outgoing personality, Irish setters a high-spirited gundog, loyal, elegant and swift.
Belgium Sheepdog
This is a charming, huge muscular companion dog that excels as a herding and guard dog There are about four types Belgium sheepdogs but one comes with distinct long, black coat, which has a dense undercoat
Medium-sized Long-haired Dogs
The following are some of the known medium-sized canine breeds that have long fur
Afghan Hound
If you’re wondering what dog has the longest straight hair, it is the afghan hound.
This dog breed’s hair measures between 24 to 26 inches long. Because the hair is silky, straight and smooth, it tends to fall from the back over the stomach and to the ground.
Their hair is their pride with a soft touch and fur that’s enviable by all. The hair can be in different hues, but the most prevalent ones are black, cream and rust.
Afghan hounds are cunning medium-sized tall dog breeds, weighing about sixty pounds with a height of 28 inches.
They are regarded as family dogs – very calm, quiet, and offer excellent companionship, especially for apartment dwellers.
It is a high-maintenance dog especially in terms of grooming and exercise.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimos are small to medium size dog breeds that combine striking good looks with a brisk and brilliant brain.
Eskies are blessed with a fluffy double coat. Their fur is dense, sparkling white with a lion-like frill around the chest and shoulders. Some have spots with whitish biscuit cream color.
Their face is often smiling with black nose, lips, and eye-rims. They are social, very trainable and always eager to please.
Skye Terrier
With a batwing appearance of elongated ears, the Skye terrier is a medium dog breed with long silky hair that flows over its ears and to the ground, sweeping it across as it walks. Weighing about 40 to 60 pounds, this medium-sized dog breed has hair a little over four feet long.
They are best kept at home with their energetic behaviors. However, they are easy to maintain and train, and you only need to groom their hair about twice a week.
Bearded Collie
A very common breed in dog competitions, the bearded collie, is a medium-sized weighing around 40 to 60 pounds and a height of about 20 to 22 inches. The hair on its body is more shaggy than flair, measuring three to six inches long.
The hair, however, flows over the nose and down throughout the body offering a protective and warm coating for the dog. The coating is usually white with shades of brown, grey, and black.
Another excellent family companion, the bearded coolie is very easy to maintain and train, especially with plenty of positive affirmations and treats.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The wheaten terrier best knows as the hunting dog. They are of medium weight and size measuring between 30 to 40 pounds and have an average height of 18 inches. They have a soft, fluffy coat that needs constant grooming and cleaning to keep the pests away.
Their hair coat comprises solid colors either brown, blonde, or rust with a length, not more than five inches. The hair covers its entire body from the head up to its tail. The terrier is also adaptive in nature and easy to maintain as long as it has a proper diet and regular exercise.
They’re equally easy to train with firm and stern orders. If you choose to purchase a trained one, it can be even four times its original price. Either way, they are a great addition to the family even without its hunting expertise.
Tibetan Terrier
A medium sized companion dog breed, the Tibetan Terrier was developed to hold out against Tibet’s extreme climate and tough terrain.
One of the most outstanding features of this cute canine is its long hair that can be found in any color or color combination.
This breed of do is known to be cheerful, loyal and loving especially to the owners.
Keeshond (Wolf Spitz)
The Keeshond is a medium-sized all-purpose dog breed that is believed to have originated from Germany. Its closest relatives are the German spitzes
It comes with a magnificent two-layer long straight harsh outer coat that stands off from the body. The fur color is a mixture of gray, black, and cream. It has a ruff and a curled tail. The coat makes it one of the most cold/damp-resistant canine breeds.
Japanese Spitz
If you’re a fan of white and fluffy, the Japanese Spitz is the perfect choice for you. This companion dog does not score much in terms of size but this does not stop it from being fiery.
They are typical guard dogs with a temperament greater than their size.
Spitzs have a lot of energy hence need lots of exercise. If you would want a smaller version of the rare and expensive Samoyed, a spitz can be a good alternative.
Puli
The Puli is a small-medium breed that is blessed with natural dreadlocks! It is a guard dog of Hungarian origin.
The long-corded coat that appear the same as human dreadlocks is what makes this dog stand out.
A similar-looking, but much larger breed also from Hungary is the Komondor…coming up shortly in the large dog breeds section below.
English Setter
English Setter is a medium-sized athletic and energetic dog originally bred in England many centuries ago.
One of the striking features of this breed is its beautiful long feather-like coat. The hair is of different colors from orange belton, blue belton (white with black markings), tricolor (blue belton with tan on muzzle over the eyes and on the legs), lemon belton, or liver belton.
This breed is never happy when left alone for an extended period of time. The English Setter loves staying close to his family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
As its name screams, this dog was developed to guard livestock. This clever and joyful canine has beautiful long coat that which hangs over his oval-shaped eyes. The fur is thick and comes in all colors.
With an even personality, the polish lowland sheepdog is obedient, loyal companion.
This breed’s self-assured look is complemented with a sturdy and muscular body.
Small and Large White Long-haired Dogs List
From the above discussion following are canine breeds with long hair that is mostly white.
- Maltese
- Japanese Spitz
- Pomeranian
- American Eskimo Dog
- komondor
Black Long-haired Dogs
Most canines come with a black coat or some spots of black. Below is a list of some fluffy black dog breeds.
- Afghan Hound
- Polish Lowland sheepdog
- Puli
- Tibetian Terrier
- Havanese
- Japanese chin
Brown and Red Long Haired Dog Breeds
From the above discussion of small, medium and large long-haired dogs, not many have a coat that is colored red or brown. However, the following are some breeds that have red fur or at least some red marks on their coat.
- Irish setter
- Papillon
Pros & Cons of Long Haired Dogs
There are many claims that most long-haired dogs tend to have a sweeter temperament compared to the short-haired dog breeds, but these are just circumstances sentiments by various pet owners. The real advantages of long-haired dogs in comparison to short hair dogs include;
- Less temperature control efforts – the long fur these breeds already have offer sufficient warmth for the animal which therefore means you won’t need to comfort or cuddle them anymore.
- Their habitat/ cage or home can be kept outside the home.
- More bonding time – the long-haired dogs need extra attention to groom them meaning more time spent with the dog.
Unfortunately, long-haired dogs come with extra baggage, especially when it comes to their grooming. Here are some of the disadvantages of long-haired dogs.
- They tend to shed their hair very often, which means you will be seeing hair on the couch, clothing, and even in food.
- These pets are susceptible to skin and ear infections if not properly groomed. You have read above that list of these breeds have hair hanging over their ears. This means the area around their ears can get dirty and you won’t see. They can get yeast infections and many more associated with dirt.
- Regular grooming – long-haired dogs are more likely to have things stuffed up under their fur. From tiny parasites, dirt, and dust. You will have to bathe, brush, and clean them regularly.
- Trimming – there are those pets that don’t need trimming of the hair, especially if the hair is not that long and they constantly shed. However, others have really long hair that drags on the floor and gets really uncomfortable in the summer.
Dog Brushes for Long Hair
Long-haired canines should be brushed/combed regularly. In addition to giving your pooch a magnificent look, brushing helps release dead hair, reduces excess shedding and removes mats. It also aids in distributing the natural oils in the skin, therefore, keeping your dog healthy.
Opt for pin brushes because they come with bristles that easily get down to skin to grip the undercoat and remove loose hair without causing discomfort and pain. Following are some of the best brushes you can buy.
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Hertzko’s Slicker Brush gently removes loose hair and eliminates tangles, knots, tander and trapped dirt.
The bristles are fine bent wires designed to penetrate deep into the coat and is really able to groom the undercoat well without scratching your pet’s skin!
Paw Brothers Slicker Grooming Brush
This is a comfortable and easy-to-use brush that comes with stainless steel extra-long pins that perfectly penetrate deep into your dog’s coat. The flat slickers have rounded corners so as not to catch far
This is a lasting shedding tool that removes up to 95% of dead hair and tangles from your cat and dog easily fast
It comes with a 100mm sturdy stainless-steel blade that is protected by a cover for your safety and easy-grip handle.
Brushing Long-haired Dogs Tips
Generally, long coats will require more time. Be gentle or you may damage your dog’s coat by pulling and stretching hairs until they tangle and break.
First part the hair in sections and run a pin brush or comb through each section. Start close to the skin and brush down and out away from it(skin). Just like when shaving human hair, always brush in the direction the coat grows.
Mats need to be handled carefully. If you encounter mats, apply a coat conditioner or mat spray and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb or a mat-splitting tool to get through the tangle. You can carefully cut out mats with scissors
Dog Clippers for Long Hair
Long-haired dogs do need regular hair trimming to avoid matted coats. The following are some of the top clippers dogs with long hairs
Andis (Pet) 22690 EasyClip 7-Piece Detachable Blade Clipper Kit
This is one of the best clipper kit for grooming dogs with heavy coats. It is built to withstand years of use. It features
- Quiet operation for pet comfort.
- Powerful rotary motor
- Detachable ceramic blade runs cooler and stays sharper.
- Break-resistant housing and 12′ heavy-duty cord.
- Kit includes durable hard storage case and 4 attachment combs sizes 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ for longer cutting lengths.
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Cordless Animal Clippers
This electric clipper kit is rechargeable, low noise and heavy-duty. It is ideal for small & large breeds with thick to heavy coats. Its features include
- Self-sharpening Precision Blades
- Snag Free Cutting
- Up to 2 Hour Run Time
- 15 Minute Quick Charge
- Heavy Duty Lithium Powered Moto
Following is a grooming video showing how to trim, cut or clip your dog hair.
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs
This is one of the best deshedding tools for large dogs with long hair. The FURminator dog grooming tool comes with the following features;
- FURejector button releases hair with ease
- Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use
- Removes loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin
While normal dog brushes and combs mainly focus on removing hair and debris from the top layer of your dog’s coat, the Furminator effectively gets rid of your dog’s loose undercoat hair.
Deshedding helps prevent the spread of loose pet hair all around your home; on clothes, furniture vehicle,s etc. It also makes your furry friends comfortable while keeping their coats and skin healthy.
More Long-haired Dogs Grooming Ideas
One of the biggest challenges long-coated dogs come with is grooming. Following are ideas to ensure your dog is clean, good-looking, and healthy.
More on Dog Fur
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