10 Most Fabulous Long-Haired Dog Breeds
There’s no doubt that long-haired dog breeds are eye-catching and majestic with their beautiful flowing locks. Their coats do require a bit more maintenance than short-haired breeds but if you’ve got the time to dedicate to their grooming regime it is well worth it.
Long-haired dogs come in all sizes and there’s lots of variation in their coat styles too. Below we’ve rounded up 10 of the best long-haired dog breeds including the huge Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the tiny Japanese Chin.
Single Coated Vs Double Coated
The type of coat the dog has will impact their grooming requirements.
A single coat is one layer, the coat tends to be less fluffy than a double coat and the texture can vary depending on the breed. Single-coated dogs can have silky, smooth, curly, straight, or wiry fur. Dogs with a single coat may shed but they shed less than those with double coats.
A double coat has two layers, the underlayer is soft to keep the dog warm and the outer layer is coarser to repel dirt, debris, insects etc. Double-coated dogs tend to shed their undercoats at least twice a year so are often not a great choice for allergy sufferers.
1. Bearded Collie
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The Bearded Collie is a friendly, sociable breed that loves to play. These dogs are known for being very family-friendly and are excellent around children of all ages. Bearded Collies are easily recognised thanks to their shaggy appearance but their double coat needs a lot of grooming and does shed a lot.
Height: 51-56cm
Size: Medium
Character: Charismatic, intelligent, energetic
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Double coat
2. Old English Sheepdog
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Old English Sheepdogs are playful, easy to train, and love to be around people. These large dogs have lots of energy, they love playing interactive games and need regular exercise to keep them happy. Old English Sheepdogs have a shaggy double coat that is quite high maintenance in terms of grooming.
Height: 48-58.5cm
Size: Large
Character: Energetic, fun-loving, adaptable
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Double coat
3. English Setter
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The English Setter is a sweet-tempered dog that is friendly and loyal. These dogs can be boisterous when it comes to playtime but overall they are considered the “gentleman of the dog world”. English Setters have an elegant appearance with their long, silky coat but they do tend to shed in spring and autumn.
Height: 55-65cm
Size: Large
Character: Loyal, intelligent, playful
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Double coat
4. Newfoundland
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If you’re looking for a huge long-haired dog that is calm and gentle, Newfoundlands could be the breed for you. These dogs are kind, well-balanced, and are known for being excellent companions for children. Newfoundlands are impressive dogs, they have a dense, water-resistant coat that sheds a lot and requires daily brushing.
Height: 66-71cm
Size: Huge
Character: Docile, friendly, devoted
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Coat Type: Double coat
5. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
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The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is large, well-natured and makes a fantastic family pet. These dogs are easy to train, loving, and extremely loyal to their humans. Pyrenean Mountain Dogs have long double coats with a harsher top coat and a dense, soft undercoat. Their coat is high maintenance and sheds profusely a couple of times a year.
Height: 65-82cm
Size: Huge
Character: Reliable, gentle, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Double coat
6. Afghan Hound
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Arguably one of the most eye-catching dog breeds, Afghan Hounds are elegant and glamorous. These dogs are endearing, playful, and social. Afghan Hounds are sweet but they are difficult to train compared to other breeds. The Afghan Hounds’ long coat needs to be brushed daily but, unlike many long-haired dog breeds, they don’t shed a lot.
Height: 63-74cm
Size: Large
Character: Loyal, friendly, playful
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Single coat
7. Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are energetic little dogs that love to be around people. These charming dogs are fantastic for first-time owners as they are easy to train and highly adaptable. Shih Tzus look fabulous with their long, flowing coat but they do need daily brushing to achieve this (as well as regular appointments with a professional groomer).
Height: 20-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Adaptable, social, loving
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Coat Type: Double coat
8. Havanese
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The Havanese is a small but spirited dog that is loyal, affectionate, and kind. These playful dogs love to be the centre of attention and enjoy playing interactive games. Havanese are also adaptable and eager to please. Their long coats are soft and silky and, despite having a double coat, Havanese are not heavy shedders.
Height: 20-28cm
Size: Small
Character: Playful, gentle, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Coat Type: Double coat
9. Japanese Chin
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The Japanese Chin is a dainty long-haired dog that is known for being affectionate, loyal, and graceful. This is the breed to go for if you’re looking for a silky-coated lapdog. Japanese Chins have a low maintenance coat but they do shed steadily throughout the year.
Height: 18-28cm
Size: Very Small
Character: Loyal, adaptable, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat Type: Single coat
10. Australian Silky Terrier
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Small in size with a silky coat, the Australian Silky Terrier is easy to recognise. These dogs have hair similar to human hair, it sheds a small amount but needs daily brushing to keep it free from tangles. Australian Silky Terriers have big personalities, they are confident, energetic, and love to be around people.
Height: 19-24cm
Size: Small
Character: Friendly, alert, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Coat Type: Single coat
A Guide To Grooming Long-Haired Dogs
The grooming requirements of long-haired dogs vary depending on the specific breed and coat type. Dogs with long hair do tend to pick up dirt and debris in their coats when out and about so regular brushing is essential.
Double coats require regular brushing with brushes and combs that can remove dirt from the outer coat while also getting rid of tangles from the undercoat.
Single-coated long-haired dogs require regular brushing to prevent tangles but tend to be easy to groom and have low shedding.
Getting A Puppy
If you’re ready to bring a long-haired dog into your home, use Puppies to find a healthy pup from a reputable breeder. To help you care for your new addition, speak to the breeder about the grooming requirements of the specific breed you have chosen.
