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Everyone loves long haired dog breeds. They not only look very
attractive, but they are also available in all sizes. Whether you
like a big long-haired dog or one that is small, there are many
options available. They not only make the perfect companions, but
you will love to brush their long hair as well. Here is a brief
look at the top long-haired dog breeds.
The Afghan Hound
This is one of the most attractive dogs – not only because its
hair is very thick and fine – but also because it is available in
many colors, including black and cream, as well as red. Other
than that, it is well loved for its intelligence and for its
proud demeanor as well as its independence and ability to protect
its master. Their coats are the same as the coats of other
animals living at high altitudes. The Afghan Hound lives for
between 12 and 14 years and weighs between 57 and 74 pounds. It
is also between 24 and 29 inches tall.
The Yorkshire Terrier
This is a very popular long-haired dog breed. What makes it so
endearing is the fact that it is easy to do up its hair in
different ways, and its long fur is also soft and smooth. A
Yorkie makes for an excellent watchdog, and you will love him for
his determination and for his energy. However, its long hair
requires quite a lot of grooming. The Yorkie lives for between 13
and 15 years and weighs between 12 and 15 pounds. it is also
between eight to nine inches tall.
Komondor
The Komondor has a corded coat that is mainly white in color,
with some black and brown patches scattered across its body. It
is a very intelligent animal that will willingly obey once you
have trained it. However, it is not a very energetic dog and also
does not need much exercising. The Komondor lives for between 10
and 17 years, weighs between 110 and 132 pounds, and is between
27 and 29 inches tall.
Havanese
You will love the Havanese because it is a very active animal
that is also very cheerful and playful at the same time. Best of
all, it has a delightfully intelligent nature. You do not have to
exercise it much, and it is also very pleasing to be the focus of
your attention. The Havanese lives for between 13 and 15 years,
weighs between 10 and 16 pounds, and is just 8 to 11 inches tall.
Maltese
This is a very small animal with long hair that is straight and
white in color. Having a very cheerful disposition, this animal
is one of the more active dog breeds that love to play with
humans and other pets. It lives for between 12 and 15 years,
weighs between 6 to 8 pounds and is 8 to 9 inches tall. The good
news is long-haired dog breeds can see through their long hairs,
but it pays to cut their long hair in front of their eyes to
prevent eye problems such a corneal ulcer and conjunctivitis. So,
do pay special attention to its grooming needs.
Fluffy Dog Breeds
Sometimes it's good to be fluffy! These fluffy dog breeds all
have thick double-coats which make them extra-fluffy. Fluffy fur
can be straight or curly but on these dogs it tends to stick out,
giving the appearance of being bigger than they actually are.
This group includes petite dogs, like the Pomeranian, but there
are also several giant breeds with a very fleecy coat.
What makes the fur so fluffy is a double-coat with one coat of
coarse fur that sticks straight out. Some pet parents prefer to
keep fluffy fur short because it can be prone to matting or take
a long time to dry after a bath. Dander and debris can also get
stuck between coats. Some of these dogs (but not all) are also
heavy shedders, who must shed old or damaged fur to grow new
fluffy fur. If you love fluffy dogs, make sure you have
the time to groom them and keep them looking their best!
This beautiful dog has a double white coat: a soft and plush
undercoat with a thicker outer coat which sticks up to create the
fluffy appearance. These friendly, loving dogs are very smart and
require minimal grooming, only bi-weekly brushing with a firm
bristle brush. They are not heavy shedders but will need daily
brushing while shedding to keep piles of white fur off your
furniture.
Pomeranians (pictured above) are tiny, toy-sized balls of fur.
Loyal and eager to please, Pomeranians require more work in
training and grooming. They require frequent grooming because
they are constant shedders (although the undercoat is only shed
once a year). Their coat should be thoroughly brushed, brushing
from the hair folicicles and then up (or out) from the dog. Start
from the head so that the fur falls back into place.
Shih Tzus may not always look fluffy when their coat is allowed
to grow long, but when their fur is kept short their double-coat
is very fluffy. Keeping fur short makes it much easier
to groom Shih Tzus, who are
very low shedders. While the short fluffy coat is easy to care
for, Shih Tzus can be difficult to housebreak and also have a
tendency toward Small Dog Syndrome – feeling and acting like the
alpha of the family if not trained early and well.
Not all fluffy dogs have straight fur! Poodles have a thick curly
fur and come in all sizes to fit all homes and lifestyles.
Because they shed very little, their fur must be clipped every
six to eight weeks and they need frequent baths to keep clean.
You may want to choose one these popular poodle haircut
styles.
“Beardies” get their name because of the long hair on their faces
which is often a different color, looking like a beard. These
medium-sized herding dogs are cheerful and make a great family
pet, but they need daily exercise and brushing. Their shaggy and
waterproof double-coat is prone to matting, so some pet parents
prefer to have them clipped short every two months.
Because of a mound of fur behind the head, Chow Chows look like
lions, and sometimes can act more like cats than dogs. These
arctic dogs can be very difficult to train unless their pet
parent is firmly acting as pack leader. If training is passive,
they will become stubborn, protective, and sometimes aggressive.
Their thick, fluffy coat can be coarse or smooth, and they have a
very heavy shedding season, so they require frequent brushing.
Keeshonds have mixed gray, black, and cream colorings, and an
extra-fluffy tail. Another northern dog, Keeshonds are great with
children and only need to be brushed twice to three times a week.
Use a stiff bristle brush to first brush with the grain, then
life the hair with a comb against the grain, and put it back in
place.
These big white dogs have a thick, weather-resistant double-coat
that has made them excellent mountain sheepdogs. Great Pyrenees
can be very protective and independent, not always the most
obedient of dogs, but always a good watchdog, barking whenever
there might be danger. These dogs shed year round, but more
heavily when shedding their undercoat, and require at least
weekly brushing.
These Swiss dogs are tri-colored with a mostly black body and
patches of white and brown on the face, chest, and feet. Their
silky double-coat requires daily to weekly brushing, and they
also have a heavy shedding season. Unlike some other working
dogs, Bernese are very calm and confident, but not overly
dominant, so they are great for families looking for a big dog
with a gentle personality.
Newfoundlands use their thick, fluffy double-coat to swim in icy
waters. These dogs are also gentle, devoted dogs, but will
protect a family under extreme situations, usually blocking an
intruder rather than biting. Their coat requires brushing with a
hard brush, but “Newfies” should avoid baths, which strip away
the natural oils in their fur.
More on Dog Breeds
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AKC Recognized Breeds
The Best Dogs for Children
