16 long-haired dog breeds you’ll adore
Long-haired dogs have a way of stealing hearts. Their flowing coats, expressive eyes and often dramatic carriage make them unforgettable companions. They can also bring extra grooming and care needs, so this guide covers personality, energy levels and practical tips to help you pick a pup who fits your life.
Meet the breeds
Here are 16 long-haired breeds we think you’ll fall for. For each one I’ll share what makes them special, the kind of owner who tends to love them, and quick care notes.
1. Afghan Hound
Regal, aloof and breathtakingly beautiful, the Afghan Hound carries a silky coat that needs regular attention. They are independent and can be reserved with strangers, but deeply loyal to people they trust. Best for experienced owners who appreciate elegant, low-key companionship.
2. Bearded Collie
Bouncy, joyful and unmistakable with that shaggy beard, Bearded Collies are herding dogs with a playful streak. They thrive with activity and mental stimulation. Regular brushing keeps their coat mat-free, and they tend to enjoy active family life.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Big, gentle and famously fluffy, the Bernese is a calm, patient companion. They enjoy moderate exercise and love being part of family life. Their thick coat sheds seasonally and benefits from routine brushing to reduce loose hair and keep skin comfortable.
4. Briard
An old French herding breed with a long, wavy coat and a clever mind. Briards bond closely with family and can be protective. Their coat needs frequent grooming and occasional trims around the eyes for comfort.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Tiny with luxurious feathering, Cavaliers are affectionate lap dogs who adore people. They suit apartment life if they get daily walks and cuddle time. Their long ears and silky fur need gentle maintenance to prevent tangles.
6. Rough Collie
Think Lassie: intelligent, loyal and graceful. Rough Collies are wonderful with kids and often pick up cues quickly during training. Their full ruff and feathering need regular brushing to avoid mats and keep them cool in warmer months.
7. Havanese
Small, lively and social, the Havanese has a soft, silky coat that many owners wear as a badge of pride. They’re adaptable to many living situations and usually enjoy training and play. Frequent grooming keeps their coat healthy and knot-free.
8. Lhasa Apso
A compact, alert breed with a luxurious double coat. Lhasas are loyal and can be a bit independent, making them good watchdogs. Their coat needs regular brushing and occasional trimming, and they often do well with a consistent grooming routine.
9. Maltese
Delicate and charming, the Maltese has a cascading white coat. These little dogs are affectionate and enjoy close human company. Their coat demands attention to avoid tangles and they may be happiest with regular maintenance or a short pet trim.
10. Newfoundland
Gentle giants with a thick, water-resistant coat, Newfoundlands are famously patient and good with children. They enjoy swimming and moderate exercise. Their dense fur benefits from frequent brushing, especially if they spend time outdoors.
11. Old English Sheepdog
Fluffy, comical and undeniably loving, the Old English Sheepdog has a distinctive shaggy look. They thrive with family interaction and regular exercise. A solid grooming plan helps keep their coat free of mats and debris.
12. Pomeranian
Tiny fluff-balls with big personalities, Pomeranians have a plush double coat and an alert expression. They suit apartment life well and enjoy short bursts of play. Regular brushing reduces shedding and keeps their ruff looking perky.
13. Shih Tzu
Bred as a companion, Shih Tzus are affectionate and cheerful. Their flowing coat can be shown long or kept in a practical puppy trim. Either way, routine brushing, eye-care and occasional baths keep them comfortable.
14. Samoyed
Famous for the “Sammy smile,” these dogs are sociable, hardworking and coated in cloud-like fur. They enjoy activity and company, and seasonal shedding can be dramatic. Regular grooming and a few extra brushes during blowouts can help.
15. Tibetan Terrier
Despite the name, Tibetans are not true terriers. They’re sturdy, affectionate and covered in a fine, long coat that requires consistent brushing. They bond closely with family and often enjoy varied activities with their person.
16. Golden Retriever
The classic family dog, many Goldens have long, feathered coats that add to their warm appearance. They’re friendly, trainable and energetic. A regular brushing cadence helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.
Grooming and care basics for long-haired dogs
Long coats look gorgeous but they need love. A simple routine goes a long way.
Brushing: Aim for at least a few times a week. Shorter-coated long-haired breeds may only need a gentle pass-through three times weekly, while heavy-coated breeds often do better daily. Brushing helps prevent mats and distributes natural oils.
Baths: Bathe on a schedule that suits your dog’s activity level and skin. Over-bathing can strip oils, so consider using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. A thorough towel or blow-dry (on a low setting) can help prevent damp-related odors and matting.
Trims: Face, paw and sanitary trims can make daily life easier. For some breeds, a professional groom every 6–12 weeks keeps the coat manageable. Ask a groomer or a trusted carer about breed-specific trims.
Skin checks: While grooming, look for hotspots, redness or flaky skin. Grooming time is a chance to check ears, eyes and paws. If you spot anything worrying, consider consulting your vet.
Tools: A slicker brush, a wide-tooth comb and a de-shedding tool are good staples. Choose quality tools that are gentle on the skin.
Remember to introduce grooming gently, and pair it with treats and calm praise. If you’re unsure about a technique, a professional groomer or an experienced pet carer can show you safe methods to reduce stress for both you and your dog.
Matching lifestyle to coat and personality
Coat length isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a dog. Think about energy levels, training needs and the space you have:
Active families: Breeds like the Rough Collie, Samoyed and Bernese Mountain Dog enjoy outdoor time and mental work. They’ll appreciate a yard and daily exercise.
Apartment friendly: Small breeds like the Cavalier, Havanese, Maltese and Pomeranian can thrive in apartments if they get regular walks and play sessions.
Time for grooming: If your schedule is tight, consider breeds that tolerate regular trims or shorter styles. Alternatively, budget for a professional groomer or a dependable carer who can help maintain the coat.
Training and social needs: Herding and working breeds usually enjoy structured activities. Companion breeds may prefer less formal play and more lap-time.
Think practically: a long-haired dog that loves the outdoors may bring in more debris and need extra bathing, but they also give you opportunities for shared adventures. Consider which trade-offs feel right.
Finding trusted carers who can help
Long-haired dogs sometimes need extra help from friends, family or professional carers. Here are practical tips for finding someone you trust:
Look for experience with coats: Ask prospective carers if they’ve worked with long-haired breeds and what grooming tasks they’re comfortable with.
Check references and reviews: Real feedback from other owners tells you a lot about reliability and attention to care details.
Ask practical questions: Can they do basic brushing, short trims, or handle a full grooming session? Are they comfortable administering ear care or tooth brushing if requested?
Trial sits or short walks: A short meet-and-greet or a trial walk lets you see interactions, energy management and comfort handling the dog.
Share a care plan: Write down feeding, grooming and walking preferences so your carer understands the routine. A clear plan reduces stress for everyone.
Using a pet-care platform like Floofy can make it easier to find carers who specialize in grooming needs, or who have experience with your breed’s temperament.
Bringing a long-haired dog into your home — quick checklist
- Grooming tools: slicker brush, comb, de-shedding tool.
- Grooming schedule: decide on brushing and bathing cadence.
- Professional groomer: find local options and pricing.
- Training plan: basic obedience and socialization classes.
- Pet carer contacts: a backup walker or sitter experienced with long coats.
Final thoughts
Long-haired dogs bring a lot of charm and personality. They can be dramatic in the best possible way, and they reward consistent care with loyalty and companionship. If you love the idea of regular grooming and don’t mind an extra brushing session, one of these breeds could be a wonderful match.
Remember to consider energy levels, grooming time and whether you’ll rely on a groomer or a pet carer. And if any skin, coat or health worries pop up, consider checking with your vet. Above all, enjoy the fluffy snuggles and the unique character each breed brings to a home.
If you’re thinking about adopting or hiring help, take your time to meet dogs and carers, and trust your instincts. A long-haired friend can bring years of joy — and many cozy moments — to your life.