A dog will quickly grow to become a valued, beloved member of your family, which is why choosing the correct dog breed can be such an important decision. If you are one of the many people who prefer the look of long haired dogs, there are plenty of breeds to choose from.
Fortunately, these breeds come in a wide variety of sizes and coat types, so whether you prefer a large dog, or a small, lap-friendly dog, you will be able to find a long-haired pup that meets your exact preferences. You will also find that each long-haired dog breed has its own personality and temperament, so it is important to consider more than just the length of the coat when you are deciding which type of dog to bring home.
To help you narrow down the perfect breed for your lifestyle and personal preferences, we have provided this helpful guide, which will highlight 10 of the most stunning long haired dog breeds!
Contents
10 of the Most Stunning Long-Haired Dog Breeds
1. The Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese mountain dogs have striking, beautiful multi-colored coats. Their lengthy black, tan, and white fur make them one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world.
Swiss farmers originally bred the Bernese Mountain Dog to act as farm dogs, watchdogs, and loyal companion dogs. It is no surprise that the long haired breed is known to have a friendly and calm disposition. They are sturdy and large dogs known to be both intelligent and gentle, and they are a very popular breed with families of young children.
Any dog owner who enjoys the outdoors will also find that a Bernese Mountain Dog will happily keep up with them on hikes and long walks, as, despite their size, they are a surprisingly active breed. As you would expect from an intelligent family dog breed, it’s easy to train Bernese mountain dogs, and they are fairly obedient.
Their beautiful double coat consists of two layers – a longer outer coat and a wool-like undercoat. Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a fair amount, so it is a good idea to maintain a frequent brushing routine.
The distinctive tri-colored fur of this large long-haired dog is soft and fluffy, which explains why Bernese mountain dogs are so popular with those who prefer long-haired, large-breed dogs!
2. The Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd is another highly recognizable breed. Bred as herding dogs, these dogs have high energy levels.
While their unique, energetic personalities and medium stature stand out, what sets the Australian shepherd apart from other breeds is their unique coat, which tends to grow in a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of either blue, gray, or red. This soft, lengthy fur looks stunning, and the different color patterns allow dog owners to choose an Australian Shepherd that meets their exact visual preferences.
As mentioned, they are a hard-working, medium-sized breed, so they do not make great pets for those that prefer a more sedentary dog. However, if the idea of long walks and a playful dog that seems borderline tireless appeals to you, a sporty Australian Shepherd pup might be just what you and your family are looking for!
3. The Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is amongst the most eye-catching and iconic long-haired dog breeds, so it is no surprise that it made our list. Their long, straight coat gives the dogs a dignified and borderline regal appearance.
The thick, silky coat that gives the breed such a unique and recognizable look was a breed trait intended to help protect the dogs from the harsh climate of the mountainous regions of Afghanistan where they were hunting dogs.
When fully grown, Afghan Hounds can become quite large, and they tend to have an affectionate personality. While they usually have high energy levels, they do not need anywhere near as much exercise as an Australian shepherd.
While these hairy dogs can make loyal and loving pets, it is worth noting that their luxurious, thick coat does require a significant amount of work, so you prepare to spend plenty of time with a slicker brush in your hand.
4. The Irish Setter
The Irish setter is another breed that turns heads with its luxurious and lengthy coat. They are one of the most beautiful dog breeds, which explains why they are regularly found competing at dog shows.
Not only do Irish Setters have a beautiful and elegant appearance, but they are also quite famous for being incredibly well-behaved family dogs. Their gentle temperament and playful nature make them the perfect breed for families with young children.
These are hunting dogs, which explains why they are both outgoing and incredibly loyal. If you are looking for an eye-catching, shaggy dog with long hair, look no further than the Irish Setter. Their beautiful, red, or mahogany coat is sure to have anyone that has a soft spot for long-haired dogs feeling like they chose the correct breed!
5. The Bearded Collie
While bearded collies are not the most common breed, they have a beautiful and shaggy thick double coat that some dog owners cannot resist. Their long, grey and white coat and unique, beard-like muzzle fur give the breed a wise look that can almost come across as comical, especially when they are puppies.
While they may look somewhat like an Old English Sheepdog, their fur tends to grow much longer and straighter, which is why we chose the Bearded Collie as one of our most stunning long hair dogs.
In terms of temperament, the Bearded Collie is a fairly intelligent breed with surprisingly high energy levels. They can bore quite easily, which is why it is so important that you train them properly at a young age; otherwise, they can be quite a handful. If you choose a Bearded Collie, you should try to maintain a regular walking schedule, as these beautiful dogs do much better when they are allowed to burn off some of their energy.
Outdoorsy families looking for a medium-sized dog that can keep up with their lifestyle will find these shaggy pooches can quickly become affectionate and friendly members of the family!
6. The Shih Tzu
For those that prefer a smaller, long-haired dog, the Shih Tzu is usually one of the first breeds that come to mind. Even though they usually only weigh between 9 and 16 pounds, these small dogs still have a lengthy, luxurious, and silky coat.
A well-groomed Shih Tzu is a sight to behold, which partially explains why they are one of the most popular breeds in the dog world. Not only do these cute little dogs have an eye-catching and adorable flowing coat, they almost always have charming personalities. The combination of their scrunched little faces and flowing fur is truly unique and explains why we chose this breed as one of our top long-haired dogs.
Most Shih Tzus are playful little dogs that enjoy curling up in their owner’s lap for a cuddle when they tire. They are typically very well behaved, especially when trained properly, which is why they are a popular choice for families with small children and senior citizens looking for a calm, well-mannered companion dog.
7. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Another popular long haired little dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These stunning little dogs are the ideal choice for those looking for a cuddly toy breed that still has the energy and athleticism to be a fun family pet.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can trace their breed origins to the aristocrats of Britain, which explains their breed’s name. They are beautiful and graceful dogs that could accompany the nation’s wealthy nobility. It is no wonder the breed has such regal origins when you look at its luxurious coat and beautiful colorings.
As for behavior, Cavaliers are playful and get along well with other dogs and small children. While they can be fairly active, they also enjoy spending a significant amount of time napping, which is why they make such great dogs for both active families and those that are more relaxed. Simply put, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect dog for any family that is looking for a small breed with long hair!
Just remember, their lustrous, silky coat can be quite a bit of work. So be prepared for regular baths and a fairly demanding brushing routine if you want to avoid tangles, knots, and matting.
8. The Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, or Newfie as they are affectionately known, is the largest breed on our list. These striking dogs were bred in Canada to be powerful working dogs that would also make loyal and reliable companions.
While their most noticeable characteristic is their massive size, they also have a majestic, long coat, which tends to be pure black, pure brown, or black and white. Despite their somewhat intimidating size, which can easily have them weigh in at up to 150 pounds, they are incredibly gentle dogs that are both sweet and loving.
Many people find that Newfies do incredibly well with small children, which may seem somewhat surprising given that they are one of the world’s largest dog breeds. Just remember, if you and your family choose a Newfoundland, you will have to spend a significant amount of time going through its thick fur with a long-toothed comb, as their long, heavy coat is susceptible to matting.
Overall, this long-haired breed can be both beautiful and reliable, which is why so many families swear by these gentle giants.
9. The Full-Coated Collie
It is no surprise that the collie made our list for the most stunning long-haired dog breeds. The collie became incredibly popular due to the breed’s prominent role in pop culture. While Lassie may have made the rough collie one of the most popular family dogs in America, there is plenty to love about this breed beyond its famous past.
The full-coated, or a rough variety of collie, has an impressive and smooth coat. Their iconic, long fur tends to grow in many color patterns, including sable, white and black, pure white, tri-color, or blue merle. Their narrow, wedge-shaped head contrasts their flowing fur and helps to give the collie a unique physical appearance.
In terms of behavior, rough collies are athletic and energetic dogs, which makes sense, especially since they were bred to act as herders and working dogs. They are also incredibly gentle, loyal, and intelligent, which explains why they have enjoyed such a long-standing position as one of America’s most trusted family dogs.
10. The Komondor
The Komondor is undoubtedly the most unique and head-turning dog breed on our list of the most stunning long-haired dogs. The Komondor is one of the world’s most recognizable breeds, largely down to their long, corded coat, which almost has the appearance of dreadlocks.
Their lengthy, white fur naturally grows into mop-like cords. While they tend to have short and curly hair during their formative puppy years, once they reach their adult life stage, the hair begins to knot into large, matted strands.
While you might think that their unique fur is simply an interesting aesthetic feature, you might be surprised to learn that serves an important purpose. Their thick and corded coat protects the dog from bites and scratches from wolves and bears as they were originally bred in Hungary for guarding livestock.
Like most livestock guarding dogs, Komondors tend to have a calm and quiet demeanor under normal circumstances, but they can quickly spring into action and become quite aggressive if they believe they, or their owners, are under threat. Komondors need a significant amount of proper training and do their best with experienced dog owners.
While they can be incredibly affectionate dogs and are usually quite gentle with children, they can become very protective, which means they tend to act quite aggressively towards strangers. Again, this explains why Komondors requires thorough training and experienced owners.
With that said, if you want a truly unique, long-haired dog, nothing turns heads quite like a full-grown Komondor!
Things to Keep in Mind with a Long-Haired Dog
While long-haired dogs can certainly have a stunning appearance, it is worth noting that they are more susceptible to shedding, which can trigger allergic reactions for those that have a sensitivity to pet hair and dander.
Long-haired breeds can also be a significant amount of work, especially those with a double coat. Those with undercoats, like collies, tend to go through a serious shedding phase twice a year, which can be quite frustrating.
Long-haired breeds also require more frequent baths, so it is worth conditioning your dog from a young age to enjoy and tolerate bath-time. You will also want to brush your long-haired dog’s fur regularly, as this helps prevent matting, which can be quite painful for the dog if it is allowed to get to the point where the fur is pulling on the skin, or preventing the flow of air beneath the coat. You will also need to take more frequent trips to see the dog groomer than you would if you chose a short-haired breed. Coat maintenance and grooming needs are high for a small or large long-haired dog with a dense coat, and they require regular grooming.
As is the case when choosing any type of dog, make sure you do your research on the temperament and energy level of any breed you have your eye on. You always want to find a long haired dog breed that matches your lifestyle and preferences. Certain breeds also require more space and a fairly large backyard, so always keep that in mind when you are looking to bring home a new dog.
Final Words
While a dog with long hair can be a lot of work, its stunning and friendly appearance is often worth it! Not only do long-haired dog breeds look great, but there is also nothing quite like petting and cuddling a soft, furry pooch.
Just be sure to do your research and you will be able to welcome a truly furry friend into your family!
I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.
As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.
Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.
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