16 Long-Haired Dog Breeds with Enviable Flowing Locks

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There are few things more striking than a full head of glorious hair—on a dog. Whether you’re interested in long-haired dogs with flowing locks (like the Afghan hound) or long-corded manes (like the Bergamasco sheepdog and the Komondor), there is no doubt you’ll find a stunning pup. But know this: You’ll frequent the groomer. While beautiful, many of the most popular dog breeds with long hair require daily or weekly brushing, or they may have a specific shedding season where you need to stay on top of grooming.

Some long-haired breeds are rarer than others, but we guarantee each one of them will make you fall in love. Ahead, we’re showcasing 16 of the most impressive long-haired dogs. And to get the most important grooming, brushing and breed-related tips, we spoke to four veterinarians—so you’ll be up to speed on the types of long-haired dogs and how to groom them.

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Types of long-haired dogs

Not all dog hair is the same. Consider how different human hair is: You can have a variety of long hair types, ranging from curly to wavy to stick straight. Similarly, there are many types of long-haired dogs. Here are some of the most common:

• Wiry: Wiry dog hair is typically stiff and coarse versus soft and fluffy. It’s common for terriers to have this type of hair.
• Curly: Loosely to tightly wound, curly hair is often seen in breeds like poodles and doodles.
• Silky: True to its name, silky dog hair is smooth and fine, and often seen in breeds like the Maltese and Afghan hound. It’s sometimes straight but can also be wavy.
• Corded: Corded dog hair forms natural, distinct cords, typical in breeds like the Puli and Komondor.
• Fluffy: This type of long dog hair is voluminous and soft, and is commonly seen in breeds like the Samoyed and Pomeranian.

1. Afghan hound

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Let’s start off this long-haired-dog roundup with a real showstopper: the Afghan hound. Elegant and regal, this medium-size dog weighs in at around 50 to 60 pounds and comes in a variety of color variations. Their long manes are sleek and flowing, yet they shed infrequently. “These sight hounds have quite the mane,” says Angie Krause, DVM, a veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Pets in Colorado. “Be ready for hours of brushing every week.”

Afghan hounds should be brushed daily, but there’s an upside to all that work. If you keep them brushed out—which you need to do by brushing the hair in layers, says Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds—there is no need for an Afghan hound to see a professional groomer. This isn’t a breed that is clipped.

2. Bergamasco sheepdog

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The Bergamasco sheepdog is a member of the herding group with a very peculiar mane. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this medium-size pup has three different textures of fur, which form natural “flocks” (felted hair) that cover its legs and body. These flocks look a bit unkempt, but they are actually a very efficient system that has helped this historically outdoorsy pup protect itself against ultra-cold and wet weather.

Puppies need to be brushed out until almost a year of age, at which time the puppy coat falls out and is replaced by the wooly adult coat, adds Coile. This coat will naturally form clumps, which must be separated into distinct flocks as they grow out. Once the matted coat has set, the Bergamasco is easy to care for, and no brushing is required. Keep in mind that their hair shouldn’t be cut since this removes the felted coat they’ve worked so hard to create. Also note that this breed shouldn’t be bathed more than once or twice a year. “Bathing is a daylong process, and the flocks, which are naturally water-repellant, cannot be allowed to stay wet once thoroughly soaked, as they can mildew,” says Coile.

3. Bearded collie

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Any wild guesses as to how this adorable long-haired dog breed got its name? True, these dogs have hair everywhere, not just on their chins. But it accumulates in a beard-like pattern around their neck, hence the fitting moniker. Medium-size at 45 to 55 pounds, this bearded dog has a rambunctious spirit and requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. The AKC notes that their long, shaggy hair requires a unique two-part grooming process: The first part is daily brushing to help nix tangles and debris, and the second is a weekly session with a comb and detangling product. They shed seasonally.

4. Briard

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“Briards were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep,” says Megan McCarthy, DVM, a veterinarian with Best Friends Animal Society. “They are very intelligent dogs that are ideal for owners who want an active dog for herding, hiking or other outdoor activities.” With that said, this long-haired dog breed requires lots of activities to stay occupied.

As for their mane, Briards have a distinctive double coat that’s mostly straight with slight waves. It grows at least 6 inches long. While its hair naturally repels dirt and water, and it sheds infrequently, this breed still needs a thorough brushing and combing at least once a week.

5. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

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If you’re seeking a sweet pooch with more manageable, flowing hair, the regal Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an excellent pick. This medium-size breed comes in four distinct color patterns, requires weekly grooming sessions at home and sheds occasionally. “The Cavalier King Charles spaniel might be the sweetest breed of dog there is,” says Laura Robinson, DVM, a veterinarian and medical advisor to Pawp. “They are great companions and are very affectionate and intelligent.”

These spaniels also tend to get along with most people, are one of the best dog breeds for kids and do well with other dogs. “The biggest health problem with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is they are prone to heart disease,” Dr. Robinson says.

6. Irish setter

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If you’re in the market for more manageable long-haired dogs, sweet Irish setters might fit the bill. These medium-size dogs do have lots of hair—but not quite as much as some of the other breeds on this list. They require brushing two to three times a week to keep their fur looking sleek and shiny, and they shed seasonally.

“This dog’s gentle nature makes them great family dogs,” says Dr. Krause. “They are very sporty and are great for obedience and agility activities. Their coats do require brushing a few times per week, and they also require daily exercise.”

7. Komondor

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Have you ever seen a mop run? Probably not, but the majestic Komondor is the second closest thing. With its unique corded hair and an average weight of 80 to 100 pounds, the Komondor is a big, long-haired dog that’ll get noticed wherever it wanders. “These dogs require special care of their corded coat,” says Dr. Krause.

To form the cords, you must carefully separate them into yarn-sized pieces as the hair grows, adds Coile. Ideally, she says you’ll soak the dog in water until the cords are wet, then remove the dog and dry the cords. This process shrinks the cords and makes them tighter, but it also takes an entire day, and you need to do this weekly. “Once the cords are formed, which can take a year, bathing is not needed as often. But once again, it is a long process,” she says. “The cords must be dried, as they can mildew otherwise. This is not a process that most professional groomers are equipped to perform, so call around first if that’s your hope.”

8. Lhasa apso

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“Lhasa apsos are lovely small-breed dogs who make great companions,” says Dr. McCarthy. “Their distinguishing feature is their long, straight coat that sometimes covers their face, making it difficult to see their eyes.” You’ll want to get used to brushing almost daily to prevent tangles and mats. And while these dogs shed infrequently, some owners opt to clip their hair short several times a year.

“It is important to thoroughly socialize a Lhasa apso puppy to get them used to different people and animals,” she adds. Once you do, they make loving pets. And great news: Lhasa apsos are considered one of the dog breeds that live the longest.

9. Maltese

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While some of the long-haired dogs in our roundup are much harder to come by, the ever-popular Maltese is seen much more often. It’s a small long-haired dog breed that weighs under 7 pounds and is known for its gentleness and cheery disposition. “This is a really popular breed that makes [an] excellent companion,” says Dr. Krause.

They require daily brushing at home and professional grooming every six to 10 weeks, she notes. That’s especially true if you want to clip your dog’s coat short. The Maltese has hair (not fur), and the primary difference is how each grows on dogs. “Hair continues to grow indefinitely, so dogs with hair tend to shed less,” says Coile. “Fur grows to a certain genetically determined length and sheds out, so dogs with fur tend to shed more.”

Dr. Krause also notes that Maltese are prone to dental disease, so be mindful of the need to brush their teeth daily.

10. Newfoundland

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“The Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds out there and usually weighs between 100 and 150 pounds,” says Dr. Robinson. “They are very sweet pets and are good companions. They are also big couch potatoes and tend to drool a lot. Also note that they typically have a shorter life span, usually only living until around the age of 8.”

As for their fur, Newfoundland dogs have it in spades. They require weekly grooming and brushing at home and could benefit from an occasional professional grooming session. They shed seasonally, so increase grooming accordingly. Dr. Robinson says that because of their thick and heavy coats, they can overheat easily, so keep that in mind during the warm months.

11. Pekingese

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The petite Pekingese has a long coat that dusts its neck and shoulders and resembles a lion’s mane. Because of their small size, their hair often drags on the ground.

“These are very fluffy dogs that require regular brushing—two to three times a week—to prevent their fur from getting matted,” notes veterinarian Gary Richter, DVM, the medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition. “It is not generally recommended to cut the fur of this toy dog breed, as it doesn’t always grow back very well.” Pekingese shed seasonally.

12. Puli

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The Puli is another pooch with a peculiar mop of corded wild hair. They’re small to medium in size, with an average weight of 25 to 35 pounds. And they’re known for being loyal dogs and intelligent pups.

“Pulis do require some work to keep clean, as you can’t brush these dogs, and they do tend to pick up debris in the cords,” notes Dr. Richter. “There is no reason someone couldn’t keep a Puli’s hair short or brush it out. Traditionally, however, the fur is corded, and this is how these dogs are shown.” When their hair is kept long, they shed infrequently, but Pulis require specialty grooming by someone who can handle cords.

13. Shih Tzu

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The Shih Tzu might be tiny in stature and only weigh an average of 9 to 16 pounds, but its ultra-long hair gives it a larger-than-life persona. This coat requires daily brushing and periodic professional grooming, but fortunately, these dogs experience minimal shedding. According to Dr. Robinson, they require visits to the groomer fairly regularly because of their long coat.

“Shih Tzus are typically perky, happy and friendly and generally get along with most dogs and people,” she says. “They are lively pets and do have a tendency to bark.”

14. Shetland sheepdog

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This small breed is strong and agile, originally bred for sheep herding. Shetland sheepdogs are also known for being very sweet and gentle dogs that require exercise to keep them busy. As far as their fur goes, they have a “thick, straight double-coat that protects them from the weather,” Dr. McCarthy says. “Their undercoat is very dense and woolly, and their fur requires frequent brushing twice weekly. Shelties will shed their coat in the fall and spring.”

15. Skye terrier

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The Skye terrier is a long-haired breed that’s very loyal to and affectionate with its owners. “Originally bred to hunt rodents, Skye terriers are very alert and protective of their loved ones and will sometimes chase smaller animals,” Dr. McCarthy says.

She adds that the breed has a long, straight double-coat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting. An occasional visit to a professional groomer can also be helpful. They shed seasonally, so you’ll want to increase grooming around this time.

16. Yorkshire terrier

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Another type of long-haired terrier, the Yorkie is an energetic and feisty pooch that’s always up for a good snuggle session. This small breed has an average weight of 7 pounds and requires routine professional grooming to keep its hair in good shape. Fortunately, Yorkshire terriers shed infrequently.

“Yorkies are great apartment dogs as well as good watchdogs,” says Dr. Robinson. “They can be stubborn without house-training and can bark quite often, and they can also sometimes be snappy toward children. Yorkshire terriers also require a commitment to grooming. They usually live long lives and don’t have too many serious health issues.”

How to care for a long-haired dog

Every long-haired dog will require its own grooming regimen based on its shedding frequency and type of hair. For example, while brushing three to five times a week may be recommended for some terriers, dogs with corded hair should rarely be brushed since this can disrupt the formation of their natural cords.

Your first plan of action when caring for long-haired dogs is to do some research on the specific breed. The best place to start is your dog’s national breed parent club. You can also talk to your breeder, veterinarian or any local groomers. 

From there, you can determine an ideal brushing and bathing routine that suits their needs. Many dogs also need their ears cleaned, toenails trimmed (especially if they’re mostly indoors) and teeth brushed. These are things you can do at home, if your dog is amenable, based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Professional grooming is also an option to supplement the regular care you provide, as long as you’re on a consistent schedule. Again, how frequently you go—and the services required—depends on your specific breed. Your veterinarian, breeder and groomer can help you come up with a game plan.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Wendy Rose Gould tapped her experience as a veteran reporter covering pets, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT, veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Pets in Boulder, Colorado; email interview, June 1, 2021
• Megan McCarthy, veterinarian with Best Friends Animal Society; interview, June 2, 2021
• Laura Robinson, DVM, veterinarian and medical advisor to Pawp; email interview, June 1, 2021
• Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition; interview June 2, 2021
• American Kennel Club

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