If you're considering bringing a long-haired dog into your family, you'll want to start by thinking about the level of grooming you're willing and able to commit to. Long-haired breeds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, which can be time-consuming but ultimately worth it for the beautiful coats they produce.
Some long-haired breeds are more low-maintenance than others, such as the Afghan Hound, which requires only occasional brushing. On the other hand, breeds like the Old English Sheepdog need to be brushed daily to prevent their thick coats from getting knotted.
The amount of grooming you'll need to do will also depend on the individual dog's temperament and energy level. For example, a high-energy breed like the Samoyed will require more frequent brushing to keep its coat looking its best.
Intriguing read: Bernese Mountain Dog Energy Level
Long Haired Dog Breeds
Old English Sheepdogs are known for their shaggy hair that covers their entire body and face, including their peek-a-boo eyes.
They have a dense double coat that requires weekly, thorough grooming sessions to keep their long, beautiful coat knot-free.
These dogs are friendly, enthusiastic, and perfect for life as a family dog, but they do need early training and socialization by an experienced owner.
Daily exercise is crucial to maintain their health and happiness, and avoid destructive and unwanted behaviors.
Readers also liked: Types of Dog Coats
Best Dog Breeds, According to Experts
The Afghan Hound is a stunning breed with an iconic long hair coat that requires regular maintenance. They have a silky, flowing coat that's a hallmark characteristic of the breed.
Afghan Hounds are sighthounds, which means they hunt prey using their keen eyesight and swift speed. They originated in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, where their thick, silky coat helped protect them from the harsh climate.
To keep their coat healthy, it's essential to brush them regularly, ideally several hours a week. They should also be bathed regularly, using both shampoo and conditioner.
Here's an interesting read: Smooth Coat Fox Terrier Puppies
As puppies, Afghan Hounds have short curly coats that grow into long, silky smooth coats as they mature. It's crucial to use a spray bottle with water and dog conditioner before brushing their coat to prevent damage.
Afghan Hounds are a large breed, weighing between 20-28Kg and reaching a height of 70cm. They have a moderate exercise need, but they can be quite lazy, so regular walks are essential to keep them active.
Their long hair coat makes them a high-maintenance breed, but with the right care, they can thrive in a family home.
Check this out: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a beloved breed known for its shaggy, long-haired coat that requires regular grooming sessions, ideally weekly, to prevent knotting.
Their temperament is kind and agreeable, making them loveable family dogs and astute watchdogs. They are protective of their family and are great companions.
Old English Sheepdogs have a dense double coat that covers their entire body and face, including their peek-a-boo eyes.
They are relatively easy to train, but training and socialization should start at an early age by an experienced dog owner.
This breed enjoys mental and physical challenges, so daily exercise is essential to maintain their health and happiness.
If groomed regularly, they don't shed much hair, but their coat, especially around the face, can become smelly if not bathed often.
Old English Sheepdogs are big, weighing around 30Kg, so care should be taken when young children are around to avoid accidental injury.
Here are some key points to consider if you're thinking of buying an Old English Sheepdog:
- They are relatively easy to train
- They have an affectionate and loving temperament and good with children
- They are a faithful breed, loyal and protective to their owners
- Old English Sheepdogs need plenty of exercises and are fun to be with
- They have ravenous appetites – be prepared for substantial food bills
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, long-haired dog that was bred in Canada to be strong working dogs and loyal companions. They can weigh up to 150 pounds.
Their majestic, long coat is pure black, brown, or black and white. It needs significant maintenance, including regular brushing with a long-toothed comb.
Newfoundlands are highly gentle dogs ideal for families. They're playful and get along well with young children.
To keep them safe, consider using dog GPS trackers and pet tracking devices whenever you're out with your dog.
Other Long Haired Breeds
The Afghan Hound and the Old English Sheepdog are both known for their beautiful, silky coats that require regular grooming. They have a thick undercoat and a long, fine outer coat that sheds heavily.
The Afghan Hound's coat can be up to 6 inches long, and it requires daily brushing to prevent matting. The Old English Sheepdog's coat is even longer, often reaching up to 10 inches in length.
Both breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, but they can be independent and stubborn at times. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Here's an interesting read: Hound
The Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a beautiful breed with a shaggy, thick double coat that's a mix of white and gray colors. They're intelligent and loyal, but can get bored quickly, so early training is essential.
These dogs require a lot of exercise daily, which means you need to establish a proper walking schedule to keep them happy and healthy. If you don't, they can become quite a handful.
Bearded Collies are not a commonly found breed, but they're definitely worth considering if you're looking for a loyal companion. They love people and plenty of exercise, but city center or apartment living is unsuitable due to their high energy levels.
Here are some key points to consider when thinking about bringing a Bearded Collie into your life:
- They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
- Lots of grooming is required for their lovely long coats, so be prepared to spend time brushing and maintaining their fur.
- Bearded Collies are playful and lovers of exercise, so you'll need to be active and willing to provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
- They have a lifespan of around 10 – 15 years, so be prepared to make a long-term commitment to caring for your Bearded Collie.
The Full-Coated Collie
Its iconic long fur grows in various hues and patterns, including white, black, and brown.
This breed has a narrow wedge-shaped head, which, combined with its long hair, gives it a very unique and beautiful appearance.
The Full-Coated Collie is an athletic and energetic dog who is loyal and intelligent.
It has enjoyed a long-standing position as one of America's most trusted family dogs.
The Komondor
The Komondor is one of the world's most recognizable dog breeds, with its long corded coat that looks like dreadlocks.
They have lengthy white hair with mop-like cords, which serve an essential purpose: protecting them from scratches and bites from bears and wolves, as they were initially bred in Hungary for guarding livestock.
Komondors are affectionate dogs, but they're very protective of their families and tend to act aggressively towards strangers.
To keep their unique coat healthy, it's essential to dry their cords completely with warm air, as damp cords can develop mildew.
The Komondor's coat is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat that traps the undercoat to form cords.
These cords begin forming between 8 months and a year old, and as the dog ages, they lengthen.
Komondors don't need a lot of brushing, but they do require regular attention to keep their mop-like coats clean.
This breed is often called the "Mop Dog" due to its remarkable coat, which resembles a mop.
In terms of size, Komondors are very large, growing up to 80cm in height and weighing up to 60Kg.
Here are some key points to consider when thinking about bringing a Komondor into your family:
- They're big and heavy, so budget accordingly for food and space.
- Their thick coats are designed to keep them warm, making hot climates unsuitable for them.
- They hate being left alone, so they need plenty of attention and interaction.
- Komondors are intelligent and relatively easy to train if you start them young.
- Puppies can be very expensive when available, so be prepared for a significant investment.
- Only moderate exercise is required, but they still need plenty of space to move around.
The Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy dog belonging to the non-sporting group. They are intelligent, funny, and confident.
These dogs have a floor-length coat that drapes on either side of their bodies, requiring moderate grooming. They are light shedders, but their double coat with slightly rough outer coats means they need regular attention.
Lhasa Apsos are known for their long, silky coat that always looks ready for a selfie. A gentle breeze or a fan set to low is enough to make them look like they're posing for a photo shoot.
They have a rich history, originating from the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. They were prized possessions of Buddhist monks and Dalai Lamas, and even served as interior watchdogs in palaces and monasteries.
Here are some key facts about Lhasa Apsos at a glance:
- They are small, with an average height of 25cm.
- They can weigh up to 7Kg when fully grown.
- They are well-suited for small indoor spaces and don't require a huge amount of daily exercise.
- They have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years if well looked after.
- The average price tag for a Lhasa Apso pup is $500 plus, depending on pedigree.
Long Haired Setter Breeds
The English Setter is a great example of a long-haired dog breed. They have a flat and silky coat that's often wavy, which requires minimal grooming.
English Setters are a bit on the larger side, with males reaching up to 68cm in height and weighing around 36Kg. Females are generally a bit smaller.
One of the standout features of the English Setter is their gentle and friendly nature. They're mild-mannered, sensitive, and very sociable, making them great companions.
Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter breed:
- Life span: 12+
- Weight: up to 36Kg
- Height: up to 68cm
- Sociable: yes
- Exercise needs: high
English Setter
The English Setter is a very sociable and friendly dog. They thrive on being with people and being included in their daily lives.
English Setters are generally gentle and friendly, mild-mannered and sensitive. They have a long hair coat that is flat and silky, often quite wavy, with large eyes and a dark nose.
A fully-grown male English Setter can be up to 68cm in height and can easily reach a weight of 36Kg. Females are usually a little smaller.
English Setters are alert, intelligent, and protective of their owners. They get on well with other dogs.
The average life span of an English setter is 12+. They are active dogs that need plenty of exercise.
Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter breed:
- Height: up to 68cm
- Weight: up to 36Kg
- Life span: 12+
- Exercise needs: high
English Setters are a good all-round breed with a reasonably long coat that does not require too much by way of grooming.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a stunning breed with a rich history. They were originally bred in Ireland to hunt game such as birds and small mammals.
Their distinctive red coat is a result of their genetic makeup, which is influenced by the production of a pigment called eumelanin. This pigment is responsible for the production of black and dark brown colors in animals.
Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, traits that have made them a popular choice as family pets. They are highly social and love to be around people.
Their intelligence and athleticism make them well-suited for a variety of activities, including agility training and hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tall dog with silky hair?
The Afghan Hound is a tall dog breed with a silky, long coat. It stands up to 27 inches tall and is known for its elegant appearance.
What is the dog with long white hair called?
The dog with long, silky white hair is called the Maltese. This small but lively breed has been a royal favorite for centuries.
What dog breed has the longest coat?
The Komondor has the longest coat, with its distinctive corded fur reaching up to 8 inches in length. This unique characteristic makes it stand out among other breeds.
What kind of dog has fur that looks like hair?
Dogs with corded coats, resembling hair, are typically breeds with a single layer of hair rather than fur, such as the Bergamasco Sheepdog and Puli. These unique coats require regular maintenance to prevent matting.
Featured Images: pexels.com