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Long-haired lap dogs are a delight to behold, with their fluffy coats and sweet dispositions. They make perfect companions for anyone who loves to cuddle and snuggle.
The Havanese, for example, has a silky, fine coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This breed is known for being gentle and affectionate, making them a great choice for families with children.
Their beautiful coats come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and chestnut. The Havanese is also intelligent and trainable, which makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
Some long-haired lap dogs, like the Maltese, are prone to eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.
Long Haired Lap Dogs
Long haired lap dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Brushing is a must, but the frequency depends on the breed and shedding frequency.
Research your dog's specific breed to determine the best brushing and bathing routine. This will help you understand their unique grooming needs.
If this caught your attention, see: Short Hair Dog Grooming
Some long haired lap dogs need their ears cleaned, toenails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly. These tasks can be done at home with your veterinarian's guidance.
Professional grooming can be a great supplement to your regular care, but it's essential to be on a consistent schedule. Your veterinarian, breeder, and groomer can help you create a personalized grooming plan.
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Breed Characteristics
Long-haired lap dogs come in different sizes, which makes them a great fit for a variety of living situations.
Some long-haired breeds are double-coated, which helps protect them from harsh weather.
These breeds often have long hair to keep them warm in cold temperatures.
Herding dogs have long bangs that flow in their eyes to shield them from the sun while working in the fields.
Long-haired lap dogs tend to shed less and may be a more suitable choice for people with allergies.
Breed Characteristics
Long-haired dog breeds come in different sizes, temperaments, and coat types, from moplike to fluffy to flowy. Some breeds have double coats to protect them from harsh weather, while others have single coats that shed less.
Many spitz breeds and mountain dogs have long hair to keep them warm. Herding dogs have long bangs that flow in their eyes to shield them from the sun.
Single-coated long-haired breeds tend to shed less, making them a more suitable choice for people with allergies.
Additional reading: Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Shed
3. Maltese
The Maltese is a breed renowned for its long, flowing white coat and gentle, affectionate nature. They are the epitome of elegance and grace in the small dog world.
Maltese dogs are playful and enjoy engaging in activities with their families. Their luxurious coats require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
One of the unique characteristics of the Maltese is that they have hair, not fur. This means that their hair continues to grow indefinitely, resulting in less shedding compared to dogs with fur.
The Maltese is a small long-haired dog breed that weighs under 7 pounds and is known for its gentleness and cheery disposition. They require daily brushing at home and professional grooming every six to 10 weeks.
Here's a quick rundown of the Maltese breed overview:
It's essential to remember that the Maltese are prone to dental disease, so be mindful of the need to brush their teeth daily.
4. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed known for its long, dense coat and noble demeanor. They have a calm and composed nature, but are also alert and have a keen sense of hearing, making them excellent watchdogs.
These dogs are loyal to their families and make affectionate companions. Their long coat, which can reach the ground, needs regular grooming to maintain its beauty and health.
Their distinguishing feature is their long, straight coat that sometimes covers their face, making it difficult to see their eyes.
5. Havanese
The Havanese breed is a social one, thriving on human interaction and enjoying being part of the family.
Their long, soft, and often wavy coats require regular brushing to prevent mats, making grooming an essential part of their care.
Their expressive eyes and friendly demeanor make them instant favorites among dog lovers.
Havanese dogs come in a variety of colors, adding to their unique charm.
Their coats need regular brushing to stay healthy and prevent mats from forming.
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese breed is a unique and charming companion. They possess a regal air, with their long, flowing coats and lion-like appearance.
Their coats require extensive grooming to keep them in top condition. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it for the beautiful result.
Pekingese are affectionate with their families and have a loyal, albeit sometimes independent, personality. They make great companions for those who are willing to put in the time to understand and care for them.
Here are some key facts about the Pekingese breed:
They shed seasonally, which means you'll need to brush them regularly to prevent matting. Two to three times a week is a good rule of thumb.
Specific Breeds
If you're looking for a long-haired lap dog, you've got plenty of options. Yorkies, for instance, are small, energetic dogs that weigh around 7 pounds and live for 11 to 15 years.
Their height is typically between 7 to 8 inches, making them a great fit for apartment living. You'll need to commit to regular grooming to keep their hair in good shape, but they're worth it - they're great watchdogs and love to snuggle.
Here are some key stats for popular long-haired lap dogs:
Pekingese, on the other hand, have a regal air about them, with their long, flowing coats and lion-like appearance. They require extensive grooming to keep them looking their best.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but spirited breed. They typically weigh around 7 pounds and stand between 7 to 8 inches tall.
These little dogs have a big personality, boasting fine, silky hair that's strikingly similar to human hair in texture. They carry themselves with an air of importance and confidence that belies their small size.
Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best, and they shed infrequently. This means you'll need to schedule regular grooming sessions to keep their locks tangle-free.
With their bold personalities, Yorkies make excellent companions for those who enjoy the loyalty and vigor of a small dog. They're great apartment dogs as well as good watchdogs.
Here are some key facts about the Yorkshire Terrier breed:
Yorkshire Terriers can be stubborn without house-training and may bark quite often, so be prepared for some challenges. But with patience and love, they can make wonderful pets.
Dog Breeds That Love Blow Outs
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If you're looking for dog breeds that love blow outs, you're in luck. The Shih Tzu is a great choice, with its long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and maintain its health.
Shih Tzus are adaptable and can live in both small apartments and large homes, making them a great option for many families. They are also gentle and friendly, making them a great choice for families with children.
Their long coat requires daily brushing and periodic professional grooming, but fortunately, they experience minimal shedding. This means you can enjoy their beautiful coat without the hassle of excessive shedding.
The Pekingese is another breed that loves blow outs, with its long, flowing coat that resembles a lion's mane. They require regular brushing - two to three times a week - to prevent their fur from getting matted.
Their small size means their hair often drags on the ground, but with regular grooming, they can look and feel their best.
Intriguing read: Small Lap Dogs Breeds
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Here's a quick rundown of the grooming needs of these breeds:
Remember, every long-haired dog is different, so it's essential to research the specific breed and consult with your veterinarian or breeder to determine the best grooming routine for your furry friend.
Types of Long-Haired Dogs: Core Meaning
Long-haired dogs come in a variety of textures, from wiry to fluffy. Their hair can be stiff and coarse, like terriers, or soft and fine, like the Maltese.
Some long-haired breeds have curly hair, like poodles and doodles, while others have silky hair that's smooth and fine. The Lhasa Apso, for example, has a long, dense coat that needs regular grooming to maintain its beauty and health.
Wiry dog hair is common in terriers, while curly hair is often seen in breeds like poodles and doodles. Silky hair, on the other hand, is smooth and fine, and is characteristic of breeds like the Maltese and Afghan hound.
For more insights, see: Curly Hair Dog Names
Here are some common types of long-haired dogs:
- Wiry: stiff and coarse hair, common in terriers
- Curly: loosely to tightly wound hair, seen in breeds like poodles and doodles
- Silky: smooth and fine hair, characteristic of breeds like the Maltese and Afghan hound
- Corded: natural, distinct cords, typical in breeds like the Puli and Komondor
- Fluffy: voluminous and soft hair, common in breeds like the Samoyed and Pomeranian
Whether you're considering a Maltese or a Shih Tzu, it's essential to understand the unique characteristics of their long hair. With proper care and attention, these breeds can thrive and bring joy to your life.
Dog Care and Grooming
Caring for a long-haired lap dog requires some research to determine the best grooming regimen for your specific breed. You can start by checking with your dog's national breed parent club or talking to your breeder, veterinarian, or local groomers.
Every long-haired dog sheds differently, so it's essential to determine their shedding frequency and type of hair. This will help you decide how often to brush your dog.
You can brush your long-haired lap dog three to five times a week, or rarely, depending on their breed. Some dogs, like those with corded hair, should be brushed even less frequently to prevent disrupting their natural cords.
In addition to brushing, many long-haired dogs need their ears cleaned, toenails trimmed, and teeth brushed regularly. You can do these tasks at home, but be sure to follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
Professional grooming is also an option to supplement your regular care, but it depends on your specific breed and schedule. Your veterinarian, breeder, and groomer can help you come up with a game plan.
Sources
- https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/small-dogs-with-long-hair
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/longhaired-dog-breeds-5076026
- https://iheartdogs.com/long-haired-small-dog-breeds/
- https://www.rd.com/article/long-haired-dogs/
- https://www.yahoo.com/video/long-haired-dog-breeds-know-122033685.html
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