17 Long-Haired Dogs That Will Steal Your Heart and Cause Major Hair Envy Long-haired dogs range from sporting mop-like curls to fluffy, scruffy necks. By Jackie Brown Updated on 10/15/25 Reviewed by Bartley Harrison Reviewed by Bartley Harrison Dr. Bartley Harrison is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of professional veterinary experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, and small mammals, with a specific focus on Emergency Medicine. Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets’ veterinary review board. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: Mariana Mikhailova / Getty Images Key Takeaways Long-haired dog breeds encompass a wide variety of sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs, ranging from the elegant Afghan Hound to the compact Yorkshire Terrier.Many long-haired breeds require extensive grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, including regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming.Certain long-haired breeds may be suitable for allergy sufferers as they shed less, while others may exacerbate allergies due to shedding and dander. A long-haired dog with well-maintained, gorgeous hair is a sight to behold. There are many kinds of long coats—some are thick and dense, others are silky and fine, and a few are corded or intentionally kept in mats. And various types of dogs have long hair, such as terriers, hounds, and sheepdogs. Here are 17 long-haired dog breeds who are known for their luscious manes. Tip Some breeds with long hair require extra brushing to prevent mats and remove dirt and debris, but others might need more extensive professional grooming. Before bringing home a dog with long hair, make sure you understand the dog's grooming requirements to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. 01 of 17 Afghan Hound Credit: Pierre Aden / Getty The Afghan hound’s long, silky, flowing coat is one of the breed’s hallmark characteristics. The thick coat protects the dogs from the cold climate in Afghanistan's eastern mountains. This ancient breed—thousands of years old—is among the oldest of all dog breeds. As a sighthound, the Afghan hound hunts prey using keen eyesight and swift speed. The dog’s long coat requires considerable care to maintain. Prepare for several hours of brushing a week, plus routine bathing using both shampoo and conditioner. Afghan hounds are great if you’re looking for a long-haired dog that doesn’t bark a lot. Also, these dogs are known for being sweet and gentle. However, they can be stubborn, so training requires patience. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: 25 to 27 inchesWeight: 50 to 60 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Dignified, silly, aloofEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, thick, and fine coat; any color or combination of colors, including brindle and dominoLife Span: 12 to 14 years 02 of 17 Bearded Collie Credit: Getty Images The bearded collie features not just a profuse beard, but also a long shaggy coat. The breed originated hundreds of years ago in Scotland, where it was valued as a sheepherder and cattle drover. Bearded collies are bouncy, athletic, and full of energy. Their coat has two layers: a straight, harsh, and shaggy outer coat and a soft, furry, and close-lying undercoat. The coat requires significant grooming to prevent mats and tangles, including daily brushing and combing, weekly deep brushing with an undercoat rake, and occasional baths. On the upside, the beardie doesn’t shed much. These loving and smart dogs will get along with other pets and with kids, so they’re good for families. They’re also athletic and active and need a lot of exercise every day. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 21 to 22 inches (males); 20 to 21 inches (females)Weight: 45 to 55 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, alert, friendlyEnergy Level: Medium to HighCoat and Color: Straight, coarse, shaggy coat; black, blue, brown, or fawnLife Span: 12 to 14 years 03 of 17 Bolognese Credit: Sssss1gmel / iStock / Getty Images The Bolognese’s crowning glory is a long, fluffy white coat that envelops them like a soft cloud. Named for their birthplace of Bologna, Italy, this dog was a favorite of the ruling royals for many centuries. This Italian dog breed has long been prized as a calm, sweet-tempered lapdog and faithful companion. They nearly went extinct in the 20th century, but a few dedicated breed fanciers worked tirelessly to preserve them. The Bolognese’s long, cottony coat does not shed, but it needs daily brushing to prevent it from becoming tangled if kept long. Many Bolognese owners opt for shorter pet clips for ease of maintenance. Breed Overview Group: Foundation Stock Service; not AKC-recognized breedHeight: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 5.5 to 9 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, even-tempered, loyalEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Long, cotton-like coat; whiteLife Span: 12 to 14 years 04 of 17 Briard Credit: Getty Images With a long, flowing coat and strong, muscular body, the wise and spirited briard is simply magnificent to behold. Hailing from the Brie region of France (also the birthplace of the cheese), the versatile briard was a sheepherder and a flock guardian. This loyal and loving breed is a “heart wrapped in fur,” as breed aficionados call it. These dogs are active, like having a job to do, and need a lot of exercise. They’re also good for families with kids. The double coat has a coarse, hard, and dry outer coat that lies flat, falling naturally in long, slightly wavy locks. The undercoat is fine and tight to the body. The briard requires brushing three or more times a week, using a pin brush and an undercoat rake to remove the loose undercoat. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 23 to 27 inches (males); 22 to 25.5 inches (females)Weight: 55 to 100 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, intelligentEnergy Level: Medium-HighCoat and Color: Long coat; black, white, gray, blue, tawny, or a mix of colorsLife Span: 10 to 12 years Continue to 5 of 17 below 05 of 17 Coton de Tulear Credit: Getty Images Known as the royal dog of Madagascar thanks to nobility’s affection for the breed, the charming and friendly coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-tone Dih TOO-lay-ARE) is covered in a long, profuse, supple, dense coat with a white, cotton-like texture. This cottony texture is a defining characteristic that explains the word "coton" in its name. Tulear (the second half of the breed name) is the port town of Tulear, likely where the breed originated in Africa's island nation of Madagascar. The coton is a devoted companion that doesn't thrive when left alone for many hours a day; they can be prone to separation anxiety. This breed requires daily brushing with a coat conditioner unless being kept in a low-maintenance shorter clip. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 10 to 11 inches (males); 9 to 10 inches (females)Weight: 9 to 15 pounds (males); 8 to 13 pounds (females)Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, companionable, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Dense, long coat; whiteLife Span: 15 to 19 years 06 of 17 Havanese Credit: Getty Images The only dog breed native to Cuba and named for the island nation’s capital city of Havana, the Havanese is covered in a luxurious, long, silky coat. The Havanese dog is highly social, friendly, and intelligent, making the breed a popular family pet. Unlike other more active breeds, the Havanese can do well with about 30 minutes of exercise daily. When the abundant, wavy coat is kept long, it needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. A shorter pet trim is easier to maintain and requires less brushing. Regardless of length, the coat sheds very little. This breed looks fantastic with cords, but getting there takes serious maintenance. You must form sections of hair that need repeated checking to keep mats from forming, and the entire process can take as long as two years. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inchesWeight: 7 to 13 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, brightEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Silky straight to very wavy with ringlets; black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and redLife Span: 14 to 16 years 07 of 17 Lhasa Apso Credit: f8grapher / Getty Images The Lhasa apso is an ancient breed that comes from the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. The Lhasa apsos once served as interior watchdogs in palaces and Buddhist monasteries, alerting their handlers whenever strangers approached. The breed, which is named after the sacred Tibetan city of Lhasa (“apso” means “longhaired dog”), has been highly prized for centuries by dignitaries in the country and even the Dalai Lama himself. The heavy, straight, dense double coat sheds very little, needs thorough brushing two or three times a week, and requires regular trimming by a professional groomer. Some Lhasas are kept in a lower-maintenance shorter pet clip. These dogs make great family pets because they can get along with kids and other pets. Plus, they are considered hypoallergenic for those with allergies. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 10 to 11 inchesWeight: 12 to 18 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, intelligentEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, dense double coat; nearly any color, but most commonly black, white, gold, gray, cream, or a combinationLife Span: 12 to 15 years 08 of 17 Pekingese Credit: Getty Images The Pekingese is the ultimate lapdog that’s friendly, affectionate, and social. The Peke was treasured for centuries by Chinese royalty who loved to hold the small dogs and stroke their luxurious fur. Legend has it that the punishment for stealing one of the little dogs was torture or even death. The long, thick, double coat has a magnificent ruff reminiscent of a lion’s mane. It requires considerable care, including frequent, thorough brushing, making sure to get down to the skin. This dog will also need regularly scheduled baths. Keeping your Pekingese clipped will cut down on grooming and help keep this brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed cool, especially in the summer months. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 6 to 9 inchesWeight: Up to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, good-naturedEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, thick double coat; typically gold, red, or sable, but occasionally black and tan, white, cream, sable, grayLife Span: 12 to 14 years Continue to 9 of 17 below 09 of 17 Shih Tzu Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris The charming little shih tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo”) means "lion" in Chinese and was popular with royalty for hundreds of years. With a pushed-in face and flowing long coat, the breed resembles a little lion. Wonderful family dogs, shih tzsu are affectionate, lively, and outgoing. They can comfortably live in small homes, but they can be difficult to housebreak. If allowed to grow, the breed's straight, smooth, silky coat can reach the ground. Shih tzus require professional grooming, plus regular coat maintenance. Their long coats need frequent brushing, combing, bathing, drying, and trimming. The shorter the clip, the easier it will be to care for. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 11 inchesWeight: 9 to 16 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long double coat; nearly any color, but most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinationsLife Span: 10 to 16 years 10 of 17 Tibetan Terrier Credit: Getty Images Known as the “holy dog of Tibet,” the Tibetan terrier is a misnomer and not a terrier. Westerners mistakenly used the term when the dogs were introduced to the rest of the world. These dogs were watchdogs and companions in Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet for centuries. The Tibetan terrier's protective double coat consists of a fine outer coat and a soft, wooly undercoat. Brush the Tibetan terrier two to three times a week. This breed can also be kept in a short trim that’s easier to groom. These gentle and loving dogs don’t like being alone, so they aren’t appropriate for busy households where people aren’t going to be home for most of the day. They’re also prone to alert barking. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 14 to 17 inchesWeight: 18 to 30 pounds (most commonly 20 to 24 pounds)Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, even-tempered, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Soft, woolly undercoat; dense, long, fine topcoat; solid or any combinations of black, white, gold, brindle, and sableLife Span: 14 to 16 years 11 of 17 Komondor Credit: Slowmotiongli / iStock / Getty Images To the casual observer, a komondor's unique coat looks like "locs," although the correct terms are cords, flocks, or mats. The dog's white coat helps them blend in with their herds and Hungary's wintry landscape. As a puppy, the coat is soft and wavy. The outer coat grows coarse as the dog ages, trapping the softer undercoat to form cords. These help to protect the dog from ferocious predators going after the flock and provide warmth and coverage from the harsh elements. Komondors are known for their loyalty, protection, and gentle nature, and they are relatively easy to train. Their unique corded coat demands meticulous care and adherence to a grooming routine, and as athletic working dogs, they require daily exercise. Breed Overview Group: Working (AKC)Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inchesWeight: 80 to 100 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Steady, affectionate, fearlessEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, corded hair; whiteLife Span: 10 to 12 years 12 of 17 Puli Credit: volofin / Getty Images A close cousin of the komondor, the puli herding dog is another Hungarian breed. Pulis are often paired with komondors to guard the herd. Komondors are the night watch while the pulis work during the day. They are active, playful, and alert, as well as kid-friendly. This dog rarely sheds. The coat sports rope-like thinner cords that also form naturally when the outer and inner coats become intertwined. Their white, gray, or cream-colored cords provide warmth and protection, but their coats require maintenance to prevent painful matting. The coat comes from a controlled matting process. The puli's coat needs considerable grooming to keep its cords clean, neat, and attractive. The cords can reach the ground over time. This breed can be trimmed short, although it loses its distinctive look when trimmed. If cut short, the coat can grow out again in cords if desired. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 16 to 17 inchesWeight: 25 to 35 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, obedientEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short and glossy coat; black, rusty black, gray, or whiteLife Span: 10 to 15 years Continue to 13 of 17 below 13 of 17 Yorkshire Terrier Credit: IzaLysonArts / 500px / Getty Images The Yorkshire terrier is a breed from England that was used to kill rodents. Yorkies have a single coat of fine, long, silky hair, closely resembling human hair. The hair grows continuously and needs constant grooming. These low-shed dogs are potentially a better option for people with allergies. When hair sheds, it's usually a strand here or there, similar to how people lose hair on occasion. Puppies are born with darker markings and a thicker texture to their coat that thins out and lightens over the next two years of life. These little dogs are very popular because they are affectionate, loyal, and entertaining. However, they can be loud and hard to housebreak. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 9 inchesWeight: 5 to 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, bright, playfulEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Long, straight, and silky; black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tanLife Span: 13 to 16 years 14 of 17 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Like many herding dogs that brave the elements while the flock grazes on the fields, the Polish lowland sheepdog is covered in a shaggy double coat, long on top with a soft and dense undercoat. Their tail can be naturally short (bobbed) or is docked as a puppy, though a long tail is fine for dogs not intended for the show ring. Their oval feet feature arched toes. Although this dog has lots of hair, they shed usually only twice a year—dropping the undercoat. This dog needs brushing once a week to prevent mats, and an occasional bath. These dogs make great pets because they are playful, smart, and loyal. They have a high amount of energy, so they’re best for active households. They can also be stubborn when it comes to training. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 30 to 50 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Confident, intelligent, livelyEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Thick, long, and shaggy coat; beige, black, black and white, brown, chocolate and white, gray, gray and white, tricolor, and whiteLife Span: 12 to 14 years 15 of 17 Maltese Credit: Laures / Getty Images A Maltese's single-layer coat is versatile. The hair can grow long, touching the ground, or you can style it many ways—cropped short, long on the head and tail—the options seem endless. Most pet parents opt for a short coat since long coats can be a lot of work to maintain. When short, the hair has a wave or slight curl, but as it lengthens, the weight of the hair straightens the strands. This dog can sport a top knot with the best of them. These little canines make fantastic lapdogs. They don’t shed a lot, they’re affectionate, and they can make good watchdogs. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 4 to 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearlessEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoat; whiteLife Span: 12 to 15 years 16 of 17 Collie Credit: UlrikeStein / Getty Images A rough (or long-haired) collie has a long, double-layer coat, requiring a bit more brushing to ensure it stays tangle-free and shinier than a smooth, short-hair collie. Collies require brushing two or three times a week. The upside is that the breed naturally keeps clean and has very little doggie odor. Both rough and smooth collies shed. More frequent brushing can help remove hair so not as much ends up on your clothes and furniture. Collies are herding dogs that are playful and active, so they should get one to two hours of exercise daily. They can be easy to train because they’re smart, devoted, and eager to please. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 13 to 16 inchesWeight: 15 to 25 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, attentiveEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long/rough or short/smooth coat; black, white, and tan; blue merle; blue merle and white; blue merle, white, and tan; sable; sable and white; sable merle; white; sable merle and white; white merleLife Span: 12 to 14 years Continue to 17 of 17 below 17 of 17 Sheltland Sheepdog Credit: BeeBuddy / Getty Images Shetland sheepdogs or Shelties are small herding dogs with the coat and appearance of a much larger collie. This Scottish breed is affectionate, kid-friendly, and pet-friendly. They have a long, rough double coat. It can take five years to grow to full length. As puppies, they have a lion's mane and short body hair. From 6 to 12 months, the neck and chest hair grow up to 6 inches. By 18 months, the topcoat on the rest of the body and legs grows longer. By age 5, their undercoat is short, soft, and dense; the topcoat is rough and about 6 inches all around. Shelties are big-time shedders, blowing their coats twice a year or sometimes only once a year (depending on neutering or spaying). Brushing your dog can keep their coat healthy, distributing conditioning skin oils and encouraging new fur growth. Breed Overview Group: Herding (AKC)Height: 13 to 16 inchesWeight: 15 to 25 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, playfulEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Long double coat; black and white; black, white, and tan; blue merle and white; blue merle, white, and tan; sable and white; sable, merle, and tanLife Span: 12 to 14 years Breed Characteristics Long-haired dog breeds come in different sizes, temperaments, and coat types, from moplike to fluffy to flowy. Many spitz breeds and mountain dogs are double-coated and have long hair to protect them from harsh weather or keep them warm. Additionally, herding dogs have long bangs that flow in their eyes to shield their eyes from the beating sun while out on the fields. Many long-haired breeds, namely single-coated dogs, tend to shed less and may even be a more suitable choice for allergy sufferers. Breeds to Avoid Hands down, if you have allergies, some long-haired dog breeds to avoid would be double-coated dogs that tend to shed and have major coat blow-outs. Dogs like Shelties, collies, and Polish lowland sheepdogs drop their undercoats twice a year, which gets hair everywhere. Those furballs carry the dander that triggers allergies. Other breeds to give you pause regarding coat maintenance are corded breeds that you intend to keep coifed in their rope-like locks. When those breeds need bathing, the cords need special washing and drying care to ensure the locks do not get bacterial or fungal growth like mold or mildew. 20 Curly-Haired Dog Breeds With Stunning Waves and Curls Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds