Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 15 Long-Haired Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Afghan Hound lying on the sand

Although they require far more maintenance, there’s something special about the beauty and appeal of dog breeds with long coats. It’s no surprise that you’ll find many show dogs included on our list of the top 15 most long-haired dog breeds in the world. Of course, it can be argued that long-haired dog breeds inspire more furry cuddles.

If you’re a fan of long-haired dog breeds or are looking to own a dog with long, flowing locks, read on! We’ve compiled and listed the dogs with long hair and added brief descriptions of each one. You’ll notice that long-haired dogs not only come in a variety of sizes and temperaments, but their long coats also vary from silky, straight locks to thick, matted cords or flocks.

Divider 2

The Top 15 Long-Haired Dog Breeds

1. Afghan Hound

Portrait of two Afghan greyhounds_wildstrawberry_shutterstock
Image Credit: wildstrawberry, Shutterstock

First on our list of long-haired dog breeds is the Afghan Hound. These elegant, large dogs are known for their thick, silky, flowing coat of long hair. While the Afghan Hound has an aloof, regal look, it’s also a powerful and agile sighthound. This dog with long hair may be the oldest breed of purebred, with its ancient origins traced to the rugged Asian mountainous regions known today as Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. As a pet, Afghan Hounds are loyal and can be silly.


2. Komondor

Komondor lying on ground
Image Credit: Colin Seddon, Shutterstock

A large, bulky dog breed, the Komondor has an abundance of long, white corded fur that covers their entire bodies. Even their eyes are draped with so much fur, you can barely see their faces. While they require frequent bathing, a Komondor’s fur is never brushed. Traditionally raised as guard dogs over flocks of sheep, the Komondor has a white coat that resembles the sheep they’re guarding, creating an unpleasant shock for would-be predators. These dogs are protective, independent, and difficult to train.


3. Bergamasco Shepherd

Bergamasco Shepherd standing in the field
Image Credit: volofin, Shutterstock

Originating from the mountains of Switzerland and Northern Italy, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a medium-size dog breed with a long coat of flocks. Flocks are dense areas of matted hair that vary in size and are flatly shaped with a fanned end. As with the Komondor, their coats only need bathing and no brushing. Bergamasco Shepherds make wonderful family dogs and are especially good with children. This dog breed is extremely intelligent.


4. Yorkshire Terrier

Long Hair Yorkshire Terrier
Image Credit: Josch13, Pixabay

Next on our list of long-haired dog breeds is the Yorkshire Terrier. This toy-sized dog breed has long, flowing hair and a big personality. Their long hair is considered hypoallergenic and more like human hair than a fur coat. Not all Yorkshire Terrier owners keep their hair long and flowing because of its need for daily grooming. They make excellent companions and vigilant watchdogs. Yorkies do have a reputation for being feisty and stubborn.


5. Skye Terrier

black Skye Terrier sitting on grass
Image Credit: Lourdes Photography, Shutterstock

With long hair sweeping the ground and its lengthy, low, yet sturdy body, the Skye Terrier was bred to rid vermin from Scotland’s remote Isle of Skye. This brave dog breed stands a mere 9 to 10 inches high, with their total length twice as long as their height. Their long hair drapes over their faces, eyes, and big ears, which extend wing-like from their heads. Like the Yorkshire Terrier, the Skye Terrier needs daily grooming.


6. Old English Sheepdog

old english sheepdog bobtail_Svetlana Valoueva_shutterstock
Image Credit: Svetlana Valoueva, Shutterstock

You’ll recognize this dog breed for its famous shaggy hair that covers its entire body and face, including its peek-a-boo eyes. Old English Sheepdogs have a dense double coat that requires weekly, thorough grooming sessions. This long-haired dog moves about similarly to a bear, but unlike a bear, its temperament is kind and agreeable. They make loveable family dogs and astute watchdogs.


7. Bearded Collie

cute bearded collie
Image Credit: Melounix, Shutterstock

Another shaggy dog breed, the Bearded Collie may share the same look and high-maintenance coat as the Old English Sheepdog, but they’re generally smaller in weight and stature. Bearded Collies tend to be rambunctious, lively, and affectionate. These dogs with long hair are best suited for active families who have time each day for grooming and brushing.


8. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso
Image Credit: SubertT, Shutterstock

This toy breed stands between 10 and 11 inches, with long, flowing straight hair reaching the floor and draped over their faces. The Lhasa Apso dog breed dates back over a thousand years. These dogs historically have been fixtures in monasteries and palaces located in the Himalayas. Their coats require regular grooming to avoid matting. These dogs may act aloof to strangers but are playful and loving to their owners.


9. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Image Credit: Nataliya Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

The long hair on the Shih Tzu hangs the length of this small dog, which weighs between 9 to 16 pounds and stands less than a foot tall. The coat needs to be brushed daily. You’ll notice that Shih Tzus typically have the hair above their eyes that is lifted and secured out of their faces. This practice protects the Shih Tzu’s eyes from irritation. This long-haired dog breed originated from Imperial breeders in China who deemed this dog breed, “lion dog.” As a pet, Shih Tzu dogs are charming and great with children and enjoy sitting on their owner’s laps.


10. Havanese

havanese lying on grass
Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

Next on our list of long-haired dog breeds is the Havanese. The only dog breed native to Cuba, Havanese have a plush silky coat, though their long hair doesn’t fully cover their big brown eyes. Their thick coats need to be groomed daily to avoid mats and tangles from forming. Some owners of this breed keep their coats clipped short for easier maintenance, while other owners allow their coats to become corded. These dogs have cheerful, outgoing personalities and are smart and easily trained.


11. Maltese

Maltese
Image Credit: monster_code, Shutterstock

An affectionate toy breed of dog, Maltese have long, straight, silky, floor-length white coats. Maltese barely shed, but their coats do need daily gentle brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. These little dogs, weighing less than 7 pounds, have a great lifespan and a happy personality. They like to be a watchdog, despite not being intimidating in the least. You’ll need to offer your stubborn Maltese plenty of treats while training.


12. Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Image Credit: Сергей Корчанов, Pixabay

Also weighing no more than 7 pounds, the Pomeranian boasts a lustrous double coat that extends to poof beyond their small frames. Their impressively extended coats need to be brushed with a slicker or pin brush to prevent matting. Most commonly sporting a red or orange coat, the Pomeranian has a foxlike face and a curled tail. This dog with long hair is a lively, intelligent pet that’s well-suited for families with older children. They make wonderful companions.


13. Rough Border Collie

The Border Collie dog breed has two varieties of coat, rough and smooth. Since the rough coats are significantly longer than the smooth, only the rough Border Collie makes our list. This agile, athletic dog breed has an impressive, thick coat with feathering down the dog’s limbs. Only needing weekly grooming, the rough Border Collie’s coat comes in patches of colors ranging from shades of browns to darker black patches. Rough Border Collies are the perfect family dog. However, they are an active breed.


14. Puli

Puli Dog
Image Credit: kidsnewshu, Pixabay

This small dog breed sports a long, corded coat. Their coats require a great deal of attention initially to separate and form the cords of matted, dreadlock-like hair. Once the cording has been established, a Puli’s coat only needs bathing and no brushing. This breed is intelligent with herding instincts. They can be a loyal, faithful companion.


15. Newfoundland

Newfoundland in the river
Image Credit: rzoze19, Shutterstock

This massive dog can weigh upward of 150 pounds and has a flat, thick coat. These noble and dignified extra-large breed dogs are protective and have gentle personalities that are well-suited for children. Their heavy coats require weekly brushing with a slicker brush. Newfoundland dogs shed at least twice a year, with spayed and neutered Newfoundland dogs shedding year-round. They need to be brushed more often while shedding.

Divider 2

Final Thoughts

We hope that you enjoy our extensive list of the most long-haired dog breeds found throughout the world. From corded to silky, the coats on these dogs certainly define their breed and set them apart.

Related Reads: 


Featured Image Credit: Anna Tronova, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database