12 Best Dog Breeds With Long Hair: Complete Grooming & Care Guide
Explore 12 top dog breeds with long hair, ranked by grooming needs, temperament, and lifestyle fit. Includes comparison table and decision framework.
What Makes a Great Long-Haired Dog Breed?
Selection Criteria for This List:
- Coat length: Minimum 3-4 inches of hair at maturity (not just medium-length)
- Coat type variety: Single coats, double coats, and silky textures represented
- Temperament: Breeds suitable for typical family or companion roles
- Grooming feasibility: Manageable for dedicated owners (not requiring professional grooming 5x/week)
- Health profile: Breeds with documented health testing and reasonable lifespan expectations
Long-haired dog breeds offer stunning visual appeal and often come with specific care requirements that owners should understand before committing. The breeds on this list range from 10-pound lap dogs to 150-pound working breeds, but all share one defining characteristic: flowing, luxurious coats that require regular maintenance.
According to the American Kennel Club, long-haired breeds typically need brushing 3-5 times per week to prevent matting, with some requiring daily attention during shedding seasons.
Top 12 Dog Breeds With Long Hair
1. Afghan Hound
Size Class: Large (50-60 lb / 23-27 kg, 25-27 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Silky, flowing coat that can reach floor-length, particularly on the ears and legs
Profile: Afghan Hounds are dignified, independent dogs with some of the most dramatic long hair in the canine world. Their fine, silky coat requires 2-3 hours of brushing weekly and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($60-120 per session).
Why This Breed Made the List: The Afghan Hound represents the pinnacle of long-haired elegance, with coat lengths that can exceed 12 inches on mature adults. Their hair is so fine and prone to tangling that they rank among the highest-maintenance long-haired breeds.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Size Class: Toy (4-7 lb / 1.8-3.2 kg, 7-8 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Straight, silky, floor-length coat that grows continuously like human hair
Profile: Yorkies have hair rather than fur, meaning minimal shedding but constant growth requiring trims every 4-6 weeks. Their coat can grow 12+ inches if left uncut, and many owners maintain a "show cut" or practical "puppy cut" (1-2 inches).
Why This Breed Made the List: Despite their tiny size, Yorkies have some of the longest hair-to-body ratios of any breed. Their hair texture is remarkably similar to human hair, growing continuously rather than following seasonal shedding cycles.
3. Old English Sheepdog
Size Class: Large (60-100 lb / 27-45 kg, 21-22 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Profuse double coat with shaggy outer coat 4-6 inches long, covering the entire body including face
Profile: These shaggy giants have a dense, weather-resistant coat that requires 3-4 hours of weekly brushing to prevent painful matting. Professional grooming costs $80-150 every 6-8 weeks. Their coat is so thick that skin issues can go unnoticed without thorough inspection.
Why This Breed Made the List: Old English Sheepdogs offer maximum coat coverage with hair long enough to obscure their eyes completely. Their double coat provides exceptional insulation but demands serious time commitment.
4. Shih Tzu
Size Class: Toy/Small (9-16 lb / 4-7 kg, 9-10.5 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Long, flowing double coat that can reach floor length, particularly luxurious on the tail and ears
Profile: Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs with glamorous coats that require daily brushing when kept long. Most pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1-2 inches) to reduce maintenance to 2-3 brushing sessions weekly.
Why This Breed Made the List: The Shih Tzu's coat is among the most versatile—owners can maintain show-length hair (6-8 inches) or practical shorter cuts. Their hair grows continuously and sheds minimally.
5. Lhasa Apso
Size Class: Small (12-18 lb / 5-8 kg, 10-11 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Heavy, straight, hard outer coat that parts down the middle and can reach floor length
Profile: Originally Tibetan monastery watchdogs, Lhasa Apsos have a distinctive coat that's less silky than a Shih Tzu's but equally long. Their hair requires 2-3 weekly brushing sessions and monthly baths. The coat takes 2-3 years to reach full length.
Why This Breed Made the List: Lhasa Apsos have one of the most dramatic long coats relative to body size, with hair that can grow 10-12 inches on a dog standing only 10 inches tall.
6. Maltese
Size Class: Toy (4-7 lb / 1.8-3.2 kg, 7-9 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Single coat of straight, silky white hair that can reach floor length
Profile: Maltese have no undercoat, making their long hair less prone to matting than double-coated breeds but more susceptible to staining. Daily brushing and weekly baths keep their coat pristine. Many owners maintain a shorter "teddy bear cut" for practicality.
Why This Breed Made the List: The Maltese single coat is pure hair (not fur), growing continuously and shedding minimally. Their all-white, floor-length coat is one of the most recognizable in the dog world.
7. Havanese
Size Class: Small (7-13 lb / 3-6 kg, 8.5-11.5 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Long, silky, slightly wavy coat that can grow 6-8 inches and has a distinctive plumed tail
Profile: Cuba's national dog breed has a lightweight, silky coat that's surprisingly low-maintenance for its length. Brushing 2-3 times weekly prevents tangles, and the coat sheds minimally. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks costs $50-90.
Why This Breed Made the List: Havanese offer long hair with relatively easy care compared to other breeds on this list. Their coat is less prone to matting and more forgiving of occasional missed brushing sessions.
8. Collie (Rough)
Size Class: Large (50-75 lb / 23-34 kg, 22-26 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Abundant double coat with a straight, harsh outer coat and soft undercoat, particularly long around the neck (mane) and tail
Profile: Rough Collies have the iconic "Lassie" look with a luxurious mane and feathered legs. They shed heavily twice yearly and require 2-3 weekly brushing sessions, increasing to daily during shedding seasons. Professional grooming costs $60-100 every 8-10 weeks.
Why This Breed Made the List: The Rough Collie's mane can extend 4-6 inches from the neck, creating one of the most dramatic silhouettes in the dog world. Their tail is heavily feathered with hair 6-8 inches long.
9. Tibetan Terrier
Size Class: Medium (18-30 lb / 8-14 kg, 14-17 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Double coat with a profuse outer coat that can reach floor length, covering the entire body
Profile: Despite the name, Tibetan Terriers aren't true terriers—they're ancient companion dogs with a shaggy, low-shedding coat. They require 2-3 weekly brushing sessions and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($60-100). The coat takes 2-3 years to reach full length.
Why This Breed Made the List: Tibetan Terriers have one of the most complete full-body long coats, with hair that can grow 8-12 inches and cover even their feet. Their coat is considered hypoallergenic by many owners.
10. Komondor
Size Class: Giant (80-100+ lb / 36-45+ kg, 25.5-27.5 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Unique corded coat that forms rope-like dreadlocks reaching floor length
Profile: Komondors have one of the most distinctive coats in the dog world—thick, white cords that can grow 10-12 inches long. The cords form naturally but require manual separation and careful drying after baths (which can take 2-3 hours). Professional cord maintenance costs $100-200 every 2-3 months.
Why This Breed Made the List: The Komondor's corded coat is unlike any other breed, representing an extreme form of long hair that serves as both insulation and protection. Individual cords can reach 12+ inches.
11. Bearded Collie
Size Class: Medium-Large (45-55 lb / 20-25 kg, 20-22 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Long, shaggy double coat with a distinctive beard and hair that covers the entire body
Profile: Bearded Collies have a lively, shaggy coat that requires 2-3 weekly brushing sessions to prevent matting. Their coat changes color dramatically from puppyhood to adulthood, and they shed moderately year-round with heavy seasonal shedding.
Why This Breed Made the List: The Bearded Collie's namesake facial hair and full-body shaggy coat make them one of the most completely "hairy" breeds. Their coat is less refined than an Afghan Hound's but covers more of the body.
12. Cocker Spaniel (American)
Size Class: Medium (20-30 lb / 9-14 kg, 13.5-15.5 inches tall)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Silky, slightly wavy coat with heavy feathering on ears, chest, legs, and belly (4-6 inches long)
Profile: American Cocker Spaniels have moderate-length body hair but exceptional feathering that can reach 6+ inches on the ears and legs. They require brushing 3-4 times weekly and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($50-90). Their ears are particularly prone to infection due to long hair blocking airflow.
Why This Breed Made the List: While not fully long-haired, Cocker Spaniels have some of the longest ear and leg feathering in the dog world, making them a popular choice for owners who want long hair without full-body maintenance.
How These Long-Haired Breeds Compare
| Breed | Size | Coat Length | Weekly Grooming Time | Professional Grooming Cost | Shedding Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghan Hound | Large | 8-12+ inches | 2-3 hours | $60-120 / 6-8 weeks | Low |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 10-12+ inches | 1-2 hours | $40-80 / 4-6 weeks | Minimal |
| Old English Sheepdog | Large | 4-6 inches | 3-4 hours | $80-150 / 6-8 weeks | Moderate |
| Shih Tzu | Small | 6-8 inches | 2-3 hours | $50-90 / 4-6 weeks | Minimal |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 10-12 inches | 2-3 hours | $50-90 / 6-8 weeks | Low |
| Maltese | Toy | 8-12 inches | 1-2 hours | $40-80 / 4-6 weeks | Minimal |
| Havanese | Small | 6-8 inches | 1-2 hours | $50-90 / 6-8 weeks | Minimal |
| Collie (Rough) | Large | 4-8 inches | 2-3 hours | $60-100 / 8-10 weeks | Heavy (seasonal) |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 8-12 inches | 2-3 hours | $60-100 / 6-8 weeks | Low |
| Komondor | Giant | 10-12+ inches (cords) | 1-2 hours (cord maintenance) | $100-200 / 2-3 months | Minimal |
| Bearded Collie | Medium-Large | 4-8 inches | 2-3 hours | $60-100 / 6-8 weeks | Moderate |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | 4-6 inches (feathering) | 2-3 hours | $50-90 / 6-8 weeks | Moderate |
How to Choose the Right Long-Haired Breed for Your Lifestyle
- If you have limited time for grooming (under 2 hours/week): Choose a Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier with a practical shorter cut. These breeds are forgiving if you miss a brushing session.
- If you want minimal shedding: Select a Maltese, Yorkie, or Havanese. These single-coated or hair-type breeds shed very little, making them better for allergy sufferers.
- If you have a large yard and active lifestyle: Consider a Rough Collie or Bearded Collie. These breeds need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise and have the stamina for hiking and outdoor activities.
- If you live in an apartment: Opt for a Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Havanese. These smaller breeds adapt well to apartment living and need only 20-30 minutes of daily exercise.
- If you want a dramatic, show-stopping coat: An Afghan Hound or Komondor offers the most visually striking long hair, but be prepared for 3+ hours of weekly maintenance.
- If you have children: Havanese and Cocker Spaniels are known for patience and gentleness with kids. Avoid breeds that are more aloof (Afghan Hounds) or sensitive to rough handling.
- If you're on a grooming budget: Choose a breed you can maintain at home. Rough Collies and Bearded Collies can be brushed at home with proper tools ($50-100 initial investment in brushes and combs), reducing professional grooming frequency.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Consider Carefully
Honorable Mentions
- Papillon: While not fully long-haired, Papillons have exceptional ear feathering (3-4 inches) and a plumed tail. Their coat is surprisingly low-maintenance for its elegance.
- Saluki: Similar to Afghan Hounds but with a shorter, smoother coat overall. They have long feathering on ears, legs, and tail but require less grooming time.
- Briard: A large herding breed with a long, slightly wavy coat. Less common in the US but offers a rugged, working-dog appearance with long hair.
Breeds to Consider Carefully
- Puli: Similar to Komondors but smaller (25-35 lb). Their corded coat requires the same intensive maintenance, and they're less commonly available from breeders.
- Skye Terrier: Extremely rare breed (fewer than 3,000 worldwide) with a long, straight coat. Finding a reputable breeder can take 1-2 years on a waitlist.
- English Sheepdog (not Old English): Often confused with Old English Sheepdogs, these are actually a different, rarer breed with similar grooming demands but less predictable temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Haired Dog Breeds
Are long-haired dogs harder to care for than short-haired breeds?
Yes, long-haired dogs require significantly more grooming time—typically 2-4 hours per week compared to 10-15 minutes for short-haired breeds. They also cost more to maintain, with professional grooming averaging $600-1,500 annually depending on the breed and coat length.
Do long-haired dogs shed more?
Not necessarily. Many long-haired breeds like Yorkies, Maltese, and Havanese have hair that grows continuously rather than following seasonal shedding cycles. However, double-coated long-haired breeds like Collies and Old English Sheepdogs shed heavily during spring and fall.
Can I keep a long-haired breed's coat short?
Yes, most long-haired breeds can be maintained in shorter "puppy cuts" or "pet clips" that reduce grooming time to 1-2 hours weekly. However, some breeds (like Komondors with corded coats) cannot be easily clipped and require commitment to their natural coat type.
Are long-haired dogs better for people with allergies?
Some long-haired breeds like Maltese, Yorkies, and Havanese are considered more hypoallergenic because they have hair rather than fur and shed minimally. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and individual reactions vary. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, allergens come from dander, saliva, and urine, not just hair length.
How much does professional grooming cost for long-haired breeds?
Professional grooming for long-haired breeds typically costs $40-200 per session, depending on breed size, coat condition, and geographic location. Most breeds need grooming every 4-8 weeks, resulting in annual costs of $600-2,000. Matted coats may incur additional de-matting fees ($20-50 per session).
What tools do I need to groom a long-haired dog at home?
Essential tools include: a slicker brush ($15-30), a metal comb with wide and narrow teeth ($10-20), a pin brush for finishing ($12-25), and a detangling spray ($8-15). For double-coated breeds, add an undercoat rake ($15-30). Total initial investment: $60-120.
Do long-haired dogs get hotter in summer?
Contrary to popular belief, shaving a double-coated long-haired dog can actually make them hotter and more susceptible to sunburn. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against shaving double-coated breeds, as their coat provides insulation from both heat and cold. Single-coated breeds can be clipped shorter in summer without adverse effects.
Final Considerations Before Choosing a Long-Haired Breed
Long-haired dog breeds offer undeniable beauty and often come with devoted, affectionate temperaments. However, the grooming commitment is real and ongoing—typically 2-4 hours weekly plus $600-2,000 annually in professional grooming costs.
Before committing to a long-haired breed, honestly assess your available time, budget, and tolerance for dog hair in your home. Consider fostering a long-haired breed through a rescue organization to experience the grooming demands firsthand before making a permanent commitment.
If you're prepared for the maintenance, long-haired breeds can be incredibly rewarding companions. Their flowing coats are just one part of their appeal—many of these breeds are also intelligent, loyal, and deeply bonded to their families.
Always consult with a veterinarian before making breed decisions, especially if you have concerns about allergies, grooming-related skin issues, or breed-specific health conditions. For questions about coat care products or skin health, your vet can recommend appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and supplements.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
