12 Hairy Dog Breeds: The Ultimate Grooming & Care Guide
Explore 12 hairy dog breeds ranked by grooming needs, shedding, and lifestyle fit
What Makes a Dog Breed "Hairy" — And Why It Matters
When people search for hairy dog breeds, they're usually picturing one of two things: a dog with an abundance of long, flowing coat (like an Afghan Hound) or a dog with a dense, thick double coat that creates serious volume (like a Samoyed). Both qualify, but they demand very different care routines, budgets, and lifestyle commitments.
Before we get into the rankings, let's define exactly what qualifies a breed for this list and what you should expect if you bring one of these dogs home.
A breed qualifies as "hairy" for our rankings if it meets at least two of the following:
- Coat length: Hair exceeding 3 inches at maturity across the majority of the body
- Coat density: Double-coated breeds with substantial undercoat that creates visible volume and bulk
- Grooming time commitment: Minimum 30 minutes per week of brushing required to prevent matting
- Professional grooming frequency: Breeds requiring professional grooming every 4-8 weeks or more frequently
We excluded wire-haired breeds (like Wire Fox Terriers) and corded breeds (like Komondors) because their coat structure, while abundant, requires fundamentally different care approaches. We also focused on breeds with AKC recognition and reliable availability through responsible breeders or rescue organizations.
The 12 Best Hairy Dog Breeds Ranked by Lifestyle Fit
We've organized these breeds into three practical tiers based on the real-world commitment they demand. This isn't about which breed is "best" in the abstract — it's about matching coat care requirements to your actual available time, budget, and living situation.
Tier 1: High-Maintenance Glamour Coats (60+ Minutes/Week)
1. Afghan Hound
Size: Large (50-60 lb / 23-27 kg, 25-27 inches) | Coat: Long, fine, silky single coat
The Afghan Hound's coat is the definition of high-maintenance luxury. That floor-sweeping, silky hair requires 2-3 hours of brushing weekly to prevent tangles, plus professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($75-$120 per session). Their fine hair mats easily, particularly behind the ears and in the "saddle" area along the back. Despite the grooming commitment, Afghans are relatively low-shedding — you'll find less hair on your furniture than with double-coated breeds.
Why it made the list: Among the longest-coated breeds recognized by the AKC, with coat lengths reaching 10+ inches on the ears and body in full show coat.
2. Old English Sheepdog
Size: Large (60-100 lb / 27-45 kg, 21-22 inches) | Coat: Profuse double coat, shaggy outer layer
Old English Sheepdogs carry one of the most voluminous coats in the canine world — a dense, shaggy double coat that covers every inch including the face. Budget 3-4 hours weekly for thorough brushing down to the skin. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" to reduce this to 30-45 minutes weekly, but you'll still need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($80-$130). OES shed year-round with seasonal blowing of the undercoat that can fill garbage bags with hair.
Why it made the list: Maximum coat volume of any breed on this list. The profuse double coat creates an unmistakable silhouette and demands the highest time commitment.
3. Lhasa Apso
Size: Small (12-18 lb / 5-8 kg, 10-11 inches) | Coat: Long, straight, dense double coat
Don't let the small size fool you — a Lhasa Apso in full coat rivals large breeds for grooming time. Their heavy, straight double coat reaches the floor and requires daily brushing to prevent matting at the skin. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks runs $55-$85. The tradeoff: Lhasas are remarkably low-shedding and produce less dander, making them a reasonable option for some allergy sufferers (though no dog is truly hypoallergenic).
Why it made the list: Highest coat-to-body-size ratio on this list. A 15-pound dog carrying the coat volume of a dog three times its size.
4. Havanese
Size: Small (7-13 lb / 3-6 kg, 8.5-11.5 inches) | Coat: Long, soft, slightly wavy single coat
The Havanese sports a silky, slightly wavy coat that can grow 6-8 inches long. In full coat, daily brushing is necessary, but most pet owners maintain a shorter "puppy cut" that reduces grooming to 15-20 minutes of brushing twice weekly plus professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($45-$70). Havanese are genuinely low-shedding, and their single coat (no undercoat) means less seasonal blow-out drama. Their hair texture resists matting better than many long-coated breeds.
Why it made the list: Best entry-point breed for first-time owners wanting a hairy dog — manageable coat care with the aesthetic of a high-maintenance breed.
Tier 2: Moderate-Maintenance Volume Coats (30-60 Minutes/Week)
5. Samoyed
Size: Medium-Large (35-65 lb / 16-29 kg, 19-23.5 inches) | Coat: Extremely dense double coat, stand-off outer layer
Samoyeds are the undisputed champions of fluffy. Their stand-off double coat creates that iconic "Sammy smile" silhouette but comes with serious shedding — year-round, with intense seasonal blow-outs twice yearly where you'll remove enough undercoat to build a second dog. Plan for 45-60 minutes of brushing 3-4 times weekly using an undercoat rake and slicker brush. Professional grooming every 8-12 weeks ($70-$100) helps manage the volume. Never shave a Samoyed — their coat provides insulation against both heat and cold.
Why it made the list: Maximum coat density and volume among spitz-type breeds. Their stand-off coat creates more visual "hair" per pound than nearly any other breed.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size: Giant (70-115 lb / 32-52 kg, 23-27.5 inches) | Coat: Long, slightly wavy double coat
Bernese Mountain Dogs carry a moderately long, silky double coat that's less prone to matting than some breeds on this list but sheds prodigiously. Expect 30-45 minutes of brushing twice weekly, with daily brushing during seasonal sheds. The sheer surface area of a 90-pound dog means you'll cover a lot of ground with each brushing session. Professional grooming is optional but helpful every 8-12 weeks ($60-$90). The bigger concern with Berners is their short lifespan of 7-10 years and cancer predisposition — factor this into your decision alongside coat care.
Why it made the list: Largest long-coated breed on the list, combining substantial coat length with giant-breed body mass for maximum total hair volume.
7. Shih Tzu
Size: Small (9-16 lb / 4-7 kg, 9-10.5 inches) | Coat: Long, flowing double coat
Shih Tzus were literally bred to look like little lions, and that floor-length, flowing coat is the breed's signature. In full show coat, daily brushing and weekly bathing are mandatory. Most pet Shih Tzus wear a shorter "teddy bear cut" that reduces grooming to 15-20 minutes of brushing 2-3 times weekly plus professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($50-$80). Shih Tzus are low-shedding but their fine double coat tangles easily, especially around the face and behind the ears.
Why it made the list: One of the most popular small hairy breeds in the US, offering dramatic coat length with the option to scale down grooming through clipper cuts.
8. Tibetan Terrier
Size: Medium (18-30 lb / 8-14 kg, 14-17 inches) | Coat: Long, profuse double coat with woolly undercoat
Tibetan Terriers (not actually terriers) carry a shaggy, profuse double coat that parts naturally down the middle. Their woolly undercoat provides insulation but also mats readily if not brushed through to the skin. Plan for 30-45 minutes of thorough line-brushing twice weekly. Many owners maintain a shorter clip, but even clipped, the dense coat requires regular maintenance. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($55-$85) keeps things manageable.
Why it made the list: Unique combination of length and density in a medium-sized package — more coat per square inch than most breeds twice their size.
Tier 3: Moderate Length, Lower Maintenance (20-40 Minutes/Week)
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: Toy (4-7 lb / 2-3 kg, 7-8 inches) | Coat: Long, fine, silky single coat
Yorkies have hair more similar to human hair than typical dog fur — a fine, silky single coat that grows continuously and sheds minimally. In full coat, daily brushing and topknot maintenance are required. Most pet Yorkies wear a shorter cut, reducing care to 10-15 minutes of brushing 2-3 times weekly plus professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($40-$65). Their tiny size means even a full-coat grooming session takes less time than a larger breed.
Why it made the list: Smallest breed on the list with the longest coat relative to body size — a 5-pound dog with hair that can reach the floor.
10. Bearded Collie
Size: Medium-Large (45-55 lb / 20-25 kg, 20-22 inches) | Coat: Long, shaggy double coat
Bearded Collies sport a long, shaggy double coat that gives them their characteristic "beardie" look. Their coat is less prone to matting than some breeds but still requires 30-40 minutes of brushing twice weekly. They shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal sheds. Professional grooming every 8-10 weeks ($65-$95) helps maintain coat health. Bearded Collies are active, bouncy dogs — their coat picks up debris, burrs, and mud readily during outdoor adventures.
Why it made the list: Best active-lifestyle hairy breed — combines a genuinely long, shaggy coat with the athleticism to hike, run, and work alongside active owners.
11. Maltese
Size: Toy (under 7 lb / under 3 kg, 7-9 inches) | Coat: Long, straight, silky single coat
The Maltese is the quintessential white, floor-length-coated toy dog. Their single coat has no undercoat, which means minimal shedding and less seasonal blow-out. In full coat, daily brushing and regular conditioning are needed to prevent yellowing and tangling. Most pet Maltese wear a shorter cut, requiring 10-15 minutes of brushing twice weekly plus professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($40-$60). Tear staining around the eyes requires daily wiping.
Why it made the list: One of the lowest-shedding hairy breeds, making it a top choice for owners who want long coat aesthetics without the hair-covered furniture.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Size: Medium (20-30 lb / 9-14 kg, 13.5-15.5 inches) | Coat: Medium-long, silky coat with heavy feathering
Cocker Spaniels may not have the floor-length coat of an Afghan, but their silky coat with heavy feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and belly qualifies them firmly as hairy. The ears are the biggest challenge — long, heavily feathered ear leather drags in food and water bowls and mats easily. Plan for 20-30 minutes of brushing 2-3 times weekly plus professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($55-$85). Cockers are prone to ear infections, so keeping the ear canals clean and well-ventilated is critical.
Why it made the list: Most popular sporting breed with substantial coat length — offers the hairy-dog aesthetic with a sporting dog's temperament and trainability.
Breed Comparison: Hairy Dog Breeds Side by Side
| Breed | Size | Weekly Brushing | Shedding Level | Pro Grooming Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghan Hound | Large | 2-3 hours | Low | $75-$120 / 4-6 wk |
| Old English Sheepdog | Large | 3-4 hours | Heavy | $80-$130 / 6-8 wk |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 3-4 hours (daily) | Low | $55-$85 / 4-6 wk |
| Havanese | Small | 30-40 min (2x/wk) | Very Low | $45-$70 / 6-8 wk |
| Samoyed | Med-Large | 45-60 min (3-4x/wk) | Extreme | $70-$100 / 8-12 wk |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Giant | 60-90 min (2x/wk) | Heavy | $60-$90 / 8-12 wk |
| Shih Tzu | Small | 45-60 min (2-3x/wk) | Low | $50-$80 / 4-6 wk |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 60-90 min (2x/wk) | Moderate | $55-$85 / 6-8 wk |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 30-45 min (2-3x/wk) | Very Low | $40-$65 / 4-6 wk |
| Bearded Collie | Med-Large | 60-80 min (2x/wk) | Moderate | $65-$95 / 8-10 wk |
| Maltese | Toy | 30-40 min (2x/wk) | Very Low | $40-$60 / 4-6 wk |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | 40-60 min (2-3x/wk) | Moderate | $55-$85 / 6-8 wk |
Annual Grooming Costs: The Real Numbers
One factor most breed guides gloss over is the actual annual cost of maintaining a hairy dog's coat. Here's what you should budget for professional grooming, tools, and supplies based on 2026 pricing:
| Cost Category | Low (Clipped Short) | Medium (Moderate Coat) | High (Full Show Coat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Grooming | $480-$780/yr | $650-$1,100/yr | $1,200-$2,400/yr |
| Brushes, Combs & Tools | $30-$60 (one-time) | $50-$120 (one-time) | $80-$200 (one-time) |
| Shampoo, Conditioner, Sprays | $60-$120/yr | $100-$200/yr | $150-$350/yr |
| Total Annual Coat Care | $540-$900 | $750-$1,300 | $1,350-$2,750 |
For context, the AKC's grooming guidelines recommend breed-specific grooming schedules, and these costs assume you're following those recommendations. Show-coat maintenance for breeds like Afghan Hounds or Lhasa Apsos can exceed these estimates significantly if you're competing in conformation.
Decision Framework: Which Hairy Breed Fits Your Life?
Choosing between these breeds isn't about picking the "best" one — it's about matching coat care demands to your real-world constraints. Use this decision framework to narrow down your top 3, then research those breeds in depth.
- Under 30 minutes: → Havanese (clipped), Maltese (clipped), Yorkshire Terrier (clipped), Cocker Spaniel
- 30-60 minutes: → Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie, Samoyed
- 60+ minutes: → Afghan Hound, Old English Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso (full coat), Bernese Mountain Dog
- I want minimal hair on furniture/clothing: → Havanese, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound, Lhasa Apso (single-coated or low-shedding breeds)
- I can tolerate moderate shedding: → Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie
- I don't mind constant vacuuming: → Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Old English Sheepdog
- Under $800/year: → Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Havanese (with shorter clip)
- $800-$1,500/year: → Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie, Samoyed
- $1,500+/year: → Afghan Hound, Old English Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso (full coat)
- Apartment-friendly (under 20 lb): → Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu
- House with yard (20-65 lb): → Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie, Samoyed
- Large space preferred (65+ lb): → Afghan Hound, Old English Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog
If three or more of these factors point to the same breed, you've likely found your match. If your answers conflict (e.g., you want minimal shedding but also want a large breed), prioritize the constraint that will affect your daily life most — usually shedding or time commitment.
Essential Grooming Tools for Hairy Breeds
The right tools dramatically reduce grooming time and prevent painful matting. Here's what you actually need based on coat type:
For long, silky single coats (Afghan Hound, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese):
- Pin brush with polished tips (Chris Christensen Big G series, $45-$65)
- Steel comb, medium-to-wide tooth (Greyhound Comb, $15-$25)
- Leave-in conditioning spray (Iv San Bernard, $18-$30)
For dense double coats (Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Old English Sheepdog):
- Undercoat rake with rotating teeth (Furminator deShedding Tool for large breeds, $35-$50)
- Slicker brush, curved bristle (Chris Christensen Oval Brush, $40-$60)
- Long-reach dryer for blow-outs (B-Air high-velocity dryer, $120-$200)
For wavy/shaggy double coats (Bearded Collie, Tibetan Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu):
- Slicker brush, medium-firm (Andis Premium Pet Brush, $15-$25)
- Mat splitter for stubborn tangles (Coastal Pet Mat Remover, $8-$15)
- Detangling spray (Cowboy Magic Detangler, $12-$18)
A quality high-velocity dryer ($100-$250) is worth the investment for any double-coated hairy breed — it removes loose undercoat far more efficiently than brushing alone and can cut your grooming time by 30-40%. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, proper coat maintenance also allows you to check for skin issues, parasites, and lumps during each grooming session.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Consider Carefully
Honorable Mentions
These breeds have significant coat but didn't make our top 12 for specific reasons:
- Briard: Long, shaggy double coat that's striking but the breed's strong herding instincts and wariness of strangers make them a niche fit. Excellent for experienced owners with rural space.
- Lowchen: Rare breed with a beautiful long coat traditionally styled in a "lion clip." Very few breeders in the US — expect waitlists of 1-2 years and prices of $3,000-$5,000.
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON): Profuse shaggy coat similar to an Old English Sheepdog but smaller (30-50 lb). Rare in the US but worth seeking out for the right owner.
- Keeshond: Dense, stand-off double coat that's plush and beautiful. Didn't make the top 12 because coat length is moderate (2-3 inches) even though density is extreme.
Breeds to Approach with Caution
These hairy breeds have coat care demands that frequently overwhelm first-time owners:
- Komondor: Their unique corded coat requires specialized maintenance — cords must be separated regularly and take 2+ days to dry after bathing. Very few groomers know how to work with corded coats. Not recommended unless you're committed to learning cord maintenance.
- Puli: Similar corded coat to the Komondor but in a smaller, more active package. Same cord-maintenance challenges apply.
- Newfoundland: While their coat is dense and moderately long, the real challenge is the combination of massive size (100-150 lb), heavy shedding, and drool. The coat care itself is manageable; the total package of hair + slobber + size is what overwhelms many owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hairy dog breeds harder to keep healthy?
Coat length itself doesn't determine health, but hairy breeds do have coat-specific health risks. Matting can trap moisture against the skin, leading to hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) and bacterial infections. Dense double coats can mask weight gain, tumors, and skin conditions until they're advanced. The key is thorough brushing down to the skin — not just surface brushing — and regular veterinary check-ups where the vet can palpate through the coat. Some long-eared hairy breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds) are predisposed to ear infections because the heavy ear feathering restricts airflow to the ear canal.
Can I shave my hairy dog to reduce grooming?
It depends on the coat type. Single-coated breeds (Afghan Hound, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese) can be safely clipped short — their coat will grow back normally. Double-coated breeds (Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie) should never be shaved. Shaving a double coat can cause clipper alopecia, where the coat grows back patchy, cottony, or not at all. The undercoat provides insulation against both heat and cold, and the guard hairs protect the skin from UV damage. If you want less grooming time with a double-coated breed, choose a different breed rather than shaving.
Which hairy dog breed sheds the least?
Among the breeds on this list, the Havanese, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier shed the least because they have single coats (hair rather than fur) that grow continuously and shed minimally — similar to human hair. The Afghan Hound and Lhasa Apso also shed relatively little despite their dramatic coat length. However, low-shedding breeds typically require more frequent professional grooming to prevent matting, so you're trading vacuum time for grooming time and cost.
How often should I bathe a hairy dog breed?
Bathing frequency varies by coat type and lifestyle. As a general guideline from veterinary guidelines: single-coated long-haired breeds every 2-4 weeks, double-coated breeds every 6-8 weeks (over-bathing can strip natural oils and cause skin dryness). Always brush thoroughly before bathing — water tightens existing mats, making them nearly impossible to remove without cutting. Use a breed-appropriate shampoo and always follow with a conditioner to maintain coat health and reduce tangling.
What's the best hairy dog breed for apartment living?
The Havanese is the best overall hairy breed for apartments — small size (7-13 lb), low exercise needs (30-45 minutes daily), minimal barking tendency, and adaptable temperament. The Maltese and Shih Tzu are close seconds. Avoid large hairy breeds like Afghan Hounds and Old English Sheepdogs in apartments — they need space to move and their coat care generates significant debris that's harder to manage in small spaces.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
