12 Long Haired Dog Breeds Ranked by Grooming Needs and Lifestyle Fit
Compare 12 long haired dog breeds ranked by grooming demands, exercise needs, and family fit. Find the right flowing-coat companion for your lifestyle.
How We Selected and Ranked These Long Haired Dog Breeds
Not every long-coated breed is created equal. A Shih Tzu's floor-length hair demands a completely different maintenance routine than a Rough Collie's double coat, even though both qualify as "long haired." Before we get to the rankings, here's the framework we used to build this list — and why each breed earned its spot.
- Coat Length Threshold: Breeds must have a coat that naturally grows beyond 3 inches on the body (not just furnishings or ear fringe). This excludes breeds like the German Shepherd, whose coat is dense but relatively short.
- Recognized Breed Standard: Only breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) are included — no unstandardized designer mixes.
- Ranking Factors: Each breed is scored across four categories — weekly grooming time (minutes), annual professional grooming cost ($), daily exercise requirement (minutes), and family suitability (apartment-friendly, kid-compatible, shedding level).
- Data Sources: Breed standards from the AKC, grooming time estimates certified by professional groomers, and health predisposition data from the Merck Veterinary Manual.
We've organized these 12 breeds into three groups based on the factor that matters most to prospective owners: grooming commitment, exercise demands, and family compatibility. Within each group, breeds are ranked from most to least demanding.
High-Glamour Breeds: Long Hair That Demands Serious Maintenance
These four breeds have the most intensive coat care requirements on our list. If you're drawn to show-ring-quality flowing coats, understand the time and financial commitment before bringing one home.
1. Afghan Hound
Size Class: Large (50–60 lb / 23–27 kg; 25–27 in at shoulder)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Silky, fine-textured coat that can reach the floor — among the longest natural coats of any breed.
Profile: The Afghan Hound's coat is arguably the most demanding in the canine world. Expect 3–4 hours of brushing weekly to prevent matting in the fine, silky hair, plus professional grooming every 4–6 weeks at $80–$120 per session. These sighthounds are independent thinkers with a strong prey drive, best suited for experienced owners with securely fenced yards.
Why It Made the List: Maximum coat length and maximum maintenance — the benchmark against which all other long haired breeds are measured.
2. Old English Sheepdog
Size Class: Large (60–100 lb / 27–45 kg; 21–22 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Profuse, shaggy double coat that covers the entire body including the face, requiring thorough line-brushing to the skin.
Profile: Beneath that iconic shaggy exterior is an athletic, clownish herding dog. The dense undercoat mats aggressively if not brushed 2–3 hours weekly with a slicker brush and undercoat rake. Professional grooming runs $90–$150 per visit. OES dogs thrive in active families but need 60+ minutes of daily exercise.
Why It Made the List: Combines extreme coat density with a large body surface area — meaning more square inches of fur to maintain than almost any other breed.
3. Komondor
Size Class: Giant (80–100+ lb / 36–45+ kg; 25.5–27.5 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Unique corded coat that forms naturally into rope-like dreadlocks reaching the ground by maturity (around 2 years).
Profile: The Komondor's cords don't require brushing, but they demand meticulous separation, drying (a bathed Komondor can take 24+ hours to dry completely), and debris removal. These are serious livestock guardian dogs — protective, territorial, and not recommended for first-time owners. Annual professional grooming costs $400–$800 due to the specialized cord maintenance required.
Why It Made the List: The most unusual long coat in the dog world — cords can reach floor length by age 3–4, but the maintenance skill set is entirely different from brushed breeds.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Size Class: Toy (4–7 lb / 1.8–3.2 kg; 7–8 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Fine, silky, human-like hair (not fur) that grows continuously and can reach floor length when kept in full show coat.
Profile: Yorkies have hair rather than fur, which means less shedding but continuous growth requiring regular trimming or dedicated brushing. Most pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches) maintained every 6–8 weeks at $50–$80 per session. Despite their small size, Yorkies are feisty, vocal, and surprisingly energetic for a toy breed — plan for 30–45 minutes of daily activity.
Why It Made the List: Proves that long hair isn't limited to large breeds — and that small size doesn't mean low maintenance when it comes to coat care.
Active Long Coats: Breeds for Outdoor-Oriented Owners
These breeds pair substantial coat length with serious exercise needs. They're ideal for hikers, runners, and families who spend significant time outdoors — but their coats require extra attention after adventures in brush, mud, and water.
5. Rough Collie
Size Class: Large (50–75 lb / 23–34 kg; 22–26 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Luxurious double coat with a profuse mane (ruff), long feathering on legs, and a flowing tail plume.
Profile: The Rough Collie's coat is the stuff of Lassie legend — and it sheds heavily, particularly during biannual "coat blows" that can last 3–4 weeks. Weekly brushing of 45–60 minutes is essential; during shedding season, daily brushing is realistic. These are intelligent, trainable, and deeply bonded to their families. Exercise needs: 60–90 minutes daily. They excel in agility, herding trials, and obedience.
Why It Made the List: The quintessential long-haired family dog — striking coat paired with one of the most reliable temperaments in the breed world.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Size Class: Large to Giant (70–115 lb / 32–52 kg; 23–27.5 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Moderately long, slightly wavy double coat with distinctive tricolor pattern and longer furnishings on the chest, legs, and tail.
Profile: Berners are gentle giants with a calm demeanor that belies their working-dog heritage. Their coat is less demanding than a Collie's — about 30–45 minutes of weekly brushing — but shedding is substantial year-round. The bigger concern is lifespan: Merck Veterinary Manual data shows a median lifespan of just 7–10 years, with cancer (particularly histiocytic sarcoma) and orthopedic issues being prevalent. Exercise needs: 45–60 minutes daily.
Why It Made the List: Offers the long-coated aesthetic with moderate grooming demands — but owners must be emotionally prepared for a shorter-than-average lifespan.
7. Briard
Size Class: Large (55–100 lb / 25–45 kg; 22–27 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Long, slightly wavy, dry-textured outer coat (minimum 2.75 inches per AKC breed standard) with a dense undercoat — plus a distinctive beard and eyebrows.
Profile: This French herding breed is athletic, intelligent, and intensely loyal. The dry coat texture actually resists matting better than silky coats, but still requires 1.5–2 hours of weekly brushing. Briards need 90+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation — they are not couch dogs. Early socialization is critical to prevent overprotectiveness.
Why It Made the List: One of the best-kept secrets among long haired dog breeds — a working dog's coat that's more functional and less fragile than many show-coat breeds.
8. Tibetan Terrier
Size Class: Medium (18–30 lb / 8–14 kg; 14–17 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Profuse double coat that can reach the ground, with a woolly undercoat and a fine-to-slightly-wavy outer coat.
Profile: Despite the name, Tibetan Terriers were never terriers — they served as all-purpose companions and watchdogs in Himalayan monasteries. Their coat requires 30–45 minutes of weekly brushing when kept long, or you can maintain a shorter clip. They're sturdy, adaptable, and surprisingly athletic for their moderate size. Exercise needs: 40–60 minutes daily.
Why It Made the List: A rare breed that delivers serious coat length in a manageable medium-sized package — ideal for owners who want the long-hair look without a giant dog.
Family-Friendly Long Haired Breeds: Manageable Coats for Busy Households
These breeds offer long, beautiful coats with comparatively lower maintenance demands, making them more realistic choices for families juggling kids, work, and a full household schedule.
9. Shih Tzu
Size Class: Toy/Small (9–16 lb / 4–7 kg; 9–10.5 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Long, flowing double coat that drapes the entire body — one of the most recognizable long-haired silhouettes in the dog world.
Profile: Shih Tzus are affectionate, adaptable companions that thrive in apartments and homes alike. Their coat requires 20–30 minutes of brushing every other day when kept long, but most pet owners choose a shorter "teddy bear" clip maintained every 6–8 weeks ($40–$65 per session). They're low-exercise dogs (20–30 minutes daily) and generally excellent with children. Watch for brachycephalic breathing concerns in hot weather.
Why It Made the List: The most popular long haired breed in the U.S. for good reason — adaptable temperament, apartment-friendly, and coat length you can customize through grooming.
10. Lhasa Apso
Size Class: Small (12–18 lb / 5–8 kg; 10–11 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Heavy, straight, hard-textured coat that parts down the middle and reaches the floor — originally adapted for harsh Tibetan winters.
Profile: Lhasas are more independent and watchful than Shih Tzus, with a keen alarm-bark instinct. Their harder coat texture actually mats less readily than silky coats, but still needs 30 minutes of brushing 2–3 times per week. They're moderate-energy dogs (30–40 minutes daily) and tend to be reserved with strangers. Excellent longevity — 12–15 years is typical.
Why It Made the List: A low-shedding, hardy small breed with genuine long-coat heritage and less fragility than many toy breeds.
11. Havanese
Size Class: Small (7–13 lb / 3–6 kg; 8.5–11.5 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Silky, lightweight, slightly wavy coat that can grow 6–8 inches long — uniquely adapted to tropical Cuban heat despite its length.
Profile: The Havanese is Cuba's national dog and one of the most cheerful small breeds available. Their silky coat is surprisingly low-maintenance for its length: 15–20 minutes of brushing 3 times per week typically suffices. They're highly social, excellent with children, and adapt well to apartment living. Exercise needs: 25–35 minutes daily. Minimal shedding makes them popular with allergy-sensitive households, though no breed is truly hypoallergenic.
Why It Made the List: Delivers the long-hair aesthetic with some of the lowest grooming time demands on this entire list — an outlier in the best way.
12. Coton de Tulear
Size Class: Small (9–15 lb / 4–7 kg; 9–11 in)
Key Long-Hair Trait: Distinctive cotton-textured coat (the name means "cotton of Tulear") that grows 4–6 inches long and has a soft, cloud-like appearance.
Profile: Originally from Madagascar, the Coton is a happy, clownish companion that bonds deeply with its family. The cottony texture resists matting better than silky coats, requiring 20–25 minutes of brushing 2–3 times weekly. They're quiet, apartment-friendly, and good with gentle children. Exercise needs: 20–30 minutes daily. Lifespan typically 14–16 years — one of the longest-lived breeds on this list.
Why It Made the List: An increasingly popular rare breed that combines unique coat texture, manageable grooming, and exceptional longevity.
Side-by-Side: How All 12 Breeds Compare
Use this comparison table to quickly evaluate breeds across the metrics that matter most to your household.
| Breed | Size | Weekly Brushing | Annual Grooming $ | Daily Exercise | Apartment OK? | Shedding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghan Hound | Large | 3–4 hrs | $1,200–$2,000 | 60–90 min | No | Low |
| Old English Sheepdog | Large | 2–3 hrs | $1,100–$1,800 | 60+ min | No | High |
| Komondor | Giant | 1–2 hrs (cord care) | $400–$800 | 45–60 min | No | Minimal |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 1.5–2 hrs (full coat) | $600–$1,000 | 30–45 min | Yes | Very Low |
| Rough Collie | Large | 45–60 min | $300–$500 | 60–90 min | Marginal | Very High |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Large–Giant | 30–45 min | $200–$400 | 45–60 min | No | High |
| Briard | Large | 1.5–2 hrs | $500–$900 | 90+ min | No | Low |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 30–45 min | $400–$700 | 40–60 min | Yes | Low |
| Shih Tzu | Toy/Small | 20–30 min (3x/week) | $500–$800 | 20–30 min | Yes | Low |
| Lhasa Apso | Small | 30 min (2–3x/week) | $400–$650 | 30–40 min | Yes | Low |
| Havanese | Small | 15–20 min (3x/week) | $350–$600 | 25–35 min | Yes | Very Low |
| Coton de Tulear | Small | 20–25 min (2–3x/week) | $350–$550 | 20–30 min | Yes | Very Low |
Grooming cost estimates assume professional grooming every 6–8 weeks plus at-home supply costs. Actual costs vary by region and groomer. Breeds with "full coat" notes assume the owner maintains show-length hair; choosing a shorter pet clip can reduce costs by 30–50%.
Choosing Between the Top 3: A Decision Framework
If you've narrowed your options down to the most popular long haired dog breeds — the Rough Collie, the Shih Tzu, and the Havanese — here's how to make the final call based on your specific situation.
- Apartment or condo with no yard → Eliminate the Rough Collie (too large, too active, too much shedding for shared spaces). Choose between Shih Tzu and Havanese. Go to Step 2.
- House with a fenced yard → All three remain viable. Go to Step 2.
- Rural property with acreage → The Rough Collie is your strongest option — they thrive with room to run. Skip to Step 3.
- Yes, and kids are gentle with animals → Havanese is the top pick. They're sturdy for a small breed and famously tolerant. Shih Tzu is a close second.
- Yes, but kids are still learning to be gentle → Shih Tzu is slightly sturdier and less fragile than the Havanese. Consider waiting until kids are older for any toy breed.
- No young children → Either breed works well. Go to Step 3.
- Under 30 minutes per week → Havanese (with a shorter pet clip, maintenance drops to 10–15 minutes weekly).
- 30–60 minutes per week → Shih Tzu with regular brushing schedule, or Rough Collie outside shedding season.
- 60+ minutes per week and you enjoy grooming → Rough Collie in full coat, or any breed on this list kept in show-length coat.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Consider Carefully
Several long-coated breeds didn't make our top 12 but deserve recognition — and a few breeds commonly mistaken as "long haired" warrant clarification.
Honorable Mentions
- Maltese: Floor-length white coat, but at under 7 lb they're extremely fragile. Best for adult-only households or families with older children.
- Papillon: Beautiful long fringe on ears and body, but the coat is surprisingly easy to maintain (10–15 minutes weekly). Excellent for active apartment dwellers.
- Bearded Collie: Shaggy herding dog similar to the OES but smaller and more energetic. Needs experienced owners who understand herding-breed intensity.
- Leonberger: Giant breed with a moderately long coat and a gentle temperament. Impressive but requires space, and lifespan averages just 7–9 years.
Breeds to Consider Carefully for Long-Hair Seekers
- Golden Retriever: Beautiful coat, but body hair is medium-length (1–3 inches) with longer furnishings. Doesn't meet our 3-inch threshold for true "long hair" across the body.
- Pomeranian: Extremely dense and fluffy, but individual hair length is actually short to medium — the volume creates the illusion of length.
- Gordon Setter: Stunning long furnishings on ears, legs, and belly, but the body coat is short. A borderline case that depends on your definition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Haired Dog Breeds
Do long haired dog breeds shed more than short-haired breeds?
Not necessarily. Shedding is determined more by coat type (single vs. double) than length. Single-coated long-haired breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Havanese shed very little. Double-coated long-haired breeds like the Rough Collie and Bernese Mountain Dog shed heavily — particularly during seasonal coat blows. The length of the hair simply means shed hairs are more visible on furniture and clothing.
Can I keep a long haired breed's coat short without health issues?
Yes, for single-coated breeds (Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese). Their hair grows continuously like human hair, and clipping it short causes no health problems. For double-coated breeds (Collie, Bernese, OES), shaving is strongly discouraged — it can damage the undercoat's ability to regrow properly and eliminate the coat's natural insulation against both heat and cold. A double coat should be maintained through brushing, not shaving.
Which long haired dog breeds are best for people with allergies?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but single-coated, low-shedding long-haired breeds produce less airborne dander. The best options are the Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Maltese, and Coton de Tulear. However, individual allergic responses vary — spend time with a specific dog before committing. Consult an allergist for personalized guidance.
How much does it cost to own a long haired dog breed annually?
Beyond standard dog ownership costs (food, veterinary care, insurance), long haired breeds add $200–$2,000 per year in grooming expenses depending on the breed and whether you maintain a show coat or pet clip. Factor in grooming tools ($50–$200 initial investment for quality brushes, combs, and detangling sprays). Total annual grooming-inclusive ownership costs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000+ depending on breed size, health, and your region.
Are long haired dog breeds harder to potty train?
Coat length has no bearing on potty training difficulty. However, several long-haired breeds on this list are toy or small breeds (Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Havanese), and small breeds generally take longer to house-train due to smaller bladders and a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio that makes them more sensitive to cold/wet outdoor conditions. Consistent crate training and positive reinforcement work equally well regardless of coat length.
What grooming tools do I need for a long haired dog?
At minimum: a slicker brush (Chris Christensen or Greyhound brand, $25–$50), a metal greyhound comb ($10–$20), and a detangling spray ($8–$15). For double-coated breeds, add an undercoat rake ($15–$30). For corded breeds like the Komondor, you'll need your fingers and patience rather than brushes. Always brush a long coat in sections, working from the tips toward the skin — "line brushing" — to prevent surface-only brushing that misses mats at the skin level.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary or breeder consultation. Before choosing a breed, consult your veterinarian about health predispositions and connect with responsible breeders who perform recommended health testing through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or equivalent organizations. Adoption through breed-specific rescues is also an excellent option for many of these breeds.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
