14 Long Haired Dog Breeds With More Luxurious Locks Than Rapunzel

With its long face and face-framing long hair that almost makes them look like they’re wearing a wig, this dog is one of the most quintessential long hair dog breeds, however they’re actually not that common! Their long, silky coats were developed to help keep them warm in the chilly climates of the mountains of Afghanistan. Afghan hounds are thousands of years old, making them one of the oldest dog breeds out there. Long and elegant, these dogs are also high maintenance, since their silky coats require daily brushing which must never be done dry. While these dogs might not make great family dogs, they are extremely agile – and extremely loyal. 

A member of the Bichon family, these dogs were named after the city where they were developed: Bologna, Italy. These lap dogs were a favorite among royalty for centuries, yet they almost went extinct in the 20th century! Thanks to a few dedicated dog breeders, these small long haired dog breeds and their messy white mop tops are around today. Their white, fluffy coat makes them resemble a cloud! And while it doesn’t shed, it does require daily brushing to prevent tangles. In addition to their puffy fur, these dogs are known for their calm and sweet natures, making them great companions. No wonder royalty loved them!

Originally from the Himalaya Mountains in Tibet, these dogs have been around for thousands of years, and were employed in guarding palaces and secluded Buddhist monasteries. The Dalai Lama himself is said to be a fan of these dogs! Their long, dense double coats rarely shed, however they do require a lot of brushing and combing! Their floor-length hair also requires professional trimming to keep it maintained. While aloof around strangers, these dogs are smart and confident when you get to know them! 

Popular with Chinese royalty for hundreds of years, the pushed-in faces and long coats of this small long haired dog breed makes them resemble a lion. It’s only fitting that their name shih tzu means lion in Chinese! Their long hair almost makes them look as if they have a beard, however it can be high maintenance, and they usually require professional grooming as well as frequent brushing and washing. These mischievous dogs make for great family pets, since they’re affectionate, playful, outgoing, and great with children.

This happy-go-lucky dog was named after both its resemblance to cotton and the Madagascar port town of Tulear, where this breed most likely originated. Also known as “The Royal Dog of Madagascar,” this white, fluffy dog is known for being keen on walking on their hind legs. Their long, dense hair requires daily brushing. These small dogs make great companions, since they love to amuse their owners. However, they often have separation anxiety and don’t like being left alone for several hours. But with hair like this, who would want to? 

These small long haired dogs are known for being quite feisty and extremely confident. Their tiny bodies pack a lot of personality, and they can be both brave and bossy at the same time. Yorkies can be stubborn and yippy, however, there’s a lot to love, and they make great watch dogs despite their small size. Native to England, Yorkies are the most popular toy dog breed, and are often named the most popular dog in many American cities. Their floor length coats are actually hypoallergenic and resemble human hair more than animal fur! 

Native to Holland, these dogs are related to other spitz types, like the Pomeranian. Alert and intelligent, these dogs were used as watchdogs on barges and boats in the 17th and 18th centuries. They have a thick double coat, which makes them fluffy, fuzzy, and totally adorable. However, for a long-haired dog, these dogs are relatively low maintenance. This large long haired dog breed requires brushing only once a week, but it does take an hour! These dogs shed their coats twice a year, and it can take up to several weeks. 

Irish Setters were initially bred to be a gundog, but since then, the agile breed has become a favorite among sportsmen for the past 200 years. Elegant and powerful, they’re known for their speed. Their sweet, outgoing nature makes them great at making friends. They’re also a perfect family dog because they’re great with children. Their long-haired coats tangle easily, making this ginger-haired breed require brushing at least twice a week.

Maltese dogs are cherished for their elegant, flowing white coats. However, maintaining long hair can be challenging, especially during the summer months. Thankfully, various Maltese haircuts offer both practicality and style, allowing you to keep your furry friend comfortable and looking fabulous. Another benefit is that Maltese dogs are often considered hypoallergenic. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds, including the Maltese, are known to produce fewer allergens compared to other breeds, making them a better option for people with allergies.

Bernese Mountain Dogs originate from the Swiss Alps, where they were primarily bred for draft work, herding livestock, and serving as loyal farm companions. These majestic canines are renowned for their striking tri-color coat, consisting of black, white, and rust, which requires regular grooming. To maintain their lustrous fur and minimize shedding, it’s essential to brush them several times a week, and more frequently during their shedding seasons in the spring and fall. This dog sheds and is not hypoallergenic.

Samoyed dogs hail from Siberia, where they were originally bred for hunting, herding reindeer, and hauling sledges, making them versatile and hardy workers in cold environments. Known for their fluffy, white, and dense double-layer coat, Samoyeds are strikingly beautiful but require considerable maintenance. While no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, Samoyeds are often considered a better option for allergy sufferers due to their lower dander production. However, they are heavy shedders, especially during the spring and fall, necessitating regular grooming to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy and mat-free.

The Havanese breed originates from Cuba, where it was cherished as a companion dog for the Cuban aristocracy, known for its affectionate nature and intelligence. These small yet sturdy dogs sport a long, silky coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Despite their luxurious appearance, Havanese dogs require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats in their hair. They are also considered a good choice for allergy sufferers as they are low shedders and produce less dander compared to many other breeds, making them one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds available.

Australian Shepherds, despite their name, actually originated in the United States, where they were bred for herding livestock and are known for their high intelligence and energy levels. These versatile dogs have a medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white and tan markings. Their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its condition and manage shedding, which can be moderate to heavy, especially during seasonal changes. Australian Shepherds are not considered hypoallergenic and may not be the best choice for individuals with severe allergies. Their enthusiastic and work-oriented nature makes them an excellent fit for active families or individuals who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Siberian Huskies originate from Northeast Asia, where they were bred by the Chukchi people primarily for sled pulling across long distances in harsh, cold environments. These dogs are renowned for their striking appearance, which includes a dense double coat that comes in various colors and patterns, and their distinctive blue or multi-colored eyes. Their thick coat requires regular grooming to minimize shedding and keep it in good condition, especially during their shedding seasons in the spring and fall. While Siberian Huskies are not hypoallergenic and do shed significantly, their ability to adapt to colder climates, along with their friendly and outgoing nature, makes them beloved companions. Their high energy and need for regular exercise also make them well-suited for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

Pomskies, a crossbreed between Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians, combine the majestic beauty of Huskies with the compact size and fluff of Pomeranians. These charming dogs inherit the thick, double coat of their Husky parents, which can display a variety of colors and patterns, including the striking blue or multi-colored eyes that Huskies are famous for. Regular grooming is essential for Pomskies to manage their shedding and keep their fur in top condition, particularly during the more intense shedding seasons of spring and fall. Though no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, Pomskies tend to shed less than purebred Huskies but still require maintenance to manage their coat. Their vibrant energy and playful nature make them excellent companions for active individuals or families, ready to engage in various outdoor activities or simply enjoy a lively game in the yard.