If you have read somewhere that long-haired dogs’ fur insulates them once it’s cold and keeps them from overheating in hot regions, that’s certainly not true. If you have some doubts about long hair dogs being a riskier bet for allergic pet owners or heavier shedders, it also not always the case.
Overall long-haired dogs are a great choice if you need companionship, comfort, and emotional healing. For some people, the fluffier means cuter. But there is still some information to contemplate if you are considering adopting an extra shaggy dog. And that’s what this list is all about.
Do you have a specific question about long hair dogs? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Large long-haired dogs
- Small hairy dogs
- Medium shaggy dog breeds
- Long straight haired dogs
- Cute hairy dogs
- Long haired fluffy dogs
- Long-haired dogs that don’t shed
- Hairy dogs FAQ
- Do long-haired dogs smell more?
- Do long-haired dogs shed less?
- Do flea collars work on long-haired?
- How do hairy dogs deal with the heat?
- Should long-haired dogs be shaved in summer?
- Long-haired dogs and allergies
- Grooming tips for long-haired dog breeds
- Types of brush and clippers are the best for long-haired dogs
Large long-haired dogs
Samoyed
Samoyeds are notable for their famous “Sammy smile” due to their permanently upturned mouths. These are smart, fun-loving dogs with a stunning snow-white coat, although they shed a lot. Full of life and energy, Samoyeds need to be frequently taken outdoors for exercise because they were initially groomed to herd reindeer and haul sleds.
Although Samoyeds could be strong-willed because of their herder nature, they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted family dogs. They are affectionate with everyone, including visitors that don’t mind some hairs on their clothes.
Rough Collies
The well-fitting and textured coat make a crowning glory for the Rough Collie. It has an almost non-hairy head and leg, the rest of its body, is a stock of full and thick hair. These are loyal, trustworthy allies that you can be certain to go anywhere with you, even on hunting as they are a great herder.
Rough collies are medium to large dogs with four different color variations. They love to run around, so a house with a backyard is your best bet. This breed is not aggressive and shows love towards children. Although they love to bark, they can be trained not to, but rather to socialize.
Small hairy dogs
American Eskimo
Eskies, as they are fondly called, happen to come in three sizes. The smallest is called the toy version at 9-12 inches and 6-10lbs. They are highly intelligent with the ability to make open-space performances.
Ekies would make a lovable and loyal family friend because of their excellent problem-solving skills. This dog can be taken anywhere because of its portability and friendly nature.
They usually have a long thick coat that has a dense undercoat and a straight outer coat. This breed requires you to frequently brush the hair daily, as this breed sheds too often.
Bolognese
It might be difficult to tell if this is a stuffed toy or a living dog because of its size, plush thick coat, round dark eyes, and a button-like nose. Bolognese is a dog with a great personality, high intelligence, and charm.
They are the perfect companion for your baby and just the right breed for apartment living because they are less active than most fluffy small breed dogs.
If you decide to have a companion in Bolognese, you should get alongside a few good brushes for its plush coat as they will require some work with their coat.
Medium shaggy dog breeds
Old English Sheepdog
This is a herding dog with a profuse coat that originated from England, as the name implies. The Old English sheepdog is a breed full of life, enthusiasm, and energy. Because of that, they require constant exercise and tasks to accomplish because of their athletic nature.
Old English sheepdog is affectionate with family members. However, it may tend to herd people because of its heightened herding intuitions. They would require bathing and brushing after outing days because they are sure to get dirty.
Australian Shepherd
Often called “Aussie,” they are valued by stockmen because they are trainable and versatile in other roles since they have a nature that desires to please. This is a dog that can be trained to fit your purpose, whether as a companion, security, or herder.
Aussie is a medium-sized breed that can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and stand at a height on 18 to 23 inches. They are excellent sport dogs and are known to win competitions. They come in four different colors; Liver Red, Red Merle, Blue Merle, and Black tri.
Long straight haired dogs
Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is often referred to as a ‘performer’ because of its high comic nature and delicate personality. This breed is adaptable and affectionate with just about any size of home and family. Afghan hounds could be indifferent and independent, yet tender and amusing whenever it so wishes. They can see farther than the human eyes could imagine. Their large hips enable them to cover the ground easily and quickly.
This breed has a low pain tolerance as a minor wound could be more fatal in this breed than others. They also do not respond well to rough handling, so you have to be gentle.
Bergamasco
If you are searching for a high-security dog, then adopting a Bergamasco dog would be a great choice. They thrive in any setting and are great when they have an active and attentive companion. Although the coat is thick and long, it’s less costly to maintain.
Bergs, as they are often called, are very comfortable when the weather is cool. This is because of their long heavy coats, which is usually different from other dog’s coats. This coat can also be trimmed to help them reduce their body temperature.
Cute hairy dogs
Coton de Tulear
This is a cute, cuddly, clownish personality breed that is always ready for a good time. Coton de Tulear is a smart little dog with a cotton-like coat and hails from Madagascar. Cotons for short are handy, loving, and adoptable dogs that get along with anybody, whether dogs or humans.
Unlike many long-haired breeds, they are low-cost maintenance pooches and can thrive even with inexperienced dog parents.
Keeping Coton de Tulear dirt-free might be quite tasking since it needs to be brushed 3-4 times a week and bathed once a week.
Pomeranian
This foxy-faced dog is a compact, agile, and active breed capable of competing in agility and obedience games. However, it merely can be a family friend. Although they may be quite small, Poms, as they are fondly called, don’t consent to that as they tend to challenge larger dogs.
They tend to bark a lot and might not be the best option for apartment living since noise might disturb the neighbors.
Long haired fluffy dogs
Chow Chow
This is a very distinctive-looking breed that has an independent spirit. Some would describe as a catlike pride. They could be a fiercely loyal companion if that’s what you are looking for, although they could be aloof and too suspicious of strangers. Because of their independent nature, they require a lot of patience when groomed, and owners might need to do specific things on their terms.
They need plenty of exercises and don’t appreciate being left at home. Chow’s independent spirit goes into its training such that it won’t respond to physical abuse. They would prefer lots of traits and gentle verbal correction instead.
Long-haired dogs that don’t shed
Australian Silky Terrier
This breed is named after its popularity in Australian as a Silky Terrier hairy dog breed. It is not defined just by its silky hair; it is a long-haired dog with very minimal shedding. It would amaze you to know that it is not usually bullied because of its size.
Instead, it is a bold, daring, and pretty dog. They are characterized as friendly, quick, and keenly alert, although they are great with strangers. Silky Terriers are great playmates for children due to their small sizes.
Australian Silky Terrier is not an option if you’re looking for a quiet dog because they are known for loud and excessive barks.
Hairy dogs FAQ
Do long-haired dogs smell more?
Hairy dogs are usually covered with more fur than non-hairy ones. Their body is not well ventilated. So, long-haired dogs smell more because of the increase of fat, which breaks the skin surface and the high tendency of heating up during summer or in hot regions. However, not all long-haired dogs are stinky.
Do long-haired dogs shed less?
How often a dog shed varies due to their breed than the length of hair. While some long-haired dogs shed less, some are shed almost daily, which leaves the owner with cleaning regularly. However, when compared to non-hairy dogs, many breeds of long-haired and fluffy dogs shed more.
Do flea collars work on long-haired?
It works on long-haired dogs. Although it takes longer. If we are talking about your short hair dog, it takes about forty-eight hours to work. So for shaggy dogs, flea collar takes a longer period to show some progress (as well as flea shampoos). Say between seventy-two and ninety-six hours, depending on the product and its ingredients ( one seems to be a new hit and appears to be working great).
How do hairy dogs deal with the heat?
As much as humans tend to lose the layers and dress in clothes that aid ventilation, hairy dogs equally shed their soft undercoat during summer to keep them ventilated. During summer, they leave on the guard hair and so air can penetrate through to keep skin to be cool and protected from infections.
Should long-haired dogs be shaved in summer?
As much as your long-haired dog will make an effort to survive the summer unscathed, you should equally make more effort by trimming their long hair. It is advisable to cut their hair to the barest minimum at about two inches long.
It is not the greatest idea to shave their hair completely. Because it leaves them prone to infection with no form of guard against it.
Long-haired dogs and allergies
There are varieties of breeds which produce allergens, some are likely to cause allergies in people. However, long-haired dogs, just like other dogs, have spittle and dander, which may cause allergies to its owner. But no studies or researches are saying that long-haired dogs are more dangerous to allergic humans.
Grooming tips for long-haired dog breeds
- Use your hands to remove matted hair.
- Using a brush initially could be painful.
- Do not cut matted hair with scissors, you might tear the skin accidentally.
- It is best to visit a professional groomer more regularly.
- Make sure you do not expose your long-haired dog to any harshness (whether chemical or physical) while brushing or bathing.
Types of brush and clippers are the best for long-haired dogs
Good clippers can make a huge difference when it comes to caring for long-haired dogs. It’s important to consider the professional style of a clipper/dog grooming shears before using it on your dog. They leave you options to choose the specific blade that best suits your dog’s hair.
Apart from the fact that your dog’s coat needs maintenance, it also requires quality materials to keep it in good condition. The texture, length, and density of the fur will determine what kind of brush to get, whether a hard brush or a soft one.
It is crucial to choose a high-quality brush that removes tangles and prevents skin irritation.
The three major types of dog brushes are slicker, bristle, and wire-pin. But lately, magic fur brush has started gaining more and more popularity too. The word magic in its title is not a fluke. brush is freakishly efficient.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
