Long haired dogs come in a huge range of sizes, shapes and personalities. 

As a group, they include any dog that doesn’t have a short, cropped coat.

And they can be curly coated, straight haired, fluffy, shaggy, or sleek! 

What they do have in common is a little more effort being needed for their care. 

Mostly, of course, when it comes to grooming! 

Long Haired Dog Breeds

There are so many long haired dogs to choose from. 

And just because they have flowing locks, doesn’t mean they have a lot else in common. 

These pups range in size, temperament and coat type. 

Life With Long Haired Dogs

Long haired dogs are undoubtedly beautiful to behold, and many of us dream of owning one. 

We imagine running through the fields with our longhaired friend, its tresses swept by the wind. 

Of course, dreams don’t always match reality for many long haired dog breeds!

Yes, while you can have this wonderful dream, it takes some work  to bring it to life. 

As any human with lovely long and lush locks will tell you, you need to take care of your hair. 

It’s no different with hairy dog breeds.

All of the canine beauty comes at a price. 

Especially the time and possible expense that's required to maintain those gorgeous locks and flowing tresses.

Large long haired dog breeds, as well as long haired little dogs, don't just wake up in the morning looking that way by accident!

Grooming Long Haired Dogs

Long haired dogs are kept in tip-top condition via regular grooming, clipping, and washing.

It also helps if you keep them out of mud and dirty ponds, and stop them rolling in dust baths. 

Sadly, you will find that some of the most-loved long-haired dogs are the most likely to see a sand pit as the perfect playpen! 

Or, insist on crashing into the undergrowth and come out covered in burrs and bits of briar!

Such is the curse of hairy dogs!

Don’t forget that you need to put aside time for grooming. 

Get your puppy used to being groomed from day one, with short, treat laden sessions. 

Make brushing a part of your daily routine.

This will reduce the chances of forgetting for and ending up with tangles and matting.

Grooming Issues for Long Haired Dogs

Really, there are two major problems when it comes to grooming. 

The first is getting the dog to sit and let you brush her fur without fidgeting and trying to get away.

 The second is how to get a brush or comb through their hair. 

Some dogs have thin, sensitive skin, and it can be difficult to groom without hurting them.

Of course, some dogs are naughty and just want to get away and play rather than sitting still while you brush.

So, why don’t we start by getting your dog to sit still for grooming in the first place. 

If we can solve this, then we can work on your grooming technique!

Sitting for Grooming

First off, many dogs have a hard time standing or sitting still long enough to make the grooming session worthwhile. 

It can be a nightmare to deal with, but a few useful tips can help

In this case, a little snack may help to ease anxiety or break up the boredom. 

Make sure you get your pup used to handling, because this is the best way to ensure that grooming goes off without a hitch.

If you pet and brush your little one early and often, she will be comfortable being handled and groomed.

Grooming, by the way, is also a terrific bonding experience for you and your pet. 

If she sees it as love and affection, not only will she sit still, but she will start looking forward to grooming.

Of course, this can be more tricky if you adopt an adult dog where it is more difficult to train them to sit still. 

Treats can help, but you might need to groom little and often, just a bit of her coat at a time.

Another thing you can do is avoid leaving too much time between grooming sessions. 

This can really make your life much more difficult.

Going Too Long Between Grooming Sessions

Letting grooming go too long can result in tangled or matted hair. This can ensnare bugs, dirt, debris, and bacteria.

Matted hair can also trap moisture beneath, creating an excellent environment for infection to set in. 

If you are not careful, your dog can easily develop painful skin conditions beneath the mats, which can be very uncomfortable.

And, once a mat develops, if you try to detangle it, this often results in pulling on your dog’s sensitive skin. 

This can cause irritation or even damage the skin. 

Apart from that, if you are trying to make grooming time pleasurable to encourage your dog to sit still, then hurting her isn’t going to help.

Just this simple change, of grooming daily and getting rid of any matted fur as soon as you see it, can make all the difference!

   

Long Haired Dog Grooming Tools

Although long haired dogs have coats that are high maintenance, you can get away without spending a fortune on equipment.

A standard grooming toolbox may include just a few items such as:

• Stainless steel comb
• Pin brush
• Bristle brush
• Scissors
• Clippers
• Dog shampoo

We also love the grooming mitts because they can make grooming enjoyable for your dog. 

Here, it’s good to mention that owning a white dog with long hair is a special case. 

White fur needs a bit more elbow grease to stay that way, or it can veer off into a dingy gray or yellowish hue!

That’s always something to bear in mind!

Best Long Haired Dogs

Long haired dogs are more work, but they include some of the nicest and most fun breeds around. 

Our favorites as active family pets include 

A long haired dog is magnificent to look at, but someone has to put in the elbow grease to maintain that beautiful façade!

Unfortunately dogs, unlike cats, need your help to stay neat and clean and looking their best.

But if you have the time, they are worth the effort.

There are gorgeous long haired pooches and multiple breeds that are just waiting to be your forever friend!