Top Long Hair Dog Breeds

Long before hair dryers and detangling sprays, long-haired dogs roamed the earth. From the silky Afghan Hound that once graced the tents of Afghan royalty to the fluffy Old English Sheepdog herding flocks in the English countryside; long hair and dogs have created a beautiful bond. And from the royal courts of Europe to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, these beauties have left a mark across the globe and time periods.  

Let’s explore some interesting long-haired breeds - 

Long Haired Dachshunds

Imagine a sausage covered with long silky, smooth-flowing hair, walking on four small legs – that’s a long-haired Dachshund for you. But if you think it’s only a coat type, well, you’re wrong. It comes with its own personality that is distinct from the short-hair and wired type. 

The shorthaired Dachshund is the original breed developed in Germany for hunting badgers. The long-haired one is believed to be a result of a mix with spaniels and possibly other long-haired breeds. ⁽¹⁾

Do Long-Haired Dachshunds Make Good Pets? 

Dachshunds are all considered to be bold and spirited. The long-haired ones, however, come with a softer temperament. This could be because of the Spaniel genes which made them more laid-back and sociable. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are also great cuddlers. ⁽¹⁾

While they can be a little stubborn at times, proper training and socialization can help prevent it. You also need to take extra caution if you’re bringing them into a house with small children. These dogs have a very delicate back, and a little mischief can turn out to be severe for these wieners. Having said that, they do make excellent family dogs. ⁽¹⁾

Long-Haired French Bulldog

Or as most people call them ‘The Fluffy Frenchie’ come from England. The coat here is longer and softer than the typical short and sleek one. The coat is not the only thing they are known for though. Just take a look at their iconic bat ears. While you’re looking, you can peek at their legs as well. Don’t they remind you of frogs? ⁽²⁾

This variety comes with the same temperament as the traditional French Bulldog. It is affectionate, loving, playful, social and highly energetic. They are highly intelligent and hence very much trainable as well. And unlike other small dogs that usually bark excessively to compensate for their small stature, Frenchies don’t. If you’re looking for a small and mellow dog, they can be a great choice. ⁽²⁾

Are Long-Haired French Bulldogs Rare?

Unlike Dachshunds where the long-haired variety was developed by mixing breeds, the long-haired French Bulldog gets the coat due to a rare recessive gene that both parents must carry. Earlier, breeders were trying to avoid the long hair but recently the long haired Frenchies have gained popularity and hence breeders have started producing them. 

Having said that, the long-haired version yet remains a rare one. 

How Much is a Long-Haired Frenchie Worth?

High demand – Low supply = High prices. This is what happened with these Fluffy Frenchies. Due to their rarity and popularity, they command a premium in the market. The price can go up to $10,000 and that too for the common colors. Add a rare color to this rare variety and the price can even touch $30,000. ⁽²⁾

Long Coat German Shepherd

Long-haired German Shepherd comes with a tragic history. There were efforts made to eradicate this variety completely as the breed’s developer Max von Stephanitz, found it to be undesirable. We yet see these GSDs around and that’s a mystery. Even today, the AKC does not recognize long hair to be the breed standard for GSDs. But like they say, the more someone denies something, it is human tendency to want it even more. And the long hair does look beautiful on these elegant dogs. ⁽³⁾

Are Long Coat German Shepherds Rare?

Yes, they are rare. Just like the long-haired French Bulldogs, the long hair is caused by a recessive gene. This makes the long-hair variety rare in GSDs. Apart from that, until recently, breeders were not very enthusiastic about seeking the long-haired variety as many dog bodies in the world do not accept this trait in the breed standard (as mentioned above). This made the breed rarer to find. 

What is the Temperament of a Long Coat German Shepherd? ⁽³⁾

Apart from the hair, there is no difference in the breed’s temperament as compared to the traditional version. They are loyal and very affectionate. They can be great with children and even other pets if proper socialization training is given during childhood. However, it is advised to be careful around toddlers as the high energy and exuberance of these dogs can knock them over. 

They are extremely brave and alert. There is a reason they are one of the highest-employed dogs by the police and military departments of the world. 

They have a strong protective instinct that probably stems from their extreme loyalty. If not trained well, they can be aggressive to strangers and anyone who feels like a potential threat to them. 

They can even live peacefully with other pets in the house. After all, they were bred to be protectors of other animals and not hunters. However, their herding instincts may trigger in front of smaller pets such as cats. 

And lastly, it is common for people to think that they are aggressive. But in reality, they are not. Treat them with love, respect and treats and there shouldn’t be a reason for them to get angry. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

While you put your attention to the long and beautiful hair of dogs, here’s something else that we would recommend you put your attention to – their health. Dogs are prone to certain medical conditions during their lifetime. These include – ⁽⁴⁾

During such times, your savings can take a serious hit if the illness turns out to be severe. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of all the costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!