Caring for long-haired dog breeds

 

Long, silky, and lush fur is one of the main adornments of many dog breeds. It captivates with its aesthetics, highlights breed characteristics, and inspires awe at first glance. However, such beauty demands daily care, knowledge, and consistent attention. Owners of long-haired dogs are well aware that behind this elegance lie considerable efforts: regular brushing, washing, monitoring the condition of the skin and fur, and timely detection of potential issues.

In this blog, we will thoroughly explore how to properly care for long-haired breeds, what tools you’ll need, which mistakes to avoid, and how to turn grooming into a pleasant ritual for both you and your beloved pet. Whether you have a Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Collie, or Afghan Hound, these tips will help keep your dog’s fur healthy, shiny, and free of tangles.

 

Classification of Long-Haired Dog Breeds According to FCI Standards

Long-haired dogs are found among a wide variety of breeds—from tiny decorative companions to majestic herding dogs and graceful hounds. To better navigate the specifics of caring for each breed, it’s worth knowing which group they belong to according to the international FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) classification. This not only helps understand their behavior and needs but also allows you to assess the type of fur typical for a given breed. Below is an overview of the main long-haired representatives from different FCI groups.

 

Group 1 – Herding and Livestock Guarding Dogs

 

Group 4 – Dachshunds

All varieties of long-haired dachshunds

 

Group 5 – Spitz and Primitive Breeds

Among this group, there are many breeds with abundant, long fur:

 

Group 7 – Pointers and Setter Breeds

 

Group 8 – Retrievers, Spaniels, and Water Dogs

 

Group 9 – Toy and Companion Dogs

This is the true kingdom of long-haired decorative breeds:

 

Group 10 – Sighthounds

Subgroup 1 – Long-haired or with Fringes

 

Types of Fur in Long-Haired Dogs

Before moving on to practical care tips, it’s important to understand what is considered long fur and the types of fur found in long-haired breeds. This will help you select the right grooming tools, determine the frequency of brushing and washing, and assess the need for regular trimming.

At What Length Is Fur Considered Long?

According to scientific research by cynologists, groomers, and veterinary dermatologists, a dog is considered long-haired if the fur length on its body exceeds 5 cm. In such breeds, the fur often grows in multiple directions, forming "skirts," "trails," or "feathers" on the legs and ears, and requires more intensive care than short or medium-length fur.

 

Main Types of Fur in Long-Haired Breeds

Long-haired dogs can have different structures and characteristics of their coat. Here are the main types:

1. Straight (Smooth) Fur

Example: Collie, Shih Tzu, Spaniels

 

2. Curly or Wavy Fur

Example: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog

 

3. Hair-Like Type

Example: Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, Shih Tzu

 

Shedding and Non-Shedding Long-Haired Dogs

 

By Color

Fur color can also influence care. For example:

 

To Trim or to Brush?

 

Important: Trimming down to the skin (with a clipper without a guard) is not recommended for breeds with undercoats, as it disrupts thermoregulation and may lead to improper fur regrowth.

 

Bathing Long-Haired Dogs: A Beauty and Care Ritual

Caring for a long-haired dog is not just a hygienic necessity but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between owner and pet. One of the most important procedures is bathing, which, when done correctly, not only cleans the fur and skin but also promotes the health of the coat and prevents matting.

However, before turning on the tap, it’s important to know a few key nuances that distinguish long-haired dogs from others.

 

Brushing: Before or After Bathing?

Brushing: before or after bathing? The timing for brushing depends on the type of your dog’s fur:

Breeds with Undercoats (e.g., Collie, Samoyed, Retrievers) – require mandatory brushing before bathing.

In such cases, it’s advisable to perform trimming (removing dead undercoat manually or with special combs) or express shedding to avoid matting when wet.

 

Breeds with Hair-Like or Curly Texture (Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Bichon) – are brushed after bathing, during drying.

Wet fur in these breeds brushes more easily and is less damaged when using the right products.

 

 

Shampoos for long-haired dogs have a special formula that accounts for:

They typically contain softening ingredients (oils, keratin, silk proteins) that don’t overdry the fur, gently cleanse it, and make brushing easier.

Not Suitable: Shampoos for short-haired breeds – they can make the fur heavy, brittle, or oily.

To keep the fur soft, shiny, and easy to brush, consider using:

Important: Use a furminator on dry, clean fur, no more than 1–2 times a month.

A well-chosen comb is not just a tool but a bridge between daily care and the health of the fur. The main rule: always brush the fur in the direction of its growth, starting from the ends and working toward the roots—with gentleness, patience, and respect for the dog’s skin. Most importantly, always end grooming with affection, praise, and a favorite treat. This will build trust and make future sessions enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

 

 

Drying: Hairdryer or Booster?

Proper drying is an important final step in bathing.

Hairdryer – suitable for dogs with less undercoat or small breeds.

Booster (high-performance drying device) – effective for breeds with thick, double coats (Samoyed, Chow Chow, Husky). It not only dries but also removes remaining undercoat.

Water Temperature During Bathing: +36–38°C – comfortable for most breeds, non-irritating to the skin, and stress-free.

Air Temperature During Drying: no hotter than +40°C.
Airflow Speed: medium or high, but from a safe distance (15–30 cm) to avoid overdrying or burns.

 

Brushing: Tools That Work Wonders

After bathing, brushing becomes a key step that helps not only shape the fur’s neat appearance but also prevent matting, ensure skin ventilation, and stimulate circulation. To do this, it’s important to choose the right tools depending on the fur type and undercoat:

Important: Use a furminator on dry, clean fur, no more than 1–2 times a month.

 

 

What and How to Feed Long-Haired Dog Breeds?

The health of a dog’s fur is not just the result of external care. It begins from within, with proper, balanced nutrition. For long-haired dogs, diet plays a special role, as the composition of their food directly affects the shine, elasticity, density of the fur, and the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

 

Features of the Diet for Long-Haired Breeds

The nutrition of a long-haired dog should adhere to the following principles:

 

 

Beneficial Supplements in the Diet of Long-Haired Dogs

Betaine

A natural substance that:

Betaine is found in super-premium foods and vitamin-mineral supplements

 

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Found in fish oil, flaxseed oil.
Their benefits:

 

Biotin, Zinc, B Vitamins

 

 

Specialized Water with Succinic Acid: Worth It?

Recent research in nutrigenomics has proven the benefits of succinic acid (succinates) as a natural stimulator of cellular metabolism. Adding succinic acid solutions to drinking water:

Such water can be given in courses of 2–3 weeks, especially during shedding, stress, shows, or seasonal changes.

 

 

Healthy Fur Reflects Overall Canine Well-Being

No shampoo, comb, or supplement will provide long-term results if the dog’s body isn’t functioning harmoniously. The quality of fur is one of the first indicators of overall health, and if it becomes dull, falls out, or becomes excessively oily, it may signal internal issues.

Regular Veterinary Checkups (at least 1–2 times a year) help detect in a timely manner:

The hormonal system plays a special role: even minor disruptions (e.g., after spaying or during puberty) can affect fur growth, structure, and shine. In such cases, a veterinarian may recommend tailored nutrition or supportive supplements.

However, perhaps the most subtle and important factor is the emotional state of the dog. Stress, loneliness, or lack of contact with the owner directly affects appearance: the fur becomes dull and limp, and areas of self-chewing or excessive shedding may appear.

Love, care, play, a calm environment, and warm contact with "pet-parents" are what literally "nourish" the animal from within. In cases of prolonged stress, veterinarians may recommend mild calming supplements based on L-tryptophan, valerian, magnesium, CBD, or adaptogens, which support the nervous system without sedative effects.

 

 

Caring for long fur is more than just cosmetics. It’s a comprehensive story of love, health, respect for a dog’s nature, and a sincere desire to see them happy, well-groomed, and confident by your side.