16 Small Dog Breeds With Long Hair (With Pictures)

Small long-haired dogs are a sight to behold. Aside from being the cutest little dogs around, their luxurious coats and tiny build make them the ideal pet for individuals who love the look and feel of fancy canines.

There are multiple small dog breeds with long hair, most of which are well known. They are wonderful pets and have a special charisma that makes them stand out from the crowd.

If you haven’t yet decided which small fluffy puppy you want to add to your family, you should definitely read this article that lists 16 long-haired dog breeds together with all the information you need!

16 Small Long-Haired Dog Breeds

Any little dog with a beautiful mane of long hair is considered to be a long-haired small dog breed. The best thing about small long-haired dogs is that you can choose many different hairstyles for your pet.

Some lengthy coats are thick and dense, while others are smooth and delicate; some are even corded. When it comes to appearance, personality, and health, every little long-haired dog is different from the next.

One thing they have in common is that they each have lovely, luxuriant coats that make these little dogs stand out.

Let’s take a look at some of the cutest miniature long-haired canines around.

1. Maltese

The Maltese is a tiny toy breed distinguished by its silky, long coat. They are one of the smallest dog breeds, with adults typically weighing 2 to 7 pounds and standing between 7 and 9 inches.

The Malteses’ low-shedding white coat is one of their most noticeable characteristics. They must be regularly groomed to maintain their finest appearance.

Moreover, regular grooming sessions are advised to keep the coat in good condition.

They are wonderful family dogs and are excellent with children and other pets. They are also reputed to be quite intelligent, and with the right training, they can pick up a wide range of commands and tricks.

Due to their small size, they don’t need a lot of exercise, but they need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

Further, feeding your Maltese puppy a sufficient amount of food can help it grow properly and develop long, healthy hair. Despite their small size, Maltese is a somewhat expensive breed.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, sometimes referred to as the “Yorkie,” is a toy-sized breed recognized as a small long-haired dog.

The long, silky coat of the Yorkshire Terrier is one of its most distinguishable characteristics. It can be any of several different colors and patterns, including black and gold, blue and tan, and parti-color.

Keeping their coat lustrous and silky calls for regular grooming. This involves maintenance, such as regular brushing, trimming, and bathing.

Some owners of Yorkies prefer to keep their Yorkie’s hair short, while others prefer to let it grow longer.

Yorkies are also known to be lively and playful despite their small stature. Since they don’t need much space, they are excellent companions for those living in small apartments or houses.

Additionally, they are renowned for being sociable and great with kids. A Yorkie puppy is a wonderful addition to any family, but purchasing one is a major commitment.

3. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu breed is characterized by its tiny size, toy-like appearance, and long coat.

With a height and weight of 8 to 11 inches and 9 to 16 pounds, respectively, they fall under the toy group in most countries.

Their long, fluffy coats, for which they are perhaps best known, can be a variety of colors, including black, white, gold, and brown.

Shih Tzus need frequent maintenance to keep their long, low-shedding hair from looking dull and matted. Such maintenance includes regular brushing, trimming, and bathing.

To minimize the time spent on grooming, some Shih Tzu owners opt for the “puppy cut,” but others choose to let their dog’s hair grow long and free.

Behavior-wise, the Shih Tzu is a breed of dog recognized for its outgoing nature, friendly demeanor, and tendency to crave human attention.

They get along well with kids and other animals. They are also noted for their adaptability in terms of the living environment, doing just as well in an apartment as they would in a house.

Moreover, they don’t require a lot of physical activity and are happy with short walks and indoor playtime.

4. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a long haired dog breed with a coat almost touching the ground. They are fairly small dogs; however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies them as non-sporting rather than toy dogs.

The Lhasa Apso’s long, thick fur sheds minimally, is easily recognizable, and can be either straight or somewhat wavy.

Regular grooming is necessary to keep this coat looking good and free of mats. The coat color of the Lhasa Apso can be anything from white to various shades of gold, gray, and black.

These dogs have a high level of intelligence and can be taught to do many different tricks and tasks. Due to their vigilant nature and strong loyalty to their owners, they also make excellent watchdogs.

However, they also have a tendency to be stubborn, so a proper approach to obedience training is essential.

Moreover, Lhasa Apsos make excellent apartment dogs because of their tiny size and sociable demeanor. Nonetheless, they do need regular exercise.

They benefit greatly from outside walks but also appreciate the time spent indoors with their human companions.

Additionally, they have a reputation for being good with kids, which makes them a wonderful addition to households.

5. Bichon Frise

For individuals who love small dogs, the Bichon Frise is a popular pet choice. Its long hair adds to its fluffy face’s unique and charming appearance.

The American Kennel Club, though, does not classify them in the toy group, despite their small size. Instead, AKC places them in the non-sporting group.

When it comes to its coat, the Bichon’s powder-puff coat is comparable to that of a poodle’s, with a curled, silky outer layer and a fluffy undercoat.

Depending on the shade, they can be either white, white and buff, cream, apricot, or gray.

Bichon Frises have a reputation as friendly and cheerful dogs. They also have a positive image of getting along nicely with children and other pets.

Moreover, Bichons are not notorious barkers, which makes them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers.

They are very trainable due to their great intelligence and eagerness to learn new things. It’s important to strike a balance between firmness and gentleness when training these small long-haired dogs.

Therapy work is an activity that can bring out the best in a Bichon. Their gentle nature and engaging personalities make them ideal therapy dogs for visits to hospitals and treatment facilities.

A reputable breeder can give you a healthy, well-socialized Bichon. Nonetheless, you can also opt to adopt if you’re more on a budget and want to save money.

6. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small dog breed distinguished by its fox-like appearance, alert prick ears, and luxurious, long coat. They are available in a gorgeous spectrum of colors.

The most prevalent coloration for Pomeranians is rich red, but other colors, including black, white, sable, chocolate, and even lavender, are also possible.

Since they are heavy shedders, their double coat does need to be groomed regularly, once or twice weekly, and more frequently during shedding season.

Generally, Pomeranians are cheerful, sociable little dogs. However, they may occasionally attempt to tackle big canines or make threatening noises despite their small size.

As they are known to be good alarm dogs due to their yappy nature, this may develop into a barking issue if they are not properly socialized.

In terms of exercise, these energetic pups need regular physical activity, whether a short walk around the block or a long hike.

Moreover, although most Pomeranians are easy to care for, some can be picky eaters. Thus, this active pooch is often not prone to obesity.

7. Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a small, long-haired dog breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands. They have a unique, shaggy coat that can come in fawn, steel blue, or dark gray colors.

The best way to keep their long hair from matting and tangling is to groom them regularly.

Trimming your Skye Terrier’s hair off the ears and legs and brushing its coat at least once a week are positive practices to establish.

The Skye Terrier is renowned for being independent and stubborn, but it can also be loving and devoted to its family.

They tend to be wary of strangers, so it’s important to get them socialized as early as possible so that their unease toward unfamiliar people can be reduced.

Farmers bred them as working canines whose primary duty was to eliminate pests. So, when around other tiny animals, keep in mind that Skye terriers have the predisposition to chase.

They could also have difficulties socializing with other canine companions. Despite being a breed that thrives on chasing, they require less activity and are, therefore, suitable for apartment living.

If given the time and attention they deserve, they can become fantastic members of any family.

8. Bolognese

Bolognese, sometimes referred to as Bolos, is a small dog with a long coat that is fluffy and eye-catching. Given their small stature, this breed makes excellent lap dogs.

Thus, when Bolognese dogs snuggle up on your lap, their soft, tufted, white coats make them feel and appear like fluffy cotton balls.

Bolognese dogs were given as gifts between European royalty throughout the renaissance and served as status symbols.

This breed, with its devoted personality, was so popular that it even inspired artists of the time to depict dogs in their works.

Even after all these years, Bolognese dogs are still a well-known breed that can live happily in almost any home as long as they get enough quality time with their owners.

Bolognese gets along well with kids and other animals, but if left alone for a long period of time, it may develop separation anxiety. This pooch is, therefore, ideal for owners or family members with flexible work schedules.

Though they are fiercely devoted to their family, Bolos are known for their reserved and shy personalities. A Bolognese puppy may initially be shy and aloof around new people, but this may be addressed via early socialization.

9. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear, also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar, is a small, fluffy breed of dog that is known for its long, cotton-like coat.

Their long, luxurious coat is technically classified as hair rather than fur, which relates to the fact that they are almost hypoallergenic.

The majority of Coton de Tulears are white. However, puppies occasionally have yellow, brown, or black spots at birth. As the dog ages, these spots may go away or progressively lighten to a champagne or gray hue.

Coton de Tulears may be small in stature, but they certainly aren’t lacking in personality. They are cheerful canine friends that like nothing more than spending time with their owners or testing their agility skills at the dog park.

These high-spirited canines are always up for a snuggle, and their calm temperament and love for children make them ideal family dogs.

Goofing around and making others laugh is a favorite pastime for this breed, and it’s no secret that they’ll do anything to obtain the attention they seek.

Given that this breed is rare, getting a healthy Coton de Tulear puppy from a good breeder will set you back around $2,000 to $3,000.

10. Havanese

The Havanese is known as the “Havana silk dog” because its long coat has the exquisite sensation of silk. The Havanese is a small dog with an adult coat length ranging from six to eight inches.

Furthermore, their coats can be found in a wide variety of colors, including gold, black, blue, silver, cream, champagne, chocolate, and color combinations, such as tricolor and parti-color.

Their big, chocolate-brown eyes give away their playful, inquisitive character to everyone who catches a glimpse. The Havanese is the epitome of charming dogs.

They are natural performers that are friendly, outgoing, and easy to train. Moreover, they require a great deal of socialization. If properly socialized, they can get along well with other animals and enjoy time spent outdoors.

Because of the Havanese’s kind demeanor, this dog is frequently sought out as an emotional support animal or therapy dog.

Despite their diminutive size, they make a decent watchdog and an excellent companion. However, without proper training, they may occasionally resort to excessive barking.

Those who prefer a tiny, energetic dog that is happy with daily walks and occasional games of fetch can choose the Havanese.

However, keep in mind that these canines do not do well if separated from their owners for long periods.

The lifetime costs of caring for a Havanese, such as their food, should be considered before making the decision to acquire a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopt from a rescue group.

11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a tiny dog breed with a warm and affectionate personality. They are also recognized for their silky, long coat, which can be black and tan, ruby, or tri-colored.

Weekly brushing is necessary for their long coat to stay in good condition and to help reduce shedding. Additionally, they need routine professional grooming.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful pet due to its gentle demeanor and loving nature.

During the 17th century, they were given their name in honor of British nobility. Charles I and his son Charles II were huge dog lovers and often brought their pets to official events like Parliament.

The CKC Spaniel was developed to provide a warm companion on chilly carriage journeys and in cold castles.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), as of 2021, the CKC Spaniel was the 15th most popular dog in the United States.

Even though CKC Spaniels were developed specifically to be lapdogs, they actually descended from the sporting family, so they will benefit from moderate activity and outdoor play.

They are remarkably adaptable; their peaceful nature makes them effective therapy dogs, while their flexibility also makes them great hunting and sporting companions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make excellent pets for sporty, active families or owners who spend most of their time at home.

Prepare yourself financially for the lifetime cost of a CKC Spaniel if you plan to buy one from a reputable breeder or adopt one from a rescue.

12. Pekingese

The Pekingese, with their long hair and stocky builds, are affectionately known as “lion dogs.” They are generally small with a lengthy mane.

Their thick coats can be any of several different hues, including black, white, red, sable, and brindle. Moreover, these short dogs with long hair require regular brushing to keep their beautiful coats in pristine shape.

Pekingese are bright, caring, and devoted tiny dogs that make faithful pets despite their aloof demeanor, which may be a holdover from their imperial past.

They originated in China and were previously regarded as sacred animals by members of the imperial palace.

As a brachycephalic breed, Pekingese have a flattened, squashed face framed by heart-shaped ears that are also laid flat.

While strangers may view Pekingese dogs as cold and pretentious, pet owners know that these canines are actually quite the opposite: they are intelligent, hilarious, and bursting with character.

They make excellent lap dogs because they prefer to lounge around with their owners and don’t require intensive exercise.

While Pekingese are extremely loyal to their families, they can be wary of strangers. They are small dogs with a big bark and will use them to warn the neighborhood if they hear or see anything suspicious.

Starting your Pekingese puppy off early with socialization will go a long way toward teaching it to be comfortable in new situations and preventing it from developing excessive barking.

13. Papillon

The Papillon is a tiny dog breed with long, silky hair. It is also referred to as the “butterfly dog.” They are little, fine-boned, active dogs known as Continental Toy Spaniels or Dwarf Spaniels.

Papillons have a low-shedding, single coat of long, multicolored fur that ranges in color from white to various shades of fawn, chocolate, or black.

As the name implies, their distinguishing characteristic is their enormous, fringed ears that resemble butterfly wings. For over 600 years, the breed has been a favorite of royalty and artists.

They make lovely pets since they are content to lounge on the couch or in the lap of their human companions.

Regardless of gender, Papillons are known to have a lot of energy despite their size. Their small size, though, means they may get all the exercise they need by just doing simple things like playing indoor fetch.

If socialized from a young age, Papillons do well with cats and dogs.

The Papillon is a smart dog breed that can quickly learn simple tricks and commands. They are great picks for agility or rally training and other competitions because of their sharp intellect and drive to excel.

In addition, make sure to offer your little butterfly dog plenty of mental and physical stimulation daily. Not stimulating Papillon’s mind might lead to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking.

Providing puzzle feeders and stimulating toys are good ways to prevent your pet from getting bored.

14. Toy Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes, but they’re all the same breed. Toy, Miniature, and Standard poodles all appear the same except for their size.

Toy poodles with admirable long coats are the smallest of the three. They typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and have a maximum height of 10 inches.

There is a magnificent range of colors to choose from when it comes to Poodle coats, including white, brown, yellow, black, and parti-color.

The curly fur coat is the most distinctive feature of a poodle’s appearance. Since they don’t shed excessively, Poodles are a good choice for people who suffer from dog-related allergies.

Poodles are also notable for their extravagant show haircuts, which can be achieved by a variety of grooming techniques.

They carry themselves with an aura of self-confidence, holding their heads high and revealing an attentive expression with their wide, black eyes.

Furthermore, Toy Poodles are very intelligent. They are devoted to their families and enjoy being in the spotlight, performing tricks, and going for walks. Thus, you will have a loving companion throughout its lifetime.

They will happily spend hours playing with kids and excel at agility and obedience training. Due to their high Intelligence, Toy Poodles may even pick up on more advanced activities like hide and seek in no time.

Before you own a poodle, it’s essential to be mindful of the costs of owning one. Hence, an attractive Poodle can be yours for a fair price if you buy from a reliable breeder or adopt from rescue organizations.

15. Silky Terrier

Silky Terriers or Silkies are an incredibly rare dog breed in the United States. Their silky, smooth, long coats live up to their name and make these small dogs easy to spot.

Their straight, shiny manes can be kept long or short. Their fur is an eye-catching mix of deep brown on their faces and silvery blue on their bodies and tails.

Although the Silky Terrier’s unique hairstyle may appear to some as intimidating to maintain, this dog’s coat requires little more than a weekly brushing to keep it at its best.

The hair of a Silky Terrier is so soft that it almost feels like human hair. They are low-shedding canines, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.

Their intelligent, amusing, and inquisitive natures deeply attach them to their owners. Silky Terriers may be small, but their big personalities make up for it.

Whether it’s a road trip or a hike, they’re happy to go along with their humans. The Silky Terrier is an extremely inquisitive dog that longs for new experiences and challenges.

In addition, its tiny size makes it suitable for apartments and other small residences. Nonetheless, prospective owners should be prepared to take this dog on daily walks and provide plenty of mental stimulation.

If you’re wondering what a Silky Terrier looks like, you can watch the video below to witness its cuteness.

16. Biewer Terrier

Biewer Terriers are small dogs with long hair that reaches the floor. They are adorable miniature canines belonging to the toy category.

They are expected to weigh between 4 and 8 pounds and stand between 7 and 11 inches tall.

Their colors come in tricolor patterns of white, brown, tan, gold, and black. In general, Biewer Terriers resemble Yorkies, which typically have gold-colored muzzles and very little black fur on the rest of their bodies.

The Biewer Terrier’s tail is generally long and curls over the back.

Originating in Germany in the middle of the 1980s, the Biewer was formerly considered to be a variant of the Yorkie.

However, subsequent genetic analysis established that this little, cheerful dog was, in fact, an entirely new breed.

Additionally, this breed is relatively new and was just officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in early 2021.

The Biewer Terrier’s friendly nature makes it a good choice for first-time pet owners as well as those with more expertise with canines.

Final Thoughts

For people who want a low-maintenance companion that doesn’t take up much space, small long haired dog breeds are perfect options. They are usually low-shedding and don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds.

Given that these short dogs tend to be stubborn and dislike being alone for a long period, obedience training and early socialization are essential to minimize potential temperament and behavior problems.

Daily brushing and frequent bathing are also necessary to keep the long fur of these long-haired small dog breeds healthy and lustrous and to prevent tangles and mats from forming.

So, which of these small, long-haired dog breeds do you think is best for you? We would love to hear your opinion in the comment section below!