Breed Characteristics
Long-haired dog breeds come in different sizes, temperaments, and coat types, from moplike to fluffy to flowy.
Many spitz breeds and mountain dogs are double-coated and have long hair to protect them from harsh weather or keep them warm. Additionally, herding dogs have long bangs that flow in their eyes to shield their eyes from the beating sun while out on the fields.
Many long-haired breeds, namely single-coated dogs, tend to shed less and may even be a more suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
Breeds to Avoid
Hands down, if you have allergies, some long-haired dog breeds to avoid would be double-coated dogs that tend to shed and have major coat blow-outs. Dogs like Shelties, collies, and Polish lowland sheepdogs drop their undercoats twice a year, which gets hair everywhere. Those furballs carry the dander that triggers allergies.
Other breeds to give you pause regarding coat maintenance are corded breeds that you intend to keep coifed in their rope-like locks. When those breeds need bathing, the cords need special washing and drying care to ensure the locks do not get bacterial or fungal growth like mold or mildew.
