Should You Choose a Long-Haired or a Short-Haired Dog?

Should You Choose a Long-Haired or a Short-Haired Dog?

What dog do you prefer? A cat or a dog? If you’re choosing between a short-haired and long-haired dog, which one should you choose? This guide to choosing the right breed of dog for your family will help you figure out whether you should be looking at long-haired dogs or short-haired dogs and what to look out for if you do have your eye on that special long-haired puppy or kitten.

Some dog owners prefer to groom their dogs

The only real preference is whether you are the type of person who enjoys grooming their dog. If you enjoy bathing, brushing, and grooming your dog to maintain their fur, then I would say go for the long-haired dog. If you don't want to deal with all that, or want a faster paced lifestyle with less attention spent on maintenance, then maybe consider a short-haired dog. But just because it is easy to care for doesn't mean it will be easier to train them as well. Just like any pet, a short haired dog needs proper training in order to live in harmony with its owners.

Grooming makes it easier to spot fleas and ticks

Besides how they look, when you’re getting a dog you should consider the fact that it is easier to spot ticks and fleas on short haired dogs than long haired ones. This could be really useful if your family wants to go hiking, since ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and tularemia.

The fur of long-haired dogs is soft on your hands

Some people prefer long hair because they find the fur more pleasing on their hands, while others go for short hair because it's easier to maintain. If you want your dog to be active, go with a short haired one so it won't get tangled in its own fur, but if you want your dog to look nice and lovable, a long haired one is the way to go. It all boils down to what your expectations are from having a dog.

Long-haired dogs have less tendency to shed

A long-haired dog can be an excellent choice because they have less tendency to shed. This means that you are less likely to have hair all over the furniture, as well as a softer and thicker coat for your pet to keep them warm in the winter. Some people even believe that these dogs smell better and tend to groom themselves better than short-haired breeds.

Collars can be challenging for some dog owners with long hair

Dog owners with long hair know collars can be tricky to manage. Finding the right size, proper fit, and style of collar can be frustrating but not impossible. A quick search will show you there are many collars on the market that are designed for dogs with long hair such as: Martingale, choke chain martingale, gentle leader and more. 

The best way to find out which type of collar is best for your dog is to spend time researching each type in order to make an educated decision about what will work best for your situation.

If not taken care of correctly, the fur of some dogs can get matted

Matting is the result of improperly cared for fur. It usually occurs when the dog’s natural oils don’t get distributed, which can happen if their coat is not brushed properly on a regular basis. Mats are made up of fur and dirt, oil, and skin cells from the top layer of your dog’s skin. A build-up will eventually lead to infection and damaged skin which may also cause hair loss.

Both breeds are cute!

Both breeds are adorable but you may want to take into consideration the grooming needs and maintenance of both breeds before you make your final decision. Long hair on dogs means more work in the grooming department. If your pup spends a lot of time outside, they will require more brushing than those who stay indoors most of the time. As well as needing to be bathed more frequently than short-haired breeds. The higher maintenance of long hair isn't for everyone! On the other hand, shorter haired dogs need less attention, don't require much bathing and not as much brushing.

Showing off a hairstyle never goes out of style

The popularity of pet grooming has surged over the last decade, and not just because cats and dogs need to be brushed and styled on occasion. Grooming your dog is a relaxing way to spend time with your pup that also helps you maintain her health. One consideration in the grooming equation, though, is what kind of fur she has - should you go with long or short hair? It's important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each style before making your decision.

Long haired dogs have thicker coats which need more care than their shorter haired counterparts - but they look so cute!