13 Examples of Animals With Long Hair (Pictures)

While you may not understand how long hair can benefit animals in the wild, there are several different species of animals with long hair that utilize this introducing attribute to their advantage. For example, some long hair can help keep the animal warm, while other long hair attacks as a defense mechanism to protect the animal from predators.

13 Animals With Long Hair

While there are more than 13 different animals with long hair, the following list will help set you on the right path to learn more about these interesting creatures with impressive locks.

1. Lhasa Apso

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and, for hundreds of years, were actually bred to guard Buddhist monasteries, but are now a popular sight in dog shows. They have long, silky-like hair that requires regular grooming and combing to keep it free of mats and looking its best.

2. Angora Goat

Scientific Name: Capra aegagrus hircus

Angora Goats are kept for their long mohair, which is used in various industries, such as apparel and upholstery. They are a Turkish breed and an adult Angora Goat can produce up to 10 pounds of mohair every year, with each fiber reaching lengths of between 8 and 10 inches long.

3. Norwegian Forest Cat

Scientific Name: Felis catus

This domestic cat species is covered in long fur, which helps to keep the cat warm and protected while outside in cold climates. Not only are they equipped with a long top coat that is glossy and able to shed water, but they also have an undercoat with a woolly-like feel that helps to insulate the cat and keep heat in.

4. Afghan Hound

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

The Afghan hound is known for its extremely long hair that has a silky-like appearance. Their coats are not just for looking good, they also are thick and help to protect the canine against the cold temperatures in their native mountain regions. Afghan hounds have an aloof and easy-going nature, but their hair does continue to grow and require regular maintenance.

5. Peruvian Guinea Pig

Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus

It is fairly easy to tell a Peruvian guinea pig from a different guinea pig species thanks to its long fur. Their thick, silky hair can reach up to 20 inches long and is soft and smooth. Sometimes, however, their hair can look a little unkempt and this breed does require more grooming than other guinea pig breeds with shorter fur.

6. Dutch Landrace Goat

Scientific Name: Capra aegagrus hircus

Dutch Landrace goats are medium sized with a striking appearance, thanks to their long hair and impressive horns. This goat breed can be used for milk, meat, and fiber, and is native to the Netherlands. Their long hair is soft and smooth, and their horns can be up to 40 inches long!

7. Silkie

Scientific Name: Gallus gallus

Despite not having actual hair, they have feathers instead, we have still included silkies on our list because they produce long, fluffy, and soft plumage. This chicken species is often said to feel like satin or silk, and they are relatively small in size. Because of their calm and even temperament, silkies are a good choice for backyard flocks and people who are new to raising chickens.

8. Galineers Cob

Scientific Name: Equus caballus

This horse species goes by various names, including Irish Cob and Gypsy Vanner, and is native to Ireland and Great Britain. They are well revered for their silky leg hair that is long, straight, and feathered. This hair is found on the lower portion of their legs, and can be several inches long.

9. Musk Ox

Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus

Despite its name, the musk ox is actually more closely related to goats and sheep than it is to oxen, and these creatures hold the title of having the longest hair of any other animal species. Their hair can reach almost 40-inches long. Musk ox are native to Greenland and northern Canada, but have also been reintroduced to other countries, including Sweden, Alaska, Norway, and Russia.

10. Highland Cattle

Scientific Name: Bos taurus taurus

Highland cattle are native to the Scottish Highland, and are the hairiest of all the cattle species. They have a thick and long red coat that is wavy and heavy. It is this coat that helps to protect the cattle from the elements. This species of cattle also has impressive horns that they use to forage for food in the snow.

11. Spotted Apatelodes

Scientific Name: Apatelodes torrefacta

The spotted apateldoes has long hair in both its caterpillar and moth form, but it’s the caterpillar form that has the longer hair. The caterpillar form of this animal is covered in long white hair, but this will change as the caterpillar ages and the color changes to a bright yellow. They will also have long tufts of black hair at their rear and behind their head.

12. Komondors

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

Also known as Hungarian sheepdogs, these impressive canines are native to Hungary and have currently been declared a national treasure of the country. These large dogs have corded hair that looks similar to a mophead and can be as long as 10 inches. In fact, the coat of the komondor is said to be one of the heaviest coats of all the dog species.

13. Angora Rabbits

Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus

Angora rabbits are well-known for having extremely soft, downy-like fur that has a silky feel. Their wool grows rather quickly, with an adult angora rabbit’s fur growing a little over an inch every month. This means that the angora rabbit breed needs regular grooming to prevent their fur from matting, which can lead to infection and discomfort.