Long-haired dogs need a different shampoo than short-coated breeds. The fur has more surface area, holds more moisture, picks up more debris between baths, and tangles fast — especially around the legs, belly, and ears.
We made our Coconut-Peppermint Shampoo specifically for these breeds. If you have a Maltese, Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, or Afghan Hound, this is the formula.
The problem with one-size-fits-all shampoos
Most dog shampoos are formulated for a generic “medium coat.” On a long-haired dog, they cause two issues:
- Coat goes flat. Heavy surfactants strip the natural oils that give long fur its volume and movement.
- Tangling gets worse. Without conditioning ingredients, every wash sets up the next round of matting.
The result: a clean dog that looks dull and tangles within a day of brushing.
What’s in our Coconut-Peppermint formula
Three functional ingredients do most of the work.
Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) penetrates the hair shaft — most plant oils only coat the surface — and reduces protein loss during washing. This is the primary reason long-haired-dog professionals reach for coconut-based products.
Sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides) is the secret weapon for coat shine. It contains a rare omega-7 fatty acid that supports keratin in hair and skin.
Peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita) gives the formula a fresh, clean finish. Mild antimicrobial properties also reduce the “wet dog” smell that tends to linger in dense coats.
The cleaning ingredients are the same gentle glucoside surfactants we use across all our formulas, derived from corn and coconut. Aloe vera leaf juice rounds out the soothing side.
How to wash a long-haired dog
A few things help long coats specifically:
- Brush first, then bathe. Wet tangles tighten instead of loosening.
- Wet thoroughly. Long fur takes 60+ seconds of soaking before water actually reaches the skin.
- Use enough shampoo. A walnut-sized amount for a Maltese, larger for an Afghan. Dilute with a little water in your hand first.
- Massage in the direction the hair grows. Working against the grain creates new tangles.
- Rinse twice. Long fur traps soap residue, which is what makes the coat look dull a few days after bathing.
- Towel dry, then air dry. Hair dryers can over-dry already-thirsty long coats.
How often
For most long-haired breeds, every two to three weeks. For active dogs or breeds that mat easily (Maltese, Yorkie), weekly use is fine — the formula is gentle enough not to strip oils with frequent washing.
What’s not in it
No parabens. No phthalates. No synthetic fragrances. No artificial dyes. Cruelty-free. Recyclable PET bottle.
Who it’s not for
For dogs with sensitive or reactive skin, our Avocado-Lavender formula is gentler. For dogs with dry, dull coats, our Hemp Oil-Rosemary delivers more deep nourishment. The Coconut-Peppermint is specifically a detangling, freshening wash for long-haired breeds.
Hand-mixed in small batches in Tartu, Estonia. Currently shipping to the Northeast US. $22.50 per 300ml bottle.