Many people believe that animals with thick, soft fur are more adorable and attractive. Some animals are famous for their long, thick fur, which is several times longer than that of other animals of the same type. Below, we've compiled a list of the ten animals with the longest fur: Gypsy horse, Scottish Highland cattle, Angora rabbit, Shih Tzu bear, Siberian cat, Merino sheep, Komondor, Afghan hound, and Polish chicken. These animals' thick, long fur and beautiful appearance are admirable, but it's crucial to protect their habitats and resources to ensure their continued survival on Earth. Let's take a look!
1. Gypsy horse
Gypsy horses are known for their long, wavy hair around their necks and the white, feathery hair covering their hooves. They are mostly found in the British Isles and are believed to have originated in Britain and Ireland. They are named after their history as draft horses by the Gypsies. Gypsy horses come in a variety of colors, usually patterned, but also include solid black, white, and tan. They are relatively small, standing between 1.32 and 1.68 meters tall. Gypsy horses are brave, loyal, confident, and enthusiastic, and very docile, making them frequently chosen as official horses for the British Royal Family and also often used in fashion and wedding photography.
2. Scottish Highland cattle
The Scottish Highland cattle are large, even-toed ungulates, an ancient breed known for their robust build and strong digestive system, capable of consuming plants that other cattle typically avoid. They are covered in long, golden-red hair, particularly the long hair on their heads that cascades down like bangs covering their eyes. They are characterized by their long horns, heavy forequarters, and fierce temperament. Because their long hair often obscures their eyes and their muzzle is often pursed, giving them a somewhat unconventional appearance, they are commonly referred to as "non-mainstream cattle" in China. Other names include "Jay Chou cattle" and "grass mud cattle."
3. Angora rabbit
Angora rabbits, also known as long-haired rabbits, originated in Asia Minor, and their name comes from the city of Angora in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. In 1723, Angora rabbits were brought to France by British sailors and gradually spread throughout the world. Later, different breeds developed in France, Britain, Germany, and China. Angora rabbits can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, chestnut, blue, gray, and yellow. White Angora rabbits are the most common because their fur is suitable for dyeing. It's worth noting that white Angora rabbits usually have red eyes, while colored Angora rabbits have black eyes.
4. Xi Shi Bear
The Shih Tzu Bear is a long-haired breed bred from the Golden Hamster. It boasts soft, luxurious long fur and a gentle temperament, making it a favorite among pet lovers. Currently, the identification of the Shih Tzu Bear is clearly defined and standardized. Due to the large number of hybrid Shih Tzu Bears, the main distinguishing criteria are eye color, fur color, fur density, luster, and facial shape. However, in reality, this breed is simply selected from the most attractive long-haired hamsters and given the name "Shih Tzu," thus it is considered a common long-haired hamster.
5. Siberian Forest Cat
The Siberian cat, known as "Сибирская" in Russian, is also called the Siberian Forest Cat and is the national cat of Russia. The earliest written records of Siberian cats date back to the 11th century. They are the most common cat breed in Russian markets and the Siberian countryside. Due to the harsh natural environment of Siberia, Siberian cats have long coats, even including a thick ruff around their necks. Their coat is hard, smooth, and oily, while the undercoat is dense and thick. They are large cats, weighing over 9 kilograms, making them one of the largest cat breeds. This size allows them to survive and reproduce in the harsh environment of Siberia.
6. Merino sheep
The Merino sheep is a fine-wool sheep breed originating in Spain. It was introduced to the United States in the mid-16th century and subsequently spread to other countries such as Australia and Russia. These fine-wool sheep are famous for their abundant wool, and the most famous of them is a sheep named Shrek. While sheep of this breed require shearing five times a year, Shrek went seven years without being sheared.
When people realized the weight of Shrek's wool, it reached a staggering 27 kilograms, five times the annual yield of wool from a Merino sheep. Therefore, Shrek was hailed as the Merino sheep with the longest wool in history. This discovery sparked widespread attention and discussion, astonishing people with the quality of Merino wool and spurring advancements and development in related technologies and industries.
7. Komondor
The Hungarian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Komondor, originated in the Pussita region of Hungary. This breed has long, sometimes ground-length hair, resembling a mop, hence its nickname "Mop Dog." Furthermore, the Hungarian Shepherd Dog is the only breed of dog that can dive. They are devoted to their families and the sheep they protect. Due to their alertness, courage, outstanding loyalty, and guarding abilities, the Hungarian Shepherd Dog is one of the best guardians of families and flocks. As a sheepdog, they are deeply caring and protective of those around them and their flocks. Consequently, the Hungarian Shepherd Dog holds a high value and status in families and the sheep farming industry, and is widely used for herding and guarding sheep.
8. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest hound breeds, distinguished primarily by its thick, fine, and silky coat and its tail, which curls at the end. These distinctive features stem from the unique environment of the cold, mountainous regions of Afghanistan and eastern Iran. Originally, these dogs were primarily used for hunting, tracking prey with their eyesight and following hunters on horseback. However, because Afghan Hounds are extremely fast and often lag far behind their horses, they had to rely on their own eyesight and intelligence to hunt, rather than on the hunter's commands.
9. Polish Chicken
The Polish chicken, also known as the Lionhead chicken, has a magnificent crest on its head resembling a lion's head. These crest feathers are so distinctive that they sometimes grow long enough to cover the chicken's face, much like the unruly hair of a member of the Beatles, giving it a very individualistic look. This is one of the most distinctive features of the Polish chicken. There are several sub-breeds of Polish chickens, one of which, introduced to my country, has dark, scale-like patterns on the edges of its feathers, making it very elegant and beautiful. Their color is usually gold or silver, making them one of the most popular ornamental chicken breeds.
10. Guinea Pig with reversed fur
The guinea pig, also known as the "spiny guinea pig," is a herbivorous rodent. Compared to other guinea pigs, the spiny guinea pig is larger, growing up to 15-20 centimeters in length, making it perfect for handling and playing. They are renowned for their long, soft, and beautiful fur, making them one of the most popular pet guinea pigs. The spiny guinea pig's fur comes in a variety of colors, including white, brown, black, and black and white, with a fine, silky softness; some even call it the "satin guinea pig."
The list of the ten animals with the longest fur was compiled by searching various online platforms, based on the length of their fur (feathers), and taking into account their popularity and influence. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment/criticize at the end.
