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European Longhair

Loved by 86% of pet parents

Sociable and adaptable, this breed forms strong bonds with people and thrives in active households. Luxurious semi-long fur and a playful spirit make every day lively.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

30–35 cm (male)

28–33 cm (female)

WEIGHT

4–8 kg (male)

3.5–6 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–16 years

European Longhair: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Felidae

Genus

Felis

Species

Felis catus

Diet

Carnivore

"A European Longhair isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding European Longhair's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

European Longhairs are known for their balanced and gentle temperament, often displaying affection and sociability with family members while remaining generally tolerant of children and other pets.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Enjoys socializing with people and other pets

Intelligence

Learns new routines and environments quickly

Energy Level

Moderate activity, enjoys both rest and play

Playfulness

Likes interactive toys and gentle games

Adaptability

Adjusts well to new situations and changes

Strengths

Adaptable to various home environments
Generally good with children and pets
Plush double coat offers weather protection
Moderate activity level suits indoor living
Intelligent and quick to learn new routines

Challenges

Requires frequent grooming to prevent matting
May develop hairballs due to long fur
Prone to dental issues if not monitored
Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom

Protect your European Longhair

European Longhair can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dental disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

European Longhairs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

This breed is intelligent and adaptable, responding well to positive reinforcement during training. They quickly learn household routines and often enjoy interactive toys and puzzle feeders.

Trainable Tasks:

Basic obedience commands

Recall training

Leash walking manners

Agility course navigation

Scent detection games

Socialization with other dogs

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

20–30 minutes active play

recommended per day

European Longhairs have moderate exercise needs and benefit from daily play sessions that engage both mind and body. Regular interactive play and environmental enrichment help prevent boredom and maintain healthy activity levels.

Recommended Activities:

Daily brisk walks

Agility training sessions

Hide-and-seek games

Interactive treat puzzles

Play sessions with toys

Off-leash park visits

Is this breed right for you?

European Longhairs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a European Longhair would fit well in your home.