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A dog's coat often serves a very specific purpose for that breed, whether it's just to be visually appealing or to protect the dog from the harsh climate in which it was originally bred.Dog's coats don't just determine how they look or what they were bred for — they also determine the level of care they require. Long-haired dog breeds often need more frequent grooming, though there are exceptions to that rule. Long-haired dog breeds are definitely alluring and majestic, but potential owners should be look into the level of maintenance a specific breed requires before committing to one.
Maintenance aside, the statement-making coats of breeds like the Newfoundland are often well-known for a reason: they're totally stunning, and their fluff makes them great for snuggling. Not to mention some of them were bred for fun water activities or other sports. Here are 15 dogs with long hair that are just begging you to hug them . . . and maybe give them a good brushing.
Afghan Hound
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The Afghan Hound's thick, silky coat helped protect them in harsh mountainous regions where they were first bred, the AKC notes. Both their grooming and exercise needs make them a high-maintenance dog, according to Hill's Pet.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Berners, as some call them, originated as farm dogs in the midland regions of Switzerland, according to the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America. They have a thick, moderately long coat that is always comprised of three colors. They shed a fair amount and require weekly brushing during shedding season, according to the AKC.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are well known for their long, beautiful coats. But a Shih Tzu with a long coat does need daily brushing, according to the AKC. Though their coat can be trimmed to make it lower maintenance.
Rough Collie
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The Rough Collie, also known as the long-haired Collie according to the AKC, isn't a breed itself, but is a variety of the Collie breed. It has a long, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. They require brushing about once a week to prevent their coat from matting, according to the AKC.
Bergamasco
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Bergamasco dogs are thought to have originated in what is now Iran, where they helped their owners herd sheep thousands of years ago, according to the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America. When Bergamascos are around a year old, their "goat and wool" hairs start to grow in. When that happens, the AKC says the coat "must be ripped into mats — a process that can take a few hours or a few evenings." But once you do that, it requires very little to no maintenance — only baths two or three times each year.
English Setter
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These energetic hunting dogs have long, silky coats that require weekly brushing, according to the AKC. Their coat can have a variety of colors with a speckled pattern, called belton, that no other breed has.
Great Pyrenees
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The massive Great Pyrenees is a mighty and loyal guard dog with a thick coat that mostly self-regulates, according to the AKC. That means it requires minimal brushing or cleaning. But they will shed heavily at times, so brushing once a week during those periods will help minimize the mess.
Havanese
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Havanese have a silky coat that needs daily grooming if it's kept long. As a result, some owners have it trimmed shorter to reduce brushing time, according to the AKC. Regardless, they do need regular baths and also need the corners of their eyes wiped clean.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands generally have a thick, black coat, though it can occasionally come in other colors, according to PetMD. Newfies need to be kept indoors during warm months (though they would love to go for a swim), and will also shed a lot during that period. They need regular brushing to prevent matting, and also to better aid their shedding before the hot months come around.
Japanese Chin
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Japanese Chins have a relatively low-maintenance coat, though they do shed. VetStreet recommends brushing once a week to keep your house cleaner, and bathing about once a month.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards can have both short and long hair, according to Hill's Pet. The AKC recommends weekly brushing, and daily brushing during shedding season, which occurs twice a year.
Silky Terrier
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The Silky Terrier's beautiful coat barely sheds, according to VetStreet, making them relatively low-maintenance. Though regular brushing will help keep their coat healthy and shiny (and stunning).
Old English Sheepdog
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The Old English Sheepdog's coat is a big commitment. Their double coat requires weekly grooming "down to the skin," according to the AKC. They can be trimmed to lighten the grooming load, but even then they still require regular brushing. The AKC notes that potential owners should be prepared to put in the work that this sheepdog's coat requires, "or pay a professional groomer, for several sessions each month for the life of the dog."
Portuguese Water Dog
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The Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic breed with "tight, low-shedding curls," according to the AKC. They were bred by fisherman to help retrieve gear and herd fish, according to Dog Time, so they require a ton of exercise.
Chinese Crested
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Chinese Cresteds come in two varieties: hairless and "Powderpuff." (Yes, that is real and I'm not making it up.) Both varieties require grooming; the Powderpuff specifically needs daily brushing and a bath every few weeks to keep their skin healthy and coat ultra-shiny, according to VetStreet.
