Long coated breeds are perfect for those who love to devote a lot of time to grooming and do not mind a long grooming session. Although grooming a long coated breed is a time consuming task and one that can be quite challenging, it is also very rewarding because the end result is a gorgeous and smooth flowing mane that is rather spectacular.

Long coated breeds can be long and frizzy like a Pomeranian or a Chow Chow, or fluffy all around like a Saint Bernard or a Collie. Some coats are parted down the back, and some are shorter along the back but have long feathers along the ears, underside, and tail like an English Setter. Long coats are very similar to human hair and brushing and combing a long coat is very similar to brushing and combing human hair.

There are a lot of theories as to why dogs have long coats. Some think that herding dogs have long coats so they can better blend in with flocks of sheep. The sheep like coats also gave them protection from the elements. Various toy breeds have said to evolve to have long, lavish coats for the sake of the enjoyment of the royalty that bred and kept them, making the dogs look regal and fit to be royal pets. Over time, as different breeds evolved, long coated breeds were chosen for their grace and beauty, since humans have always admired the aesthetic enjoyment of a long coated dog.

Long coated breeds require daily grooming schedule and extra attention in the grooming process. They need to be brushed and then combed using a flea comb to remove all tangles at least every two days, but preferably everyday. Tangles left untended can trap shed hairs that can turn into mats, and a long coated dog full of mats is not a very pleasant sight. And because long coats have greater risk for tangles, they also need bathing more often than smooth coats. Long coated dogs require a monthly bath and conditioning, and blow out to maintain the coat in top shape.

Breeds with long coat include the Shih Tzu, the English Setter, the Havanese, the Papillion, the Pekingese, the Bearded Collie, the Longhaired Chihuahua, the Gordon Setter, the Maltese, and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Japanese Chin, the Pomeranian, the Silky Terrier, the Newfoundland, and the Keeshond.