[Blarg]

I'd also add, don't kid yourself about how much of a commitment you will make to grooming. Knots in animal fur can be painful and even start to tear out the skin! Matted hair is really hard to remove. Knots and mats can snowball too, starting in the morning and becoming a giant painful tangle by evening that takes a good while and a very cooperative dog to cut out. You really have to be all over the grooming if you don't want your long-haired dog to be in trouble. For that reason, I think a long-haired dog is too much trouble for most people and would recommend against it. Don't get too carried away by the looks, Katey! Be practical! You should still be able to find plenty of beautiful, great dogs if you stay practical.