They need brushed regularly... at least 3 times a week i'd say, because they pick up all kinds of things in their fur whilst out! The hair around the ears needs particular attention so that matts don't form. Will it be a pet or a working dog?? We ALWAYS have our working dogs clipped... any good groomer will take off the middle of the belly, the back, trim the ears, but leave the feathers, the sides of the belly, and the tail, so that they have the appearance of a full coat. They are mucky dogs normally... they love to get in water and dirt so, clipping really cuts down the clean up operation afterwards.