Tiny in size, high in maintenance — some micro dog breeds may look like stuffed animals, but keeping them that cute is practically an art form. These little fashionistas require regular grooming to stay tangle-free, fluffy, and fabulous. If you love the idea of brushing silky coats, booking pup spa days, and proudly showing off your four-legged supermodel, these are the dogs for you.
Don’t be fooled by their dainty looks. These small dogs have big personalities and an even bigger need for grooming care. From daily brushing to professional trims, managing their luxurious coats takes time, effort, and the right tools — but it’s all worth it when you see their strut post-salon visit.
We’ll introduce you to the high-maintenance breeds — the ones who live for style and attention. Whether you’re an experienced dog parent or someone who sees grooming as bonding time, you’ll find plenty of fabulous fur babies to fall in love with.
High-Maintenance Grooming Micro Dog Breeds
1. Brussels Griffon
If there’s a doggy diva of the small world, it’s the Brussels Griffon. This breed is a tiny but high-maintenance dog in the best possible way. With their big eyes, adorable faces, and tiny little legs, they’re like the dog version of a luxury handbag—a little pricey in grooming, but worth every penny.
Brussels Griffons have a distinctive beard and a ruff of hair around their necks, making them one of the most dapper dogs around. But, of course, dapper takes work, and this little guy will need regular combing and trimming to avoid looking like they’ve been caught in a windstorm.
Grooming Needs: Moderate to high (Get ready for some serious fluff taming.)
Special Grooming Tip: These guys require regular brushing to keep their thick double coats looking fluffy and tangle-free—and the mustache? That needs to be kept neat.
As per PetMD, they thrive on companionship and are often called “Velcro” dogs because of the strong bond they form with their beloved humans.
Fun Fact: If you think this breed’s grooming routine is demanding, just wait until you realize that they’re also emotional—they might need a spa day after a trip to the vet or a change in routine. Fluff and feelings—that’s what we call a combo.
Note: They may be small, but they’ll make up for it with their larger-than-life personalities.
2. Bichon Frise
If fluffiness had a mascot, it would be the Bichon Frise. These little dogs are like walking marshmallows, and no one does the “fluffy look” better than them. But let’s be real: all that fluff is like a tiny, adorable grooming monster that requires serious upkeep.
The Bichon Frise’s cotton-like fur may look adorable, but underneath that cuteness is a grooming regimen fit for royalty. Regular brushing is a must to avoid knots and tangles, and don’t even get us started on the bath time routine. When a Bichon gets dirty, it can look like a puffy cloud that’s been through a storm.
Grooming Needs: High (Think weekly trims and regular baths.)
Special Grooming Tip: You’ll want to brush this ball of fluff every single day to keep its coat from turning into a matted disaster.
Fun Fact: Their ears and face are the main culprits for getting dirty, so you’ll need to keep a constant eye on those spots to avoid a dingy appearance.
As per WebMD, because Bichons are sociable, they are well-suited to indoor life and make excellent city dogs.
But the payoff? This fluffball’s adorable personality and sweet nature make it all worth it—plus, who can resist that baby-face expression?
3. Maltese
The Maltese is the definition of tiny but mighty, and when it comes to grooming, they don’t settle for anything less than perfection.
With their luxurious white fluffy coat that could rival any spa treatment, the Maltese requires frequent grooming to keep them looking their best. But hey, if you’re into brushes and bows, this little cutie will keep you entertained for hours.
Grooming Needs: High (Daily brushing, frequent bathing, and regular trims.)
Special Grooming Tip: Maltese coats tend to tangle easily, so brushing them every day is a must. You’ll also need to keep their facial hair trimmed to prevent any embarrassing food stains (because let’s face it, their mug can be a magnet for drool).
But their adorable face, soft, silky coat, and sweet personality more than make up for it. Plus, did we mention their natural talent for wearing bows? If anyone was born to rock a glamorous look, it’s the Maltese!
4. Poodle
This popular dog breed is the true glamour queen of the dog world. Whether they’re rocking a classic show cut or just their regular “I woke up like this” look, Poodles take grooming seriously—and so should you!
Known for their hypoallergenic coat (which is great for allergy sufferers, but still requires major maintenance), Poodles need frequent attention to keep their fur from becoming a tangled mess.
Grooming Needs: Very high (Regular trims, daily brushing, and periodic baths.)
Special Grooming Tip: Poodles have curly coats that can get matted if not properly maintained. So, you’ll need to keep their coats short or trim them regularly to prevent wool-like tangles. Don’t forget about their ears—those fluffy beauties need regular cleaning to avoid wax buildup.
Fun Fact: Poodles are highly intelligent and calm dogs and love to learn, so they’re perfect for training, especially when it comes to sitting still for a grooming session. But be warned: grooming time might turn into “let’s play dress-up” time. They love the spotlight!
5. Yorkshire Terrier
If you think the Yorkshire Terrier is a low-maintenance dog, think again! Despite their small size, these spunky dogs have a luxurious long coat that’s the gold standard for high-maintenance grooming.
Their silky fur is like a velvet ribbon, but getting it to stay that way requires consistent care. And don’t let their size fool you—these little dogs have a huge personality to match their grooming demands!
As per PetMD, despite the Yorkie’s small stature, their oversized personality makes them think of themselves as much larger than they are, and they can be excessive barkers.
Grooming Needs: High (Daily brushing, regular trims, and occasional baths.)
Special Grooming Tip: The Yorkshire Terrier’s long coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats. You’ll also need to trim their hair regularly around the eyes, ears, and paws to avoid excess buildup and ensure they stay sharp and chic.
But once you’ve mastered the art of keeping their hair in check, they’re one of the most adorable dogs around. Plus, have you seen how adorable they look with a bow in their hair? Runway ready, every day.
6. Pomeranian
When you think of a Pomeranian, you probably picture a fluffy cloud on four tiny paws, strutting around like it owns the place. And they pretty much do. These pint-sized fluff cuties might look like easy-to-care-for pups, but maintaining their glorious double coat is no joke.
But if you’re ready to commit to some serious fluff management, you’ll be rewarded with a spunky little personality and a dog that turns heads everywhere they go.
Grooming Needs: Very high (Daily brushing, frequent baths, and regular trims.)
Special Grooming Tip: Those fluffy layers? They love to tangle, so daily brushing is a must! Make sure you’re also brushing their undercoat to prevent mats. Oh, and don’t forget their mane—it’s like a lion’s mane, and it needs attention.
While you’re brushing, be prepared for the “Pomeranian drama,” where they may give you a side-eye as if to say, “I’m royalty, you know.” But once that coat is shiny and untangled, you’ll feel like you’ve just created a fur masterpiece.
Fun Fact: Poms are known for their poofy tails, which only add to their majestic look. Keep that tail fluffy and watch your Pom strut like they’re on a doggy runway.
7. Shih Tzu
Ah, the Shih Tzu—the dog breed that’s a living plush toy with a big personality. With their long, silky fur, these little cuties are walking accessories that demand the finest in grooming. They might be small, but their glamorous look comes with serious maintenance.
With a short muzzle, large dark eyes, floppy ears, and a distinct underbite, Shih Tzus have an adorable, lion-like appearance, fitting since their name means “lion dog” in Chinese.
According to Britannica, the Shih Tzu is fairly high-energy and exuberant. Like most ancient Asian breeds, it can be slow to obey, but once it decides to cooperate, it can learn quickly. If you’re ready to keep their coat looking sleek and shiny, you’ll be rewarded with a dog that’s as affectionate as they are fabulous.
Grooming Needs: Very high (Daily brushing, regular trims, and frequent baths.)
Special Grooming Tip: The Shih Tzu’s long coat needs daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting. Plus, their hair grows long around their face and eyes, so you’ll need to trim that regularly. And let’s not forget about their beautiful ears, which require some care to avoid getting dirty or matted.
Bonus: If you want your Shih Tzu to look extra glam (because who wouldn’t want their dog to resemble a fluffy Hollywood starlet?), give them a bow or clip for a final touch. But be warned—they’ll love the attention they get when they show off their adorable look.
Conclusion
High-maintenance dog breeds may be big or small in size, but they require a significant commitment from pet owners when it comes to grooming, activity levels, and overall care. Many of these beloved pets, such as the Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, are known for their luxurious, long-haired coats that need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. These double-coated dogs often shed heavily and require frequent brushing and occasional trimming to maintain their coat health.
Even breeds not typically seen as grooming-intensive, like the Portuguese Water Dog, still need consistent coat care to avoid tangles and skin issues. Meanwhile, Siberian Huskies and Afghan Hounds—though not micro in size—serve as examples of high-maintenance dogs due to their thick, double coats and the need for specialized grooming routines.
Beyond grooming, many high-maintenance breeds are also energetic dogs that require mental stimulation and plenty of physical activity. Breeds like the Border Collie, often used as herding dogs, may be small but have an intense drive to work, play, and stay active. Without proper outlets for their energy, these dogs can develop behavioral issues, further adding to the maintenance involved. These active dogs need attentive care, an understanding of their unique dog’s coat and health needs, and a dedication to fulfilling their physical and mental demands. For the right pet owners, the joy and companionship these beautiful, lively, and loyal breeds offer are well worth the extra effort.
