Dogs bring joy, love, and companionship into our lives. Different dog breeds have different sizes and personalities, making them unique from other members of the dog kingdom. Having that said, not all dog breeds have the same health and grooming needs.
Various dog breeds require more attention than others. Some have special grooming needs due to their luxurious coats, while others require extra care due to being vulnerable to digestive issues, skin, or respiratory problems.
Such dog breeds are well-suited for owners who can dedicate enough time and energy to keep them happy. Are you looking for a pup with an impressive hairdo? Or do you want to adopt a high-maintenance breed?
Have a look at these 9 dog breeds that require plenty of attention from their owners.
Dog Breeds that Require Constant Attention
1. Chihuahua
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. Known for their spirited nature, Chihuahuas love being the center of attention. These small pooches crave constant companionship and become anxious when left alone for extended periods.
Chihuahuas are the little bags of energy that form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for their loyalty to their humans and may become possessive. Training and socialization can help prevent small dog syndrome.
A bored Chihuahua can exhibit destructive behavior. Therefore, extensive exercise is needed for physical and mental stimulation. They do well in households where they are a part of family activities.
2. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Pugs are small dogs, but their desire for companionship is big! These charming wrinkly dogs can make everyone around them smile. They thrive in social settings where they are the center of attention.
Pugs are people pleasers and like to feel included in family activities. These pint-sized pups are the life of the party. These affectionate and loyal dogs form a bond that lasts a lifetime. Pugs are vulnerable to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
These family pets will fill your home with joy and laughter with their playful antics and endearing snorts. According to PetMD, pug is a brachycephalic breed—their flat faces need extra care to prevent overheating and breathing issues.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, nicknamed “love sponges” of the dogdom, thrive on human companionship. Just like their royal name, they exude elegance and love being pampered. These dogs have a gentle and loving disposition.
The small lapdogs are always ready to cuddle. With expressive eyes and warm gestures, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require a lot of love and physical contact, including belly rubs. They can also become anxious if left alone for extended periods.
Cavaliers are known for their adaptability and fitting into various lifestyles. Their long, silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Planning to adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? You’d better work from home or quit your job to spend time with them!
4. Border Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Border Collies are very smart and intelligent dogs that require constant physical and mental stimulation. This “canine Einstein” has extremely high energy levels. If this energy is not channeled properly, they can become aggressive and exhibit destructive behavior.
These energetic dogs want more than a simple daily jog! According to PDSA, Border Collies require a minimum of two hours of daily exercise. They need a large and secure garden to play and run in between walks.
Apart from physical activity, they also need mental stimulation. Make sure to have plenty of time to play with your dog. Have training sessions and create some games, such as puzzle feeders for your dogs. These games will really challenge their minds.
5. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
One of the most popular breeds, Labrador Retrievers have a friendly and outgoing nature. These energetic dogs require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate engagement, Labs may show destructive behavior.
Daily exercise, play sessions, and proper training are important to keep these affectionate dogs happy and well-behaved. Labs get along well with children and are extremely loyal.
It is important to start training your Labrador Retriever at a young age. Let them participate in obedience training sessions. Your Lab needs to be socialized with different people and pets. With specialized training, they can become service or therapy dogs.
6. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Known for their distinctive bat-like ears, French bulldogs are known for their charming personalities. They form deep bonds with their families and are always eager to stay by their side. These clingy pooches crave constant companionship and attention.
While Frenchies can be playful and full of energy, they also have a reputation for being the ultimate couch potatoes. These homebodies are content with lounging or going for short walks. Frenchies are the little bundles of joy who bring warmth and laughter to your home!
However, they are susceptible to developing social anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Moreover, these pups are vulnerable to skin, ear, respiratory, and joint problems, meaning your vet bills are higher than average.
7. Siberian Husky
Breed Profile
Height: 20 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Prized for its handsome appearance and athletic personality, Siberian Huskies require 24/7 attention from their owners due to being escape artists. Siberian Huskies love cuddles, so if you are planning to adopt one, make sure to build in plenty of time for that.
Siberian Huskies love getting attention from every family member, making them a great pet for families with multiple dogs or young children. Due to their high energy levels and independent nature, they are well-suited for experienced owners.
Huskies shed a lot—their coat needs to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent matting and tangles. In addition, you get to spend a lot of time with your vacuum if you adopt these fluffy pooches.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
According to the American Kennel Club, the Yorkshire terrier is a toy dog, having an affectionate and tomboyish personality. These loud and expressive dogs love pretending like the main character. They don’t just love attention, they live for it!
Yorkshire terriers are not couch potatoes. These active fellas require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Take your Yorkshire terrier for 15-30 minutes walks per day. They can be physically and mentally stimulated with activities like dog sports, agility, and fetch games.
Their long, silky, and straight coat, looking more like human hair, needs extensive grooming. Take your Yorkie for professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Daily brush your pup’s hair using a slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
9. Cocker Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
One of the popular dog breeds of the 80s, Cocker Spaniels, love their human companions. These sweet and affectionate dogs are always eager to please. They are pretty emotional and use barks, whines, and expressive body language to let you know about their feelings.
They are also vulnerable to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. With proper training, they can become possessive, protective, and clingy. With their soulful eyes, they constantly crave attention and affection.
Apart from this, Cocker spaniels have high grooming needs, including spa visits for baths, blow-dries, and trims. Regularly brush your Cocker Spaniel’s coat, especially during seasonal shedding, to prevent matting and protect your furniture from dander.
Conclusion
While some dog breeds have an independent nature, many others prefer to cling to their pet parent all the time. Dogs require constant human interaction for many reasons, such as grooming needs, exercise requirements, and temperament. If you are planning to adopt any such dog breed, make sure to take out plenty of time and shower them with love!
