Bringing a dog home should be a source of joy, not constant stress. Yet many owners discover too late that their new companion needs far more than they bargained for.
Endless grooming sessions, frequent vet visits, and boundless energy quickly turn excitement into exhaustion. This is not the fault of the dog but rather a mismatch between breed requirements and the owner’s lifestyle.
The good news is that it can be avoided with the right knowledge beforehand. By identifying breeds that are famously high-maintenance, people can make informed decisions and avoid the heartache of feeling overwhelmed.
The article that follows highlights the breeds that consistently top the list for being demanding and explains why they may not be the right choice for most households.
Dog Breeds To Avoid Due to High Maintenance
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is admired for its elegance, with a dignified presence that feels almost royal. Their independence is often seen as aloofness, though it reflects a breed shaped by centuries of hunting in harsh terrains. This self-assured nature makes them both intriguing and challenging companions.
Grooming on Another Level
Their flowing coat is a commitment that requires daily attention. From specialized brushes to weekly baths, caring for their hair is an intensive process. Missing a day can lead to tangles that are nearly impossible to fix without professional help.
Extra care adds up fast:
Regular blow-drying sessions
Multiple types of combs for different layers
Professional grooming every few weeks
A True Athlete at Heart
Beyond the grooming table, Afghan Hounds demand physical outlets. As sighthounds, they were bred to chase game across long stretches, reaching speeds up to 40 mph, as stated in Purina. Without open space and time to run, their restless energy can easily build into frustration.
Beauty That Comes With Effort
The combination of athletic needs and regular grooming makes this breed one of the most high-maintenance on the list. While their elegance is breathtaking, it comes with a lifestyle that requires patience, dedication, and consistent care. For many households, that balance can be difficult to maintain.
Note: However, if you’re curious about the real cost of keeping such a glamorous coat in shape, this groomer tip calculator can give you a clearer picture of what regular visits might add up to.
Dog Groomer Tip Calculator
Simple amount (total bill): $0.00
Amount with tip: $0.00
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are always alert, their sharp eyes scanning every movement around them. This intense awareness makes them excellent working dogs, but overwhelming in a household setting. Their drive to stay engaged rarely has an “off switch.”
Mental Demands That Never End
The breed’s reputation as the most intelligent dog comes with challenges. Their active minds require tasks beyond casual walks or basic training. Without steady engagement, that brilliance can turn into restlessness and frustration.
They’re also known for traits that add to their demanding nature:
High herding instincts that extend to people and pets
Quick reactions to sounds and movements
A constant need for new problem-solving tasks
Energy Levels Few Can Match
Border Collies are built for long hours of work, and that intensity carries over into family life. They can become destructive or hyperactive when confined without enough outlets. Their demanding nature often leaves inexperienced owners overwhelmed.
Grooming Adds to the Challenge
Their double coat requires consistent upkeep, especially during shedding seasons. Regular brushing becomes essential, and even then, loose fur seems to find its way into every corner of the home. Managing this coat adds another layer of maintenance.
3. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky’s background as a sled dog makes it one of the most athletic breeds in the world. These dogs were bred to pull loads for miles across frozen landscapes, and that energy hasn’t left them. For most homes, meeting those exercise needs can be overwhelming.
Demands That Few Can Match
Their stamina is so remarkable that Huskies can pull a sled for up to 100 miles in a single run, as per the AKC. This level of endurance is rarely matched in daily life, leaving them restless without constant outlets. On top of this, their independent streak requires an experienced handler.
Some challenges that wear people out quickly include:
Escaping fenced yards if not secured properly
Vocal habits that include howling and “talking”
Heavy seasonal shedding, especially during coat blowouts
Climate and Lifestyle Conflicts
Huskies are naturally built for the cold, and while they’re comfortable in freezing temperatures, heat is another story. Families in warmer regions often struggle to keep them comfortable year-round. Combined with their noise levels, they may not suit tightly packed neighborhoods.
The Ongoing Grooming Battle
Their thick double coat is stunning but demands serious upkeep. Shedding happens constantly, with dramatic coat blowouts twice a year that leave hair on every surface. For people who prefer a low-maintenance home, this breed is far from an easy fit.
4. Poodle
Poodles are naturally outgoing and thrive on being included in daily life. They bond quickly with people and dislike being left out of the action. This need for constant interaction often makes them demanding companions for busy households.
Demanding Coats That Need Care
Their famous curly coats are beautiful but far from easy to maintain. Regular brushing and professional grooming are necessary to keep their fur from matting. Without this care, their coats can quickly become unmanageable.
Poodle upkeep often stretches beyond grooming. For example:
Coat clipping is recommended every 4–6 weeks.
- Special shampoos are used to keep curls healthy.
Skilled groomers are often needed for traditional cuts.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Intelligence is both a blessing and a challenge with Poodles. They require activities that test their problem-solving abilities along with daily exercise. A lack of enrichment can lead to frustration and unwanted behavior.
A Breed That Stays in the Spotlight
Their elegance and versatility have made them a show-ring favorite for decades. This visibility reinforces their reputation as a breed that demands effort, time, and resources. Keeping a Poodle looking and feeling its best is far from a casual task.
5. Akita
Akitas carry a proud and dominant personality that requires steady guidance. Their natural guarding instincts can quickly become overwhelming without structure. Because of this, they are considered a breed better suited for experienced handlers.
Grooming and Shedding Challenges
That thick double coat looks magnificent but requires constant upkeep. Seasonal shedding, often called “blowing coat,” means extra cleaning and regular brushing sessions. For many households, the amount of fur care alone can feel like a full-time task.
These dogs bring additional challenges, too:
Independent decision-making that resists commands
Strong territorial instincts toward other animals
Grooming needs that intensify during seasonal changes
Training and Social Needs
Akitas cannot be left to their own devices during development. They require proper training paired with mental stimulation to keep their intelligence in balance. Early socialization with people and pets is also vital to reducing aggressive tendencies.
Exercise and Energy Levels
A large, powerful frame means they need consistent outlets for their stamina. Daily walks are not enough; they benefit from structured exercise routines that match their strength. Without this, frustration often turns into destructive behavior.
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chows carry an air of nobility that makes them stand apart in any setting. Their calm yet watchful presence is tied to an independent nature, which can sometimes make training a challenge. This breed is not overly expressive but shows loyalty in subtle, steadfast ways.
Demanding Grooming Needs
The breed’s plush double coat may look stunning, but it requires constant upkeep. Without regular brushing, the fur mats quickly, leading to discomfort and skin issues. Even bathing is a time-consuming task, often leaving owners reliant on professional grooming sessions.
Keeping up with their care often means scheduling:
Frequent brushing sessions to control shedding
Seasonal trims to manage the dense undercoat
Salon visits for deep cleaning and coat health
Temperament That Needs Guidance
Chow Chows are deeply devoted to their families, yet they are often wary of strangers. This makes early training and careful socialization a necessity to avoid overly defensive behavior. Their strong will demands patience and consistency from anyone handling them.
Low Exercise, High Commitment
While they don’t require intense physical activity, these dogs bring their own form of challenge. A simple daily walk and light playtime meet their needs, but the hours of coat care make them high-maintenance companions. For many households, the balance can be difficult to manage.
7. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are instantly recognizable for their deep, booming bark that seems far too large for their shaggy frame. Behind that curtain of hair lies a friendly dog that bonds strongly with its family. Their independent nature, however, makes consistent training a must.
Grooming That Demands Dedication
The hallmark coat of this breed requires far more than casual brushing. Daily grooming is necessary to keep mats, tangles, and dirt from building up. Without it, their fur can harbor fleas, ticks, and even bacteria.
Because their upkeep extends beyond brushing, owners often deal with:
Lengthy grooming sessions at home
Frequent trips to professional groomers
Baths that take considerable effort due to their size
Socialization and Training Needs
Although devoted to their household, Old English Sheepdogs can be cautious with strangers. Early training and structured socialization are important to prevent them from becoming too reserved. Their size and energy also mean handlers need experience in guiding strong-willed dogs.
Health and Lifestyle Considerations
Caring for this breed involves more than just coat care. Their large build requires space to move comfortably, and their exercise routine must be balanced with their heavy grooming schedule. For many families, this combination adds to the demanding upkeep.
Conclusion
High-maintenance dogs are not unsuitable by nature, but they ask for more than most families can give. From coats that need consistent grooming to energy levels that require enough exercise each day, the commitment is real.
Small dogs are not always easier, and a powerful breed can quickly become unmanageable without experience. For households considering a pet, understanding these demands makes all the difference, allowing owners to choose wisely and enjoy the bond without being overwhelmed by constant responsibility.
