Many people love dogs because of their beautiful, flowing coats, soft curls, or unique corded fur. But with all that beauty comes a lot of work to maintain that beauty, including frequent grooming.
Grooming is necessary to help prevent mats, tangles, skin infections, and tear stains, and will also help to decrease shedding at home.
There are many breeds of dogs that need to be groomed much more than other breeds, based on how complex, long, or textured their coats are, which reflects their grooming demands.
The time you spend with your dog during grooming will strengthen your relationship, build trust, and contribute to your dog’s overall health. Your time spent grooming your high-maintenance dog becomes time for bonding, mental stimulation, and reassurance.
It is good to know what time, the right tools, and effort are required for each of the breeds, especially considering their unique grooming needs. Read on to know more about dog breeds that require a lot of grooming.
Dog Breeds with the Most Involved Grooming You Should Know
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are well known for their beautiful, long, silky coats that flow as they move. Their hair is so fine and can become tangled very quickly. Therefore, daily brushing is required to prevent matting of their fine hair. They may look like show dogs, but they are great, independent playmates.
Interesting Grooming Facts
Fine-coated Afghan Hounds can tangle up in minutes if they are not brushed regularly.
Professional grooming is needed every 6-8 weeks to keep their coats in top form.
Historically, the coats of the Afghan Hound helped them stay warm in cold climates when hunting.
Despite looking elegant, Afghan Hounds are known for having a bit of a quirky personality.
Pawlicy Advisor states that Afghan Hound has a very fast growth rate, and regular checkups at the vet will help them to stay clean and in shape.
2. Poodle
Poodles are known for their brains and their curly hair. Their curls can easily mat together if they do not get regular grooming. Standard and Miniature Poodles both need to be trimmed and brushed regularly.
From trimming to clipping to coat shaping, Poodle grooming is an art form that requires time, patience, and routine. While their stunning appearance is well worth the effort, prospective owners should be prepared for a grooming schedule that’s among the most demanding of any breed.
Interesting Grooming Facts
Curly-coated Poodles need to be professionally clipped every 4-6 weeks to keep their curls looking neat.
Daily brushing is needed to prevent matting of curly coats.
Poodles can be cut in several ways, including the Continental and Puppy clips.
Because of their intelligence and trainability, Poodles tend to enjoy being groomed when they are young and socialized properly.
The daily maintenance of Poodles is key, and grooming sessions can be a fun experience for a Poodle if begun early.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichons are affectionate dogs with a soft, cotton-like coat. While they are considered hypoallergenic, they still require grooming to keep their curls fluffy and clean.
Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is necessary to keep their rounded, cloud-like shape and to manage the continuous hair growth. Regular bathing, careful drying, and trimming around the eyes and paws are also part of the routine.
Interesting Grooming Facts
Trimming of their coat is required frequently to keep their curls full and clean.
Daily brushing is required to prevent matting and tangling of their curls.
Regular grooming of Bichons will help to minimize tear staining, a common problem with this breed.
Because Bichons are friendly and outgoing, grooming sessions can be enjoyable experiences.
PetMD says that consistency is key to keep Bichon’s haapy and healthy through regular grooming sessions.
4. Komondor
Komondors are best known for their unique corded coat, similar to dreadlocks. The cords provide warmth and protection as livestock guardian dogs, but require a lot of maintenance and consistent grooming.
Interesting Grooming Facts
Cords must be separated by hand to prevent matting.
Due to their dense undercoat, bathing a Komondor is a long process.
Cords provide insulation and protection from various elements.
Loyal and protective, Komondors bond deeply with their owners.
The American Kennel Club states that Komondors shed very little but require a tremendous amount of time, effort, and patience to care for their high-maintenance coats.
5. Maltese
The Maltese is known for its long, flowing, silky white coat—beautiful to look at, but demanding to maintain. Their hair tangles and mats easily, making daily brushing a necessity to keep it smooth and healthy.
Maltese dogs are small, loving, and have a long, silky white coat. Grooming sessions of their coats require constant attention and professional knowledge.
Interesting Regular Grooming Facts
Malteses require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.
Regular trimming and weekly brushing of their coat is required to keep their coat under control and neat.
Special care is required to keep the area around the eyes free of tear stains and debris buildup.
Although they are a high-maintenance breed, Maltese are sweet, gentle, and adaptable pets.
According to VCA, Malteses thrive with a consistent grooming process, making them ideal for pet owners who enjoy providing hands-on care and pampering.
6. Puli
The coats of Puli are beautiful; however, they also require much work to keep them healthy. The cords on the Puli dog breed protect them from the cold, much like thick double coats found in other breeds, but they also require special attention. However, they do take a lot of time to maintain.
Fun Professional Grooming Facts
You need to separate the cords and then comb them out so that they don’t mat.
Bathe and dry time is very long as well.
Their coats serve as a form of insulation in many climates.
Puli dogs love to play and have lots of energy, so you will find that they enjoy doing interactive grooming sessions with you.
Maintaining a Puli’s coat is a difficult job, but a fun job for owners who like to spend quality time doing the grooming.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their curly or wavy coats. They require regular brushing and trimming. These dogs are intelligent and love to interact with people. It makes grooming appointments a good way to build a relationship with them.
Fun Professional Grooming Facts
Frequent brushing of your Portuguese Water Dog 3-4 times per week will help reduce matting and tangles.
They have a water-repellent coat due to their ancestry as fishermen’s helpers.
Grooming your dog regularly can help prevent skin irritation and help keep your dog healthy.
These dogs are extremely social and trainable, so most will even cooperate when being groomed.
Grooming a Portuguese Water Dog is a great way to create a bonding experience with your dog and to keep their beautiful, curly coats looking nice.
Conclusion
All of these 7 breeds demand a lot from their owners. In addition to providing owners with a sense of pride in their appearance, grooming appointments also provide their owners with an opportunity to show love and concern for their dogs’ physical well-being.
Regular grooming appointments prevent painful mats and discomfort. By establishing a regular grooming routine, you will develop a strong bond between you and your dog.
While these high-maintenance breeds may require extra attention, the rewards will be the beautiful coats of your dogs, as well as the strong relationships you will establish with them through spending some extra time with them.
When choosing a long-haired or short-haired breed, owners should be aware of how much time and effort will go into their new furry friends.
With the right amount of dedication and professional grooming, your dog’s coat will become one of the things you and your family take pride in. It will be a reminder of your commitment as a responsible pet owner.
