It’s easy to fall in love with a dog’s beautiful coat, but keeping it that way takes dedication. Some breeds are blessed with unique fur textures that need more than basic brushing, relying on consistent care to stay healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.
Not every dog fits into a low-maintenance routine, and that’s perfectly okay. Dogs with specialized coats often form an even deeper bond with their owners through regular grooming. With the right tools, patience, and a little love, grooming becomes more than a chore; it becomes quality time.
From regular trims to careful coat and skin management, these breeds require extra attention to maintain their comfort and well-being. Knowing what to expect helps owners provide the care their dogs truly deserve.
Fun Fact: Regular grooming helps dogs feel lighter, more relaxed, and physically comfortable. Many dogs appear calmer after grooming sessions because irritation and discomfort, things they can’t easily express, have been gently removed.
Best Dog Breeds with Specialized Grooming Needs
1. Puli
Puli has its own distinctive coat, which is full of natural cords. Interestingly enough, in puppyhood until 8 months, this dog only needs regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Owners can feel some thickness, which is the undercoat feeling like organized mats that will tighten up with time.
Though they do not shed but need consistent grooming for dense coats. After a bath, squeeze the cords just like a towel to keep skin healthy and moisture-free. Due to profuse cords on their bodies, this breed should be kept in cooler climates, avoiding overheating.
This medium-sized dog originated in Hungary as a herding and guarding dog. They do not tolerate being left alone for a long time. Thus, physical and mental stimulation is necessary for their well-being. They do try to herd small children and animals, and should always be supervised and socialized well.
2. Poodle (Standard)
Poodle is a soft, curly-coated breed that repels water and comes in various colors, including black, red, white, silver, and brown. When it comes to sizes, this breed is bred in three sizes, which are Standard, miniature, and toy. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds worldwide.
This long-haired breed needs regular grooming as its coat develops matting. At home, use a slicker brush for daily brushing, while professional grooming appointments are also vital for their better upkeep after every 4 to 6 weeks. They are also called hypoallergenic dogs and are suited to allergy sufferers.
Being an extremely intelligent dog (second to Border Collie), Poodles need a serious amount of physical and mental enrichment, otherwise they develop undesirable behavior. Overall, these dogs are considered a high-maintenance breed and get along with active households.
3. Shih tzu
An ancient dog breed that hails from Asia, and was loved by Chinese royalty as a companion dog. Shih tzu were originally bred to look like lions and for Buddhist monks to alert them about danger. However, today this lovely pooch is known for its smooth, long hair and friendly temperament.
Shih Tzus do not shed much, but they require proper grooming routines. Their silky coat needs regular brushing and trimming as it increases in length super fast. To remove loose hair, this long-haired breed requires a comb or pin brush. They also need a weekly bath for a healthy coat.
Whether you want a long haired shih tzu or a short-haired breed, pet owners should have enough budget to visit professional groomers. This little lion dog is exceptionally affectionate and adaptable to many situations. So, if you have enough time and commitment, you can never go wrong with this breed.
4. Maltese
Charming and playful Maltese is celebrated for its floor-length, silky white coat. These dogs carry dainty looks and effortless gait, and can be enhanced further if provided with coat care via proper pet grooming. To prevent tangles, Maltese need frequent brushing and combing of their fine hair.
Pet parents should know that the Maltese is the breed that requires grooming sessions two times in a month, along with baths and daily brushing. Their eyes also get stained, due to which proper cleansing around the eyes and hair trimming is necessary.
Maltese dogs are friendly pooches who get along beautifully with everyone, including pets and children, says PetMD. Though they are toy sized but carry big personalities, which is why early socialization and training are a must for having a well-mannered Maltese.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terrier is blessed with a coat that resembles human hair with less shedding and a tan and blue color, making it stand out among the most attractive dogs. This silky-coated breed is prone to matting and tangles, which is why its grooming needs require consistent attention from the owner.
Yorkshire terriers are lively and cute dogs with long hair. If you want to have them with a floor sweeping coat, then their coat maintenance requires extensive grooming, including daily brushing and regular professional grooming appointments. However, they also look adorable in short hairstyles.
According to Royal Canin, Yorkies do not have any undercoat, which means there is a high risk of developing skin infections due to direct contact with harsh elements. Brushing is the key factor that removes dead hair distribute natural oils, and keeps skin and coat healthy.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniel is a smart yet happy-go-lucky dog breed with dreamy eyes and long, lush ears. Moreover, these dogs have stunning long double coats that are prone to tangles and mats, especially around the ears, belly, and legs if not attended well.
While combing, use a pin brush and be cautious around the cocker spaniel’s ears, as here it develops some skin irritations due to a thin area. Their long ears also need cleansing, which is why their grooming requirements are high, along with weekly baths and groomer visits.
As long as they are socialized and trained from a young age, these sociable dogs get along well with kids and other pets in the same house. Being an active dog breed, regular exercise of 60 minutes is also important, making it a high-maintenance category breed, highlighted by PDSA.
7. Bichon Frise
Inquisitive and fluffy Bichon Frise is a perfect blend of intelligence and beauty. This small white furry friend has a curly coat that leads to matting and tangles if not cared for properly. Their double coats do shed less, but are not considered low maintenance at all.
A slicker brush is a basic grooming tool that works great through curls without causing any discomfort. They also need a bath once a week to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Professional grooming is also mandatory for Bichon Frise every 4 to 6 weeks.
Bichon Frise is a relatively active and playful breed that thrives in agility and obedience training. They bloom more while spending time with their owners. Establishing a grooming routine and playtime are the keys to developing a closer bond with them.
8. Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds carry long, silky coats that not only provide them with an irresistible look but also protect them from harsh conditions. However, this coated breed has sensitive skin, which means if grooming requirements are compromised, they develop some skin infections.
In order to prevent matting and excessive shedding, a proper grooming routine should be followed. Always bathe your Afghan hound before its grooming. Regular brushing keeps the texture of this single-coated breed up to its mark.
Their long hair around the ears may cause some infections, so ear must be checked and cleaned regularly. Aside from brushing, this big dog sheds less and is relatively of low maintenance in terms of grooming. Afghan hounds excel in lure coursing, hunting, and hiking trips, and are well-suited to an active lifestyle.
9. Komondor
With a unique white corded coat, our last dog breed needs special grooming care to maintain its mop-like look as it is. According to AKC, this long-haired breed is not brushed regularly but demands frequent baths with diluted shampoos. Do not keep the cords wet, as the coat develops a bad smell.
Komondor is an old breed that was bred as a livestock guardian, particularly sheep, thanks to their natural cords, which aid them in blending in with the herds to protect them against predators. These dogs carry a calm and patient temperament, enabling them to be great family pets.
Komondor balances its independent and affectionate together in the right hands. These smart dogs excel in training sessions that are fun and based on reward systems. With frequent grooming, appropriate socialization, and care, they become well-mannered and loving dogs.
Conclusion
These haired dog breeds with stunning coats are not just chosen on the basis of their looks, but also the commitment of the owner and how ready he is to care beyond the basics. Consistency, knowledge, and time are basic factors that decide how your pet will look and ultimately reflect its well-being.
The owners who take their grooming needs as a source of bonding rather than a burden enjoy closer companionship than any other. Choosing one of them is actually the acceptance of “beauty comes with responsibility.”
