Not all dogs have the same grooming needs. While some thrives with minimal care and other breeds require hours to maintain coats to protect their health and comfort. Dogs with long, curly double or continuously growing coats are specially prone to matting, tangling and skin infections, if grooming is neglected. Therefore, these furry friends are often required to follow daily brushing, frequent bathing, ear cleaning and professional grooming appointments.
Although these breeds demands time, patience and routine and at the same time they also offer something deeply rewarding in return. Grooming transforms into shared ritual strengthening bond between pet and owner while ensuring the dog’s health and happiness. Understanding this commitment is crucial before choosing such a bred especially for those drawn to elegance without realizing the responsibility behind.
Fun Fact: Grooming your four legged friend helps reducing stress and anxiety by ;powering the levels of cortisol. Study also showed that positive interactions of humans with their pals through regular bathing, brushing and massaging can increase calm hormones in their pets, and treating them back with treats improve their overall behavior as well.
Dog Breeds with Significant Grooming Commitments
1. Afghan Hound
One of the most beautiful and irresistible dog breeds, Afghan hounds are celebrated for their glamorous and flowing coats. This old and purebred dog hails from the Asian mountains present in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, and made its appearance in Western countries in late 1800.
Afghan hound dogs were originally bred to hunt the game for royals and aristocrats, says Wisdom Panel. Today these loyal and affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families and do not like to be left alone for longer time span.
When it comes to grooming requirements, Afghan hound is a high maintenance dog. Their coats need regular brushing and bathing to keep their shine and health maintained. Being an active canine breed, it thrives in active households, and is not suitable for first time dog owners.
2. Old English Sheepdog
Emerging from Western England, Old English Sheepdog is almost 2000 years old breed that is bred to drive livestock. These healthy, and big fluffy dogs are also known for their adorable looks, and gentle temperament. Old English Sheepdog is blessed with a double coat giving him a look of a teddy bear.
This high maintenance dog breed demands daily brushing, which means pet parents have to spend many hours in a week to groom their furry friend, mentioned by Pet MD. Puppy trims are also encouraged to ease the routines of owners that includes visits to professional groomer as well.
Old English Sheepdog with its shaggy coat and easy to handle attitude make many of dog lovers to fall in love with him. However, this intelligent and playful pup needs constant companionship to excel in its life. Their eagerness to please others make them a perfect dog breed for first time owners.
3. Komondor
A unique looking dog breed, Komondor is endowed with a white corded coat whose grooming needs are high. According to Purina, the undercoat is soft while the outer surface of the coat is coarse and both of them make cords on joining. Make sure your pup does not smell bad after regular bathing, for this rinsing, squeezing, and drying with a towel, fan or a blow dryer are mandatory steps.
Komondor is a large and powerful dog who exhibit aggression when provoked or threatened. With proper socialization and training they make wonderful family guardians. With that said, the cords of Komondor demands attention, patience and commitment making him a high maintenance breed.
Being an athletic dog breed Komondors’ exercise requirements are moderate, and can easily be met through running, walking and playing in a fenced big yard. They are independent thinkers and that’s why their obedience training should be started at young age.
4. Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky is ranked among the best dog breeds for the ones who are living in cooler climates. Typically Husky is admired in its blue eyes and thick coat which not only provides him insulation but also astonished appearance.
Siberian huskies were used to pull sleds in snowy weather and currently enjoy the duties of guardianship at home. They are friendly and alert dogs who need consistent training throughout their lives to behave well around unfamiliar people and situations.
Huskies are heavy shedders and need regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats in their coats. They do not have any doggy smell, but once their coat gets dirty, it need baths and grooming. As a smart and strong willed dog breed, their training must be started at young age with positive reinforcement methods.
5. Poodle
One of the smartest dog breeds, (second to border collie), Poodles comer in three variant sizes; Standard, Miniature and toy sized. No matter what the size your poodle is having, this long haired breed’s curly coats make him high maintenance dog.
Standard Poodles coat are weather resistant. Whether its land or water they do not hesitate to enjoy the outdoor fun with their humans and make ideal dogs for active households. On top of that, they are hypoallergenic dogs shaping as best dog breed for allergy sufferers.
Poodles are loving, adorable and highly trainable dogs. Their energetic personalities need proper physical and mental stimulation via dog sports, long walks and playing with their humans. This curly coated breed requires regular grooming, love, and attention from pet parents to pay them back with loyalty, joy and affection.
6. Yorkshire terrier
Nicknamed as yorkies, Yorkshire terriers are famous fir their compact sizes, and silky blue tan coats. Their show stooping coats are of high maintenance and owners mostly opt for their shorter hairstyles to ease their routines. With that said, regular brushing and bathing are mandatory.
Owing to adaptable and small size, Yorkshire terriers make great dogs for apartment dwellers. While their regular grooming needs are high, but their energy levels are quite low and they make perfect lap dogs for laid back families.
Yorkies’ fur resembles human hair and they grow faster just like them. Their hair should be trimmed in front of their eyes or pulled up in form of topknot, otherwise they may cause hurdle in vision. Though high maintenance dog breed, yorkies shed low and keep your living space clean and tidy.
7. Shih Tzu
Little lion dogs reputing themselves as Asian dog breed, Shih tzu was first bred to alert and guard the monks and their houses in Tibet. Later they were gifted to Chinese royalty and from then they used to bred for companionship and make wonderful family dogs.
When it comes to grooming needs, Shih tzu is considered a high maintenance dog breed, as its flowing coat needs daily brushing, bathing and regular trimming. They are playful yet flexible dogs who adapt themselves according to the lifestyle of their owners.
Shih tzu is a brachiocephalic breed, and does not do well in hot climates and pet owners should aware of their health problems such as heat stress, and breathing problems. Their friendly nature make them to get along beautifully with children and other dogs in the same house.
Conclusion
High maintenance grooming breeds thrive best with owners who understand the responsibility behind their glamour. Their coats demand consistency, professional care and daily attention to avoid matting, skin infections and discomfort. Nevertheless, when grooming becomes part of routine life, amplifying the dog’s comfort and well being while keeping their appearances stunning. With the right commitment, grooming heavy dogs become not a challenge but a fulfilling lifestyle choice. There are some other dog breeds with smooth coats as well such as bichon frise, french bulldog, italian greyhound, belgian Malinois, and golden retrievers.
