Some dogs are easy-going companions, but some are not. From flowing coats that demand daily brushing to sharp minds that need constant stimulation, certain breeds come with extra responsibilities. For the right owner, high-maintenance dogs are not a burden but a passion.
Choosing a dog that demands more grooming, exercise, and training is about understanding what you can give to it. Such breeds often form incredibly deep bonds with their owners because of the time and attention they require. Their needs create routine, structure and shared experiences that turn ownership into a true partnership.
High maintenance does not mean just grooming, but sensitive skin that needs care, high energy levels that demand long daily walks or intelligent minds that become destructive without mental challenges. Some breeds are also prone to certain health concerns.
In this article, we will explore such breeds that are suitable for those owners who are ready to put extra effort.
Best Dog Breeds for Owners Ready for Extra Maintenance
1. Komondor
Komondor is a massive, brawny breed with a distinctive white corded coat. It hails from Hungary and was bred specifically as a livestock guardian. A fun fact shared by PetMD is that due to its coat, it can easily blend in with the sheep. It has strong protective instincts and is an independent thinker.
Komondor is calm with the family members but suspicious of strangers. But it is not overly affectionate or clingy. Its thick, iconic coat is both its trademark and its biggest responsibility. Owners need to separate those cords by hand to prevent matting and to maintain skin health. Dirt, debris, and moisture can easily get trapped in the cords.
Beyond grooming, it requires an experienced owner to understand its guardian behaviour. It can also be stubborn and independent during training.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan long-haired breed with a small, sturdy body, flat face and large, expressive eyes. It was purely bred as a companion dog to provide charm, warmth and company to the owners. It thrives on human interaction and is affectionate with them.
It is generally good and playful with children and other pets. It’s beautiful; the long coat is the main reason that this breed is on the list of high-maintenance dogs. Regular brushing is needed to avoid matting and tangles. Moreover, tear staining around the eyes also requires daily cleaning.
Due to its flat face, it may face breathing difficulties. It does not like to be left alone for longer periods; it can develop separation anxiety.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel is a small to medium-sized dog with a sturdy build, silky, long ears, feathered coat on the chest, legs and belly. It originated in the United Kingdom as a sporting gundog for flushing and retrieving birds. According to the American Kennel Club, it got its name from the bird woodcock, it used to hunt
It is gentle, affectionate and eager to please. Its gorgeous coat requires constant attention as silky fur mats easily. Further, its long ears also trap moisture and debris, making it susceptible to ear infections. Being a sporting dog, it demands daily exercise, walks and playtime.
Due to its sensitive personality, it does not like to be handled harshly. Since it enjoys human company, it can develop separation anxiety if not given attention by its dog owners.
4. Poodle
Poodle is a German dog with a curly, dense, low-shedding coat and a quite funny appearance. It was developed as a water retriever especially for duck hunting. It is athletic, agile and people-focused.
Poodle forms a strong bond with their families and enjoy being around them. Its coat makes it a high-maintenance breed. This furry friend sheds seasonally, but the hair grows continuously and tangles easily. Regular grooming can prevent painful matting.
Besides, due to its intelligence and high energy levels, it needs regular training and activities for mental stimulation. It also excels in obedience training.
5. Puli
Puli is a compact, athletic canine companion with a corded coat. It was bred in Hungary as a herding dog for driving and controlling flocks. Puli is highly intelligent and has a strong work drive. An interesting fact stated by Purina is that its cords begin to grow at 9 months of age and continue to grow till the Puli is 5 years old.
It is energetic, alert and deeply loyal to the families. This dog tends to be cautious of strangers, which makes it an excellent watchdog. However, its iconic coat is both stunning and demanding. Dirt and moisture can get trapped, so frequent grooming is essential for its well-being.
Its herding instincts can lead to chasing small animals. Being agile and active, it also demands regular exercise and mental work. It can be vocal and prone to excessive barking. Moreover, being an active dog, it can only thrive in an active household
6. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the dog world and also the most popular tall and skinny dog breed with an athletic build, long, silky, flowing coat and long snout. It hails from Afghanistan and was bred as a sighthound. It is a dignified and aloof dog.
It is warm-hearted with the family but not overly clingy. Its glamorous coat brings a lot of responsibilities. Daily brushing is the biggest grooming need to curb tangles, especially behind the ears and under the legs. Additionally, it has high exercise needs as it is built to run and needs spaces to sprint.
It can be stubborn during training, so patience is needed by the owner. Further, it is not ideal for busy families as it needs to be fulfilled by a dedicated owner.
7. Brussels Griffon
It is a Belgian dog breed with a beard, a very small, sturdy build, short muzzle, large, expressive eyes and a wavy coat. It was originally bred as a ratter but later became a human companion. It has an alert and confident personality.
It is sensitive, affectionate and deeply attached to the families. Its rough coat requires professional grooming to maintain a pure texture. Being people-oriented, it does not tolerate being left alone. Since it is intelligent, it can be stubborn. Therefore, a lot of positive reinforcement is mandatory.
Being a member of brachycephalic breeds, it is prone to certain respiratory health complications. So, care needs to be taken on hot days, and intense exercise needs to be avoided.
8. Dalmatian
Dalmatian is a lean, muscular dog with an athletic build and a short white coat with distinct black or liver spots. Its area of origin is still under debate, but closely associated with Croatia. It was bred as a guard and working dog.
It has high stamina, alertness and confidence. In addition to this, it is playful, energetic and likes to be around people. While its coat is short, it is a heavy shedder year-round, making regular brushing imperative to manage it at home. Apart from grooming, its major challenge is its daily exercise needs.
It has a high tendency to become destructive or hyperactive if not engaged in mentally challenging activities. One of the major health issues is a high risk of deafness, which is a breed-related problem.
9. Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky is a big, fluffy dog breed, a well-muscled furry companion with a thick double coat and almond-shaped eyes. It hails from Siberia and was purely bred as a sled dog for transporting people and goods. It has high endurance and energy levels.
Husky is intelligent, amiable and has a lot of curiosity. It is a social dog that enjoys company, whether human or other dogs. It is a high-maintenance dog breed as its dense double coat sheds heavily and needs daily brushing. Moreover, it also demands daily exercise and physical activity.
Without sufficient outlets, it can get bored and destructive. It also has a strong prey drive, so off-leash freedom must be managed carefully.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, high-maintenance dog breeds are not for everyone. They demand time, energy and sheer dedication from the owners. From daily grooming to regular exercise and mental stimulation, they come with a lot of responsibilities. They, in return, offer loyalty, charm and companionship.
From the dramatic corded coat of Komondor to the aristocratic elegance of Afghan Hound, each breed has its unique demands. The Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffon require constant grooming, while the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel need mental engagement along with coat maintenance. Active breeds like Puli, Husky and Dalmatian challenge owners with their stamina and intelligence.
Choosing a high-maintenance dog breed is a conscious decision. It’s all about understanding the breed’s physical, mental and emotional requirements, and committing to a lifestyle that can accommodate them.
A partnership is built on trust, respect and affection. For the right person, choosing a dog that requires extra care is not a challenge but a lifelong joy.
