Keeping a pet dog that is achingly beautiful and throws endless dramatic fits is not for the faint-hearted, and certainly not for the weak-walleted. These are furry dog breeds to avoid if you can’t handle high-maintenance dogs. They demand time, never-ending attention, and spa-like grooming sessions that might take up all the sanity left in you.
These high-maintenance breeds could be right for you only if you want to adopt an expensive lifestyle filled with sparkle and chaos or have patience as vast as the ocean. Otherwise? This guide has got your back. Save yourself from drowning in the couture of these dogs and explore these low-maintenance dog breeds.
Puppers like these happily wag tails beside you without even trying so hard. Pick the breed that exactly suits your lifestyle and bank account.
Dog breeds to avoid if you can’t handle high-maintenance dogs
1. French Bulldogs
Originally bred with short snouts, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds. Their small, cute, and adorable appearance quickly wins hearts. Often picked up by fashionistas, you will see them often in fancy settings, living royal lives.
These dogs offer excellent companionship, but it does not come easy. They generally top the list of being high-maintenance breeds. Their grooming needs are challenging with the facial folds and short coat. To keep it clean, you need a weekly brushing routine or even daily facial fold cleaning.
Feeling abandoned when you leave
If you are looking for a dog that does not sulk by the door when you step out, this is the wrong breed. These small dogs can’t tolerate being without you for too long. They break down too quickly into sulking, barking, and might end up destroying things around them.
Health Condition Challenge
PetMD highlighted that these cute dogs are prone to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. In simpler words, they struggle to breathe with their short noses. Long walks or an active lifestyle are not suitable for them. Just a walk can leave them gasping.
They quickly switch up to nap time or lying on a couch, even after a little play. This explains their low energy levels as compared to other dogs.
The Frenchies need frequent vet visits for more issues like skin allergies, digestive issues, and breathing problems.
If you can’t handle the struggles that come with this breed, it’s best to admire them from afar and explore other breeds.
2. Whippet
Whippets are the true definition of small, lively, and cheerful dog breeds. These medium-sized dogs are slim, elegant, and beautiful, which turns heads. But that does not reflect their fair share of demands. These dogs are gentle but love to stay indoors and spend time on their favorite spot on the bed.
This affectionate pup needs to balance their high energy with playtime, but it only lasts for a short period. After their short-lived activity, they quickly turn to their resting place.
Grooming requirements of these dogs
These breeds were hunters and racers centuries ago, which explains their lightning speed. But the fragile part? Their delicate bone structure. They are prone to getting injuries even from a minor tumble or misstep. Apart from this:
Their thin skin makes them feel cold even more. They keep shivering dramatically until you provide them with warm clothes.
Don’t use harsh products when cleaning them up.
Their gentle skin might pick up nicks, so get your puppy’s first-aid kits ready for such situations.
Guarding is not their Trait
These dogs are friendly to everyone with their affectionate and calm nature. They can’t sense danger and might greet strangers with a warm grin.
3. Chinese Crested
The fashionista of the dog world, the Chinese crested is a great lapdog and loves spending time snuggled up against their humans. They are an ideal choice if you want a pup with an affectionate side, but they expect extra from you.
You might find two categories of these dog breeds:
The hairless ones that have their skin exposed. This is why VCA said that they are more prone to getting sunburn, rashes, or irritation. To avoid this, they need constant care even indoors.
Powderpuff Cresteds have a long, silky coat that requires a proper grooming routine. This includes brushing many times a week.
Low Energy levels
Cresteds are energetic and surprisingly active, but they are not born for heavy training. They love playing around and enjoy short walks, but not for too long. They need little mental stimulation every day to avoid turning to destructive or mischievous behaviour.
4. Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers possess a gentleman’s persona with a charming and playful demeanour. Their calm temperament makes them a loyal companion. But they are not easy when it comes to care.
Concerning Health issues
These pups also have short noses, causing trouble breathing. This means too much heat is not advisable for their health.
They have big bulging eyes that also cause problems like cataracts or glaucoma.
Their digestive issues often arise, which means careful feeding.
Their sweet and affectionate nature makes them a thriving pet partner, but wait until their stubborn instinct kicks in. Training them becomes more difficult. Handling them with positive reinforcement makes a difference in their attitude.
5. Shibu Inu
High energy and smaller in size, these adorable Shibu Inu compel you to have them as pets with their photogenic charm. If you think you can handle a royal roommate who is dramatic and moody, then this breed is the right dog for you. If not, then run.
Shibas require high maintenance to thrive in their energy. They face certain health problems like hip dysplasia. Moreover, they shed heavily. So get that brush ready for weekly grooming, keeping hair madness under control.
Prone to obesity
These little buddies may overeat if you don’t pay attention. You have to keep their diet balanced for ideal overall health.
Dental problem
These pups frequently have dental issues. This means you need to focus on regular brushing.
Energy levels too high to handle
With their hunting background, shibas love to catch birds, running around the neighbourhood, and you running after them. To keep them active, they need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, you would have to tolerate their dramatic whining.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas, being toy-sized, might fool you with their adorable quirks, but you stay focused on the high-maintenance lifestyle they demand. Chihuahuas are the ultimate royal miniature dogs that love to glare at you like you have done something wrong (even if you didn’t).
High-maintenance Needs
These puppers have high energy outbursts, running around the house, and bouncing on the furniture. They need daily walks and mental stimulation. This will keep them satisfied and quickly going back to rest.
Chihuahuas need plenty of attention to stay happy. If they don’t get enough, they can become clingy, possessive, and act out by whining, barking, or even nipping.
Because of their tiny size, Chihuahuas are delicate and can get hurt easily.
Their small bodies and fast metabolism make it hard for them to stay warm, so they need extra protection in cold weather.
Training is Mandatory
Chihuahua shows their affectionate side to their chosen owners only. For the rest of the people, they can be aggressive and suspicious. They are highly intelligent, but they need obedience training to adapt early.
7. Great Dane
Now the large dogs are on the list. Despite their big size, Great Danes are gentle at heart. They reflect royalty, which is too glamorous to avoid. But behind all this majesty, this dog breed demands high-maintenance.
Although the energy levels of these gentle giants are moderate, they still need regular exercise to stay thrilled and not become restless. They need little playtime and calm, quality time.
Moreover, these big dogs are gentle and endlessly loving pets, but Hill’s pet suggested that they can be stubborn when learning or following commands.
Travel Difficulties
If you are someone who has to travel a lot, this breed might not be ideal for you to take on flights. Their larger size leads to paying extra charges or not being accommodated on planes at all. Also, they won’t feel comfortable with a dog sitter as well.
8. Dachshund
The Dachshunds are also known as Sausage dogs because of their elongated body shape. These are common pets chosen for animal lovers. Their cute and expressive faces grab all the attention. However, behind all this, they hide a bold personality wrapped with a stubborn nature, as AKC stated.
These mischievous pups are highly intelligent and undeniably energetic. They possess high energy levels, which justifies their hunting history. A daily walk is a must to keep them engaged and content.
Not your Family Friendly Dog
Keep this dog breed socialised. Otherwise, they can be very aggressive if they are not handled with gentleness. This seems to be a threat to families with young children.
They need regular training, exercise, and attention to avoid behavior problems. Because of their long backs, they should be protected from too much jumping or rough play.
9. Greyhound
The free-spirited, gentle, and graceful Greyhound makes the best loyal companion. These pups are surprisingly shy around other people. They are naturally a sweetheart with their chosen families.
Their sensitive nature invites a lot of health-related problems. The major issue they face is bloat, which is a life-threatening condition in large dogs. So you have to be very consistent with vet visits.
World’s fastest couch potatoes
They like to lounge around, spending most of their time napping. But here is the surprising part, they are known to be the fastest running dog regardless of their laziness. As Britannica put it, Greyhounds need a safe, fenced area to sprint daily.
Along with this, they should get one long walk and two short walks on a leash. They should never be let off-leash, as they often chase small animals and may not come back.
Hard to please or guard
These furry partners love being independent and enjoy alone time. Their calm and affectionate nature makes it difficult for them to appear as a threat to intruders.
Conclusion
Every breed belongs to the royal club with endless chaos. If you are ready to handle demanding, delicate, and expensive behaviour, these crown-bearing breeds are yours to have. To save yourself peace, efforts, and endless vet visits, these are the dog breeds to avoid if you can’t handle high-maintenance dogs.
The secret to a content pet life is to pick the dog that matches your comfort and easygoing lifestyle!
