While we stan all dogs, some dog breeds with lengthy maintenance routines are literally a lifestyle choice. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you have to look past the cute face and ask yourself: “Do I have the time, the budget, and the patience?”
It’s not just about feeding them and going for a stroll. Some of these dog breeds require a level of dedication that rivals a full-time job. From curly coat care to mental stimulation that keeps them from destroying your home, these pups are high-effort but high-reward. Whether you are looking to adopt from a rescue or buy from a breeder, knowing what you’re signing up for is essential.
In this blog, we’re going to spill the tea on the most glamorous, demanding, and lovable dogs out there. We aren’t talking about low-maintenance dogs, where a quick wipe-down works. We are talking about the divas of the dog world.
Dog Breeds with Lengthy Maintenance Routines
1. Komondor
First up, we have the Komondor, a dog that literally looks like a giant mop. These guys have main character energy and a history to match.
Originally from Hungary, they were bred to guard sheep, and their white, corded coats allowed them to blend into the flock while protecting the flock from wolves. Because of their protective nature, they are fierce guardians, but that also means they need a large area to patrol.
Purina says that the Komondor’s coat is their trademark, but it’s also what makes them high-maintenance. You never brush the coat; instead, you have to separate the clumps into cords by hand. This starts in puppyhood and never really stops.
If you neglect this, you’ll end up with one giant, painful mat. This coat type has a unique texture that feels more like felt than hair, and it acts as armor against weather and predators.
Maintenance Routine:
Daily: Check eyes and ears for debris hiding behind the cords.
Weekly: Spend time hand-separating new hair growth into existing cords to prevent matting.
Monthly: Hygiene trims around the mouth and feet to keep them clean from dirt and food.
Bathing: Infrequent but intense. Expect to spend hours washing and an entire day drying using fans (no high heat!).
Exercise: Moderate activity in a secure fence; they are active guardians but not marathon runners.
2. Shih Tzu
Next is the Shih Tzu. These little cuties were bred to sit on the laps of royalty, and honestly, they still expect that treatment today.
The biggest challenge with this dog is the coat. This dog breed possesses a double coat that grows continuously, much like human hair. If you want that long, flowing show-dog look, you are looking at daily brushing. You have to layer the hair to reach the skin; otherwise, mats form close to the body, which is super painful.
Health-wise, these little guys have squished faces (brachycephalic), which means they can overheat easily in summer. You also need to be obsessed with their teeth. Small dogs often have serious problems with their teeth because their mouths are so crowded. You’ll need to brush them at least three times, weekly!
While they have minimal exercise requirements compared to Border Collies, they still need a daily walk to stay fit. They can be a bit stubborn to housetrain, so patience is key. But their affectionate personality makes all the grooming worth it.
Maintenance Routine:
Daily: Brush the coat to the skin (if long) to remove tangles. Wipe face and eyes to prevent staining.
Dental: Brush teeth 3-4 times a week (daily is better) to prevent decay.
Grooming: Full bath every 3-4 weeks.
Exercise: A short daily stroll and some indoor play; keep them cool in hot weather.
3. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is the OG family dog—think Lady and the Tramp.
Historically, they were bird hunters, so they love to sniff and explore. This means they act like a magnet for burrs, twigs, and dirt. You need a daily brush to stay on top of dead hair and stop its fur from tangling. If you skip a few days, you’re going to have a bad time.
Also, those iconic long ears? They dip into water bowls and food, becoming a breeding ground for infections. You have to clean their ears weekly, or you’ll be at the vet constantly.
Socialization is huge for Cockers. Without it, they can become fearful or even snappy. They are a social butterfly breed that needs to be part of the family. They are eager to please, but they can be sensitive.
Bathing a Cocker requires quality dog shampoo and a lot of patience. You have to rinse, rinse, and re-rinse because soap residue can cause serious skin issues for them. If you keep their coat long, you might need to learn grooming techniques yourself or budget for a pro every 6 weeks.
Maintenance Routine
Daily: Brush out the “feathers” on legs, belly, and ears to remove debris.
Weekly: Thorough ear cleaning is non-negotiable to prevent infections.
Grooming: Professional clipping and trimming every 6-8 weeks.
Bathing: Thorough bath with extensive rinsing to prevent skin irritation.
Mental: They need mental stimulation and sniffing games to stay happy.
4. Poodle
Poodles are often misunderstood as just “fancy” dogs, but did you know they were originally water retrievers? That’s right, under that pom-pom haircut is a serious athlete who loves to swim.
They come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, but they all share the same curly coat. This coat is hypoallergenic (yay for allergy sufferers!) and non-shedding, but that means the hair keeps growing and growing until it mats.
Poodle maintenance is high. You literally cannot skip brushing unless they are shaved down. Their fur texture is dense and curly, trapping dander and debris.
Beyond the coat, these pets are wicked smart. Like, scary smart. They are easily bored, and a bored Poodle is a destructive Poodle. They need more activity and brain games than other dogs. Teaching them tricks is easy, but keeping them challenged is the hard part.
Maintenance Routine
Daily: Line brushing to prevent deep mats (if coat is long). Dental care for Toy/Mini varieties.
Exercise: High requirement! Long hikes, swimming, or fetch to burn off energy.
Grooming: Professional clip every 4-6 weeks. Face and feet often need shaving more frequently.
Health: Pluck hair from the ear canals and check for signs of infection.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie! A tiny terrier with a Napoleon complex.
These pups were originally bred to catch rats in mills (hard to believe, right?), which explains why they are so feisty and alert. They might look like toys, but they are terriers at heart. Their coat is unique—it’s silky, metallic blue and tan, and has no undercoat. It feels very much like human hair and is a defining feature of long-haired breeds.
Chewy notes that Yorkshire Terrier maintenance is high-effort if you keep the coat long. A show-coat Yorkie needs its hair wrapped in paper to protect it!
Health-wise, the Yorkie is generally healthy but fragile. You have to be careful with them around big dogs or clumsy kids. Their teeth are a major weak spot; dental disease is rampant in the breed.
Maintenance Routine
Daily: Brushing to distribute natural oils and prevent tangles. Tooth brushing is critical.
Weekly: Check ears and trim nails (they grow fast!).
Grooming: Bath every 1-2 weeks.
Exercise: 30-40 minutes of strolling or play; they are energetic but tire faster than big dogs.
6. Puli
Meet the Puli, the acrobat of the dog world! Like the Komondor, the Puli has a corded coat, but they is much smaller and more agile.
AKC claims these dogs are herders with an intense work ethic. They are known for jumping on sheep’s backs to control them, so yeah, they have bounce. They are intelligent and loyal, but they can be suspicious of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
Puli maintenance is fascinating but exhausting. You don’t brush a Puli. Instead, you wet the coat and separate the undercoat into 1-inch cords by hand, twirling strands as they dry.
These dogs are high-energy and need a lot of stimulation. They aren’t couch potatoes. If you don’t give them a job, they will herd your kids, your cats, or you. They are smart enough to open doors and figure out puzzles, so you need to stay one step ahead.
Maintenance Routine
Daily: Check cords for debris (leaves, burrs). Separate any cords that are starting to mat together.
Bathing: Very infrequent. When done, it requires extensive rinsing and hours of drying with fans to prevent mildew.
Exercise: High needs! At least an hour of vigorous activity or herding work.
Coat Care: Never use a brush. All grooming is done by hand separation.
7. Afghan Hound
Finally, we have the supermodel of the dog world: the Afghan Hound. These dogs are pure elegance, with long, silky hair and a dignified attitude.
They are an ancient breed from the mountains of Afghanistan, used for hunting prey by sight. This means they are fast—like, really fast. They are sighthounds, so they might chase a squirrel across the street without a second thought.
A quiet house with a big fenced yard is their ideal environment.
Afghan Hounds are the definition of high maintenance. Their coat is fine and thick, and it tangles at the slightest glance. You need to brush them multiple times a week, and do so gently to avoid breakage.
Personality-wise, these hound dogs are often described as “cat-like.” They are aloof and independent. They might not greet you at the door with a wagging tail like a Lab, but they are intensely loyal to their own people. Training them can be tricky because they are independent thinkers.
Maintenance Routine
Daily: Check coat for debris. Wear a snood during feeding to protect ear hair.
Weekly: Bathing and blow-drying are required to maintain the coat texture.
Brushing: Several hours per week of line-brushing to keep the hair free of mats.
Exercise: Daily running or long strolls in a secure area (high prey drive!).
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These high-maintenance pets are absolutely stunning, but they definitely require work. Whether it’s the corded coat of a Komondor or the silky locks of a Siberian Husky, these pups need a pet parent who is 100% committed to the grooming sessions and care routines. It’s not just about keeping them looking pretty; it’s about keeping them healthy and comfortable.
If you are feeling overwhelmed just reading this, that’s totally valid! There are plenty of short coat breeds or rescue mutts that might fit your vibe better. But if you have the time, the patience, and the love to give, these high-maintenance breeds will reward you with loyalty, personality, and some seriously Instagram-worthy moments.
