Are you a passionate dog lover looking for a furry friend to bring into your home? Well, worry not, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a high-maintenance breed and can ensure frequent grooming sessions for dog breeds that require constant upkeep, then this is the right guide for you.

We have gathered 7 high-maintenance breeds that require consistent grooming either by professional groomers or their owners to maintain their charming and evergreen look. This is not just essential for a dog’s appearance but is also essential to manage shedding, prevent matting, and keep their coat bright and skin healthy.

Read on to learn more about these dog breeds that require regular grooming, whether they are high-maintenance breeds with low-maintenance coats or vice versa.

Dog Breeds Needing Regular Brushing And Trimming

1. Yorkshire Terrier

The first one on our list is the Yorkshire Terrier, which is known for its brave and bossy temperament. These small dogs are affectionate with their family as well as strangers. They also get along well with children, given that kids know how to interact with such a small canine.

Yorkies are definitely high-maintenance breeds because of their coat. They are a long-haired breed that needs extensive grooming sessions to stay in good condition. Though this coat does not protect them from harsh cold climates, which is why putting on a sweater to keep them warm is recommended.

According to PetMD, because of their long coat, daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangles. However, if your Yorkie has a short coat, weekly brushing is more than enough. Professional grooming is recommended to maintain a healthy coat. Pet parents must schedule a haircut every 6-8 weeks to fulfil a Yorkie’s grooming needs.

2. Afghan Hound

Originating from Afghanistan, these pups have a very independent nature. They have a sharp eyesight and are quick on their feet, which makes them great hunting dogs. These dogs are considered high-maintenance breeds more than any other canine because of their grooming needs and athleticism.

Being a hunting dog breed, they require consistent training and a good exercise session to fulfil their energy needs. Afghan Hounds are not prone to excessive shedding; however, they do have extensive grooming needs because of their long, thick, and silky coat of fine hair.

Because of their long hair, the amount of time spent on brushing these long-haired breeds and bathing them is exceptionally high. You may also need to book professional grooming appointments to keep their coat in excellent condition.

Afghan Hounds are not a low-maintenance companion, which is why you need to prepare yourself for extensive grooming sessions and blow-dry every other day.

3. Maltese

A small breed known for their playful nature and luxurious floor-length white coat, Maltese dogs are highly adaptable, loyal companions who are devoted to their owners and make the perfect family pets. These dogs are small, friendly, and healthy. Their coat is also labelled hypoallergenic, which makes them an ideal choice for adults and children with allergies.

Maltese may be pint-sized pups, but they sure have a lot of exercise and frequent grooming needs that must be met to keep these incredibly smart dogs healthy and happy. Maltese, being a long-haired breed, requires daily brushing and minimal grooming to prevent tangles and matting.

Along with daily brushing, these pups must also get regular baths to keep their coat clean, shiny, and healthy. If you prefer giving Maltese a short haircut, you will need a minimal grooming routine. You can take help from our dog groomer tip calculator to understand the best grooming techniques for these canines:

4. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their high intelligence and obedience. According to WebMD, these pups thrive in human attention and are known to be friendly with their owners. They get along well with children and are also comfortable around other dogs and animals.

These dogs are blessed with a low-maintenance and low-shedding coat; however, their curly and wavy hair needs consistent brushing and care to ensure it stays in optimal condition. To prevent matting and avoid tangles, it is recommended to take these dogs for professional grooming after 4-6 weeks to keep your furry friends happy and clean.

If these water canines get dirty, you may give them a bath with a dog-friendly shampoo to ensure their coat stays healthy. Their coat should be brushed regularly, along with frequent trimming. Their coat does not grow long, but grows consistently, which can result in matting. To prevent mats, regular trimming must be added to their grooming process.

5. Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Regardless of their size, these pups are known to have high intelligence, which makes it easier to train these canines. They are active dogs with a lively attitude and goofy antics that light up your house with much-needed paw-sitivity.

According to Hills Pet, their thick double coat is what makes hearts melt. The thick double coat around the legs and chest helps to keep these fluffy friends warm in cold weather and water. Poodle’s coat should remain tight and curly unless it is brushed out. They are low shedders, which makes them perfect for people with allergies.

Frequent brushing is required along with a grooming session of their double coat every 4-6 weeks to ensure their coat and skin stay healthy and free of tangles or mats. These pups require nail trimming regularly to prevent them from breaking off and causing pain.

6. Puli

Recognised by their corded, floor-length coat, the Hungarian Puli is a muscular and sturdy dog beneath their dense coat. These canines have a lot of energy along with a loving personality, which makes them excellent family companions. These canines are quick to learn, which makes training them a breeze.

Pulis have a very distinctive coat which does not fully develop until they are 3 years old, but owners must give full attention to their coat to see if they are developing right and there are no mats. It is recommended to take professional grooming tips to ensure a healthy coat.

Many owners like to trim down their coat as regular grooming can be a bit of a hassle; however, if you plan to participate your dogs in shows, then a short-haired dog is not recommended. Pulis do not shed, not even in shedding seasons, but they are sure to catch some dirt or objects in their cords.

You may tend to bathe them regularly in summer but not in winter, as their coat can take a long time to dry up.

7. Bichon Frise

Small dogs with a fluffy coat and a cheerful personality, Bichon Frises are admirable, affectionate, charming, and friendly to everyone. These pups have an eager-to-please attitude and get along well with everyone in the house. They also behave well around other pets in the vicinity.

These pups are always ready to play, but become couch potatoes when it’s time to relax and settle in. Because of their small size, these pups must be protected from large dogs and predators. Taking care of their coat can be quite a bit of a challenge.

If not brushed and combed down, the coat tends to get in bad shape and also form matts and tangles. Daily brushing is recommended along with professional grooming and trimming to keep their coat in good shape. They don’t have long hair, but loose hair on the coat can form tangles. Plus, they have a white coat which gets dirty easily. Regular bathing with a dog-friendly shampoo is recommended.

Conclusion

There are some dog breeds that require regular grooming and brushing daily or frequently. They may be high maintenance and require extra time and care to keep them in good shape, but it is all worth it. This extra grooming not only keeps their coat healthy and prevents tangles but also eliminates the risk of infections and many other skin problems.

Pet parents just need to set and follow a good process, and can also take grooming tips from professionals to make sure they are doing the right job. This way, grooming does not become a chore but moments of bonding between the dog and their owners.