Certain dog breeds captivate attention with their luxurious coats, flowing locks, and sculptured textures. However, behind this glamour lies a commitment to specialized grooming that goes far beyond basic daily or weekly brushing.
Regular grooming directly affects comfort and well-being. Without proper care, dense coats can trap moisture and debris, leading to health problems and unpleasant odor. Professional grooming methods combined with consistent at-home maintenance help keep the coat healthy and manageable.
For owners willing to invest time, patience, and proper grooming knowledge, the effort becomes rewarding rather than burdensome. The result is a confident and comfortable companion whose stunning coat reflects attentive care and dedication filled with love.
Fun Fact: Hand stripping is a special grooming technique used for some breeds, for example Schnauzer to maintain their coat texture and color.
Dog Breeds Requiring Specialized Grooming Expertise
1. Puli
Puli is a long-haired breed that requires extensive grooming sessions to maintain its looks. Their corded coats come in white, gray, or black colors that insulate them in frigid temperatures. However, in puppyhood, a Puli does not require any grooming except bathing and ear cleaning.
Hailing from Hungary, these medium-sized dogs were originally bred for herding and guarding. They do bark a lot and need physical and mental stimulation of at least sixty minutes each day. This high-maintenance breed is suited to experienced owners who can manage their exercise and grooming needs accordingly.
The clumps of cords should be separated by hand (a time-consuming task) to avoid tangles. A young Puli requires regular bathing, and the fur should be squeezed just like a towel instead of being rubbed. They carry a playful, active, and friendly temperament.
2. Komondor
With their unique appearances, exercise demands, and relatively easy-to-train attitude, Komondors rank among high-maintenance breeds. These long-haired dogs have matted fur requiring regular grooming sessions every two to three times a week to prevent tangles.
The white coat of Komondors helps this breed to excel in their job as sheep guardians, as they blend in with the flock seamlessly, making them difficult to recognize by the wolves. Their double coats have a soft woolly undercoat and coarse top coat, and with time, the layers cling together forming heavy cords.
Komondor requires professional grooming, avoiding brushing, but preferring deep cleaning and trimming of their corded coats. With proper socialization and training, these dogs do well in family settings, thanks to their calm and gentle nature, says PetMD.
3. Bichon Frise
Small white dog breed, Bichon Frises are affectionate and amiable dogs who get along beautifully with children and other pets. Do not be fooled by their pint sizes, as their fluffy coats need a frequent grooming routine. Fortunately, the Bichon Frise is a hypoallergenic breed that sheds minimally.
Regular brushing is a must to avoid tangles, along with professional grooming services every four to six weeks. Bichon Frise dogs are social and playful dogs who make great family pets for apartment dwellers, as well as novice pet parents.
While they love spending time with their family members, mental enrichment is also mandatory for their well-being, such as playing with interactive toys and learning new tricks. Bichon Frises turn into happy-go-lucky dogs if provided with a proper grooming routine and quality time.
4. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound ranks among the hardy and high-maintenance breeds that require committed pet owners and is not everyone’s cup of tea, thanks to their impressive fur and upbeat athleticism. They are primarily bred as hunting dogs, but due to their long, silky coats, they also attract many people visually.
Regardless of regal appearances, Afghan Hounds are smart dogs who make their own decisions while doing work. Yet proper training with positive reinforcement methods is mandatory starting from an early age, for a confident and well-behaved adult.
To keep their beautiful coats healthy and shiny, consistent grooming demands are one of the necessities. According to the AKC, daily brushing that takes several hours a week not only keeps the fur tangle and mat free but also removes debris and loose hair, while distributing the natural oils evenly.
5. Miniature Poodle
Poodle is a curly-coated breed whose shedding is minimal, but they need proper grooming to keep skin healthy and their looks at their best. There are two coat types: dense coats and curly fur, but no matter what the type is, they are one of the best choices for people suffering from allergies.
To prevent matting easily slicker brush is the right tool to go with. Many pet parents opt for short coats, yet regular trimming is still required after every four to six weeks, as mentioned by Hill’s Pet. Being water dogs, they love swimming, while their coats will curl naturally if not trimmed.
Interestingly enough, Miniature Poodle takes three years to grow its full adult coat, and needs professional grooming on a regular basis. Frequent brushing is mandatory for Poodles regardless of their styles, except for the shaved Poodles.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The long coat of the Yorkshire Terrier comes in blue and tan color making them one of the most captivating dog breeds. They do not have fur but hair that resembles humans, meaning Yorkshire Terriers are blessed with fast-growing hair that sheds less round the year.
Yorkies are popular dogs due to their affectionate, loyal, and active personalities. Though they were bred to catch rodents in textile mills, today’s Yorkies are excellent family pets for people of all ages. The special grooming needs may come when owners want to have some stylish haircuts for their pets.
If you are going to adopt or buy a Yorkshire Terrier, keep in mind the budget you have to spend on their coat maintenance, while visiting professional groomers every month. This dog breed requires regular nail trimming, brushing, and baths to prevent skin infections, as well as ear cleaning to prevent ear infections.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog’s coat type can be either wavy or curly; this low-shedding furry friend still demands a good amount of care and upkeep through regular grooming sessions. To maintain overall health, and looks Portuguese water dog only fits in households that take their responsibilities well.
These medium muscular dogs either have long wavy hair or short tight curls. Typically, they are self-controlled and highly active canines, and along with good grooming needs, they are referred to as high maintenance breed. Regular clipping is also appreciated by many owners who adore short coats.
Portuguese water dog is easy to train and eager to please, which makes their training a breeze for owners. Being an adventurous dog breed, this companion should have regular bathing, but they do not require it unless they get dirty or wet.
Conclusion
Though the breeds that require high maintenance are demanding, spending time with them while taking care of them will nurture the mutual bond that ultimately pays off.
From thick double coats to continuously growing hair, these furry friends depend on specialized care comprising consistent, knowledgeable care to remain healthy, happy, and visually stunning.
When their grooming needs are met with expertise, they reward their owners with elegance, confidence, and healthy coats showcasing their distinctive charm.
