Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to care and attention. Some breeds are easygoing and low-maintenance, while others require extra time, energy, and patience from their owners.
High-maintenance dog breeds aren’t “difficult” because of their temperament alone—they often demand special grooming, rigorous exercise, or consistent mental stimulation to thrive. Take a dog that whines or barks endlessly when left alone, or a high-energy breed that needs hours of daily exercise to stay happy.
Add in pups with thick, luxurious coats like the Komondor, whose corded fur needs meticulous grooming and occasional detangling, and you start to see why some breeds require a significant commitment. Space is another consideration—many of these dogs are natural guardians, need room to roam, and aren’t shy about raising their voices when duty calls.
For pet parents willing to invest the time and care, these breeds reward dedication with loyalty, protection, and companionship—but it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. Here’s a guide to dog breeds that demand extra care and what you can expect from each one.
Dog Breeds That Demand Extra Care: What to Expect
1. Komondor
If you’ve ever looked at a Komondor and thought, “Why is there a sentient mop guarding sheep?” — congrats, you’re not alone. This powerfully large Hungarian flock guardian is instantly recognizable thanks to its dramatic white, corded coat that looks like it lost a fight with a bag of ropes.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Komondor is one of the world’s most distinctive dog breeds—and it absolutely knows it. That iconic hairstyle, though? It’s not just for fashion week. The Komondor’s cords require serious commitment.
We’re talking regular grooming sessions, careful separation of clumps, and the patience of a monk. Skip maintenance, and you’ll end up with a dog-shaped floor mat. Keep up with it, and you’ll have a walking masterpiece that turns heads everywhere—from dog parks to confused delivery drivers.
Space is another non-negotiable. The Komondor was bred to guard livestock, so apartment living is… let’s say ambitious. These large dog breeds like room to patrol and take their job seriously.
They’re independent thinkers, fiercely protective, and not shy about barking—especially if something looks suspicious, like a leaf, a squirrel, or the concept of strangers. Neighbors may not appreciate the commentary, but sheep definitely would.
Bottom line: if you live on a remote farm, enjoy hands-on grooming, and want a loyal protector who doubles as modern art, the Komondor could be your perfect match. Just don’t expect a low-maintenance cuddle bug.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Terriers usually come with a reputation for being scrappy, rugged, and delightfully low-maintenance. The Yorkshire Terrier did not get that memo. The Yorkie shows up looking like it just stepped out of a luxury salon—silky, flowing hair and all—and expects you to keep it that way.
That gorgeous coat is their pride and joy… and your new part-time job. Yorkies have long, fast-growing hair that needs frequent brushing, regular grooming, and strategic trimming unless you’re aiming for the “windswept mop” aesthetic.
Skip a few sessions, and tangles appear faster than gossip at a dog park. The upside? Few dogs pull off glamour quite like a Yorkie. This is a terrier who knows how to work a look and absolutely expects compliments.
Because they don’t shed the same way many dogs do, Yorkies are often labeled as “hypoallergenic.” As PetMD points out, no dog is truly hypoallergenic—every pup produces allergens. That said, Yorkshire Terriers can be a solid option for some allergy-sensitive humans, especially those willing to stay on top of grooming and cleaning.
Under all that hair beats the heart of a bold, confident dog who has no idea how small they are. Yorkies are affectionate, feisty, and convinced they could take on a Great Dane if the situation called for it.
Just be prepared: owning a Yorkshire Terrier means committing to equal parts companionship, confidence… and conditioner.
3. Puli
At first glance, the Puli looks like a chill, effortlessly cool dog who rolled out of bed fabulous. Reality check: that iconic corded coat is high-maintenance artistry, not a happy accident. Those natural-looking dreadlocks require careful separation, regular washing, and patient towel-drying.
And when we say patient, we mean clear-your-schedule patient—it can take an entire day for a Puli’s coat to dry completely. Laundry day? No. Dog spa weekend. The coat itself forms through a controlled matting process.
Thin, rope-like cords are the gold standard, and grooming isn’t about brushing things out—it’s about guiding the coat into neat, clean, stylish cords instead of one giant fuzzy conspiracy. Done right, the result is stunning.
Good news for vacuum haters: according to Wikipedia, a healthy Puli’s coat grows back after trimming and sheds very little to almost none. So while grooming takes time, your floors won’t look like they’re wearing dog sweaters year-round.
Now, about the dog inside the cords. Pulis are highly intelligent, athletic, and built to work. These are natural guardians who need space, stimulation, and a purpose. While city living is possible with enough exercise, this isn’t a couch-ornament breed.
They’re cozy, affectionate, and especially wonderful with children. But they’re also sensitive souls. Harsh handling or neglecting their needs can lead to resentment—yes, this dog will remember. Treat them well, give them structure, and you’ll have a loyal, friendly companion wrapped in one of the most unforgettable coats in the dog world.
Without proper activity, Pulis can swing between shy and zoomies-on-steroids. They were created to move, think, and guard—preferably in a house with a garden where they can live their best working-dog life.
4. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound doesn’t just have hair—it makes a statement. Long, silky, flowing, and impossibly glamorous, this breed looks like it belongs in a luxury shampoo commercial shot in slow motion. Naturally, beauty at this level comes with a price.
Afghan Hounds sit comfortably in the high-maintenance hall of fame thanks to grooming demands that are, frankly, intense. Daily brushing is non-negotiable, and not with just one brush either. You’ll need an entire toolkit: combs, brushes, patience, and possibly a deep respect for professional groomers.
Weekly baths are standard, and yes—hair-drying is often part of the process unless you enjoy that “wet runway model caught in the rain” look. Skip grooming sessions, and tangles will move in like they’re paying rent.
But here’s the plot twist: once the brushes are put away, this elegant diva transforms into a full-throttle athlete. Afghan Hounds are sighthounds, bred to chase prey across vast distances, and they can hit speeds of up to 40 mph.
Despite their aloof, aristocratic vibe, Afghan Hounds are playful, quirky, and often hilariously independent. These active dogs love exercise just as much as they love looking fabulous, and they expect you to keep up with both.
If you want a dog that combines red-carpet glamour with track-star speed—and you don’t mind living with a hairbrush in one hand and a leash in the other—the Afghan Hound might be your perfect high-maintenance muse.
5. Shih Tzu
Don’t let the name fool you. “Shih Tzu” may translate to little lion, but this breed’s fiercest move is demanding attention—and winning it.
Originating in Tibet and believed to be descended from the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso, the Shih Tzu has been perfecting the art of companionship for thousands of years. Hunting? Guarding? Herding? Absolutely not. Their full-time job is being adored.
Shih Tzus keep things refreshingly reasonable. Moderate daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. As Petplan points out, their low exercise needs make them a great fit for apartment living and more relaxed households.
Now, let’s talk about the coat. Luxurious, flowing, and undeniably regal, the Shih Tzu’s hair puts them firmly in the high-maintenance grooming club. Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangles, along with frequent baths and occasional trims unless you’re aiming for the “royal mop” look.
Personality is where the Shih Tzu truly shines. These dogs refuse to be ignored. They greet friends, strangers, delivery drivers, and possibly ghosts with equal enthusiasm. Social, affectionate, and charming to their core, they collect admirers everywhere they go, like it’s their side hustle.
Shih Tzus are little dynamos with impressive longevity—their average lifespan ranges from 10 to 18 years, giving plenty of time for cuddles, mischief, and attention-demanding antics. Overall, they’re considered a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have common health conditions to watch for: breathing issues, obesity, and luxating Patella.
If you’re looking for a dog that thrives on companionship, fits neatly into smaller living spaces, and is happy with moderate activity—as long as they’re loved endlessly—the Shih Tzu is a tiny lion with a very big heart (and an equally big grooming routine).
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are the perfect mix of charm, high energy levels, and undeniable cuteness—but don’t let those big, soulful eyes fool you. Behind the adorable exterior lies a high-maintenance package that keeps you busy in all the best ways.
First, exercise requirements. These therapy dogs were bred to work and play, so daily walks, runs, or fetch sessions aren’t optional—they’re essential. A bored Cocker is a mischievous Cocker, and trust us, they have imagination to spare.
Then there’s the coat: a silky, double-layered beauty that sheds constantly. That means brushing, grooming, and yes—vacuuming becomes part of your regular routine unless you want your couch to look like a fluffy Cocker-themed tapestry.
And those trademark floppy ears? Adorable as they are, they’re prone to infections, so cleaning them regularly is a must. Consider it a small price to pay for ears that could give puppies in calendars a run for their money.
Beyond the grooming and activity, Cocker Spaniels are emotionally sensitive souls. They crave affection, thrive on interaction, and need to feel like part of the family. Ignore them for too long, and you might find subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints that they’re sadly judging your life choices.
In short, the Cocker Spaniel is a bundle of energy, fluff, and love that will reward your time and effort tenfold. They may demand grooming, exercise, and emotional availability—but they’ll repay you with loyalty, charm, and enough cuteness to make every chore feel like a privilege.
7. Poodle
Poodles are basically the overachieving valedictorians of the dog world: smart, social, and impossibly stylish. But like any honor student, they come with high-maintenance expectations—especially when it comes to their signature coat.
Daily exercise? Check. Plenty of human interaction? Check. But the real challenge lies in keeping those curls neat, clean, and fabulous.
Without consistent, expert grooming, a Poodle’s coat can quickly turn from chic to chaotic—a tangled mass that screams “I tried, but life happened.” Trust us: maintaining that perfectly coiffed look is a full-time job, and your dog will not forgive shortcuts.
Beyond the fluff, Poodles are a delight. These intelligent dogs make training a breeze, and their sociable, affectionate nature ensures they love being part of every family adventure.
They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy games, puzzles, and showing off their smarts—basically, they’ll outwit you while looking glamorous doing it.
Bottom line: if you’re ready to commit to daily exercise, lots of attention, and a serious grooming routine, the Poodle is a great companion. They combine brains, personality, and high-fashion flair in a way few breeds can. Just don’t be surprised if your friends start asking which celebrity stylist works for your dog.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, time commitment for exercise, grooming, and training, as well as how well a dog fits with your living space and family structure. High-maintenance breeds, or dogs with double coats, often require extensive exercise, regular mental stimulation, frequent grooming, and human company to prevent behavioral issues.
They may also be prone to health complications, skin infections, or other breed-specific health issues, leading to higher vet bills.
In contrast, low-maintenance breeds, lap dogs, or breeds with short coats, are often more laid back, better suited for busy families, and more adaptable to apartment living. By understanding your dog’s specific exercise, grooming, and health needs, you can ensure a happy, healthy relationship and find a furry friend who fits seamlessly into your home and family life.
