Grooming is an essential aspect of maintaining a dog’s health and appearance, and some breeds require far more attention than others. High-grooming dog breeds, known for their luxurious coats and distinctive styles, demand regular brushing, trimming, and sometimes professional care to prevent matting and skin issues.
Their coats can range from curly to silky, and understanding the specific requirements is crucial for owners to keep their pets comfortable and healthy. Neglecting professional grooming can lead to discomfort, infections, and a decline in overall well-being.
Investing time and care in proper grooming not only enhances a dog’s appearance but also strengthens the bond between owner and pet. Knowing which high-maintenance breeds require the most attention helps prospective owners make informed decisions and ensures a happier, healthier companion.
High-Grooming Dog Breeds: A Detailed Breakdown
1. Puli
The Puli, a striking herding breed, traces its roots to Hungary, likely descending from Tibetan Terriers brought by the Magyars around 900 CE. Originally guardians and sheep herders, these agile dogs thrived in harsh climates thanks to their thick, corded coats, as noted by PetMD.
Loyal Acrobat with a Playful Spirit
Compact yet powerful, Pulik are intelligent, affectionate, and quick learners, earning the nickname “acrobats of the dog world.” Their energy and loyalty make them devoted family companions, but their herding nature can lead to excessive rounding up of small animals or children if not trained.
Dreadlocks That Demand Devotion
The Puli’s iconic corded coat isn’t just for show—it’s dense, woolly, and weatherproof, but high-maintenance. Maintaining the coat also supports skin health, making grooming a daily ritual for this extraordinary breed.
2. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog, or Perro de Agua Español, has been cherished in Spain and Portugal for centuries as a versatile working dog. Likely introduced by Turkish traders, these robust dogs excelled at herding, hunting, and retrieving from water.
Energetic Minds and Loyal Hearts
Athletic, intelligent, and eager to please, Spanish Water Dogs thrive when given work or training activities. With proper socialization and positive reinforcement, they become affectionate family companions who enjoy swimming, running, and canine sports.
Curly Coats That Command Attention
The Spanish Water Dog’s woolly, curly coat is highly distinctive but demands careful handling. Whether clipped short or left corded, maintaining their coat prevents mats and skin irritation, making grooming both a skill and a ritual for owners.
3. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier was developed in the 1930s at the Red Star Kennel near Moscow to serve as a superdog for the Soviet army. Combining breeds like Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, and Newfoundlands, these large dogs were designed to patrol harsh borders and guard prisoners.
Fearless Giants with Loyal Hearts
The American Kennel Club mentions that the BRTs are intelligent, confident, and calm, thriving when given a clear purpose or job to do. While devoted to their families, they remain wary of strangers and require early socialization and consistent training.
A Coat as Impressive as Its Owner
The Black Russian Terrier’s dense, coarse black coat is beautiful but demanding. Weekly brushing—and sometimes twice weekly—is essential to prevent mats, while trimming around the beard, mustache, and body keeps the coat manageable. Combined with regular nail care and dental hygiene, grooming a BRT is a commitment as impressive as the dog itself.
4. Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres originated in Belgium as a versatile farm dog, herding cattle and hauling heavy carts. Their rugged appearance and strength made them indispensable on farms, and over time, they proved capable in police work and as guide dogs.
Gentle Giants with Steady Temperaments
Bouviers are intelligent, calm, and affectionate with their families, yet reserved around strangers. Their strong energy and sharp minds make them excellent for jobs, hikes, or dog sports. Proper socialization and consistent training are essential to manage their prey drive and ensure they remain composed companions.
Coats That Match Their Strength
Bouviers sport a thick, double-layered coat with coarse outer fur and soft underlayers, often accented with mustaches and beards. Regular brushing is crucial to prevent mats and manage shedding. Combined with occasional trimming, coat care preserves their rugged charm and keeps these gentle giants comfortable.
5. Briard
The Briard, or Chien Berger de Brie, is an ancient French herding breed dating back to at least the 8th century. Originally bred to herd and guard sheep, these agile dogs also served in wars and alongside historical figures like Napoleon and Thomas Jefferson.
Loyal Guardians with Independent Minds
Purina mentions that Briards are affectionate, highly intelligent, and devoted to their families, though they retain an independent streak. They thrive on active lifestyles that include herding, hiking, or dog sports, and require consistent training and socialization to balance their strong prey drive and natural protectiveness.
Luxurious Coats That Need Care
Briards boast long, wavy fur with shaggy facial hair, which is prone to tangles and mats. Multiple weekly brushings, along with routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care, are essential. While they shed lightly, maintaining their coat preserves both their striking appearance and comfort.
6. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer, or Riesenschnauzer, was developed in 19th-century Germany as a larger, tougher version of the standard schnauzer. Originally used to herd cattle and guard farms, they adapted over time to roles as guard dogs and police companions.
Bold, Loyal, and Alert
Giant Schnauzers are intelligent, energetic, and protective, forming deep bonds with their families. They thrive on daily activity, training, and mental challenges, and require early socialization to manage their natural wariness of strangers.
Coats Built for Work and Style
These dogs have a dense, harsh coat with signature whiskers and mustache, designed to withstand harsh weather and protect against pests. Weekly brushing and regular trimming maintain their iconic look, while routine ear care, nail clipping, and dental hygiene complete their grooming needs.
7. Poodle
Originating in Germany as skilled water retrievers, Poodles were developed over 400 years ago to hunt ducks. Their intelligence and swimming prowess made them versatile working dogs. Over time, they became celebrated companions among European nobility, earning fame for both brains and elegance.
Spirited Minds with a Playful Heart
Poodles are lively, highly intelligent, and eager to please, making them excellent learners and fun family companions. They thrive on mental challenges and physical activity, but boredom can lead to nuisance behaviors like barking or mischief.
Curls That Command Care
The Poodle’s dense, curly coat is the hallmark of the breed but also its greatest maintenance challenge. Without regular brushing and clipping, mats form quickly, causing discomfort. This coat requires frequent grooming, clipping, and occasional corded styling to keep the dog healthy, comfortable, and show-ready.
8. Old English Sheepdog
Originating in 18th-century England, Old English Sheepdogs were bred to herd sheep and cattle, often traveling from pastures to market. Their ancestry includes Scottish and Russian herding dogs, giving them both strength and smarts.
Gentle Giants with a Playful Edge
OES are affectionate, intelligent, and playful companions, thriving on mental and physical challenges. Their size and strength mean they need careful handling around small children, and without proper exercise, they can become mischievous.
Fluff That Demands Devotion
The breed’s signature double coat is thick, long, and prone to mats if not brushed routinely. Regular grooming, washing, and eye-face care prevent tangles and hygiene issues, while clipping can reduce maintenance for busy owners.
9. Komondor
Originating in Hungary, the Komondor is an ancient breed descended from the Caucasian Shepherd, brought by nomads in the 13th century. Bred to guard sheep, they blend with flocks using their long, corded coats.
Calm Protectors with a Watchful Eye
Komondors are calm and gentle with their families but spring into action if danger is sensed. They need a strong, confident leader for training, or their independent streak can lead to trouble. Daily exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for keeping these large guardians happy and well-behaved.
Mop-Style Coats That Command Attention
The Komondor’s signature cords take up to five years to fully develop and require careful maintenance. Brushing is avoided, but washing, drying, and hand-separating the cords is essential to prevent mats, odors, and debris buildup.
Conclusion
Choosing a high-grooming dog is a commitment that goes beyond daily walks and playtime. These dogs thrive on attention, exercise, and mental stimulation, and their luxurious coats need regular care to stay healthy and beautiful. Understanding this before bringing one home ensures a happier life for both pet and owner.
Investing time in grooming and training strengthens the bond you share with your dog. Regular care prevents discomfort, matting, and health issues, while consistent socialization and exercise keep their minds sharp. The effort you put in is returned tenfold in loyalty, affection, and companionship.
If you’re ready to dedicate yourself to this level of care, the rewards are immense. You’ll gain a lively, intelligent, and loving companion who stands out in both personality and appearance. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the unmatched joy that comes from a well-cared-for, high-maintenance dog.
