Some dogs are just born drama queens with zoomies that hit like a tornado, stubborn streaks a mile long, and the energy of three toddlers on sugar highs. Whether it’s refusing to budge from the couch or acting like bath time is betrayal, these mischievous pups have flair for theatrics.
They’ll follow you around like you’re the center of their universe, but don’t be fooled, they demand more than just belly rubs and snuggles. High-maintenance to the core, they’ll test your patience, tug at your heartstrings, and secretly laugh at your attempts to keep up.
So, if you’re ready to meet the canine world’s most loveable troublemakers, gear up with a good trainer, a solid routine, and maybe a helmet. Let’s dive into the dog breeds that come with a bit of chaos and a whole lot of character.
High-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Need Extra Attention
1. Akita
This wonderfully loyal dog is all things brave, protective, and smart, highly suspicious of strangers, a good alert guard dog, and an incredible hunting companion with a high prey drive. But when it comes to training and behaving, this sturdy pooch becomes a difficult-to-manage breed.
Omlet states Akitas are strong-willed, intelligent dogs that need plenty of patience, treats, and consistent training to follow commands. Early socialization is key, especially if you want them to get along with guests or other pets—but truthfully, they thrive best as the only animal in the home.
Highly energetic with a take-charge attitude, Akitas require firm leadership, regular exercise, and mental stimulation to stay balanced. While their striking, fox-like appearance makes them a joy to behold, they can also be territorial, bossy, and occasionally aggressive, especially toward smaller animals or children.
Also, prepare for serious shedding. Their thick double coat means a good vacuum and lint roller are must-haves in any Akita household.
Akitas will groom themselves like a cat. This breed is usually very clean, and housebreaking is usually not a problem.
2. Belgian Malinois
Get ready and buckle up for endless hours of daily activity, strenuous exercise, hefty mental stimulation, creative play, and adventure trails. Because this exceptionally intelligent, muscular, and loyal Belgian puppy is here to use all your energy levels.
Unless you’re a very special kind of human with a very prepared home, equipped to handle their endless needs like boredom, stress, overexcitement, reactivity, and a constant need to narrate their life story, this pup may not be your match.
Without constant attention and structured outlets, they can spiral into full-blown chaos. Their intense drive and turbo-charged energy aren’t for the faint of heart.
According to Purina, keeping them sane requires serious commitment: hours of high-energy dog sports, military or police service (yes, really), or just quitting your 9-to-5 altogether to be their full-time life coach.
They need physical activity, brain games, and social exposure like it’s their job. And while they’re only moderate shedders on paper, don’t get too comfy; twice a year, that thick waterproof double coat explodes like confetti during spring and fall. So yeah… your “spring cleaning” just got promoted to a full-blown seasonal operation.
3. Border Collie
People say never underestimate your foe, we say never underestimate a black and white medium-sized herding dog that hails from Anglo Anglo-Scottish Border.
Because this little dog might be a beloved family pet for that smart and active neighbour down the block. But what you don’t know is that this very vocal breed has such high demands of mental stimulation.
It will convert even the worst cases of couch potatoes into highly active pet parents who suddenly are more outgoing and on top of their game. These moderate shedders require plenty of physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom.
Orvis confirms that Border Collies are prone to destructive behavior if not provided with obedience training and constant human companionship. Daily brushing is also required for these long-haired double-coated pooches.
4. Chow Chow
If you value your sanity, savings, and spare time, think twice before falling for the blue-black tongue and royal fluff of the Chow Chow. This ancient, majestic dog may look like a teddy bear, but owning one is more of a full-time job than a fairytale.
The American Kennel Club says Chow Chows need serious grooming to avoid their thick double coat from turning into a matted disaster. You’ll start off thinking, “A little brushing? I got this.” But oh no, that’s just the beginning.
Even with regular maintenance, your Chow will stay as aloof and stubborn as ever. You’ll bend over backward to earn their approval, only to be met with a blank stare and a vibe that says, “Try harder.”
This floof demands exercise like an athlete and expects pampering fit for royalty—yet rarely returns the affection. In short, you don’t own a Chow Chow. It owns you.
5. Siberian Husky
This arctic sled dog isn’t one to wag its tail just because you smiled or gave a thumbs-up. Nope, Siberian Huskies are built differently. Tough, independent, and stubbornly adorable, they’re not here to seek your approval; they’re here to test your limits.
Fun fact: Studies show dogs release the same oxytocin (a.k.a. the love hormone) that humans do. Sounds heartwarming, right? But don’t let those dreamy blue eyes fool you, this fur missile will have you second-guessing every life choice.
According to Pawlicy Advisor, Huskies need a lot of exercise to stay sane (and keep your furniture intact). Think marathon-level daily runs. Oh, and grooming? They shed like it’s a competitive sport, especially during their twice-a-year coat blowouts.
So if you’re getting weak in the knees at the sight of those piercing eyes, take a deep breath. Huskies were bred to haul heavy sleds across frozen wastelands, not chill on your couch. Bring one home, and you’re signing up for a whirlwind of chaos, fluff, and unmatched canine drama.
6. Afghan Hound
So you locked eyes with that long, silky, shampoo-commercial-worthy coat and fell head over heels in 0.3 seconds? Oh, you poor emotional hooman. We hate to break it to you, but looks aren’t everything, and this glamorous sighthound is basically a full-time job wrapped in fur.
The Afghan Hound’s luscious locks demand serious upkeep. We’re talking two baths a week (with fancy, skin-friendly products, mind you), followed by a meticulous brushing session worthy of a salon appointment. Each strand must be separated with love, patience, and preferably, a playlist to survive the ordeal.
And just when you think your majestic Barbie dog is red carpet ready, it bolts out the door for zoomies through dirt, leaves, and anything remotely tangly. Cue the second grooming session of the day.
According to the Continental Kennel Club, Afghan Hounds were bred to chase prey across the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, so their need for adventure is real. These active dogs thrive on long walks, fast sprints, and open spaces—not just soft couches and photo ops.
Bottom line: the Afghan Hound is a runway model with the soul of a wild explorer. Only adopt one if you’ve got the stamina, the salon budget, and the spirit to keep up with this fiercely fabulous fur missile.
Be careful: These Afghan Hounds are quite the jumpers, so that fence needs to be at least six feet high.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
Famously known as the Blue Heeler or Red Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog is a spirited descendant of the native Australian dingo, and raising one is no walk in the park (literally or figuratively). These energetic dogs will test your patience, outsmart your household, and run circles around your best-laid plans.
Like their cousin, the Australian Shepherd, they need a lot of exercise. And even after you’ve exhausted yourself, they’ll still be ready for round two. Be prepared to dig deep for new ways to mentally and physically tire out this high-octane furball.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, they sport a short, dense, double coat that requires regular brushing. Their upright ears and distinctive Bentley mark give them a permanently alert look, because they are always watching. Every. Single. Move.
These highly intelligent, fiercely loyal dogs aren’t content with a quick stroll around the block. To truly thrive, they need full-blown adventures: think hiking, bikejoring, agility sports, or flyball marathons. In short, this is a breed for the bold and busy, not the faint-hearted.
8. Beagle
This tiny scent hound might look innocent, but it’s packed with energy and attitude. With a short, double-layered tri-color coat, Beagles are built for all weather and need minimal grooming, but don’t be fooled. That’s the only low-maintenance thing about them.
Beagles have sky-high energy and an unstoppable prey drive. Without enough exercise or training, they’ll happily follow their nose, and possibly your neighbor’s rabbit, right into trouble. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself apologizing to animal control on your Beagle’s behalf.
According to PDSA, this Snoopy-inspired hound is an expert tracker and trailing pro, but incredibly stubborn. Training them is like negotiating with a tiny, loud, four-legged lawyer who howls when overruled.
And yes, that howl will bring your neighbors to your door, probably not with cookies. Beagles are vocal, dramatic, and persistent. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is not your breed.
Bottom line? Beagles are small in size, but enormous in personality and challenge. Get ready for chaos, comedy, and a whole lot of canine drama.
9. Old English Sheepdog
This bouncy ball or fur, with a peek-a-boo hairdo, is a boisterous pupper with a springy and clumsy gait. The Old English sheepdog has long legs and a long list of demands for physical activity and grooming. Don’t ever underestimate the need for regular exercise for this pooch, who can easily become problematic. If it doesn’t get enough space to stretch its long, hairy legs.
Many dog enthusiasts pick this pupper for its unique pupper for its striking looks and fluffy exterior. But do not realize that on the inside lies a sneaky little bugger whom you’ll have to regularly brush and fluff up to prevent mats and tangles.
PetMD explains that this bob-tailed sheepdog or shepherd’s dog needs your help with shedding its fur. Moreover, this highly intelligent and always happy pupper can also turn aggressive if not properly trained or socialized from an early age.
These furry pooches have a distinct double coat, which is coarse and shaggy on the outside and soft and dense on the inside. Their coat can collect dirt, bacteria, fleas, ticks, and mites; hence, to keep them healthy and joyful, you’ll need to trim and prime their beautiful locks pretty frequently.
Conclusion
So, by now, you must have noticed the main trends of the High-maintenance dog breeds. As they typically have high energy levels, require extensive exercise, and even specific dietary requirements (because they are too picky and stubborn to compromise on some common kibble). But the more concerning situation starts when these high-maintenance dog breeds become prone to separation anxiety, and this is only where the real games begin.
Beware! All high-maintenance dog breeds require dedicated owners willing to invest considerable time and effort every day to please their high and mighty fur babies. Cause these boujie pups are not only demanding they are also so needy and attention seeking that they expect you to treat them like royalty. Hence, if you aren’t keen or too enthusiastic about a high-maintenance breed that needs daily grooming, then steer clear of these pooches.
For example, the Pulik requires a lot of time for grooming as their cords need to be regularly washed and separated. The Poodles need consistent, expert grooming to prevent their coats from matting. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require frequent grooming and companionship to prevent anxiety. Moreover, the precious Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniels, German Short-haired pointers, Jack Russell terriers, and Brussels Griffon are also included in the list of velcro dogs who need ample attention and stimulation.
