Ever spend more time getting your dog ready than yourself? You’re not alone. According to a 2025 Forbes survey, pet owners say grooming routines have become part of their daily life—move over, skincare regimens!
We’re talking dogs that could win “Best Hair” in any yearbook—if they didn’t need a full-time glam squad. Fluff, poof, floof… these pups make TikTok influencers look low-maintenance. Even the pros agree: grooming them is an art and a workout.
Imagine brushing for an hour… only to have your pup roll in mud five minutes later. Yeah, it’s a vibe. It’s why so many dog parents have a “good towels only” section in their closet (don’t deny it).
Surprise twist? Some of the most stylish dogs shed the least. It’s just that their fancy coats need all the fluffing, snipping, and shampooing to stay red-carpet ready.
So if you’re dreaming of doggy cuddles but not scared of serious brush battles, you’re about to meet your perfect match. Ready? Grab your comb and let’s dive in!
7 Intensive Grooming Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound isn’t just walking around—it’s gliding with a flowing coat that would make any supermodel jealous. With a coat so silky it practically whispers “luxury,” frequent grooming is non-negotiable to prevent tangles and maintain coat health.
AKC claims that these regal beauties require consistent grooming routines, regular brushing, and professional grooming services to stay stunning and mat-free.
Known for their aloof charm and fierce independence, Afghan Hounds demand a proper grooming strategy starting in puppyhood.
If you slack, their long hair will mat faster than you can say “Afghanistan’s pride.” Plus, bathing and drying sessions can easily clock hours if you’re not prepped with patience and a serious high-velocity dryer.
Behind those flowing locks? A surprisingly athletic soul. These dogs have a lively personality and love a good sprint after being meticulously groomed.
Regular baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming should be part of their schedule to support their well-being. Trust us—owning this breed is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Poodle
If the Poodle had a resume, “high-maintenance icon” would be right at the top. Thanks to their dense, curly coats, Poodles require frequent brushing and consistent grooming to prevent matting and distribute natural oils.
Without regular grooming sessions or professional grooming help, they risk becoming one giant fluffball of chaos.
Whether you go for a classic Continental cut or a sporty modern trim, proper grooming keeps this breed’s reputation squeaky clean.
Puppies especially need early grooming sessions to normalize the feel of combs, clippers, and occasional baths. Add trimming nails and thorough brushing to your weekly planner.
Beyond their Hollywood good looks, Poodles pack serious brainpower and a playful spirit that shines through a clean, healthy coat.
A hypoallergenic coat sounds easy-breezy, but only if you’re prepared for regular maintenance. Investing in professional grooming services isn’t a splurge—it’s survival.
3. Bichon Frise
Imagine a marshmallow with legs—only way more demanding. The Bichon Frise sports a dense double coat that grows continuously and demands meticulous grooming to stay plush and perky.
Frequent brushing is vital to remove loose fur and prevent matting beneath that cheerful powder-puff appearance.
Underneath all that floof is a spunky, affectionate little adventurer who thrives on attention and thorough brushing sessions.
Skip a day of daily brushing, and you’ll be dealing with stubborn mats that laugh in the face of detangling spray. Professional grooming sessions every few weeks are absolutely part of the deal.
Don’t be fooled by their small dog size; these high-maintenance breeds are grooming heavyweights. A consistent grooming routine keeps their coat clean, healthy, and prevents hidden skin issues.
Regular maintenance supports their well-being and ensures your Bichon stays more cloud nine than dust bunny.
4. Shih Tzu
Born to rule laps—and sometimes entire households—the Shih Tzu carries a luxurious double coat that demands daily brushing.
Their soft, silky coat grows continuously, meaning regular haircuts and meticulous grooming aren’t vanity—they’re survival. If you want that signature flowing coat, extensive grooming is the price of admission.
A lively personality hides behind those big, soulful eyes, but trust—this breed’s grooming needs are no joke.
You’ll need a dedicated grooming toolkit: slicker brushes, combs, tear stain wipes, and patience measured in gallons. Professional grooming sessions every 4–6 weeks help manage their coat type and hygiene needs.
Purina reports that their long hair easily traps dirt, leading to skin irritation if you slack off. Grooming plays a crucial role in distributing natural oils, keeping the coat shiny, and the dog’s skin healthy.
A clean, fluffy Shih Tzu isn’t just cute—it’s a masterclass in proper care and consistency.
5. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a walking shag rug with a heartbeat—and serious grooming needs.
Their dense double coat isn’t just thick; it’s a matting magnet without frequent brushing and thorough grooming to remove loose hair. If you don’t stick to a consistent grooming routine, you’ll have a tangled disaster on four legs.
Despite their size and bear-like fluff, these dogs are pure comedians at heart, always ready for a zoomie session after you’ve spent an hour grooming them.
Regular grooming sessions and professional grooming services are essential to prevent tangles and skin infections lurking under all that fur.
Their shedding season feels like nature’s prank if you’re unprepared. Dead hair hides deep in the coat, meaning dedicated grooming keeps their coat clean and supports overall well-being.
Pro tip: investing in a quality undercoat rake isn’t optional—it’s survival gear.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but their grooming requirements punch way above their weight class.
That silky coat looks effortless on Instagram, but maintaining it demands daily brushing to prevent matting and keep the flowing locks smooth and shining. Yorkies are basically tiny divas who expect full spa treatment on the regular.
While their long hair grows continuously, it’s deceptively fine and prone to breakage, so gentle grooming techniques are a must.
Professional grooming sessions every few weeks help maintain coat health and minimize split ends. And don’t even think about skipping ear cleaning or nail trimming!
Their lively personality means they often act bigger than they are, but neglect their specific grooming needs, and you’ll have a stubborn tangle tantrum on your hands.
Proper care also includes consistent bathing to support their dog’s skin health and glossy glow.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are the undercover agents of high grooming needs—adorable, sneaky, and suddenly a matted mess if you blink.
Their distinctive coat includes feathering that requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and remove loose fur trapped underneath. Frequent grooming and occasional baths keep their soft undercoat healthy and clean.
Sweet and sensitive, Cocker Spaniels thrive on routine, and that includes their coat care, explains Petplan.
Professional grooming services are necessary to keep their flowing coat manageable and avoid skin irritation from hidden mats. Plus, regular ear cleaning is non-negotiable thanks to their heavy, floppy ears.
Their grooming needs don’t end with brushing—their nails need regular trimming, and their coat benefits massively from proper grooming techniques that distribute natural oils.
A well-groomed Cocker isn’t just stunning; it’s a walking ad for dog owner dedication.
Conclusion
If you thought your morning routine was intense, imagine having a pet that needs a blowout before breakfast. High-maintenance pups aren’t just stylish—they’re practically celebrities of the dog world, with a grooming checklist longer than your grocery list.
From flowing coats to dense undercoats, dog breeds that require frequent grooming aren’t for the faint of heart. Whether it’s maintaining coat health, managing shedding, or preventing those lion-like manes from turning into dreadlocks, dedicated groomers know: it’s a full-time vibe.
Of course, our spotlight pups aren’t alone. Certain breeds like the Maltese, Chow Chows, Siberian Huskies, and the ever-adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel deserve honorable mentions for their luxurious coats, distinctive blue black tongue (looking at you, Chow Chows), and seriously unique grooming needs.
Long-haired breeds, double-coated breeds, and pups with unique coats all share one thing: they require frequent grooming and proper care to keep their dogs’ well-being—and your sanity—intact.
Cleanliness isn’t just a flex, it’s a lifestyle when you’re dealing with different breeds that practically include daily brushing in their DNA.
If you’re ready to embrace the fluff (and the chaos), remember: proper grooming isn’t just about looks—it’s about giving your pup a happy, healthy life. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to invest in way too many adorable dog brushes.
Now it’s your turn! Tell us in the comments which glamorous, high-maintenance pup has stolen your heart—or share your funniest grooming fail! Ready for more fur-flying facts? Explore our other guides and keep those tails wagging!
