Owning a dog comes with a multitude of joys, from unconditional love to loyal companionship. However, some breeds also bring with them surprisingly high grooming costs. “7 Dog Breeds With The Most Expensive Grooming Costs” delves into the world of canine care, spotlighting breeds that require extravagant grooming rituals to keep their coats pristine and their appearances impeccable. From frequent trims to specialized treatments, these breeds exemplify the commitment—and expense—needed to maintain their splendid looks. Whether you’re a dog enthusiast or a prospective pet owner, uncover what it takes to keep these fabulous canines in tip-top shape.
For dog lovers, there’s nothing quite like the sight of a beautifully groomed canine with a flowing coat and a regal demeanor. But behind that picture-perfect look lies an ongoing commitment to regular professional grooming, frequent brushing, and proper care—all of which come with a hefty price tag.
Some high-maintenance breeds demand extensive grooming to maintain their coats, prevent matting, and ensure their well-being. These dogs require not just love but also a serious financial commitment to keep them looking their best.
Owning one of these expensive breeds isn’t just about love—it’s about responsible pet ownership. If you’re considering one, be ready for the time, effort, and expense it takes to keep them looking their best.
Dog Breeds That Need Most Expensive Grooming
1. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a striking breed that has a dense, curly coat and boundless energy. While they may look effortlessly elegant, their grooming needs are anything but simple. Their water-resistant coat needs professional grooming to prevent entangles and maintain its signature texture. Without frequent grooming sessions, their curls can tangle, leading to discomfort and skin issues.
WebMD states that, unlike other breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog’s thick fur doesn’t shed much, but that doesn’t mean low maintenance. Many owners opt for professional groomers, as the breed’s coat requires expert hands to maintain its neat yet natural look. These grooming costs can quickly add up, making them one of the most expensive breeds to maintain.
Beyond grooming, this high-maintenance breed demands constant stimulation and exercise. Their well-being depends on both physical activity and a proper grooming routine. If you’re considering this breed, be prepared for the time, effort, and expense required to keep them looking and feeling their best.
2. Standard Poodle
This breed is adored for its intelligent expression and iconic curly coat. However, behind their elegant appearance lies a serious grooming commitment. According to PetMD, they have a curly haircoat that has a long growth cycle, making them prone to matting. So, Standard Poodles need consistent maintenance to preserve their graceful silhouette.
This breed’s high-maintenance grooming demands regular visits to professional groomers for trimming, brushing, and occasional bath treatments. Without proper care, the coat’s natural texture can become unruly, turning grooming into a time-consuming and costly affair. The grooming process is intricate, often involving specialized cuts and techniques to maintain their style.
For Standard Poodle owners, the annual grooming cost can be overwhelming, with the investment required for both time and finances. Their beauty is undeniably worth the effort, but the breed’s grooming needs are a clear reminder that owning a high-maintenance dog requires dedication and resources.
3. Bichon Frise
The curly, soft coat of Bichon Frise is one of their most endearing qualities, but it requires a lot of care to keep it looking its best. Without regular attention, their fur can quickly become tangled and matted, causing discomfort. This means frequent trips to the groomer are a must, making them a high-maintenance breed.
As stated by PetPlan, your Bichon Frise will need regular trips to a professional groomer to ensure your dog’s health. Grooming isn’t just about looks—it’s about keeping their skin healthy and their coat free of knots. Owners often find themselves spending time each day brushing, and then scheduling professional grooming sessions to ensure their dog stays comfortable and looks cute.
While the Bichon Frise is known for its cheerful disposition and adorable looks, its grooming routine can be demanding. The time, effort, and cost involved in keeping their coat looking its best can add up quickly. Regular visits to the groomer, along with daily brushing at home, are essential to prevent mats and tangles. For those who adore the breed, these grooming tasks become part of the joy of ownership.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a breed that instantly captures attention with its flowing, luxurious coat. However, this beauty requires a considerable amount of upkeep. Their long, silky fur needs frequent grooming sessions. Their coat demands more than the occasional brush—it’s a full-time commitment.
Caring for a Shih Tzu goes beyond simple brushing; regular professional grooming is essential to keep their coat manageable and looking its best. Trimming, washing, and detangling their hair requires expertise, making grooming sessions costly. AKC claims that mats can easily form, so keeping on top of it will prevent headaches later.
For Shih Tzu owners, the expense doesn’t stop at the grooming salon. Daily maintenance, including brushing and occasional trims at home, is necessary to keep them comfortable. Despite the high grooming costs, the Shih Tzu’s lovable personality and stunning coat make the investment worthwhile.
5. Newfoundland
The thick, double coat of the Newfoundland requires daily brushing to keep it healthy, prevent matting, and manage shedding as mentioned by Orvis. Their fur sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. If they are not given proper grooming sessions every day, this can lead to discomfort and even skin issues.
Caring for a Newfoundland’s coat goes beyond the basics—frequent brushing and seasonal de-shedding treatments are a must. Many owners opt for professional grooming sessions to maintain their thick fur and reduce shedding. Groomers must dedicate extra time to detangling mats and ensuring that the double coat stays healthy and clean.
It is true that the cost of maintaining a Newfoundland’s coat can be overwhelming. Their large size means more fur to manage, higher grooming costs, and more frequent appointments. Both financial and physical effort are involved in keeping their coat in their best shape, ensuring both their comfort and appearance.
6. Collie
Beneath the beautiful, flowing coat of Collie lies a grooming routine that can feel like a full-time job. Their thick, double-layered fur can quickly become tangled without constant care. As much as their coat is a symbol of their beauty, it can also be a source of frustration for owners who don’t realize the effort required to keep it in perfect condition.
For Collie owners, grooming is more than a chore—it’s a labor of love. The process involves frequent brushing, detangling, and trimming, often requiring professional help to manage the sheer volume of hair. This is a breed that sheds heavily, so regular trips to the salon are necessary to ensure their fur remains clean, shiny, and comfortable.
Despite the grooming demands, owning a Collie brings joy and companionship. Their stunning coat, when properly maintained, is a source of pride, reflecting the time, effort, and love poured into their care. It’s a bond that goes beyond appearance—Collies reward their owners with unwavering loyalty and affection, making the grooming challenges worthwhile.
7. Airedale Terrier
Unlike most breeds, Terrier’s grooming isn’t just a quick brush through. The Airedale’s coat demands hand-stripping, a delicate technique that involves removing dead hair by hand to preserve the coat’s texture. This process, while necessary for the breed’s signature look, can be both time-consuming and expensive, often requiring professional help to ensure it’s done right.
Beyond hand-stripping, the Airedale Terrier needs frequent brushing to maintain its shape and prevent tangles. While they don’t shed excessively, their wiry coat can trap debris and dirt, requiring grooming “every day,” claims Omlet. Without it, their fur can become matted, compromising both appearance and comfort.
The grooming demands of the Airedale Terrier make it a breed that requires true commitment. The cost of regular professional grooming sessions and the time spent on daily upkeep can be substantial. But for owners who are willing to invest in their care, the Airedale offers a strong, loyal, and rewarding companion.
Conclusion
Owning the most expensive dog breed with costly grooming needs is not just about the initial cost but also the ongoing commitment required to keep them healthy and comfortable. Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Collie, and Newfoundland require regular grooming sessions to manage their dense coats and prevent issues like mats or shedding. This can mean frequent trips to professional groomers to maintain their luxurious appearances.
The grooming process for these breeds involves more than just brushing. Daily care, including brushing, trimming, and bathing, is needed to keep dog’s coats looking their best. These high-maintenance breeds often need special care and attention, whether it’s hand-stripping for Airedales or seasonal de-shedding for Newfoundlands.
For dedicated dog owners, the cost of grooming is an investment in their dog’s health and well-being. Understanding the level of care these breeds require and the effort involved is crucial for responsible pet ownership. With regular grooming, these dogs can live comfortably and happily, offering their owners loyal companionship in return.
In conclusion, owning one of the seven dog breeds with the most expensive grooming costs—such as the Poodle, Bichon Frise, or Afghan Hound—requires a significant financial commitment alongside the emotional investment. These breeds, known for their distinctive coats and styles, demand regular professional grooming to maintain their health and appearance, often resulting in substantial annual expenses. Prospective owners must consider these costs as part of overall pet care budgeting. While the expense can be high, the joy and companionship these beautifully groomed pets offer can make the investment worthwhile for those prepared for the responsibility.