Dogs bring immense joy and companionship into our lives, but some breeds demand a bit more from their owners in terms of time, care, and dedication. “7 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Need Extra Attention” delves into the world of pooches that require extra grooming, training, or mental stimulation to thrive. From breeds with luxurious coats that need regular grooming to those with boundless energy needing daily exercise, this guide will provide insights into what makes these canine companions unique and what it takes to keep them happy and healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or considering adoption, understanding their needs can lead to a more fulfilling relationship.
Did you know that nearly 65.1 million U.S. households have a dog?
While most dogs bring joy and companionship, certain breeds require more than just basic care and attention. High-maintenance dogs, known for their demanding personalities and specific care needs, might not be suitable for every pet owner.
If you’re considering adopting one of these breeds, it’s essential to be prepared for the commitment they require. From extra grooming sessions to daily exercise needs, these dogs can become full-time jobs themselves.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 7 high-maintenance dog breeds that require extra effort but offer a deep bond in return. Let’s explore these lovable yet demanding companions and find out if you’re ready for the challenge.
High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
1. Belgian Malinois
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Loyalty, intelligence, and high energy
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Ideal for: Active families and experienced dog owners
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Temperament: Protective, alert, and independent
The Belgian Malinois, originally bred in Belgium for herding, is known for its intelligence and drive. These dogs excel in various roles like police and military service, thanks to their agility and alertness. They’re often compared to other dogs like the German Shepherd due to their hardworking nature.
This breed has a thick double coat that sheds year-round, requiring consistent grooming. If you don’t stay on top of regular brushing, their thick fur can become matted, especially during shedding seasons. It’s essential to make grooming part of your routine to keep them comfortable.
A high-energy breed, the Belgian Malinois needs daily physical exercise—long runs, hikes, or playtime is a must. Without enough exercise, these dogs can become bored and develop destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or digging holes in the yard.
Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs. They’re fiercely loyal to their families but can be a bit reserved with strangers. They’re also highly independent, which means they may require a bit more training to ensure they’re well-behaved at home.
Malinois are ideal for active owners who enjoy running or hiking and have time for daily workouts. They thrive in homes where they can burn off energy and get plenty of mental stimulation, keeping them out of trouble.
Training a Malinois requires consistency and patience. If left unchecked, they might develop destructive habits, but with the right guidance, they become loyal and obedient companions. Make sure to provide mental and physical challenges to avoid any unwanted behavior.
2. Puli
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Their distinctive corded coat and herding background
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Ideal for: Active owners who enjoy grooming and training
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Temperament: Intelligent, playful, and affectionate
The Puli, a Hungarian herding dog, was bred to protect livestock. Their iconic corded coat, often described as looking like dreadlocks, sets them apart from other pets. They’re well-known for their agility and intelligence, making them great working dogs, though they’re not as common in homes today.
Their dense double coat is beautiful but requires a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to commit to regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and prevent matting. Without this, the coat can become hard to manage, and regular grooming is essential to maintain their health and comfort.
Pulis are energetic dogs who need a good amount of exercise daily as suggested by PetMD. Their herding instincts drive them to be active, so they enjoy running and playing. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become restless, which could lead to separation anxiety or destructive behaviors.
Their personality is playful yet independent. While affectionate with their families, they can be reserved with strangers. Obedience training is crucial, as they are smart and may try to take charge of situations if not properly guided. They respond well to consistent training methods.
The ideal Puli owner is someone active who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in environments where they are involved in activities, as they love staying busy. Apartment living is not ideal unless you have enough space and time for exercise.
One thing to keep in mind is the time commitment for their grooming needs. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent their dense double coat from becoming unmanageable. They also require a strong and patient owner who can provide the right balance of training and care.
3. Border Collie
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Extraordinary intelligence and herding skills
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Ideal for: Active, experienced dog owners
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Temperament: Energetic, loyal, and trainable
The Border Collie is often regarded as the smartest dog breed, with its origins in Scotland. This herding dog was bred for its exceptional work ethic, agility, and sharp intelligence, making it a favorite for tasks like sheep herding. Their drive to work and please their owners is unmatched.
With their thick double coat, Border Collies require regular grooming to stay looking their best. While they don’t shed as much as some breeds, thorough brushing is necessary to keep their coat in tip-top condition. Without regular grooming, they could face matting and discomfort.
This breed needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They’re highly energetic, and if not given enough physical and mental stimulation, they could develop destructive behaviors. Early socialization is also crucial to help them be well-rounded and to prevent issues with other dogs or people.
Border Collies are fiercely loyal to their families, but they need a lot of attention. They bond closely with their owners and thrive on tasks that challenge them mentally and physically. Without sufficient engagement, they could get bored and begin to display negative behaviors.
The ideal owner for a Border Collie is someone who is active and ready to engage in their daily routines. They thrive in homes with large yards or access to open spaces where they can run. They need an environment where they’re mentally stimulated and involved in family activities.
4. Siberian Husky
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Wolf-like appearance, boundless energy
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Ideal for: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts
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Temperament: Friendly, independent, high-energy
The Siberian Husky is a striking breed with a wolf-like appearance, originating in Siberia, where it was used as a sled dog in harsh conditions. These dogs were bred for endurance and strength, so they’re naturally high-energy and thrive in cold climates. Despite their working history, they make excellent family pets, as long as their exercise needs are met.
Grooming a Husky involves regular brushing, especially because of their dense double coat, which sheds heavily. During shedding seasons, you’ll need to brush them every few days to avoid mats and tangles. Huskies are also known for their beautiful thick coats, but without proper grooming, these coats can become a hassle, so regular care is a must.
Siberian Huskies have significant exercise requirements, and without enough activity, they can become bored and potentially destructive. Long walks, runs, or even a fenced-in yard where they can roam are great ways to burn off their energy. They were built for long-distance running, so staying active is crucial to their well-being.
The Husky is known for its friendly and outgoing nature, but they can also be independent and somewhat stubborn. They love to be around their family but also have a tendency to follow their own path, which can make training a challenge. Early socialization and obedience training using positive reinforcement are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved.
An ideal owner for a Siberian Husky is someone who enjoys outdoor activities and has time to provide the exercise and attention these dogs need. They thrive in homes with active families or individuals who can take them on runs or hikes. They also do best in cooler climates, so if you’re living somewhere hot, make sure to provide plenty of shade and water.
5. Akita
Quick Facts
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Known for: Strength, loyalty, and noble demeanor
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Ideal for: Experienced dog owners and active families
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Temperament: Independent, confident, and protective
The Akita, originally from Japan, is a majestic breed known for its strength and fierce loyalty. They were initially bred to hunt large game, including bears and boars, which is why they have such a strong and confident nature. Today, they are renowned as protective family dogs, making them a popular choice for those who want a reliable and alert companion.
Grooming an Akita requires daily brushing due to their thick double coat, which sheds heavily, especially during shedding seasons. If not regularly brushed, their coat can become matted and uncomfortable. It’s essential to invest time in grooming to maintain their coat’s health and keep shedding under control.
Akitas need consistent exercise, though their activity levels can vary as stated by PDSA. They enjoy long walks and time outdoors but are not as high-energy as some breeds. A balanced exercise routine is crucial, as too little physical or mental stimulation can lead to undesirable behaviors.
Akitas have a strong, independent personality, making them excellent protectors but sometimes aloof with strangers. While they are loving and loyal to their families, they can be territorial, making early socialization crucial. With the right training, they can coexist well with other animals, but they may have a strong prey drive, so supervision around smaller animals is important.
The ideal Akita owner is someone who can invest time in training and socializing their dog. They are best suited for families with experience owning strong, independent dogs. Akitas thrive in homes where they are given structure and consistent leadership.
6. Bulldog
Quick Facts
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Known for: Stocky build, affectionate nature
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Ideal for: Apartment living, families with children
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Temperament: Calm, loyal, sometimes stubborn
The Bulldog, with its distinctive wrinkled face and sturdy build, has a rich history rooted in bull-baiting, but today, they are known for being one of the most lovable and laid-back companions. Originally bred in England, Bulldogs have transformed from fierce working dogs to affectionate family pets, perfect for those looking for a calm and loyal dog.
When it comes to grooming, Bulldogs have specific care requirements. They need regular bathing, especially since their skin folds can trap moisture and debris. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to skin infections, so it’s essential to pay attention to their wrinkles and keep them dry.
Bulldogs are not overly energetic, so they don’t require high levels of exercise, making them great for apartment living. A short walk or a few play sessions each day is usually enough to satisfy their exercise needs. However, they can be prone to obesity, so keeping their weight in check is important. Since they tend to be calm, they’re also perfectly happy lounging around with their family.
Despite their tough appearance, Bulldogs are gentle and affectionate, especially with children. Their calm temperament makes them great companions for families, and they often form strong bonds with their owners. However, they can be a bit stubborn, so obedience training with positive reinforcement is essential to keep them well-mannered.
An ideal Bulldog owner is someone who has the time and patience to attend to their care needs. They thrive in homes where they are treated like family and given plenty of attention. Bulldogs enjoy being around people, so they aren’t the best fit for owners who are away for long hours.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Quick Facts:
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Known for: Energetic, smart nature
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Ideal for: Active families, experienced dog owners
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Temperament: Curious, independent, sometimes aggressive
The Jack Russell Terrier, originally bred for hunting in England, is a high-energy dog with an incredibly sharp mind. Known for their lively and curious nature, these little dogs are always on the move. They were bred to chase foxes, and that instinctive energy translates into an enthusiastic and adventurous companion, making them a great choice for active families or owners who enjoy outdoor activities.
Jack Russells have a thick, wiry coat that requires regular trimming to keep it neat and healthy. Their ears, too, need attention—trimming the hair around the ears and cleaning them regularly helps avoid infections and keeps them looking their best.
Being small dogs, Jack Russells pack a big punch when it comes to energy. They need daily exercise to stay healthy and avoid behavioral problems, like being overly aggressive as per Petplan. A long daily walk and some playtime to burn off energy are essential for these spirited pups. Without enough stimulation, they may develop destructive behaviors.
The Jack Russell’s temperament can be a bit fiery, especially when it comes to other dogs. Early training and socialization can help manage any aggression tendencies, as they are known to be aggressive towards animals they don’t know. Positive reinforcement training is key to helping them become well-behaved companions.
An ideal Jack Russell owner should have experience with dogs and be ready to give them the attention they need. They’re not the best choice for first-time dog owners, as their high energy and occasional stubbornness can be challenging to manage. A Jack Russell does best in a home where they are mentally and physically stimulated.
Conclusion
When considering a dog, it’s important to balance your lifestyle with the breed’s needs. Dogs like the Akita, along with high-maintenance dogs such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Shih Tzu, require attention and care to thrive.
Each breed brings its own unique qualities, whether it’s the Australian Shepherd’s smooth coat or the French Bulldog’s playful personality. If you’re ready to invest time and energy into grooming and exercise, these breeds, along with Chow Chows and their curled tails, can become a wonderful companion.
In conclusion, owning a high-maintenance dog breed requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and resources. Breeds that demand extra attention often have specific needs related to grooming, exercise, training, and health care. While these dogs can be immensely rewarding companions, potential owners must be prepared to meet these demands to ensure their well-being. It is crucial to research thoroughly and understand the specific requirements of each breed before bringing one into your home. With proper care, these high-maintenance dogs can thrive and enrich their owners’ lives with their unique personalities and deep bonds.