11 High-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Need Regular Grooming

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Some dogs are low-maintenance, ready to dive into mud and shake it off like pros. Then there are the glamorous ones—dogs who need more brushes than you own and act like every day is a fashion show. These high-maintenance breeds shed like it’s confetti season and collect dirt like furry magnets. Skip a grooming session, and they’ll go from stunning to shaggy in no time. With coats prone to mats, tangles, and dander, these pups keep groomers busy—and turn their owners into part-time hairstylists armed with combs and conditioner.

Afghan Hound

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With silky, flowing hair that could rival a shampoo commercial, the Afghan Hound is beauty and high-maintenance wrapped into one elegant package. This breed’s coat tangles faster than a pair of earbuds in a pocket and requires constant brushing to avoid matting. Their long locks collect everything from leaves to crumbs, making them stylish vacuum cleaners with legs. Weekly baths and blow-drying sessions are necessary if you want to maintain their majestic appearance. Owning an Afghan Hound means investing in good grooming tools—and possibly a second bathroom.

Poodle

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Poodles may be hypoallergenic, but don’t mistake that for low-maintenance. Their curly coats need regular brushing to prevent tight matting, especially if kept in popular trims like the “puppy cut” or show-ring styles. These poofy perfectionists require professional grooming every few weeks unless you’ve gone to grooming school in your spare time. Their hair grows continuously, just like a human’s, which means “skipping a trim” isn’t an option unless you enjoy fur-based abstract art. Stylish, smart, and high upkeep—like every diva worth loving.

Shih Tzu

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The Shih Tzu’s flowing double coat looks adorable… right before it becomes a tangled jungle of chaos. These small dogs are incredibly charming but come with a big grooming commitment. Daily brushing is essential to keep their luxurious locks free of knots, and their facial hair often needs trimming to keep it out of their eyes—and your snack plate. Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for practicality, but even then, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. You’ll spend more time brushing your Shih Tzu than you do your own hair.

Bichon Frise

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This cloud-shaped cutie is the definition of high-maintenance fluff. Bichon Frises have soft, curly coats that mat faster than you can say “oops, skipped a day.” They require consistent brushing to maintain that signature poofy look, plus monthly professional grooming to avoid turning into a sentient cotton ball with legs. Their white fur also shows dirt faster than a toddler in a mud puddle. Bichons are adorable, but their grooming schedule is full-time with overtime.

Komondor

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The Komondor’s mop-like cords are iconic—and incredibly demanding. While they don’t require brushing like most breeds, their corded coats need careful separation to prevent massive tangling and dreadlock-style disasters. Bathing a Komondor is an Olympic event, followed by hours of drying since those thick cords hold water like a sponge. Dirt, leaves, and mystery objects love to reside in their woolly mass. Owning one is like having a walking area rug that insists on rolling in the yard.

Old English Sheepdog

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With their thick, double coats and shaggy charm, Old English Sheepdogs are walking fluff monsters in constant need of upkeep. Their fur mats easily, and their undercoat can become a hidden tangle zone if neglected. Brushing several times a week (minimum) is required, plus routine trims to keep their hair from turning into a mobile dust trap. Expect fur tumbleweeds, eye-covering bangs, and the occasional squeaky toy lost in their coat. They’re lovable—but you’ll need lint rollers by the dozen.

Maltese

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The Maltese is pint-sized royalty with a silky white coat that demands daily attention. If kept long, that hair requires near-constant brushing to prevent knots, and tear stains on their lovely faces are an ongoing battle. Many owners opt for a short clip, but even then, grooming is frequent to maintain their neat appearance. Their coat attracts debris like a magnet, and if you blink, they’ve turned into a walking Swiffer pad. Beautiful? Yes. Low-maintenance? Absolutely not.

Lhasa Apso

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The Lhasa Apso was bred to be a palace sentinel, and they carry that dignified look into their grooming routine, which is long and involved. Their dense, heavy coat can grow to the floor, collecting every speck of dust and dirt on the journey. Daily brushing and regular trims are non-negotiable unless you aim for the “tumbleweed with eyes” aesthetic. They also need frequent baths to keep their coat clean and soft. Basically, they’re a dog that expects—and deserves—a full salon experience.

Cocker Spaniel

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With flowing ears and a lush, thick coat, Cocker Spaniels look like walking storybook characters—but they require a serious grooming schedule. Their fur mats quickly, especially around the ears, legs, and underbelly; regular brushing is key to keeping them neat. They’re prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears, so cleaning and trimming those is part of the package. Their feathering looks fabulous, but collects twigs, dirt, and the occasional unidentified sticky object. If you’re not prepared to brush and bathe often, a Cocker will gently guilt you into doing it anyway.

Puli

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The Puli looks like a curly mop come to life—and yes, the coat requires a lot of work. Like the Komondor, their coat naturally forms cords, which must be hand-separated to avoid matting. Regular bathing is tricky, as those cords soak up water like a sponge, and drying can take hours or even days without help from high-powered equipment. You’ll spend more time explaining their look than grooming them, but make no mistake—it’s a full-time maintenance routine. The result? A uniquely calm dog who’s half adorable companion, half fashion statement.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkies are tiny dogs with big hair goals. Their long, silky coats resemble human hair and require daily brushing to stay tangle-free and shiny. Show-style Yorkies often have their hair wrapped in paper to prevent breakage, while others go for a short puppy cut, but even that requires upkeep. Bathing, trimming, and keeping that face clean from food residue and tear stains is a daily task. If you wanted a low-effort dog, a Yorkie would politely decline your application.

The Fluff Is Real and So Is the Grooming Bill

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If your dog requires more beauty products, bath time, and blow-drying than you do, you’ve officially entered the world of high-maintenance breeds. These fabulous floofs and luscious-locked legends aren’t content with just “rolling in the dirt” looks—they demand style, shine, and regular spa days. Owning one means learning the difference between slicker brushes, detangling sprays, and waterproof aprons. But hey, for all the effort, you get a dog that turns heads, breaks hearts, and leaves glittery fur trails wherever they strut. Welcome to the glam life—brush in hand.