The 7 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds In The World

by John Griffith
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Dogs are a joy to have. However, some breeds may not be for everyone. There are some high-maintenance dog breeds that require special care. So, it is very important that you pick a breed that matches your lifestyle and is right for you. This way both you and your dog will be happy. That’s why today we will take a look at which dog breeds are known to be a bit high-maintenance and what gets them classified on this list. While these furry friends are famous for their unique personalities and dazzling looks, they can be considered challenging to care for. From grooming to exercise needs to specific health issues and personality traits, each of these breeds has her own special requirements. So, let’s dive in and see which are the world’s most high-maintenance dogs.

There are some high-maintenance dog breeds that require special care

three different color puli dogs

High-Maintenance Dog Breeds

All dogs require work and love to keep them happy and healthy. However, some breeds just require that extra mile. They may need more exercise than other dogs, need more grooming, and may have certain health issues you need to deal with. More high-maintenance breeds may also have certain personality traits that put them in this category, such having separation anxiety. So, if you are thinking of getting one of these breeds, it’s important to research beforehand if it is the right choice for your lifestyle. But no matter if you are a seasoned owner or a first-timer, or just curious, here you will get all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.

All dogs require work and love to keep them happy and healthy

smiling king charles spaniel

#Akita

The beautiful Akita is a large Japanese breed. They are famous for being ferociously loyal, brave, and protective. However, while these are great qualities, this can also make them very wary of strangers and intolerant (in some cases aggressive) towards other dogs. That is why they require extra attention and training. Early socialization is key to making sure your Akita is good around other dogs, as well as guests. However, it is still recommended for these dogs to be in a one-dog households. They also need a lot of exercise and an owner that is assertive, yet not aggressive.

Early socialization is key to making sure your Akita is good around other dogs

akita on pink background

#Jack Russel Terrier

This tiny dogs have a big personality. They are super smart and very energetic. It seems as if their batteries never run out. Their terrier traits can be a bit challenging too, as they love to catch vermin and have a very high prey drive. This means they can dig for days. It’s very important to train these dogs and work on recall training. If they are not trained properly thy become tiny terrors. Jack Russel Terriers need a lot of exercise and may need a special play they are allowed to dig, so they can get it out of their system. While you would think such a small dog won’t be so active, this breed can run and play for hours on end.

Jack Russel Terriers are super smart and very energetic

small jack russell terrier in white brown and black

#Belgian Malinois

A beautiful working dog. This dog is a powerhouse. Belgian Malinois are involved are often involved in a lot of police work, search and rescue, obedience training, and so on. These dogs are extremely intelligent and driven. It is a very special breed, which means it needs a very special type of home. The Belgian Malinois isn’t for everyone. It needs to work and have something to do so they can put all that drive to use. Otherwise, they become bored, stressed, destructive, reactive, and very difficult to deal with. Unless you have provided an environment where this dog can use its full energy, this breed may not be the best one for you. It truly needs a lot of activity to keep them happy and satisfied.

These dogs are extremely intelligent and driven

high maintenance dog breeds belgian malinois

#Puli

This dog has a unique, distinctive look. Regularly called “the mop dog”, this breed’s double coat forms into strands that resemble dreadlocks or mop strands. However, this unique coat is also what makes it high-maintenance. This dog requires a proper grooming regime. This means you should be prepared to devote a lot of your free time maintaining, untangling, washing, brushing, and caring for each cord. Bathing is also a whole project on its own, as each cord needs to be fully dried after washing in order to prevent mildew from building up. If this doesn’t sound like something you would have the time to do, then it’s best to get another breed.

Regularly called “the mop dog”, this breed’s double coat forms into strands that resemble dreadlocks

high maintenance dog breeds two colors puli breed

#Chow Chow

A fluffy bear. The Chow Chow is a loyal, calm dog that loves their families. However, they aren’t suited for people who are new to owning dogs. This is because this breed can be reactive to other dogs and tend to be very strong-willed and independent. So, training can be a challenge for people who are inexperienced or don’t have enough patience. Chow chows need a lot of positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience in order to learn good behaviors. If there is no proper training, you will be in for quite the ride. It will be like dealing with a toddler constantly.

Chow chows need a lot of positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience

chow chow fluffy dog

#Border Collie

One of the smartest dog breeds. Border collies are intelligent working dogs that are made for farm life. They excel at herding, which is also their main problem. This built-in drive can sometimes manifest itself in a negative way. If this dog doesn’t have actual herding work it will start herding family members by nipping at their heals or chase after vehicles. That’s why it is recommended to enroll them in herding courses to help them channel this instinct and do some proper needed mental and physical exercise. If you like in a small apartment in the big city, this is not the ideal breed for you.

Border collies excel at herding, which is also their main problem

black and white border collie in field

#Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This cutie patootie is a great choice if you want a dog to snuggle with. The Cavalier King breed was bred specifically to keep its owner company all day long. However, due to this they can also develop separation anxiety if they are left alone too often. These dogs are love sponges and need someone to give them love and attention nearly all day long. If you work from anywhere other than home, this can be an issue. However, this isn’t the only reason they are considered high-maintenance. They also require regular grooming as their fur can very easily mat and become painful.

This cutie patootie is a great choice if you want a dog to snuggle with

high maintenance dog breeds cavalier king charles spaniel

These were some of the most high-maintenance dog breeds in the world and the reasons why they are classified as such. We hope you found this article interesting. Is your dog on the list? What is your favorite high-maintenance breed?

These were some of the most high-maintenance dog breeds in the world

black and white border collie

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.