Top High-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Require Frequent Grooming

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Some dogs roll in the mud and walk it off like pros. Then there are the glamorous ones—those diva-like dogs that practically demand blowouts and manicures. For dog lovers who adore elegance and fluff, some breeds deliver in style but come with grooming demands that rival red carpet prep. Below are the top high-maintenance dog breeds that require frequent grooming to keep their luscious coats pristine, tangle-free, and stylish.

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound from Shutterstock

The Afghan Hound boasts long, silky locks that would put most celebrities to shame. Their hair tangles and mats easily, requiring daily brushing and frequent baths paired with blow-drying to preserve their elegant appearance. Skip a grooming session, and you’ll find leaves, dust, and yesterday’s lunch tangled in their floor-length fur.

Poodle

Standard Poodle image

Poodles may be hypoallergenic, but grooming them is no small feat. Whether toy, miniature, or standard, their curly coats require regular brushing to prevent matting. Frequent trims, especially for stylish show cuts, make these dogs a regular at grooming salons. Their hair grows like human hair, so consistent upkeep is non-negotiable.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog image

Charming and compact, the Shih Tzu’s double coat needs daily brushing to keep mats at bay. Their facial hair often needs trimming to prevent irritation and tears. Even with a manageable puppy cut, routine maintenance is essential to keep their adorable look clean and neat.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise photo

Think of the Bichon Frise as a walking cotton ball with big grooming expectations. Their plush, curly coat mats quickly without routine brushing and frequent professional grooming. Their white fur reveals every speck of dirt, which means bath time is frequent and necessary to maintain their fluffy charm.

Komondor

Komondor dog breed

The Komondor stands out with its unique corded coat, which requires careful upkeep. Though brushing isn’t needed, cords must be hand-separated to avoid matting. Bathing one involves a serious time commitment, and drying can take hours—perfect for owners who double as dog stylists.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog

With their dense, fluffy coats, Old English Sheepdogs need several grooming sessions a week. Their undercoats can tangle and mat easily, demanding thorough brushing and occasional trims. Their adorable face fringe may hide their eyes—and a treasure trove of fur surprises.

Maltese

Maltese grooming needs

The Maltese combines grace and glamour in one pint-sized pup. Their long, white coat needs either daily brushing or a short clip to prevent tangles. Tear stains and debris are constant issues, and without regular maintenance, they quickly go from regal to ragged.

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso coat

Originally bred for Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso has a thick, flowing coat that demands near-daily grooming. This breed requires regular trims and consistent upkeep to maintain its ornate look and to avoid becoming a fluff-covered dust trap.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel grooming

The feathered elegance of the Cocker Spaniel comes with equally feathery maintenance work. Their fur mats quickly, especially around the ears and belly. Add in ear hygiene to their grooming checklist, and you’ve got a breed that demands frequent attention to stay picture-perfect.

Puli

Puli corded coat care

Similar to the Komondor, the Puli’s corded coat requires hands-on care. The cords need shaping and regular maintenance to prevent matting. Bathing and drying are time-consuming, but the reward is a fluff-covered companion that turns heads wherever they walk.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkie hair care

Don’t let their size fool you—Yorkshire Terriers are full-time grooming clients. With hair resembling human tresses, they demand daily brushing, regular trims, and careful cleaning of tear-stained faces. Show-style Yorkies may even need their hair wrapped to prevent breakage.

The Fluff is Real—and So is the Grooming Bill

High-maintenance grooming

If your dog’s spa day outnumbers your own, you’re in glamorous company. These breeds dazzle with their riot of ringlets, flowing locks, and fluffy coats, but all that fabulous fur comes at a cost—both in time and effort. With the right grooming routine, these eye-catching canines become the toast of the dog park, sweeping hearts and floors along the way.

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