15 Highest Maintenance Dog Breeds
Some dogs are happy with a quick walk, a bowl of kibble, and a scratch behind the ears. Others? They want a full-time job, a grooming team, mental stimulation, and possibly their own therapist.
If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your life and want to know what you’re really signing up for, here are 15 of the highest maintenance dog breeds. They’re all lovable, of course—but they’ll definitely keep you on your toes.
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are brilliant—like, could-solve-a-Rubik’s-cube smart. But with that genius comes the need for constant mental and physical stimulation. They don’t just want to fetch; they want to herd you, the kids, and possibly the furniture. Without enough activity, they can become anxious and destructive. Think of them as overachievers who never turn off.
2. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is basically a supermodel in dog form—gorgeous, aloof, and high maintenance. Their long, silky coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to avoid matting. Add to that their independent nature (which makes training a challenge), and you’ve got yourself a dog that’s as demanding as it is stunning.
3. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are majestic, vocal, and full of energy. They were bred to pull sleds across freezing tundra—so a 30-minute walk around the block isn’t going to cut it. They shed like crazy (twice a year in giant flurries), are known escape artists, and love to howl. They’re wonderful, but definitely not low-key.
4. Poodle (Standard and Miniature)
Poodles are both highly intelligent and high maintenance. Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, and they thrive on mental engagement. Leave a Poodle bored, and you’ll come home to chewed shoes or rearranged cushions. But if you keep them busy and beautiful? Pure elegance.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Tiny but mighty, Jack Russells are little energy bombs. They were bred for hunting and need a lot more exercise and stimulation than their size suggests. They’re also highly intelligent and can be stubborn during training. Think of them as the CEO of your home—you work for them.
6. Bichon Frise
These adorable fluffballs come with surprisingly high grooming demands. Their soft, curly coats need frequent brushing, regular trims, and even eye cleaning to prevent tear staining. They’re also very social and don’t like being left alone. Without enough attention, they can develop separation anxiety and become barky or destructive.
7. Belgian Malinois
This is the breed often used in police and military work for a reason—they’re brilliant, intense, and have endless stamina. But that also means they’re not ideal for casual dog owners. Belgian Malinois need structured training, jobs to do, and consistent physical outlets. Without it, they can become aggressive, anxious, or out of control.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They may look like low-maintenance lap dogs, but Cavaliers are very emotionally needy. They want to be near you 24/7 and can develop intense separation anxiety. Add in grooming needs and a predisposition to several health issues (like heart disease), and you’ve got a dog that needs quite a bit of care and company.
9. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are high-energy dogs that need rigorous daily exercise. They’re prone to deafness and urinary issues, which can mean more vet visits and careful monitoring. Training can be tricky, too—they’re smart but often stubborn. They also shed constantly, despite their short coats.
10. Chow Chow
With their lion-like mane and aloof personality, Chow Chows are beautiful but difficult. They’re known for being stubborn, independent, and sometimes aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, especially during seasonal shedding. Not to mention—they’re not fans of strangers, so social training is essential.
11. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are stunning athletes with a high prey drive and boundless energy. They hate being alone and can suffer from serious separation anxiety, which may lead to destructive behavior. They also need an experienced handler to keep them mentally and physically challenged. You’ll need to outsmart them—and outrun them.
12. English Bulldog
While Bulldogs aren’t high energy, they’re still high maintenance. Their cute wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections, they’re prone to overheating and respiratory problems, and they have a laundry list of potential health issues. Vet bills can rack up fast, and they’re not always easy to care for in warm climates.
13. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are loyal and intelligent—but they need structure, training, and purpose. They’re working dogs, so if you don’t give them a “job,” they’ll find one (and you might not like it). They also shed constantly and need both physical and mental stimulation to stay balanced and happy.
14. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are pint-sized divas. Their fine, silky hair requires daily brushing and regular grooming. They can be barky, stubborn, and prone to separation anxiety. While their size makes them seem like easy pets, their temperament and grooming needs are anything but low maintenance.
15. Great Dane
Despite their calm demeanor, Great Danes are a logistical challenge. They need space, special diets, strong training, and regular vet visits (they’re prone to bloat and joint issues). Everything costs more with a giant dog—beds, food, medical care. And if they don’t get enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.
