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What Are the 10 Most High Maintenance Dogs? A Complete Guide for Owners
The 10 most high-maintenance dog breeds are the Border Collie, Poodle, Siberian Husky, French Bulldog, English Springer Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound, and others that demand intense exercise, grooming, training, or health care. These breeds require significant time, money, and commitment.
The 10 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds: A Complete List
These breeds consistently rank as the most demanding due to their grooming, exercise, training, or health needs. Here's the list, with why each one is high-maintenance.
| Breed | Why It's High-Maintenance | Key Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Border Collie | Extreme energy and intelligence require constant mental and physical stimulation. | 2+ hours of exercise daily, advanced training, job or puzzle toys |
| Poodle | High grooming needs and a sharp mind that gets bored easily. | Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, daily exercise, mental challenges |
| Siberian Husky | Heavy shedding, escape-artist tendencies, and strong prey drive. | Daily vigorous exercise, secure fencing, regular brushing |
| French Bulldog | Brachycephalic breed prone to breathing issues, skin allergies, and spinal problems. | Regular vet checkups, careful exercise in heat, potential surgeries |
| English Springer Spaniel | High energy, separation anxiety, and a need for constant companionship. | Daily exercise, training, mental stimulation, grooming |
| Shih Tzu | Daily grooming, eye care, and a stubborn streak that complicates training. | Daily brushing, regular baths, tear stain cleaning |
| Afghan Hound | Silky coat demands hours of grooming weekly; independent and aloof. | Daily brushing, professional grooming, secure yard |
Other breeds like the Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, and Greyhound also make the list due to specific needs—Lhasa Apsos need constant grooming, Dachshunds are prone to back issues, and Greyhounds require careful exercise and a soft bed.
Is a High-Maintenance Dog Right for You? A Self-Assessment
A good fit if…
- You have time—at least 2 hours a day for exercise, training, and grooming.
- You have a budget—for grooming, vet visits, and potential health issues.
- You're experienced—with dog training or handling stubborn breeds.
- You enjoy activity—and want a dog that keeps you moving.
- You have a secure home—with a fenced yard and no escape routes.
Consider another option if…
- You work long hours—high-maintenance dogs need frequent attention.
- You're a first-time owner—start with a lower-maintenance breed.
- You have limited funds—grooming and vet bills can be steep.
- You prefer a calm home—these breeds are often energetic or vocal.
- You have small children—some breeds are less tolerant.
Be honest with yourself. If you're in Berkeley and unsure, talk to our team at Campus Veterinary Clinic—we can help you assess your lifestyle and recommend a breed that fits. We've seen the joys and challenges of these breeds firsthand.
What Makes a Dog High-Maintenance? Key Factors to Know
A high-maintenance dog is one that requires significantly more time, money, or effort than the average breed. The main factors are grooming needs, exercise requirements, training difficulty, and health care costs.
Grooming is a big one—breeds like the Afghan Hound and Shih Tzu need daily brushing and regular professional grooming, which can be costly. Exercise is another: Border Collies and Siberian Huskies need hours of vigorous activity daily, or they become destructive. Training difficulty matters too—stubborn breeds like the French Bulldog may resist housebreaking. Finally, health issues like breathing problems in French Bulldogs or back problems in Dachshunds mean more vet visits and higher bills.
Understanding these factors helps you see why some breeds are labeled high-maintenance. If you're considering one, be prepared for the commitment. At Campus Veterinary Clinic, we see many of these breeds and can guide you on managing their specific needs.
The True Cost of Owning a High-Maintenance Dog: Time & Money
High-maintenance breeds cost more in both time and money. Here's what drives the cost:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Typical Range (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Grooming | Professional grooming for breeds like Poodles and Afghan Hounds is frequent. | Varies widely; expect regular visits, sometimes monthly. |
| Exercise | High-energy breeds need more time, which may mean dog walkers or daycare. | Costs vary; you may spend on services. |
| Training | Stubborn or intelligent breeds benefit from professional training. | Varies; group classes and private sessions add up. |
| Health care | Brachycephalic breeds and others have higher vet bills. | Varies; some breeds need more frequent checkups. |
These costs are on top of food, toys, and routine vet care. If you're worried about affording a high-maintenance breed, explore payment options like CareCredit, which we accept. For more on managing vet costs, see our guide on paying for vet bills with no money.
Directions to our animal hospital in Berkeley from Old Berkeley City Hall
Start at Old Berkeley City Hall and head to Campus Veterinary Clinic at 1807 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94709.
High-Maintenance Dog Breeds We See at Campus Veterinary Clinic in Berkeley
In Berkeley and nearby areas like Albany, El Cerrito, and Oakland, we see many high-maintenance breeds. Here's how to get the support you need:
- Identify your dog's needs—whether it's grooming, exercise, or health monitoring.
- Schedule a checkup—call us at (510) 549-1252 to book an exam. New clients get a free first exam (terms apply).
- Discuss a care plan—our team can recommend a routine tailored to your breed.
- Use our payment options—we accept credit cards, cash, checks, and CareCredit.
- Visit us—at 1807 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94709. We're open Mon–Fri, 7 AM–6 PM.
We've served Berkeley since 1969, so we know these breeds well. If you're considering a high-maintenance dog, we can help you prepare. For more on breed-specific health, see our insights on breeds with the most vet visits in Berkeley.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about animal hospital berkeley.
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Frequently asked questions
What dogs are considered high maintenance?
High-maintenance dogs include breeds like Border Collies, Poodles, Siberian Huskies, French Bulldogs, and Afghan Hounds. They demand extra grooming, exercise, training, or health care.
Are girl or boy dogs better behaved?
Behavior varies more by individual and training than by sex. Both males and females can be well-behaved with consistent training and socialization.
What are some examples of medium-sized dog breeds?
Medium-sized breeds include the Border Collie, English Springer Spaniel, and Siberian Husky—all of which can be high-maintenance in their own ways.
What is the #1 nicest dog breed?
There's no single 'nicest' breed—temperament depends on training and socialization. Some breeds like the Golden Retriever are known for friendliness, but individual dogs vary.
What breed of dog do vets not recommend?
Vets often caution against breeds with severe health issues, like English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, due to breathing problems and other conditions. It's important to research and prepare for potential costs.
Also asked as
- What dogs are considered high maintenance?
- Top 10 most high-maintenance dog breeds
- Which dog breed is the most high-maintenance?