Some dogs are absolute beauties, but keeping them looking their best can feel like a full-time job.
Certain breeds come with coats that tangle, mat, or need constant attention, making grooming at home a real challenge.
If you’re thinking about bringing one of these pups into your life, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for.
While these breeds are more demanding to groom, every dog is unique.
Professional grooming is often recommended to keep them healthy and comfortable.
1. Poodle
Poodles are famous for their intelligence and elegance, but that gorgeous curly coat comes with serious upkeep.
Their dense fur grows continuously and mats easily if not brushed several times a week.
Without regular trimming, their coat can become a tangled mess that’s nearly impossible to manage at home.
Many owners opt for professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain that classic Poodle look and keep their skin healthy underneath all those curls.
2. Old English Sheepdog
With a coat that looks like a fluffy cloud, the Old English Sheepdog requires dedication most owners aren’t prepared for.
This breed has a double coat that needs brushing all the way down to the skin at least once a week, sometimes more.
Skipping even a few days can lead to painful mats that pull on their skin.
Daily attention and regular professional grooming appointments are essential to keep these lovable giants comfortable and healthy throughout the year.
3. Afghan Hound
Regal and stunning, the Afghan Hound looks like it stepped out of a shampoo commercial.
But that silky, flowing coat demands several hours of brushing each week to prevent tangles and mats from forming.
Regular baths with quality shampoo and conditioner are also necessary to maintain the coat’s shine and texture.
For busy families, this breed’s grooming needs can quickly become overwhelming, making professional help almost a necessity rather than a luxury for Afghan Hound owners.
4. Komondor
Looking like a giant mop come to life, the Komondor’s corded coat is truly one of a kind.
Those cords don’t form naturally; they require careful separation and maintenance to develop properly and avoid matting into one solid mass.
Bathing is a marathon event, as the cords take hours to dry completely.
Keeping them clean and preventing dirt buildup demands patience and specialized knowledge that most casual dog owners simply don’t have, making this breed a grooming expert’s challenge.
5. Shih Tzu
Bred as royal lap dogs, Shih Tzus have luxurious double coats that need daily brushing to stay tangle free.
Their hair grows continuously and can easily mat, especially around the ears and legs where friction occurs.
Many owners choose to keep their Shih Tzus in shorter puppy cuts to reduce daily maintenance.
Even with regular home care, professional grooming every few weeks helps keep their coat manageable and prevents skin issues from developing underneath all that beautiful fur.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Those soulful eyes and floppy ears make Cocker Spaniels irresistible, but their dense, wavy coat is another story.
Their fur mats quickly, especially in areas where the coat is longest, like the ears, chest, and legs.
Regular bathing and thorough brushing are essential to maintain their coat’s health and appearance.
Without consistent grooming, their beautiful fur can become a tangled nightmare that’s uncomfortable for the dog and frustrating for owners trying to manage it themselves.
7. Bichon Frise
Like little white clouds bouncing around your home, Bichon Frises are adorable but high maintenance.
Their fluffy, curly coat tangles and mats easily without regular brushing, ideally several times per week.
Professional grooming every four to six weeks keeps them looking their signature puffy best.
Their coat also grows continuously, meaning it never stops needing attention.
For owners who love the look but hate the upkeep, this breed can quickly become more work than anticipated.
8. Maltese
Tiny but demanding, the Maltese sports a gorgeous long white coat that requires daily care to keep it tangle free and pristine.
Their hair grows continuously and easily picks up dirt, requiring frequent baths and conditioning treatments.
Tear staining around the eyes is also common and needs regular cleaning to prevent discoloration.
Many owners find that keeping their Maltese in a shorter trim makes daily life easier, though even short coats need consistent brushing and professional grooming attention.
