Bringing a dog into your life is a significant commitment, and one of the most underestimated aspects of dog care is grooming. While all dogs need some essential upkeep like nail trims and occasional baths, certain breeds require a near-professional level of attention to keep their coats healthy, comfortable, and free from painful mats. These high-maintenance dogs often have coats that were developed for specific, demanding jobs, from herding in harsh weather to retrieving from icy water. Today, those same coats require dedicated owners willing to invest significant time, effort, and money into their care.

Understanding these needs before you adopt is crucial for the dog’s welfare and your own peace of mind. Neglected coats are not a cosmetic issue; they can lead to painful skin infections, hide parasites, and cause severe discomfort. This guide explores ten dog breeds renowned for their intensive grooming requirements, offering practical advice on what it truly takes to maintain their magnificent appearances. We’ll delve into the specifics of their coat types, the necessary tools and techniques, and the importance of both at-home care and professional grooming services.

1. The Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)

Often the first breed that comes to mind for high-maintenance grooming, the Poodle’s iconic coat is both a blessing and a challenge. Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, all Poodles share a single layer of dense, curly hair that grows continuously. Unlike fur, which sheds, a Poodle’s hair gets trapped within the coat, making it a “hypoallergenic” choice for some allergy sufferers. However, this lack of shedding is precisely what makes their grooming so demanding.

The Coat and Its Challenges

A Poodle’s hair is prone to matting, a condition where shed hairs and new growth tangle together to form tight, painful clumps. If left unchecked, these mats can pull on the skin, causing irritation, bruising, and even serious skin infections underneath. Mats often form in high-friction areas like behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the collar. The texture of the coat acts like felt, and moisture from rain or a bath can tighten mats, making them nearly impossible to brush out safely.

The Required Grooming Regimen

To prevent matting, a Poodle requires daily brushing. This isn’t a quick once-over; it involves carefully working through the entire coat with a slicker brush and a metal “greyhound” comb to find and remove any budding tangles. A technique called line brushing is essential, where you part the hair and brush from the skin outward to ensure you are reaching the base of the coat.

Beyond daily brushing, a Poodle needs professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks without fail. This appointment includes a full bath, blow-dry (which helps straighten the curls for a precise cut), and a haircut. Pet owners can choose from various clips, from a simple, low-maintenance “lamb clip” where the hair is kept short all over, to the more elaborate show clips like the “Continental.” Regardless of the style, the consistency is what matters for the dog’s health and comfort.

How often should a poodle be groomed? The answer is a combination of daily at-home brushing and a professional clip every 4-6 weeks. Skipping either step will almost certainly result in painful matting that may require the dog to be shaved down completely, which can be stressful and leaves their skin exposed.

2. The Afghan Hound

With its dramatic, flowing coat and regal posture, the Afghan Hound is a true showstopper. This ancient sighthound breed originated in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, where its long, silky hair provided protection from the harsh climate. Today, that same glorious coat requires an extraordinary level of dedication to maintain in a home environment.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Afghan Hound has a very fine, long, and thick coat that is strikingly similar in texture to human hair. This makes it incredibly susceptible to tangles and mats. Dirt, leaves, and twigs easily get caught in the long tresses during walks, and every outing can become a precursor to a lengthy grooming session. The coat is particularly prone to matting around the ears, legs, and underside.

A unique challenge arises during adolescence. Between approximately 9 and 18 months of age, an Afghan puppy’s coat transitions from a short, fuzzy puppy coat to its adult coat. During this phase, the puppy coat sheds into the new adult coat, creating a period of intense matting that requires daily, meticulous grooming to manage.

The Required Grooming Regimen

An Afghan Hound owner must be prepared for several hours of grooming per week. Daily brushing is not optional. The ideal tools include a pin brush for the main body of the coat and a slicker brush for areas with thicker hair. A metal comb is crucial for checking for tangles after brushing. Brushing must be done gently, layer by layer, to avoid breaking the delicate hair.

Bathing is also a significant undertaking and is typically needed every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the dog’s lifestyle. A high-quality shampoo and conditioner are essential to keep the coat healthy and manageable. After the bath, the dog must be thoroughly dried with a high-velocity dryer while being brushed out to prevent the hair from tangling as it dries. This process alone can take hours. Many Afghan Hound owners learn to become proficient at-home groomers, as the cost and time involved with professional services can be substantial.

3. The Komondor

Instantly recognizable by its unique, corded coat, the Komondor is a Hungarian livestock guardian breed. Its coat is not just a stylistic feature; it was developed to protect the dog from the elements and predator bites while it lived among flocks of sheep, its cords helping it blend in. This coat, however, is one of the most labor-intensive in the entire canine world.

The Coat and Its Challenges

A Komondor’s coat consists of a soft, woolly undercoat and a coarser outercoat. As the puppy matures, these two coat types twist together to form the iconic felt-like cords or dreadlocks. This process begins around 8 to 10 months of age. The owner’s job is not to brush the coat but to manually separate the developing cords to ensure they form neatly and do not merge into one giant, uncomfortable mat.

The primary challenges are cleanliness and drying time. The thick cords can trap dirt, debris, and moisture, leading to mildew and an unpleasant odor if not properly cared for. Bathing a fully corded adult Komondor is an all-day event. The cords must be thoroughly soaked and shampooed, then rinsed meticulously to prevent soap residue, which can cause skin irritation. The drying process is the most critical part; it can take up to 24 hours or more, even with the help of high-velocity dryers and fans. If the cords remain damp near the skin, it can lead to serious skin infections.

The Required Grooming Regimen

During the cording process, the owner must spend time every day separating the clumps of hair into finger-width sections down to the skin. Once the cords are fully formed, this maintenance becomes less frequent but is still necessary to prevent cords from fusing at the base. The dog is never brushed.

Bathing is done only a few times a year or when the dog is particularly dirty. Because of the extreme drying time, many owners opt for professional grooming services that have the specialized equipment to handle such a coat. In addition to coat care, owners must regularly check the dog’s ears and trim the hair around the mouth to maintain hygiene. The commitment to a corded coat is a lifelong one, and prospective owners must be fully aware of the unique demands.

4. The Old English Sheepdog

The “OES” is a large, lovable herding dog famous for its profuse, shaggy double coat. This coat served to insulate the dog from cold, wet weather on English farms. While undeniably charming, the sheer volume of hair makes grooming a formidable task for the unprepared owner.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Old English Sheepdog has a dense, insulating undercoat and a long, textured, and water-resistant outercoat. The combination is a perfect recipe for matting, especially if the dog gets wet. Like the Poodle, shed hair from the undercoat gets trapped by the outercoat, leading to tangles that can quickly evolve into large, painful mats if not removed. The hair also grows over their eyes, requiring regular trimming for vision, and around their paws, where it can pick up mud and debris.

The Required Grooming Regimen

An Old English Sheepdog requires a thorough, down-to-the-skin brushing at least three to four times a week, with many owners opting for a daily routine. This can take 30 to 60 minutes per session. The right tools are non-negotiable: a slicker brush, an undercoat rake, and a sturdy metal comb. Line brushing is the only effective method to ensure the dense undercoat is fully detangled.

Many pet owners choose to keep their Old English Sheepdog in a shorter “puppy cut” to make dog care more manageable. This requires a trip to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Even with a shorter clip, regular brushing is still necessary to prevent mats from forming as the hair grows out. Owners must also pay close attention to hygiene, cleaning around the dog’s rear end and mouth to prevent staining and infections.

Preventive Care Mini-Example: A proactive OES owner might follow a weekly plan:

Monday: 30-minute brush-out, focusing on legs and belly.

Wednesday: 30-minute brush-out, focusing on the back, neck, and behind the ears.

Friday: 45-minute full-body deep brushing and combing. Check and clean ears. Brush teeth.

Sunday: Check nails for trimming and trim hair around paws and eyes if needed.

This consistent schedule helps break a massive job into manageable tasks.

5. The Samoyed

Known for its brilliant white coat and perpetual “Sammie smile,” the Samoyed is a Spitz-type dog originally bred for herding reindeer and pulling sleds in Siberia. Its magnificent double coat is incredibly dense and designed to withstand arctic temperatures, but it requires diligent care to maintain in a domestic setting.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Samoyed has a short, soft, and thick undercoat and a longer, harsher, and straight outercoat. This combination provides superb insulation. However, the Samoyed “blows” its undercoat—sheds it heavily—once or twice a year. During these periods, which can last for several weeks, clumps of fur will come out in handfuls. If not brushed out daily during a shed, this loose fur will pack tightly against the skin, causing massive mats and preventing air from circulating, which can lead to hot spots and other skin irritations.

The Required Grooming Regimen

Even when not shedding heavily, a Samoyed needs a thorough brushing two to three times per week to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. An undercoat rake is essential for removing the dead undercoat, while a slicker brush helps with the outer layers. During shedding season, daily brushing for at least 30-60 minutes is required. Many owners find that a high-velocity dryer can help “blow out” the loose undercoat before brushing, saving time and effort.

Bathing a Samoyed is a major project due to the coat’s thickness and water-resistant properties. It takes a long time to get the dog fully wet down to the skin, and an even longer time to rinse all the shampoo out. Most importantly, the dog must be dried completely, as trapped moisture can lead to mildew and skin problems. This usually requires a high-velocity dryer and can take several hours. These are high-maintenance dogs where professional grooming can be a great help, especially during peak shedding seasons.

6. The Bichon Frise

The cheerful and charming Bichon Frise has a powder-puff coat of soft, curly hair that makes it look like a little cloud. This breed is another popular choice for people with allergies because it doesn’t shed in the traditional sense. But like the Poodle, the hair that is shed becomes trapped in the coat, making daily grooming an absolute necessity.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Bichon’s double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outercoat. This combination creates a velvety texture but is extremely prone to matting. Mats can form seemingly overnight, especially if the coat gets damp. The breed is also predisposed to skin allergies, and a poorly maintained coat can exacerbate these conditions by trapping allergens and preventing proper airflow to the skin.

Tear staining is another common issue in Bichons. The white hair around their eyes can become stained reddish-brown due to porphyrins, compounds found in tears. While usually a cosmetic issue, excessive tearing can sometimes indicate an underlying medical problem that should be checked by a veterinarian.

The Required Grooming Regimen

Daily brushing is essential for a Bichon Frise. A slicker brush and a metal comb are the tools of choice. It’s crucial to brush gently all the way to the skin to remove any loose hair and prevent tangles from forming at the base. High-friction areas like the legs, belly, and tail need extra attention.

In addition to daily home care, a Bichon needs professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks for a bath, blow-dry, and haircut to maintain the coat’s shape and health. The face needs daily wiping with a damp cloth to help manage tear stains and keep the area clean. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed short can also help.

7. The Portuguese Water Dog

As their name suggests, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to be all-purpose helpers for fishermen along the coast of Portugal. Their job included herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and carrying messages between ships. Their robust, waterproof, single-layered coat was essential for this work but requires significant upkeep on land.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) has a coat of continuously growing hair that can be either curly or wavy. It is a single coat, meaning there is no undercoat, which contributes to its low-shedding quality. However, like the Poodle’s coat, the hair grows constantly and will mat if not cared for properly. Because they are active, athletic dogs who love water, their coats can easily pick up debris and form tangles after a swim if not brushed out promptly.

The Required Grooming Regimen

A PWD needs to be brushed thoroughly several times a week to prevent mats. A slicker brush and a metal comb are necessary to work through the dense curls or waves. Because the hair grows continuously, they require a full haircut from a professional groomer every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the desired coat length.

There are two traditional clips for the breed. The “lion clip” involves shaving the hindquarters and muzzle, leaving a mane of long hair on the front half of the body. The more practical “retriever clip” involves clipping the entire coat to a uniform length of about one inch (2.5 cm). Most pet owners opt for the retriever clip for its ease of maintenance. Regardless of the clip, the commitment to regular brushing and professional appointments is fundamental to dog care for this breed.

8. The Cocker Spaniel (American and English)

With their soulful eyes and long, pendulous ears, Cocker Spaniels are beloved family companions. Both the American and English varieties have beautiful, silky coats that require diligent care to keep them in good condition. Their grooming needs extend beyond their coats, particularly concerning their ears.

The Coat and Its Challenges

Cocker Spaniels have a combination coat, with short, fine hair on the head and back, and long, silky feathering on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. This long feathering is very fine and prone to tangles, mats, and collecting burrs and dirt. The coat requires frequent brushing to stay smooth and free of knots.

The biggest challenge unique to Cocker Spaniels (and other long-eared breeds) is ear care. Their long, heavy ears cover the ear canal, preventing air circulation. This creates a warm, moist environment that is a perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Consequently, they are highly prone to chronic ear infections, which can be painful and difficult to treat. Regular and proper ear cleaning is not just grooming; it’s essential preventive healthcare.

The Required Grooming Regimen

The feathering on a Cocker Spaniel should be brushed daily or at least every other day with a slicker brush and a comb to prevent mats. The rest of the coat needs brushing a few times a week. Professional grooming is typically needed every 6 to 8 weeks to trim the coat, especially around the feet and ears, and to maintain a neat appearance.

Ear care is paramount. Owners must check their dog’s ears daily for redness, odor, or discharge—all signs of a potential infection. A weekly cleaning with a veterinarian-approved ear solution is a standard part of their care routine. Any signs of infection warrant an immediate visit to the vet. For information on pet health emergencies, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides resources for owners.

9. The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, whose name means “little lion,” is an ancient breed that served as a cherished lap dog for Chinese royalty. Their long, luxurious double coat is their crowning glory but also the source of their high-maintenance reputation.

The Coat and Its Challenges

A Shih Tzu’s coat is long, dense, and straight, with a soft undercoat. If kept long in a “show coat,” it requires daily, intensive grooming. The fine hair tangles easily, and even a single missed day of brushing can result in mats that are difficult and painful to remove. The hair on their head, known as a topknot, grows long and will fall into their eyes if not tied up or trimmed, which can cause eye irritation and infections.

As a brachycephalic breed (a term for dogs with short snouts and flat faces), Shih Tzus are also prone to dental and eye issues. Their facial folds need to be kept clean and dry to prevent skin infections, and tear staining is common.

The Required Grooming Regimen

For a Shih Tzu in a long coat, daily brushing and combing are non-negotiable. This process can take up to 30 minutes. Special attention must be paid to the “armpits,” belly, and behind the ears. The topknot must be secured daily with a small, gentle band. Regular bathing with a quality shampoo and conditioner is also required.

Because of this intensive requirement, the vast majority of pet Shih Tzu owners opt for a short “puppy cut.” This makes daily care much easier, but it does not eliminate it. A trimmed Shih Tzu still needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles as the coat grows. This also necessitates a visit to a professional groomer every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the short cut. Daily face cleaning is essential for all Shih Tzus, regardless of their haircut.

10. The Giant Schnauzer

The largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is an intelligent and powerful working dog. Its distinctive look, complete with bushy eyebrows and a beard, is maintained by a wiry coat that has very specific grooming needs.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Giant Schnauzer has a dense, weather-resistant double coat with a hard, wiry outercoat and a soft undercoat. The wiry texture is a key feature of the breed, but it requires a special grooming technique called hand-stripping to maintain. Hand-stripping involves manually pulling out the dead outer hairs to allow a new, harsh coat to grow in. If the coat is clipped with electric clippers instead of stripped, it will lose its texture over time, becoming soft, less vibrant in color, and less protective against the elements.

The breed’s signature beard and leg furnishings also act as mops, collecting water, food, and dirt, which requires daily cleaning to prevent odor and skin irritation.

The Required Grooming Regimen

To maintain the correct coat texture, hand-stripping is required several times a year. This is a time-consuming and specialized skill that can be done by the owner or a professional groomer who offers the service. It is more expensive and less common than standard clipping.

Alternatively, owners can opt to have their Giant Schnauzer clipped every 6 to 8 weeks. While easier, this will alter the coat’s texture. In either case, the dog needs weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb to prevent matting in the softer furnishings. The beard and eyebrows must be combed daily to remove food particles and tangles. Regular cleaning of the beard after meals is a must for good hygiene.

Tips for Brushing a Long-Haired Dog

Grooming is more than just aesthetics; it’s a vital part of your dog’s overall health. For any of the breeds listed above, or any dog with a demanding coat, establishing a positive and effective grooming routine is key. Here are some essential tips for brushing a long-haired dog.

Choose the Right Tools

Using the wrong tools can be ineffective and even painful for your dog. A basic kit for a high-maintenance coat should include:

Slicker Brush: Features fine, short wires packed closely together on a flat surface. Excellent for removing tangles and loose undercoat on medium-to-long-haired dogs.

Pin Brush: Looks similar to a human hairbrush and is best for finishing and fluffing long, silky coats like an Afghan Hound’s after tangles have been removed.

Metal Greyhound Comb: A sturdy comb with both wide and fine teeth. It’s the essential final step to check your work and find any small tangles the brush missed.

Undercoat Rake: Designed to penetrate a thick double coat and remove dead, loose undercoat. A must-have for breeds like the Samoyed.

Dematting Tool: Use with extreme caution. These tools have sharp, serrated blades. Improper use can easily cut the dog’s skin. For significant mats, it is always safer to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Make it a Positive Experience

Grooming should not be a battle. The goal is to teach your dog to tolerate, and even enjoy, the process. This is best achieved through positive reinforcement, a training method that uses rewards (like treats or praise) to encourage desired behaviors. Start when your dog is a puppy, if possible.

Cooperative Care Training Mini-Example:

Goal: Teach the dog to calmly accept brushing.

Step 1 (Day 1): Show your dog the brush. The moment they look at it or sniff it, say “Yes!” in a happy tone and give them a tiny, high-value treat (a pea-sized piece of cheese or chicken). Put the brush away. Repeat 5 times.

Step 2 (Day 2): Hold the brush. Gently touch the non-bristle side to your dog’s back for one second. Say “Yes!” and treat. Repeat 5 times.

Step 3 (Day 3): Use the bristle side to make one gentle stroke on their back. Say “Yes!” and treat. Repeat 5 times.

Continue this gradual process, keeping sessions short (1-2 minutes) and always ending on a positive note. This builds trust and a positive association with dog grooming tools.

When to Call a Professional

While daily maintenance is the owner’s responsibility, a professional groomer is an invaluable partner in caring for high-maintenance dogs. They have the right equipment, such as high-velocity dryers and hydraulic tables, and the expertise to handle difficult coats and perform complex haircuts. If you discover a mat that is tight against the skin, do not try to cut it out with scissors. It is incredibly easy to cut the skin, which is often pulled up into the mat. A professional has the tools and skill to shave it out safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Grooming Dogs

How often should a Poodle be groomed?

This is one of the most common questions, and it highlights the dual nature of grooming these dogs. A Poodle requires daily brushing at home to prevent mats. This daily session should take 15-20 minutes and focus on working through the entire coat down to the skin with a slicker brush and comb. In addition to daily care, a Poodle needs a full professional groom, including a haircut, every 4 to 6 weeks. The exact frequency depends on the length of the haircut; longer styles may require appointments every 4 weeks, while shorter pet clips might stretch to 6 weeks.

Can I groom my high-maintenance dog entirely at home?

It is possible, but it requires a significant investment in time, training, and equipment. You would need to purchase professional-grade clippers, shears, a grooming table, and a high-velocity dryer. You would also need to learn proper techniques for bathing, drying, and clipping your specific breed to avoid injuring your dog or causing skin issues. For most owners, a hybrid approach works best: they handle all the daily and weekly brushing at home and rely on a professional for the periodic full haircuts and baths.

What are signs of a skin problem under a thick coat?

A thick, matted coat can easily hide developing skin problems. When grooming, you should part the hair and look at the skin. Signs of trouble include:

Redness or inflammation: The skin may look irritated or angry.

Scabs, sores, or pimples: Any break in the skin can lead to infection.

Foul odor: A musty or yeasty smell can indicate a bacterial or fungal infection.

Excessive flaking or dandruff: Could be dry skin or a sign of parasites like “walking dandruff” mites.

“Hot spots”: A specific type of moist, red, and painful skin lesion (acute moist dermatitis). These require immediate veterinary attention.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. It is especially important to seek veterinary care for sudden skin changes, as they can be signs of allergies, parasites, or other systemic health issues. For guidance on toxins that can affect skin, consult a resource like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control center.

Conclusion: A Commitment of Love and Labor

Choosing a dog with high grooming needs is a serious commitment that extends far beyond a love for their beautiful appearance. It is a pledge to provide consistent, hands-on care that is essential for their physical health and emotional well-being. The time spent brushing and caring for your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it is also a demanding, non-negotiable chore. These breeds are not for the casual owner; they are for individuals and families who find joy in the process and are prepared for the lifelong responsibility.

Your Next Steps

If you are considering one of these breeds, take these practical steps before making a final decision:

This Week: Research and budget for the true cost of ownership. Call two or three local professional groomers and ask for price estimates for the breed you’re interested in, based on a 4-to-6-week schedule. Add the cost of high-quality brushes, combs, shampoo, and other supplies to your estimated annual dog care budget.

This Month: Talk to people who actually own the breed. Find a local breed club or online owner community and ask them candidly about the time commitment. Ask them, “How many hours per week do you honestly spend on grooming?” Their answers will be more revealing than any breed description.

Before You Adopt: Discuss your choice with a veterinarian. They can provide insights into the breed’s common health problems, many of which can be linked to or exacerbated by their coat and skin. A strong relationship with a trusted vet is the cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. As detailed by organizations like the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, preventive care is the best way to ensure a long, healthy life for your companion.

Ultimately, the best home for a high-maintenance dog is one where grooming is seen not as a burden, but as a fundamental act of love and responsible care.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In the event of a pet health emergency, contact your local veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.