When you come across a cute dog up for adoption, it's extremely easy to get swept up by their adorable face and want to take them home on the spot. However, not all dogs are as low-maintenance as they might seem at first glance.
Certain breeds tend to come with a hefty price tag in terms of both time and money. From things like grooming needs to medical care, some dogs can leave new owners seriously surprised by all the hidden costs.
So, before you add a new furry friend to your family, it's important to educate yourself. Here are 12 dog breeds that may break the bank because of their surprisingly high-maintenance needs.
Scroll to see some of the most high-maintenance dog breeds you could get right now.
1. Labradoodle
Lars Mulder
While plenty of people love the characteristic Labradoodle affection and energy, these teddy bear dogs still require a decent amount of upkeep.
First of all, their high energy demands frequent exercise and mental stimulation, which can be time-consuming. Plus, their coats can be unpredictable, given that they're a mix of Poodle and Labrador.
That's why some Labradoodles might need daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats, while others will require professional grooming sessions.
2. French Bulldog
Rebecca Fogg
French Bulldogs may have an adorable and compact appearance, but their cute looks come with significant health and maintenance requirements.
Due to their short necks, flat faces, and stocky bodies, they often face a range of health problems, particularly brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which affects their breathing.
This condition can result in expensive veterinary visits and pet insurance premiums. Aside from that, owners will need to clean their skin rolls regularly to avoid infections.
3. Siberian Husky
Julissa Helmuth
Siberian Huskies are extremely athletic, meaning a ton of exercise is necessary. They were bred to pull sleds for up to 100 miles every single day, so to remain happy and healthy, they require a significant amount of physical activity.
Additionally, they don't enjoy being left alone, meaning doggy daycare or a reliable pet sitter is often necessary. To top it off, their thick double coats shed year-round, and you may go through multiple vacuum cleaners just to keep your home clean.
4. Afghan Hound
Ron Lach
The Afghan Hound is a stunning breed, but its luxurious coat makes it super high-maintenance. To keep their fur in good shape, owners will have to brush daily and provide baths weekly, ensuring they carefully dry their pups with a blow dryer.
Regular oil treatments and meticulous wrapping are also needed, along with the use of snoods during mealtime to protect their hair.
5. Border Collie
Helena Lopes
Since Border Collies are so active and smart, they literally need boundless amounts of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied.
These dogs excel when challenged, whether through obedience training or dog sports. If they're not kept on the move, Border Collies can become bored and a huge handful. They may act hyperactive, produce excessive noise, and get destructive.
6. Akita
Zen Chung
As working dogs, Akitas are independent, strong, and can be standoffish with strangers. Their aloof nature and protective instincts also mean they require consistent, firm training and plenty of socialization from a young age.
This breed is typically quiet, clean, and relatively easy to groom. Even so, they need substantial mental stimulation to remain well-behaved.
7. Giant Schnauzer
Brett Sayles
Even though Giant Schnauzers are affectionate, they also have a strong territorial nature, and firm training is essential from the start.
Regular grooming is a key part of their care as well, particularly around their faces. Their thick coats can become matted, and consistent brushing routines are important to maintain their well-being.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
Guang Niu/Getty Images
Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs with strong-willed personalities that can make training a challenge. They tend to be calm and don't require a bunch of exercise, yet getting them to consistently listen to commands will take patience and persistence.
This breed is known for having an independent streak, and their territorial nature means they should always be kept on a leash during any outings.
9. Chow Chow
Sharmaine Monticalbo
Chow Chows are adorable, fluffy dogs that must be consistently groomed, and it's crucial that their grooming routine starts early. It should include regular baths, brushing, and blow drying to help them get accustomed to the process.
The thick fur around their faces can be particularly challenging to wash, but it's very important to keep the region clean to prevent matting, which can be painful.
10. Old English Sheepdog
Filip Kvasnak
Everyone loves Old English Sheepdogs because of their fluffy and friendly temperament. However, their coats call for a significant amount of upkeep.
Full-body brushing several times a week is needed to prevent matting. Or, for easier maintenance, their coat can be trimmed shorter on a regular basis.
Beyond grooming, these dogs are strong and athletic as well. Plenty of playtime and outdoor activity is key to keeping them healthy.
11. Australian Cattle Dog
Loli de Elia
Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are tireless herding canines with a strong desire to run. They have a high prey drive and protective instincts, so they're best suited for owners with wide open spaces.
This breed needs to burn off its seemingly infinite energy and requires structure to stay well-behaved. Thankfully, though, their short coats are less maintenance-intensive.
12. Pekingese
Mert Ocak
Finally, Pekingese come with a hefty maintenance load due to their unique physical traits. They have short legs, flat noses, short necks, bulging eyes, and dense coats, which is why they tend to be expensive when it comes to both grooming and healthcare.
Owners should expect higher vet bills and pet insurance costs due to breed-specific health problems. Also, Pekingese are prone to overheating, so they'll need cool areas to rest during the warmer months and a tangle-free coat to allow proper airflow.
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