These breeds are gorgeous and loyal but can seriously test your patience, time, and bank account.
They look like models and act like soulmates, but some dogs are basically walking full-time jobs. High maintenance doesn’t just mean long hair or a diva attitude. Some breeds demand constant stimulation, weekly grooming appointments, or give you the side eye if dinner is five minutes late. And others come with vet bills stacked taller than their chew toys. People think they are prepared until the first meltdown over a missed walk or a slightly different brand of food.
If you are even thinking about bringing one of these breeds into your life, just know it is not a casual commitment. This is luxury-level companionship with the emotional depth of a therapist and the chaos of a toddler in a cape. Let’s just say, you’ll need patience, a big calendar, and probably a better vacuum.
1. The Golden Retriever fools people with its easy-going vibe but is secretly exhausting.
At first glance, Goldens seem like the easiest dog on earth. They are sweet, friendly, eager to please, and constantly smiling. But under that golden charm is a dog that needs constant attention, daily structure, and a level of emotional and physical care most people are not ready for, according to the experts at the American Kennel Club. These dogs do not do well with boredom. If you do not walk them, train them, or include them in your life daily, they spiral fast. Chewing, barking, or anxious pacing become their coping mechanisms.
They also shed like they are actively trying to cover your entire house in fur. Regular brushing is a must, and their double coat blows out seasonally in massive waves. They are prone to hip dysplasia, skin issues, allergies, and cancer, which means vet care is often extensive. Emotionally, they are clingy. They want to be where you are all the time and often cannot handle being left alone for too long. They are people pleasers to the core but keeping them balanced takes real effort.
2. The Afghan Hound lives like royalty and expects you to keep up.
This dog is high fashion with high demands. Afghan Hounds are undeniably one of the most glamorous-looking breeds on the planet, but under all that silky hair is a canine who is deeply independent, wildly sensitive, and never impressed, as reported by Dylan Daniels at Dog Time. They require brushing several times a week or their coat mats into chaos before you even notice. And bathing them? That’s a multi-hour commitment that ends with your bathroom looking like a scene from a shampoo commercial gone wrong.
They’re also notoriously picky eaters and easily spooked by changes in routine or loud noises. So if you’re not emotionally available 24/7, good luck building trust. They’re not exactly eager to please either, so training one can feel more like making suggestions to an aloof roommate. They thrive in calm, clean, perfectly predictable homes—and are deeply offended by messy schedules, sloppy handling, or mediocre vibes.
3. The Belgian Malinois will outwork and outsmart you before breakfast.
This is not your average high-energy dog. The Belgian Malinois is used in military units for a reason—its brain is always on, and its body doesn’t really do “rest.” Owning one without a plan is like handing a rocket launcher to a toddler. These dogs need intense daily exercise, advanced obedience training, mental stimulation, and a handler who knows exactly what they’re doing, as stated by Jenna Stregowski at The Spruce Pets.
People often confuse them with German Shepherds and assume they’ll grow out of the chaos with time. They don’t. If you’re not offering consistent structure, physical challenges, and clear leadership, they’ll turn your home into a personal obstacle course. They also bond hard with one person and can get reactive, territorial, or anxious without proper training. They’re brilliant, beautiful, and exhausting in equal measure. If you skip a day of enrichment, expect to come home to something shredded or hear complaints from your neighbors.
4. The English Bulldog’s entire body is basically a maintenance checklist.
If you want a dog that defines “high maintenance” but in slow motion, this is it. English Bulldogs may be couch potatoes at heart, but their health issues are relentless. Everything about them needs extra care—their breathing, their skin folds, their eyes, their joints. You’ll be cleaning face wrinkles on the daily, wiping drool off walls, and constantly managing overheating risks even when it’s only mildly warm.
Most of them require special diets to avoid allergies or digestive disasters, and you’ll probably get to know your vet staff very well, according to Barri J. Morrison, DVM at PetMD. They can’t swim, they snore like a chainsaw, and they’re prone to respiratory distress with the slightest bit of exercise. But they’re also heartbreakingly sweet, which makes the upkeep worth it for a lot of people. Just don’t go into it thinking you’re getting a chill, low-effort dog. It’s more like taking care of a stubborn little prince with sinus problems.
5. The Cocker Spaniel looks innocent but has zero chill behind the scenes.
Their eyes are pure Disney, but their lifestyle is anything but carefree. American Cocker Spaniels come with a thick, silky coat that requires near-daily brushing if you want to avoid mats that multiply out of nowhere. And if you plan to show them or even just keep them trimmed, regular pro grooming is non-negotiable. That coat takes real work to keep looking effortless.
Beyond grooming, these dogs are deeply emotional. They attach quickly and don’t do well when left alone, so separation anxiety can become a real issue fast. They’re also prone to ear infections because of their adorable floppy ears, which means regular cleaning and vet visits. They do best with structure, calm homes, and tons of gentle attention. Miss a few of those ingredients, and you’ll meet their anxious, barky alter ego, which is way less charming than the cute package suggests.
6. The Standard Poodle acts like your personal trainer with a salon appointment every week.
These dogs don’t just need stimulation, they demand it with judgmental stares and a level of emotional intelligence that feels suspicious. The Standard Poodle is brilliant in that slightly exhausting way that means you cannot fake your way through parenting them. They notice when you skip training, change your schedule, or try to phone it in. They’ll call you out with chaos or moody silence.
Their coat is famously non shedding, but that does not mean it is low maintenance. You are brushing constantly or paying someone else to do it. Neglect it and you get knots so deep you have to shave them out. Physically, they are athletic and expect real movement daily. One quick walk will not do it. These dogs want agility work, fetch with purpose, or problem solving games. If your idea of a good day involves rest, this dog will disagree loudly and repeatedly.
7. The Australian Shepherd will lose its mind without a schedule and a mission.
There is nothing casual about owning this breed. Australian Shepherds are herding dogs with energy levels that feel almost mythical. They are always watching, always planning, always waiting for their next task. Leave them idle and they will either destroy your house or start organizing your kids into herds. Some do both at the same time. They are not just busy, they are strategic.
Their need for structure is intense. If you have no daily routine or give them inconsistent direction, they start improvising. That usually turns into neurotic behavior like spinning, pacing, or obsessive barking. Grooming is moderate, but mental enrichment is relentless. They need puzzles, learning, and actual work. Many thrive in dog sports or with real jobs on ranches. Suburban boredom does not sit well with them, and no amount of cuddles can substitute for the feeling of being useful.
8. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cannot emotionally handle being left alone.
This dog is sweet, delicate, and secretly exhausting if you are not home most of the time. Cavaliers were bred as companion dogs, and they take that role very seriously. They will follow you from room to room and panic if they cannot find you for thirty seconds. They are affectionate to the point of clingy and tend to spiral fast when they feel ignored.
The grooming is constant if you want to keep their coat in good condition. Long feathering on their ears and legs attracts every burr and speck of dust in the universe. They are also medically fragile compared to many breeds. Heart disease, ear infections, eye issues, and joint problems are common. So even though they seem low key at first glance, the emotional, grooming, and veterinary commitment is very real. This is a dog for people who are always home and emotionally available.
9. The German Shepherd becomes a full time project without direction and consistency.
At their best, German Shepherds are loyal, focused, and incredible companions. But without proper training and structure, things go sideways quickly. They are intense by nature and deeply sensitive to tone, body language, and inconsistency. If they sense uncertainty, they start making decisions on their own, and those decisions are not always ideal in a home setting.
Their double coat sheds constantly and needs brushing at least several times a week. Grooming is not optional unless you enjoy hair tumbleweeds in every room. Mentally, they require a clear purpose and ongoing challenges. That means regular training sessions, advanced commands, or a real job. They do not thrive in apartments with nothing to do. Without direction, their protective instincts can turn reactive and their intelligence becomes destructive. Owning one takes experience, time, and a level of patience most casual dog owners are not ready for.
10. The Siberian Husky is as dramatic as it is destructive when bored.
There is no off switch on a Husky. These dogs were bred to pull sleds for miles across snow and ice. Trying to make them chill in a warm living room all day is a battle you will not win. They need movement, space, and nonstop stimulation or they will create chaos just to feel alive. Chewed doors, escaped fences, and theatrical howling are all part of the starter kit.
They shed like it is a sport and their undercoat comes out in massive chunks a few times a year. Brushing is a constant event. Their vocal opinions are loud, long, and weirdly human. Training is also tough because they are both independent and easily distracted. If you expect loyalty to override curiosity, you will be disappointed. This breed is stunning to look at but can be one of the most difficult to manage if you are not fully prepared.
11. The Maltese is tiny but somehow still takes over your entire life.
This little white fluff ball looks innocent, but owning a Maltese is like managing a very glamorous toddler who hates being alone. Their coat is long, silky, and entirely unforgiving. If you do not brush it daily, it mats in ways that basically glue to the skin. Most people end up trimming it short just to survive, but even then, upkeep is constant.
Emotionally, they are all in. They attach fast, crave your attention, and are prone to separation anxiety that can manifest in barking, trembling, or full breakdowns. They are sensitive to tone, loud environments, and cold weather. These dogs want to be carried, pampered, and reassured, and they expect nothing less than full devotion. Leave them out of your plans for the day, and they will absolutely hold a grudge. For such a tiny thing, they manage to take up a lot of emotional bandwidth.
12. The Border Collie might actually be smarter than you and knows it.
This is not just a working dog. It is a problem solver who needs a mission, a job, and probably its own email account. Border Collies are obsessive thinkers and can learn almost anything with speed that is borderline scary. But that intelligence comes with a cost. They get bored within minutes, and boredom turns into chaos fast. You need structured training, advanced tasks, or agility sports just to keep them sane.
Their instincts are intense. Some will start herding your kids, your cats, or your vacuum if left unstimulated. Emotionally, they are sensitive to everything around them, including conflict in the home or inconsistencies in your mood. You cannot slack with this dog. They will notice. The coat is moderate but still needs brushing and occasional grooming, especially in spring and fall. But really, the biggest upkeep is mental. This is a breed that will not let you rest if it feels unstimulated.
13. The Shih Tzu is small, adorable, and secretly a grooming nightmare.
You would think a toy breed would be easy, but this one comes with a grooming schedule that rivals a celebrity on tour. Their long, flowing coat tangles faster than you can blink, and if you miss even a day or two, mats start forming in places you cannot see. Most owners keep them in a short cut, but even then, the brushing, bathing, and eye cleaning never ends.
They also come with a stubborn streak. Training is not their favorite activity unless you turn it into something fun and food motivated. Potty training can take longer than average, and they are not above pretending they do not understand just to get out of doing something. They want comfort, consistency, and their own pillow on the couch. High maintenance in a very low to the ground package, they are cute enough to get away with almost anything, but the effort is very real.
14. The Dalmatian looks chill until the behavior problems show up.
These dogs are stunning and unique but come with a whole lot of baggage that people do not always expect. Dalmatians have energy for days and need consistent physical and mental challenges or they become anxious and destructive. They are not ideal for apartment life unless you are prepared to commit to serious daily exercise and structured play sessions that wear them out completely.
They are also prone to behavioral quirks. Some are reactive, others are headstrong, and a few can be flat out unpredictable if not socialized properly. They shed more than you think, and their short hairs stick to everything. They are not naturally easygoing and require confident handling and regular structure. People often fall for the look without understanding how demanding they are. Dalmatians are not difficult because they are wild, they are difficult because they are complicated. And once they unravel, it is hard to stitch things back together.
15. The French Bulldog is adorable and expensive in every possible way.
This breed is basically a walking contradiction. They do not need tons of exercise but still manage to be incredibly high maintenance. French Bulldogs come with a laundry list of medical issues including breathing problems, skin allergies, spinal issues, and eye concerns. Vet bills add up fast, and many owners find themselves managing chronic care far earlier than they expected.
They are also extremely attached and hate being left alone. That leads to separation anxiety, stubborn behaviors, and sometimes nonstop whining that does not seem to have a clear source. Grooming might be low effort, but cleaning skin folds, wiping eyes, and monitoring their weight takes dedication. They are prone to overheating, cannot swim, and snore like old men. Despite all of this, people are obsessed with them. And that is what makes them the perfect closer for this list. They are high effort, high drama, and somehow still totally worth it.
16. The Lhasa Apso has opinions about everything and demands daily grooming to match.
This ancient breed may be small, but it comes with a sense of self-importance that rivals much larger dogs. Lhasa Apsos were bred to guard palaces in Tibet, and they never really forgot it. They are alert, independent, and low key judgmental about your every move. Training them takes serious consistency and patience, because they will test your limits early and often.
Grooming is no joke either. Their long, straight coat mats quickly, and dirt clings to it like static. Daily brushing is mandatory unless you opt for regular haircuts, which still require upkeep. They are also surprisingly feisty and need clear boundaries to avoid turning into little control freaks. They want routine, attention, and to feel like they are part of something important. If they feel ignored or disrespected, they will absolutely act out with passive defiance and side eye you all day.
17. The Boxer stays a puppy forever and expects you to match that energy.
Everything about the Boxer feels like someone put a toddler in a muscle suit. They are goofy, affectionate, and clingy to the point of smothering. And that puppy energy? It does not fade for years. They need intense daily exercise, structured play, and frequent human interaction or they start bouncing off the walls. If you do not meet their energy needs, expect destruction or nonstop attention seeking.
Training is also a process. They are smart but distractible and prone to doing whatever makes them laugh in the moment. Consistency helps, but so does having a sense of humor. Health wise, they come with a few concerns like heart issues and cancers, which can mean vet bills creep up faster than expected. They are lovable and full of personality, but definitely not plug and play. If you cannot commit to several years of emotional chaos, this dog will leave you exhausted.
18. The Pekingese has no time for your nonsense and expects spa treatment daily.
This little lion dog has one of the most intense grooming needs of any small breed. That thick double coat tangles instantly and sheds in tufts, especially during seasonal changes. You will need to brush them every day or risk dealing with mats that fuse into the undercoat and take hours to detangle. Bathing and drying them is a full event, not a casual rinse.
Temperament wise, they are more cat than dog. They bond deeply to their person and can be standoffish with strangers. Training requires finesse because they are not trying to impress you. They expect to be respected and handled gently. Loud households, chaotic routines, or being left alone all day are not for them. They want calm, structure, and soft surfaces. This is not a dog you scoop up without planning. They are small in size but come with luxury-level care expectations.
19. The Jack Russell Terrier might be the most chaotic five seconds of your life on four legs.
Do not let the size fool you. Jack Russells are tiny explosions of speed, intelligence, and mischief. They were bred to hunt foxes, which means they are constantly scanning for movement, ready to chase anything that runs, and suspicious of stillness. Boredom turns them into demolition experts. They dig, they chew, they climb, and some can even scale fences if left unsupervised.
They are also wildly smart and often smarter than their owners, which means they will outwit you unless you stay sharp. Training has to be early, consistent, and ongoing. One long walk a day is not going to cut it. They want variety, puzzles, and new challenges. If you leave them in a yard thinking they will self entertain, they will—but not in ways you want. You need time, patience, and a sense of humor to survive them. Most people underestimate just how intense this little dog really is.
20. The Great Dane is laid back but costs more to maintain than your car.
These gentle giants are surprisingly sensitive and absolutely massive, which means everything about owning one is magnified. Food bills are high, and vet bills are higher. They are prone to joint issues, bloat, and heart problems, so regular medical care is essential. Even routine things like flea meds and monthly preventatives cost more because of their size.
They are emotionally high maintenance too. Great Danes bond deeply and need a lot of reassurance and time with their people. Despite their size, they think they are lap dogs and will try to climb into your arms for comfort. Leaving them alone too long leads to stress, and they do not always handle new situations or loud environments well. Furniture gets destroyed accidentally just from them trying to get comfortable. Everything about owning a Dane is extra. You need space, funds, and the emotional energy to carry the weight of a very big baby.
21. The Lagotto Romagnolo will redecorate your entire yard just for fun.
On the surface, this fluffy Italian truffle hunter looks like a curly-coated teddy bear. But the Lagotto Romagnolo is built to work, and if you don’t give it a job, it will absolutely find one. That usually means tearing through your landscaping with its powerful digging instinct or turning your couch cushions into an excavation site. These dogs were bred to sniff out rare fungi in the wild, which means their noses are powerful, and their focus is relentless.
The grooming alone makes this a serious commitment. Their dense, curly coat doesn’t shed much, but it does mat and trap debris like a magnet. You’ll need regular trims and frequent brushing, plus a very specific shampoo to keep the texture right. Skip the maintenance, and you’re dealing with knots that turn into dreadlocks. Mentally, they need puzzles, training sessions, scent work, or some type of daily challenge to avoid spiraling into chaos.