All dogs require commitment and maintenance. When you bring a puppy into your home, you’ll be responsible for meeting all their needs!
From exercise and feeding to handling and grooming, there are similar tasks involved for every dog owner. But certain breeds are more demanding than others, so it’s important to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle.
Whether you’re ready for a challenge or you’d like to learn which dogs might not work for you, we’ve covered four of the most high-maintenance breeds below.
1. Border Collie
With their charming appearance and sweet familiarity as Britain’s sheepdog, many families and new dog owners are tempted to choose a Border Collie puppy. However, this decision should never be taken lightly because this is a breed that needs extensive time and dedication.
Laser-sharp focus, high intelligence, extreme energy and strong herding instincts make this breed unsuitable for regular family life. Border Collies need hours of exercise daily to meet their physical needs, in addition to healthy outlets for their natural drive.
For the dedicated owner, Collies can thrive in a home where they get the opportunity to compete in sports like dog agility or high-level obedience.
2. Hungarian Vizsla
The Vizsla is a large, active hunting dog with a distinctive deep red coat that’s either smooth or wiry in texture. Attractive, energetic and eager to please, many new dog owners choose this breed to suit an active lifestyle.
However, many first-time Vizsla owners would attest to the fact that this is not an easy breed to own. With extremely sensitive natures, the Vizsla does not respond well to an inexperienced training approach.
They need time, care, and an enriched life with plenty of opportunities to roam the outdoors. To keep your Vizsla comfortable, you should choose large dog beds with high-quality materials that satisfy their nesting instincts.
Vizslas also have a strong prey drive, so they need an owner who can take the time to understand and cater to their innate needs.
3. Labradoodle
Thanks to their playful, friendly natures and a strong willingness to please, Labradoodles make a popular choice for families. Their often thick, soft and wavy coats, mean that they are sold as ‘hypoallergenic’ with very little shedding. But many owners don’t realise that this labrador-poodle mix requires daily brushing and bathing.
When you combine their love for adventure with a very specific need for maintenance, it’s hardly surprising that many Labradoodle owners struggle to keep on top of their pup’s coat. Left unattended, this can become knotty and matted, potentially leaving the dog in a lot of discomfort.
And since every labradoodle is a crossbreed, there’s an element of uncertainty when it comes to their temperament too. While some are loveable and trouble-free, others can often become overly excitable, nervous, or even reactive without thorough training.
4. French Bulldog
With the recent ban on XL Bully dogs in the UK, some owners may be hesitant to choose any type of bulldog. But this doesn’t dampen the popularity of the French Bulldog, a tiny, short-faced breed that packs a punch in personality.
While their cheeky temperaments and hilarious mannerisms keep experienced owners entertained, French Bulldogs have very high grooming requirements, health needs, and management.
Additionally, their short noses leave them susceptible to breathing problems. This incurs high insurance costs and frequent vet visits – along with even more weight on your shoulders as an owner!
Choosing the right dog
While there are plenty of family-friendly dog breeds to choose from, it’s always worth doing your research. Before you get a dog, talk to breeders, trainers, and family members to find out which breed might make the most suitable addition to your life.