If you’re a busy pet owner looking for a low-effort companion, some dog breeds might just be your worst nightmare. High-maintenance dogs come with complex grooming routines, high energy levels, or health challenges that require frequent vet visits. Some breeds need extensive socialization or significant training, which can be demanding. Here are 15 high-maintenance dog breeds to consider carefully before adopting, especially if your schedule is packed. This will help you make an informed decision on choosing the right pet.

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is known for its elegant, flowing coat, but this beauty comes at a price. This breed requires frequent brushing and regular trips to the groomer to avoid matting and tangling, which can be a hassle for you. Also, Afghan Hounds have a sensitive and independent personality, making training challenging if you’re not patient and consistent. Their energy level is moderate, but they need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy, which means setting aside time for walks or play. If you’re short on time, an Afghan Hound’s grooming and exercise needs might feel overwhelming.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies are incredibly intelligent and high-energy dogs, known for their agility and herding instincts. This breed needs both mental and physical stimulation daily, or they can become bored and destructive. They require more than just a short walk; think along the lines of agility training, running, and problem-solving games to keep their active minds satisfied. Grooming isn’t overly demanding, but you need to regularly brush their coat. If your lifestyle is hectic, a Border Collie’s demand for engagement might be too much to handle.

3. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are recognized for their distinctive looks and unique personalities. Their dense, fluffy coats need constant grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding, which can make housekeeping a chore. Additionally, Chow Chows are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and entropion, requiring regular vet visits. These dogs can be aloof and stubborn, needing a dedicated owner for training and socialization. With their grooming demands and health needs, Chow Chows may be a challenge if your schedule doesn’t allow for frequent maintenance.

4. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a breed known for its energetic and playful nature, but that energy means they need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Without it, they can become destructive and difficult to manage. Huskies also have a double coat that sheds heavily twice a year, requiring dedicated grooming. Their independent streak can make training difficult, and they’re known to escape if not supervised properly. For busy owners, the Siberian husky’s exercise needs and shedding may prove too much to handle.

5. Poodle (Standard and Miniature)

Poodles are highly intelligent and require both mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored. While they do not shed much, their curly coats need regular grooming and haircuts, often requiring professional grooming services. Poodles are also prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. This means your pet will need to visit the vet regularly. If you’re not prepared to invest time in grooming and mental stimulation, a Poodle could be time-consuming.

6. Akita

Akitas are strong, independent dogs with a high tendency toward stubbornness. They require consistent training and socialization from a young age to manage their guarding instincts and dominant nature. Akitas have thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally and require consistent brushing. They are also prone to hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders, making regular vet visits essential. If you do not have ample time to spare to train your Akita and meet their health needs, you might want to look for other options.

7. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are affectionate little dogs with long, beautiful coats that need daily brushing and regular grooming. This breed is prone to health issues, such as dental problems and respiratory issues, due to its brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Regular vet visits are often required, especially as they age. Shih Tzus also needs consistent training and attention to prevent separation anxiety. Their grooming, health needs, and desire for company make Shih Tzus a handful for time-strapped owners.

8. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are known for their striking appearance and high energy levels. They require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Dalmatians are admired for their eye-catching appearance and high energy. Their coat sheds year-round, needing regular brushing to keep it under control. If your schedule is tight, the Dalmatian’s exercise, grooming, and health requirements could be overwhelming.

9. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are charming in personality, but they often face several health challenges. Their short snouts often lead to breathing difficulties, and they are also prone to hip dysplasia, skin infections, and other conditions that typically require frequent vet visits. While they don’t need a lot of exercise, regular grooming is essential to keep their skin folds clean and free from infections. If you’re a busy owner, managing an English Bulldog’s health and grooming needs might be difficult.

10. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but they are packed with energy and intelligence. They need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, or they can become destructive. These dogs are prone to digging, chewing, and barking if you fail to meet their daily exercise needs. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their temperament demands consistent training and attention. If you’re someone looking for a low-maintenance pet, Jack Russell’s high energy and attention needs could become a challenge.

11. Great Dane

Great Danes, known as “gentle giants,” are calm but require a lot of space and special care due to their large size. They may think they’re lap dogs, so be prepared for a giant cuddler. You will need to be mindful of their diet to prevent bloating, and their health issues, like hip dysplasia, can lead to frequent vet visits. Exercise is essential, but not too intense due to their joints. If you don’t have time for a pet that needs consistent health monitoring, a Great Dane might be a little tough to manage.

12. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are small but full of personality. They have a long, silky coat that needs daily brushing to stay untangled, and they’re prone to dental issues, so regular vet check-ups are necessary. These little dogs are also known for being territorial and vocal, so they need training if you live in close quarters with others. They get attached quickly and don’t do well alone for long. If you’re busy and unable to give your Yorkie regular attention, grooming, and training, their needs may be hard to keep up with.

13. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are sleek and athletic and require a lot of activity to stay balanced. Originally bred for hunting, they have strong prey instincts, which means they love exploring and need consistent exercise, like long runs or hikes. If left unstimulated, Weimaraners can develop destructive behaviors, like chewing or digging. These dogs can also be prone to separation anxiety. For owners without flexible schedules or time for daily physical engagement, a Weimaraner’s energy level can become a challenge.

14. Samoyed

Samoyeds are friendly and playful and have a thick, fluffy coat that requires frequent brushing to prevent mats. They are loyal and form strong bonds, making them susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone. Samoyeds need regular exercise to avoid destructive chewing or barking, and health issues common to the breed, such as hip dysplasia, mean they need consistent vet care. Grooming and attention for a Samoyed demands considerable time and effort, so it’s essential to be prepared before bringing one home.

15. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal, but their high energy and protective instincts require dedicated training. You’ll need to give them daily exercise and keep their minds engaged with tasks or jobs. German Shepherds shed heavily and need regular brushing, especially during seasonal changes. They’re also prone to hip dysplasia and other health issues, so you’ll likely need routine vet care. If you’re not active enough or cannot take care of the health needs of your German Shepherds, they may not be for you.