While all dogs require lots of time, love, attention, and one-on-one care, certain breeds definitely demand a little extra. To quote the hilarious David Cross in his guest spot as Puggle breeder, Duane Brady on Modern Family – some pups are just “bottomless pools of need”.
These 13 high maintenance breeds may have their flaws, but they are also silly, snuggly and incredibly loving. I’m sure their pawrents wouldn’t trade their needy butts for the world!
1. English Bulldogs
These roly poly pooches want to go everywhere and do everything with their families. Their clingy tendencies have led to some amazing YouTube videos of Bulldogs surfing, skating, swimming, even plopping into the bathtub with their people. You’d be hard pressed to find a more devoted family pet.
On the downside, Bulldogs can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone and may turn destructive. They aren’t above leaving a steaming token of their disapproval during your absence. These puppers are also prone to skin, ear, respiratory and joint problems, meaning vet bills are higher than average.
2. Siberian Huskies
Huskies can relate to the lyrics of the great Steve Winwood who sang “When you’re born to run, it’s so hard to just slow down.” Having been quite literally born to run, they require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent stress and anxiety.
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Huskies are extremely faithful to their people and can even be a little possessive. They have a stubborn streak and can be very demanding of your time and attention even when you are otherwise occupied – like trying to operate a motor vehicle.
3. Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkies are small, but mighty. They may look like tiny toys, but they are actually high maintenance balls of energy. They can be notoriously difficult to potty train due to their stubborn nature. Without behavioral training Yorkies often develop “Small Dog Syndrome” meaning they become possessive and protective of their people. Aside from their larger-than-life personalities, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming appointments and home care to keep their silky coats shiny and mat-free.
4. Border Collies
Dog enthusiasts have given the Border Collie the well deserved nickname “Canine Einstein”. These puppers may even be too smart for their own good since their intelligence often leads them astray. Border Collies who do not receive the physical, emotional and intellectual stimulation they require may develop major behavioral issues like aggression, compulsive tendencies and destructive behaviors. These brilliant, energetic herders cannot simply be let out in a fenced yard to run, they need plenty of interactive play time with their humans to be satisfied.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Nicknamed the “Love Sponges” of the dog world, Cavaliers are the epitome of affection and adoration. If you are sitting on the couch you can be sure your King Charles will be snuggled in your lap. Because they are so deeply devoted and dependent on their humans for happiness, Cavvies don’t do well when left home alone for long periods. They prefer for their pawrents to work from home. Or better yet, quit their jobs to become stay-at-home dog parents.
6. Jack Russell Terriers
JRTs require energetic, vigilant families. Energetic to keep up with their endless desire to run, jump, play and chase; vigilant to foil their frequent escape attempts and deter their impulse to hunt smaller animals and birds. They probably shouldn’t share a home with pocket pets like Gerbils and Ferrets. Jack Russells can also be strong willed and defiant – they will forever test your limits to see what they can get away with. You may need to hire a live-in babysitter to help keep an eye on these sly devils!
7. German Shorthaired Pointers
These speckled cuties are convinced that their hoomans hung the moon. They are affectionate, devoted and loyal to a fault. However, on Dogtime’s Adaptability Chart GSPs scored very low in categories like ‘Tolerates Being Alone’, ‘Good For Novice Owners’ and ‘Adapts Well To Apartment Living’. They were also listed as extremely sensitive. GSPs are excellent hunters and retrievers, they have low maintenance grooming needs, and sweet temperaments, but they require lots of time, attention exercise and praise from their people.
8. Schipperkes
If you aren’t familiar with these spunky puppers, their nickname may give you a clue to their personalities. Labelled, the “Little Black Devils” of the dog world, Schipperkes bring sass in epic levels. They don’t let their small stature keep them from fiercely protecting their humans, and they are extremely intelligent and curious.
Although they are loving and gentle with their own families, Schipperkes may act aggressively with strangers and other dogs in their efforts to defend the ones they love. They have above average exercise needs and energy levels, and often prove difficult to train because of their stubborn nature.
9. Dalmatians
The Dalmatian is not the right breed for the couch potatoes of the world. These pups need to run – and they prefer to do it with their hoomans. 9-to-5 pawrents beware, a bored, under-exercised Dalmatian may turn destructive. They are best suited to active families who love to hike, bike, run, play and provide lots of mental stimulation to their pups. Or a firehouse, of course.
10. Labrador Retrievers
Labs are America’s long-standing preferred breed, and it’s easy to see why. They are adorable, family-friendly, outgoing, silly, and loyal to a fault. They truly are the beloved class clowns of the dog world and tend to stay puppies pretty much their whole lives. This means lots of energy and lots of mischief! Also, the fact that they are so devoted and loving can lead to behavioral issues if they don’t get enough hooman-time.
11. Pugs
Ah, Pugs. More than just a dog breed, they are practically their own species! With their squishy little faces, signature snorts, and curly tails, they are adored by dog enthusiasts the world over. They may be sweet, snuggly, and more than happy to spend a lazy Sunday watching Netflix, but Pugs also have a stubborn streak and a propensity for shenanigans. They are prone to skin, ear, respiratory and GI problems – which may explain their frequent silent-but-deadly toots! Also, unattended snacks have a tendency to disappear around these husky little foodies!
12. Brussels Griffons
These cuties may have the sweetest little faces and the most soulful brown eyes you’ve ever seen, but don’t let them fool you! Brussels Griffons have been described by dog experts as independent, demanding, manipulative and full of self importance. They need a firm hand during training and tend to be protective of their personal space. They may be sassy little munchkins with Napoleon complexes, but I find it hard to believe any dog lover could ever say No to those precious faces!
13. Cocker Spaniels
Cockers are among the most popular breeds in the U.S. and Europe. They adore their human family members so much that their tendency for separation anxiety also put them on our list of escape artist breeds. Without proper training and boundaries, Cocker Spaniels may become possessive, protective, and downright clingy. Their wavy, lustrous coats require frequent care and grooming services to stay healthy. Cockers are prone to conditions of the eyes, ears and skin, meaning they may require more trips to the vet.
If your high maintenance pup didn’t make the list, it’s not that I have overlooked your clingy canine, but I had to cut this post off somewhere! Chihuahua, Shih-Tzu and Poodle pawrents – your dogs definitely deserve honorable mentions!
H/T to yourpurebredpuppy.com
Featured Image via @kanyethebulldog /Instagram
