20 High-Maintenance Dog Breeds You Should Avoid If You’re Busy

Dogs are simply amazing. Almost every breed can be a loving best friend, but there are some major differences between them. Not every dog breed is a good fit for every person, and if you’re looking for a low-maintenance companion, these dogs are definitely not the ones for you.

We’ve ranked 20 dog breeds from the least to the most demanding.

20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is friendly and affectionate, but it can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Grooming is relatively easy, but they do require daily attention.

19. Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frisé is a small, cheerful dog, but its coat requires constant maintenance. Additionally, it’s highly social and doesn’t do well when left alone for extended periods.

18. Basenji

Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is incredibly stubborn and requires an experienced owner for proper training. It also has a lot of energy that needs to be burned off daily.

17. Irish Setter

This beautiful hunting breed has endless energy and needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Without activity, it can quickly become restless.

16. Puli

With its distinctive dreadlock-like coat, the Puli requires a lot of grooming. It’s also highly active and needs plenty of training and stimulation.

15. Weimaraner

A highly intelligent and energetic breed that requires both physical and mental challenges daily. If not properly stimulated, it can become destructive.

14. Saint Bernard

Though Saint Bernards are calm and friendly, their large size requires ample space, and they drool a lot. Regular grooming is also necessary to keep them clean and well-maintained.

13. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are large, gentle giants that require significant exercise and coat care. They also drool quite a bit, and their size makes them difficult to keep in smaller homes.

12. Cocker Spaniel

This breed is social and affectionate but prone to separation anxiety. It also has a thick coat that needs frequent grooming and plenty of energy to burn.

11. Afghan Hound

With its long, silky coat, the Afghan Hound requires extensive grooming. It also has a strong prey drive, making training more challenging.

10. Chow Chow

Known for its independent nature, the Chow Chow requires consistent grooming. It can also be stubborn and, without early socialization, may become reserved around strangers.

9. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman is highly intelligent and protective, making it a challenging breed to train. Without proper leadership, it can become too dominant and difficult to manage.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

This small dog is an energy powerhouse that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It gets bored easily and may start digging, barking, or becoming destructive if not kept busy.

7. Alaskan Malamute

A large and powerful breed that loves to run and work. If it doesn’t get enough exercise, it can become destructive, digging up yards or chewing on household items.

6. Akita Inu

A beautiful but highly independent breed. Akitas can be stubborn and difficult to train, requiring an experienced owner. They are also known to be reserved around strangers.

5. Dalmatian

Dalmatians have tons of energy and require daily exercise. They can also be difficult to train and may develop behavioral issues if not properly stimulated.

4. Belgian Malinois

Often used as a police or working dog, the Belgian Malinois is incredibly intelligent and driven. However, without daily training and challenges, it can quickly become frustrated and even aggressive.

3. Siberian Husky

Huskies are known for their boundless energy and need for exercise. They love to run and can be extremely difficult to train. They’re also escape artists and may find ways to break out of enclosures.

2. Australian Shepherd

This breed is extremely intelligent and requires constant mental and physical stimulation. If it doesn’t have a job to do, it may develop destructive behaviors.

1. Border Collie

The ultimate working dog—Border Collies have an extremely high energy level and sharp intelligence that require constant engagement. If you don’t have time for daily training and activity, this is not the dog for you!