Plenty of people pick a puppy because of a fluffy face or a sweet smile. Weeks later, they find hair on the couch, tangles behind the ears, and a groomer bill that makes them gasp.
Knowing how much brushing and bathing a breed needs can save you stress, money, and a lot of vacuuming. Here are twelve lovable dogs with big grooming needs, plus four that keep things refreshingly simple.
Golden Retriever: Sunshine With a Side of Shedding
Every golden owner has a story about finding blond fur in their sandwich. That thick double coat sheds all year and drops even more in spring and fall.
Plan on brushing three or four times a week with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. Trim the feathery hair on the ears and paws every month or so.
Fun fact: the breed began in Scotland in the 1800s as a hunting partner that could handle cold water.
Samoyed: The Smiling Snow Cloud
Picture a walking marshmallow with a permanent grin. Samoyeds come from Siberia, where their dense white coats kept them warm while herding reindeer.
That fluff comes at a price. Twice a year they blow their undercoat, and you may fill whole grocery bags with fur.
Daily brushing during shedding season is a must, and weekly sessions the rest of the year. Skip shaving, since the coat protects them from both heat and cold.
Poodle: Low Shedding, High Upkeep
Here is a twist many new owners miss. Poodles barely shed, but their curly hair keeps growing like human hair.
Without regular care, those curls knot into tight mats that pull on the skin. Most poodles visit a groomer every four to six weeks for a clip.
Between visits, brush down to the skin a few times a week. Did you know the fancy show cut once helped keep swimming poodles warm around their joints?
Shih Tzu: Royal Looks, Daily Duties
Chinese emperors once kept these little lion dogs in their palaces, and the pampering never really stopped. A Shih Tzu with a long coat needs brushing every single day.
Their faces need attention too. Wipe around the eyes to stop tear stains, and tie back the hair so it stays out of their vision.
Short puppy cuts make life easier. Many owners choose one and still get plenty of cuddles.
Cocker Spaniel: Those Ears Need Love
Long, wavy ears are the Cocker Spaniel’s trademark, and they are also its weak spot. Those droopy flaps trap moisture, so ear infections are common.
Check and clean the ears weekly, especially after baths or swimming. The silky coat on the legs and belly tangles fast, so brush a few times each week.
A professional trim every six to eight weeks keeps your spaniel looking sharp instead of shaggy.
Siberian Husky: Surprise, It Snows Indoors
Huskies are famous for their icy blue eyes and their dramatic howls. Fewer people hear about the fur storms that arrive twice a year.
Good news: huskies stay pretty clean and barely smell. Bad news: during a coat blow, you may brush out enough fluff to stuff a pillow.
Use an undercoat rake daily in those weeks. A strong vacuum will quickly become your second best friend.
Pomeranian: Tiny Dog, Huge Hairdo
Weighing only about five pounds, a Pomeranian somehow carries a coat that makes it look twice its size. That puff is a thick double layer.
Brush two or three times a week, working in small sections from the skin outward. Pay close attention behind the ears, where mats love to hide.
Queen Victoria adored Poms and helped shrink the breed from larger sled-type dogs to the pocket-sized fluffballs we know today.
Rough Collie: Lassie Had a Great Groomer
Remember Lassie racing across the fields to save the day? That gorgeous flowing mane took serious work behind the scenes.
Rough Collies have a long outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. Brushing once or twice a week keeps tangles away, but shedding season demands daily effort.
Focus on the fluffy spots behind the ears and on the back legs. Mist the coat with water first so the brush glides smoothly.
Bernese Mountain Dog: A Gentle Giant Who Sheds Giant Amounts
Swiss farmers once used Berners to pull carts of milk and cheese to market. Today they mostly pull on your heartstrings.
Their thick tricolor coat sheds steadily and heavily. Expect to brush at least weekly, and more often in spring and fall, to keep fur off your floors.
Big dogs mean big baths too. Find a groomer or a do-it-yourself dog wash with a raised tub, and your back will thank you.
Old English Sheepdog: Mop on Four Legs
Can a dog even see through all that hair? Old English Sheepdogs manage, but their shaggy coat needs lots of help to stay healthy.
Full coats require deep brushing several hours each week, all the way to the skin. Skipping it leads to painful mats and trapped dirt.
Many families keep their sheepdog in a shorter clip. It looks just as charming and frees up your weekends for fetch.
Afghan Hound: Runway Hair, Real Commitment
With hair that flows like a shampoo commercial, the Afghan Hound is pure glamour. Keeping it that way is almost a part-time job.
The fine, silky coat tangles easily and needs brushing several times a week, plus regular baths with conditioner. Owners often wrap the long ears at mealtime.
Ancient in origin, these hounds once chased prey across rocky mountains in Afghanistan. Their long coat protected them from harsh cold.
Chow Chow: Teddy Bear With a Lion Mane
One peek at that blue-black tongue and you know the Chow is unusual. The dense, fluffy coat is just as special and needs regular care.
Brush two or three times a week with a pin brush, reaching the woolly undercoat. Their deep skin folds and thick neck ruff can hide dirt and mats.
Chows also get hot fast. Keep them cool indoors during summer, since that heavy coat holds heat well.
Beagle: Wash and Go Hound
Now for the easy side of the list. Beagles wear a short, tough coat that shrugs off mud and dries quickly.
A quick weekly rub with a rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair. Baths are only needed when your beagle rolls in something stinky, which may happen often.
Save your energy for their noses instead. Beagles follow scents for miles, so a sturdy leash matters more than any brush.
Boxer: Sleek Coat, Silly Personality
Boxers act like clowns, bouncing around and wiggling their whole bodies when happy. Luckily, their grooming needs are no joke at all, just simple.
Their short, tight coat needs only a weekly brush with a soft bristle brush or mitt. They even clean themselves a bit like cats.
Watch for drool, though. Keep a towel handy for wiping those droopy jowls, and trim nails monthly so they do not scratch floors.
Whippet: Speedy and Nearly Spotless
Top speed around 35 miles per hour, bath schedule close to zero. Whippets have a thin, fine coat that barely smells and sheds very little.
A gentle wipe with a damp cloth or soft mitt once a week keeps them glossy. That thin coat does mean they get chilly fast.
Consider a cozy sweater for winter walks. At home, expect them to burrow under your blankets like a warm little couch potato.
Doberman Pinscher: Polished Guardian
A German tax collector named Louis Dobermann created this breed in the 1890s to keep him safe on his rounds. Clever guy, and a clever coat choice too.
Dobermans have short, glossy fur that needs only a weekly brushing. Occasional baths keep them fresh.
Their real needs are exercise and training. Give them daily runs and brain games, and this loyal dog will reward you with devotion.