Top 10 most high maintenance breeds (according to Yahoo)..thoughts?

Fran101

Resident fainting goat
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
12,546
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Boston
#1
1. Border Collie
Often referred to as a canine Einstein, the Border Collie has a desire to work that borders on the obsessive. He will herd anything that comes his way - kids, cats, cars, even a bag of oranges that have spilled onto the floor. His intelligence and energy make him a fabulous competitor in dog sports, but if he is underemployed at home, he is likely to develop compulsive behaviors such as chasing light and shadows, twirling in circles, and bouncing up and down. Be prepared to keep him busy with dog sports, activities around the house, regular training sessions and plenty of daily exercise.

2. Australian Shepherd
The smart and focused Australian Shepherd seems never to run out of energy. After he has brought in the morning newspaper, escorted the kids to the school bus, picked up their toys and dirty clothes from the floor and placed them in the appropriate receptacles, he's ready to help you do yard work by fetching tools or digging out weeds in your garden. Then he'll want you to throw a ball or flying disc for him to chase, practice for the weekend's agility or obedience trial, or take a brisk hour-long walk or hike. You'll wear out before he does unless you are equally active - and creative enough to keep him occupied.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers love to be in a lap and will claim yours in a flash as soon as you sit down. Aptly nicknamed the "Love Sponge," Cavaliers were bred to be companion dogs, and that's what they want to do. You'll never have privacy in the bathroom again if you live with a Cavalier. A Cavalier will dog your footsteps and make it clear that he does not wish to be left alone all day. The ideal home for this doe-eyed dog is one with a stay-at-home parent or work-at-home spouse, or with a retired couple.

4. Brussells Griffon
With a Brussels Griffon, you're never alone. These affectionate dogs possess an unshakable desire to be with their favorite person at all times. When a Griff feels abandoned or lacking in attention, he will express his frustration by converting toilet paper into confetti, overturning trash receptacles and peeing on your favorite Oriental rug. Take him with you when you can and train him early on to accept necessary separation with equanimity - or face the consequences.

5. Cocker Spaniel
The people-adoring Cocker Spaniel dislikes being left alone; Cockers who aren't well socialized - and even some who are - can develop severe separation anxiety that takes the form of barking, whining and destructive behavior. In addition, his coat requires professional grooming or frequent care from a dedicated owner. The silky medium-length coat must be brushed several times a week and bathed and trimmed weekly. Even a Cocker with a short trim needs frequent brushing and bathing and trimming every couple of weeks. He is prone to ear infections, so weekly ear inspection and cleaning (if needed) are recommended. Many people rely on professional groomers every four to six weeks to keep their Cocker Spaniels looking the very best.

6. German Shorthaired Pointer
Few breeds are more demanding of their owner's energy and attention than the German Shorthaired Pointer. This talented hunting dog is energetic, strong and challenging. He's a natural in high-drive dog sports and a perfect companion (overall health permitting, of course) for long runs and strenuous hikes. German Shorthairs require daily sessions of heart-pumping exercise and plenty of training to keep them under control

7. JRT
He digs, he barks, he runs, he jumps. The Jack Russell (or Parson Russell if you live on the AKC side of the fence) is hardwired to be active and needs a full-time activity director to keep him busy in constructive, and not destructive, ways. He does best when he is kept busy hunting rats on a farm or competing in terrier races and earthdog tests. Jack Russells can even make great jogging partners, but some joint and neuromuscular problems can occur in the breed, so get a healthy go-ahead from your vet first.

8. Poodle
People say they don't shed and they're hypoallergenic. That's the 411 that most people get about this glamorous and brainy breed. Spoiler alert: Poodles do shed - with loose hairs becoming entangled with other hair if not brushed out - and they are not hypoallergenic. But they are adorable! That beautiful curly coat also requires visits to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. During adolescence, the maturing coat must be brushed daily to prevent mats.

9. Labrador
It was probably a Lab who inspired the saying "A tired dog is a good dog." Plan to teach your Lab tricks, and get him involved in dog sports if you don't want to see just how much destruction he can do when he's bored. Some Labs even make great jogging partners, but hip dysplasia is prominent in the breed, so get him checked by your vet before hitting the running trails. Need a reminder as to why you need to provide structured activities for your Labrador from day one? We have one word: Marley.

10. Yorkie
The spunky Yorkshire Terrier has a lot going for him, but his beautiful coat is high-maintenance, even if clipped short. A Yorkie with a long coat requires daily brushing and weekly baths. A Yorkie with a short "puppy" clip also needs frequent brushing and bathing, along with regular visits to a professional groomer to have the coat trimmed. Yorkies don't shed much compared with some other dogs, but they aren't hypoallergenic.
- http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/10-most-high-maintenance-dog-slideshow/


Agree? Disagree?
What would your list look like?

I have gotten like 3 emails from family members about this article because aussies are on it and the article was on the front page of yahoo lol so I figured it might be interesting to get some forum input
 

MericoX

Roos, Poos, & a Wog!
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
5,326
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
39
Location
In depression
#2
Their list confuses me. It seems they've got high maintenance regarding coat care and energy requirements meshed together...
 

Beanie

Clicker Cult Coordinator
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
14,012
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
39
Location
Illinois
#3
Their list confuses me. It seems they've got high maintenance regarding coat care and energy requirements meshed together...
And because of that I'm flabbergasted that shelties aren't on the list...
 

Emily

Rollin' with my bitches
Joined
Feb 13, 2008
Messages
2,115
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Illinois
#4
I can only say that for Cav's, it's totally true. We have a few Cav's at work that are regulars and omg... sit down and it's just like, WTF do they even come from? LOL They're in your lap before you're even all the way down, lmao.
 

RD

Are you dead yet?
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
15,572
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
34
Location
Ohio
#5
My border collie is lower maintenance than my papillon was.
 

JacksonsMom

Active Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
8,694
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Maryland
#6
I guess I would agree with most of them, though I have no experience with Brussels Griffon or GSP.

Yorkies are definitely HM. Most I've met. Jackson is in his own way... he's not needy in the sense that he needs to be held or picked up (he actually despises it, most of the time, LOL) but he's certainly Mr.-I-Need-Attention-Now. He constantly just comes and stares at me and hopes I'll play, or we'll go for a w-a-l-k (which he now knows how to spell) and stuff. And he does need a lot of stimulation and exercise to be content. Oh and professionally groomed for most Yorkies, etc.

Whereas, on the flip side, my step-moms Dachshund mix is very happy to lay around all day and sleep. He loves being held though and is a big baby... but he's not "high maintenance" in that his grooming requirements are very little/easy, he doesn't really need ANY exercise to be happy/content, etc/etc.
 

~Tucker&Me~

Active Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
4,940
Likes
0
Points
36
#7
I think that list is utter baloney. First of all, there needs to be a distinction between coat maintenance and perceived 'exercise/stimulation' maintenance.

My BC is low maintenance for me. He goes to work with my parents and just hangs out with me and does whatever I do, I am not out exercising him all hours of the day. And his coat? I don't have to lift a finger.

Some people would find him high maintenance because he wants lots of exercise and to be with me all day, but because he is often with my anyway and I like to get out and do things, keeping him happy is a piece of cake.

Some sort of hound though, who I couldn't trust off-leash and would have a more difficult time training would drive me up the wall because I would have to do things out of my way to provide him with what he needed in terms of stimulation. Alternatively, a dog with a demanding coat (like a poodle, sheltie, whatever) would be a huge PITA to me as well.

A dog I would describe as high maintenance would be my cousin's golden. He constantly wants to be touched and needs attention, is super clingy and can't really settle down. He is not super high energy, but his pacing and incessant licking and neediness would get on my nerves pretty quick. Nice dog, but not my type and imo, VERY high maintenance.

What constitutes high maintenance is different to different people.
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
2,434
Likes
1
Points
0
Location
Oregon
#11
Yeah, it was the GSP that inspired the phrase a tired dog is a good dog.

So incredibly insane. Every one I've ever met for more than 5min. Pointers in general are made to run. My uncle had a half GSP and owned 3 acres. I was maybe 15 when this dog was young, and in a 8 hour day could not tire that dog out.

Of course, I do want one, but I want ready access to pheasant cover first!
 

Moth

Mild and Slightly Nutty
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
5,039
Likes
2
Points
38
Location
Madison, WI
#12
What constitutes high maintenance is different to different people.
^
This...

Watson and Menchi are low maintenance as far as coat care... but Menchi needs to be watched more carefully health wise as far as coat and skin are concerned than many other dogs.

Watson needs a lot of one on one attention training wise and emotionally. Emotionally Menchi is easier...training wise she requires focus but not the intense work that Watson needs from me.

They both need a fair amount of exercise and stimulation.

I have had a cocker...as far as grooming is concerned he was high maintenance, but other than that he was easy.

I think it is all in what you want, what you are ready for, and what you can and are willing to invest :)
 

Michiyo-Fir

Active Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2010
Messages
2,494
Likes
0
Points
36
#13
I think Cavs are some of the easiest dogs I've ever met...don't need much exercise a walk or two a day, feed, love on, they're the happiest creatures on earth. Not prone to DR/HR/DA/HA and rarely any temperamental problems, the only ones are health related.
 

mkj2013

New Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Messages
161
Likes
0
Points
0
#14
Uhhhh, why aren't bulldogs in the top like.. 3?! This dog couldn't get any more high maintenance lol
 

Grab

Active Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2005
Messages
3,374
Likes
2
Points
36
#15
I wouldn't say Nog is high maintenance...he loves attention, yes, but is also happy to go curl up somewhere. Right now he is in a laundry basket:)
 

Whisper

Kaleidoscopic Eye
Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
13,749
Likes
1
Points
38
Age
31
#16
What constitutes high maintenance is different to different people.
This.^
The top 2 "high maintenance" breeds (BCs and Aussies) are some of the breeds I find easiest to get along with. (Well, I have met some BCs bred for flyball/agility that are insane- far more trouble than any true working bred BCs IMO, but that has to do with variances within the breed, not the total of the breed.)
And even as far as coat maintenance, I'm even split within that. I LOVE big fluffy coats like rough collies, Aussies, shelties, etc., I don't mind brushing, I don't mind shedding, but I couldn't live with a dog with a coat like poodles and Bichons.
I don't know. It just depends on each person.
 

OwnedByBCs

Will Creep For Sheep
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
588
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Colorado
#17
Ok I get why BCs would be on the top of that list... but man my dogs are so LOW maintenance. In like, every way. They are so chill and don't require grooming very often. My sister's Pug is SO much more high maintenance because she is so demanding about attention. For some reason even though I am personally pretty lazy... Border Collies are pretty much the only dog breed I can own. I've had other breeds and I just never clicked with them like I do BCs.

I think the problem with this list is that everyone has different opinions on it. Personally I would put Labs and Goldens on the high end of that list because I hate grooming them and they are too clingy for me.
 

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#18
Depends how you define high maintenance.

Personally I'd take energy over long hair, grooming etc any day.
 

elegy

overdogged
Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
7,720
Likes
1
Points
0
#19
I'd take Cavs off the list, move Labradors WAY UP, and add American Pit Bull Terriers :p

Steve is very high maintenance. Not grooming-wise (though he does require more foot care than any other dog I've had), but energy level and exercise-wise.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top