Top 10 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds To Own in 2024

With International Dog Day coming up on the 26th of August, experts at Yell have revealed the most high-maintenance dog breeds to own in 2024. The research identified the English Springer Spaniel as the most high-maintenance dog breed, with grooming needed every 2 weeks at an average annual cost of £1,222. By looking at UK dog registrations in 2023, compiling annual grooming needs and care costs per breed, dog grooming experts at Yell have identified the most high-maintenance dog breeds to own in 2024. 

The most popular breeds in the UK

By looking at the number of dog registrations in the UK over 2022/2023, experts at Yell identified the most popular breed with over 44,000 registrations was the Labrador Retriever. Close behind is the French Bulldog, which has 42,538 UK registrations, and the Cocker Spaniel, which comes in third with 29,491 registrations. 

The Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds

Considering the breed, frequency of grooming and the average cost per breed, Yell has revealed the top most high-maintenance dog breeds. The English Springer Spaniel took the top spot for the most high-maintenance breed in 2024 with grooming needed at least every 2 weeks at an average annual cost of £1,222. Coming in second is the Labrador Retriever, with grooming also required every 2 weeks, with an annual grooming cost of £1,014. The French Bulldog was third most high maintenance, requiring at least a brush and bath every 2-4 weeks at an average annual cost of £503. 

Depending on which breed you go for, they may require different levels of maintenance. Dog Grooming Expert Shirelle Moore, based at Wright Scruffs, says that a dog's grooming needs will entirely depend on the breed, the length and type of coat and the lifestyle your dog has. "This is really breed-specific, depending on the coat. Some breeds need to visit every 4-6 weeks whilst others can go longer 6-8 weeks."

Shirelle adds, "Wollen coats and long coats should be maximum every 6 weeks. This promotes good coat care skincare and can prevent ear infections (clearing the ears) also to ensure the dogs don't have parasites/matting and help avoid potential skin conditions."

Grooming tips between appointments

Whilst the most high-maintenance dogs will require regularly scheduled Grooming appointments, it's important to know the needs of different breeds in between their appointments.

Shirley recommends there are things owners can do in between appointments to care for their beloved pets, "Dog owners need to ensure they are regularly combing breeds with longer fur as their coats can easily get tangled and knotted together.  

If the breed has long hair but wears a harness, this can also cause friction knots under the arms of the dog. This can take up a lot of grooming time to remove, which results in not having the time to carry out a complete groom. If owners are confident to cut nails, clean ears, and maintain their dog's coat, great. However, groomers are there for the owners who are not confident grooming their beloved pet for fear of hurting them."