Newlyweds Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have welcomed a new addition into their family – a fluffy, white Samoyed. And it appears the pooch has had the best start in life after it was spotted landing in a private plane at President Donald J. Trump International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. But while the pop sensation and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who wed earlier this month in New York’s Madison Square Garden, might be able to provide the canine with the pampering it needs – Samoyeds are one of the more difficult breeds to care for. While they’re friendly and gentle, the sledge dogs are tireless and require structured training – and, thanks to their thick fur, their ‘high-maintenance’ coats require consistent attention, according to pet charity PDSA. Samoyeds, however, aren’t the only breed that has mass appeal but require more care and attention than people might expect. In light of this, research from Yell and dog grooming expert Shirelle Moore identified the most high-maintenance dog breeds to own. 1. English Springer Spaniel They’re one of the most popular gun dog breeds, but English Springer Spaniels took the top spot for the most high-maintenance breed.
Labradors demand regular grooming and exercise
The breed, which is popular in the UK and in the US, requires grooming at least every two weeks, according to Moore, resulting in an average annual cost of £1,222. And when it comes to their characteristics, English Springer Spaniels are known for their boundless energy, which means significant daily exercise and mental stimulation are necessary for the pooch to thrive. 2. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are a classic dog breed, but according to the experts, if you’re thinking of purchasing one, expect to pay a pretty penny on grooming. The British breed came in second place as the most high-maintenance dog, with grooming also required every two weeks for the annual average cost of £1,014. When it comes to their activity levels, however, Labs require a more manageable one hour of exercise per day. 3.
French Bulldogs require steady grooming care
French Bulldog There was a time recently when French Bulldogs appeared to be the trendiest pet around – but the experts warned that, despite their adorable looks, they’re not the easiest of breeds to care for. French Bulldogs need grooming, with at least a brush and bath every two to four weeks, with an average annual cost of £503. And while they don’t need constant exercise, they have other needs: regular care directed to their skin folds and consistent ear cleansing to avoid infections. ‘Though French Bulldogs are small and may appear low-maintenance at first glance, they demand time, care, and regular grooming,’ according to Frenchiestore. 4. Miniature Schnauzer In fourth place were Miniature Schnauzers, with the adorable breed needing grooming every four to six weeks, which would, according to the experts, cost an average of £458 per year.
Miniature schnauzers need stimulation and steady training
On top of grooming needs, the small dog, which hails from Germany, is prone to hereditary health problems, including pancreatitis – and they’ve got a high tendency to bark. ‘These active dogs are friendly and enjoy a range of fun activities with their humans. However, they have a high prey drive and tendency to bark,’ The Spruce Pets writes. Mike White, Head of Breeder Success at Pets4Homes, explains: ‘Compact but far from placid, the Miniature Schnauzer is intelligent, playful and prone to frustration if under-stimulated. ‘They need substantial exercise as well as regular mental challenges and can become territorial and vocal, using barking to alert owners to strangers. Consistent training alongside daily activity is key to keeping this breed settled at home.’ 5. Golden Retriever Next are the ever-popular Golden Retrievers, which require grooming every eight to ten weeks.
Cocker Spaniels need regular grooming and care
Unlike the more expensive dogs, the canines’ average grooming cost is £388. And their personalities, though they require a moderate amount of attention, aren’t as demanding as others. According to pet food brand Purina: ‘In some ways, like grooming, socialising with other dogs, and exercising, Golden Retrievers can be considered high-maintenance. ‘However, these pooches are also super adaptable, friendly with other people and dogs, and can be easily trained. They could be considered less high-maintenance than a lot of other dog breeds.’ 6. Cocker Spaniel Cocker Spaniels require grooming every six to eight weeks, which will, on average, cost £349 per year. In addition to being lively pooches who adore time playing outside, Cocker Spaniels are prone to a number of health conditions, according to vet charity PDSA, including ear and eye problems. 7.
German Shepherds need training, exercise and care
German Shepherd Next on the list were German Shepherds, which require grooming every four to eight weeks, resulting in an average yearly cost of £338. And though it might be obvious, the breed requires socialisation, solid training, and significant exercise to thrive. The dogs, originally bred to herd and guard flocks, are highly intelligent and protective but also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, such as training games, and are prone to hereditary health conditions. 8. Dachshund – Miniature Smooth-Haired The trendy miniature and smooth-haired Dachshunds, though small, require grooming every four to six weeks, costing an average sum of £302 per year. While their short coat is relatively easy to care for, they frequently have high separation anxiety – meaning time spent away from the pup is best kept to a minimum.
Stubborn staffies and low-maintenance bulldogs
At the same time, they are known to be vocal dogs – and are often considered one of the more stubborn breeds. 9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Coming in ninth place is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately known as Staffies, which are best groomed every four to eight weeks, which equates to, on average, £286 per year. While grooming isn’t required too often, exercise should be frequent and lengthy. Barking Mad pet website explains: ‘Staffies can suffer from separation anxiety, show stubborn behaviour, and may not always get along with other animals. They also require significant daily exercise.’ 10. Bulldog In the tenth position was the Bulldog, a breed that requires grooming every eight to ten weeks, costing an average of £172 annually. And while they don’t require much exercise, they are prone to breathing issues and extra care must be taken to clean between their wrinkled skin.
Jack Russell Terriers top speedy sales
‘These dogs have short coats that tend to shed throughout the year and require regular brushing and bathing to keep them looking their best,’ pet website Squishface explains. ‘Additionally, since their faces don’t allow for much air flow, they may need to be wiped down with a damp cloth on hot days in order to avoid overheating.’ And one more special mention to… Jack Russell Terrier They might not have been the most Instagram-friendly dogs in days gone by, but as the nation gets fatigued by designer breeds, Jack Russell Terriers have made a comeback. So much so that in the first half of 2026, Jack Russell Terriers took the shortest period to sell in comparison to any other dog breed, with an average of 11 days, according to The Times.
Big personalities, best for pros
According to the newspaper, the rise in Jack Russell Terrier ownership boils down to people looking for companions with fewer health issues than cross-breeds. But while their health might be robust, they come with other issues: their temperament. ‘They might be small in size, but the Jack Russell Terrier temperament is big, bold, and fearless,’ dog experts at Pooch & Mutt explain. ‘They do have a fiercely stubborn streak and aren’t for the faint-hearted. Jacks need a lot of attention, exercise, and supervision, making them an ideal dog for more experienced owners.’ As a result, the boredom-prone breed, which is also known for its difficulty in training, is likely not the best choice for families, young children, or first-time owners.
