11 Most Difficult Dog Breeds According to Vets and Groomers

If anyone knows which dog breeds can be a handful, it’s the vets and groomers who care for them. These experts have seen it all and know which breeds tend to make their jobs a bit more interesting. In this list, we’ll share insights from vets and groomers about the 11 dog breeds that pose the biggest challenges. It’s all in good fun and highlights the unique challenges and needs of these beloved pets. Every dog is special, and it’s these very challenges that often make them even more endearing to those who care for them.

Doodles

Beloved for their adorable looks and friendly nature, Doodles can be a groomer’s challenge, often described as “perpetual motion machines.” Their high energy and tendency to never settle, combined with owners bringing them in severely matted, make grooming sessions akin to marathon events requiring patience and skill.

Siberian Huskies

With their stunning eyes and adventurous spirit, Siberian Huskies bring a slice of the wild into the grooming salon. Their reputation for dramatics, including flinging themselves around and vocalizing their displeasure, can turn grooming sessions into a test of wills, making them memorable for professionals.

German Shepherds

Known for their loyalty and intelligence, GSDs can be unpredictable in professional settings, sometimes resorting to using their teeth without warning. Their protective nature can make routine procedures like nail trims or exams a cautious affair, requiring a blend of respect and careful handling.

Pugs

These charming, snort-filled companions come with their own set of challenges, particularly in grooming and veterinary care. Their unique physical characteristics can make routine care like nail trims or expressing anal glands a delicate operation, with professionals wary of causing harm to their expressive eyes or dealing with their distinctive odor.

Chows

With their lion-like mane and dignified demeanor, Chows can be intimidating to work with due to their strong-willed nature. Previous experiences have left some groomers and vet techs wary, navigating their mood swings and propensity for unexpected nips with caution.

Chihuahuas

Don’t let their size fool you; Chihuahuas can have a big attitude, especially when feeling threatened or scared. Their small size doesn’t make them any less formidable to professionals, who must handle them gently yet confidently to avoid anxiety-induced reactions.

Goldens Retrievers

Surprisingly, the universally loved Golden Retrievers can show a different side in professional settings. Described by some as out of control, scared, or even bitey, it seems that a lack of training can turn these fluffy bundles of joy into a handful for groomers.

West Highland White Terriers (Westies)

Westies, with their white coats and button eyes, can be unexpectedly challenging, struggling and sometimes biting during grooming sessions. Their spirited nature can turn a simple grooming appointment into a test of patience and expertise.

Jack Russell Terriers

These energetic and intelligent dogs can sometimes channel their boundless energy into less-than-cooperative behavior, especially when it comes to fittings for harnesses or coats, making them a lively challenge for professionals.

Akitas

Renowned for their loyalty and dignity, Akitas can be reserved, especially with strangers, requiring a vet or groomer to build trust slowly and respectfully.

Australian Shepherds (Aussies)

Aussies bring their high energy and intelligence into every situation, including vet and grooming visits. Their need for constant mental and physical stimulation can make them less than ideal patients, especially when they decide that staying still is not on their agenda.

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