Guard dogs can protect your home and family with their strength and loyalty. But some of these protective dogs also need a lot of grooming. Before choosing one of these breeds, you should know how much work their coats require.
What to Expect with High-Maintenance Guard Dogs
These dogs will:
- Protect your home and family
- Be loyal companions
- Require regular brushing (sometimes daily)
- Need special grooming tools
- Shed a lot, especially during certain seasons
- Occasionally need professional grooming help
The 7 Guard Dog Breeds with High Grooming Needs
1. Puli
The Puli is a Hungarian herding dog with a unique corded coat that looks like dreadlocks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Corded, wool-like hair |
| Grooming Needs | Regular cord separation, thorough drying after baths |
| Guard Skills | Alert, wary of strangers, excellent watchdog |
| Special Care | Needs monitoring in hot weather as thick coat can cause overheating |
These dogs need their cords regularly separated to prevent matting, and thorough drying after baths to prevent mildew and skin problems.
2. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is smart, alert, and loyal.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Short but dense double coat |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly brushing, daily during shedding seasons |
| Guard Skills | Highly protective, always alert |
| Special Care | Needs proper training to prevent overly aggressive behavior |
Though their coat is shorter, they shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. You’ll need to brush them weekly, and daily during heavy shedding periods.
3. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick double coat that helps them survive cold weather.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Dense double coat |
| Grooming Needs | Brushing 2-3 times weekly, daily during shedding |
| Guard Skills | Alert, intelligent, barks to signal danger |
| Special Care | Needs early socialization to be well-adjusted |
Their coat naturally repels dirt, so they don’t need frequent baths. However, regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and manage shedding.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog has a beautiful thick coat that requires consistent care.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Thick, long double coat |
| Grooming Needs | Brushing 2-3 times weekly, more during shedding |
| Guard Skills | Vigilant watchdog, alerts to unusual activity |
| Special Care | Check ears regularly as floppy ears trap moisture |
These gentle giants need regular brushing to prevent matting. Their floppy ears also require special attention to prevent infections.
5. Akita
The Akita comes from Japan and is known for its loyalty and protective nature.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Thick double coat |
| Grooming Needs | Brushing 2-3 times weekly, daily during seasonal “blowing coat” |
| Guard Skills | Naturally protective, wary of strangers |
| Special Care | Needs early socialization and clear boundaries |
Akitas “blow their coat” twice a year, meaning they shed enormous amounts of fur in a short time. During these periods, daily brushing becomes necessary.
6. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
This massive dog was bred to protect cattle from predators.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Thick, wavy coat |
| Grooming Needs | Several brushings weekly to prevent tangling |
| Guard Skills | Highly protective, takes action against threats |
| Special Care | Needs proper socialization to distinguish between threats and normal situations |
Their thick coat can easily trap dirt and debris, leading to skin problems if not properly maintained. Regular brushing is essential.
7. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco has one of the most unusual coats in the dog world.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat Type | Unique “flocked” coat (naturally matted) |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal bathing (1-2 times yearly), regular checks |
| Guard Skills | Vigilant, alerts owners to unusual activity |
| Special Care | Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation |
Their coat forms natural mats called “flocks” that protect them from harsh weather. Unlike other breeds, these dogs don’t need frequent bathing as it can damage their special coat.
Tips for Managing High-Maintenance Guard Dogs
- Start grooming early: Get your dog used to brushing and handling from a young age.
- Invest in proper tools: Different coat types need different brushes and combs.
- Create a schedule: Regular grooming prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
- Learn proper techniques: Some breeds need special grooming methods to maintain their coats.
- Consider professional help: Some coats benefit from occasional professional grooming.
Conclusion
Owning a guard dog with high grooming needs means committing to regular care. Without proper maintenance, these dogs can suffer from skin problems, matting, and discomfort.
Before bringing one of these breeds home, make sure you’re ready for the grooming commitment they require. With proper care, these dogs will be both beautiful companions and effective protectors of your home.
The right combination of training, socialization, and grooming will ensure your guard dog stays healthy, comfortable, and ready to protect your family.
