Dog ownership has soared to record levels over the last few years according to the Kennel Club, as more people than ever before felt more able to open their home up to a new puppy.
There seems to be no letting up in the popularity of pups, as prices continue to rise as demand outstrips supply.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pooch – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
Some pooches certainly need more care than others – from dogs that require regular professional grooming, to dogs that need constant stimulation to be happy.
If you don’t want a dog that is going to take up a huge amount of your time then there are certain breeds your should consider scoring off your list.
Here are the 10 highest-maintenance breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
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But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pooch – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
![Smart and driven, the Belgian Malinois doesn't need much grooming, but that doesn't mean they don't need plenty of attention. They are so task-focused that if their owner doesn't constantly challenge them, they can become bored and stressed.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmZmYTE5OTYzLTE3ZTEtNDM0MC05NTViLTRjZmE0MjE5NWI4MzoxYjNkYjk4YS05ZGUzLTQ0MzYtODUyYy02YzJhMzk1NjgxNDk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Belgian Malinois
Smart and driven, the Belgian Malinois doesn't need much grooming, but that doesn't mean they don't need plenty of attention. They are so task-focused that if their owner doesn't constantly challenge them, they can become bored and stressed.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![That beautiful white coat like a fluffy cloud comes at a cost - the Bichon Frise’s coat requires regular brishing and combing. To keep it perfect, a monthly trip to a professional groomer for scissoring and bathing is recommended.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjFiODA3NzAyLTQwNDEtNDQ4My1hNGJkLTg2NWU4MGYwYzExYzozODMxNjMwMS0yOThhLTQ4YzgtYTgzYy1mNWNkOWY0MTExMjU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Bichon Frise
That beautiful white coat like a fluffy cloud comes at a cost - the Bichon Frise’s coat requires regular brishing and combing. To keep it perfect, a monthly trip to a professional groomer for scissoring and bathing is recommended.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Dogs that have hair, rather than fur, are always trickier to keep in good condition, and the active and intelligent Portuguese Water Dog is a case in point. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming is a must for this breed.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjBhYmUwZWRiLWIzNGItNDE5Yy05YzYxLTFmM2MzYTExYjJmNToxYTc5YTRmYS04MjVlLTRkOGYtYTkzMS1kNjdhMjlhNGZkMGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Dogs that have hair, rather than fur, are always trickier to keep in good condition, and the active and intelligent Portuguese Water Dog is a case in point. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming is a must for this breed.Photo: Canva/Getty Images
![Despite their reputation of being pampered pooches, Poodles aren't actually as high-maintenance as the other dogs on this list. They do, however, benefit greatly from professional grooming to keep their beautiful coats in good nick.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjRiYmMxMTMzLTIyNWItNDNmNi1iMWUyLTc2NjRkMjlmZWQ1ODo0YWE1NTYwZi0xMjIyLTQ3ODItOTdiNy0yMTBjZGM4ODFkYTA=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Poodle
Despite their reputation of being pampered pooches, Poodles aren't actually as high-maintenance as the other dogs on this list. They do, however, benefit greatly from professional grooming to keep their beautiful coats in good nick.Photo: Canva/Getty Images