Dogs are cute, but some can be a real handful at the groomer’s. Just ask the pros who deal with all kinds of pups daily. They’ve seen it all – from the sweethearts to the troublemakers. And boy, do they have stories to tell about certain breeds that make their job tough!
In this article, a professional groomer spills the beans on ten dog breeds that often give them a hard time. These aren’t bad dogs, but they can be a challenge to groom. Whether it’s thick fur, nervous personalities, or just plain stubbornness, these pups might make you think twice before booking that grooming appointment.
1. Poodles: High-Maintenance Fluff Balls

Poodles are smart and fancy, but they’re a lot of work to groom. Their curly fur needs constant brushing to avoid painful mats. They also need regular haircuts to keep their coat in check. Poodles can get antsy during long grooming sessions, making the job harder. Plus, their sensitive skin means groomers have to be extra careful with tools and products.
2. Huskies: The Shedding Machines
Huskies are beautiful, but they shed like crazy. Their thick double coat means fur gets everywhere, all the time. Brushing a Husky can feel like an endless task. They also tend to be drama queens about grooming, making a fuss over simple tasks. Huskies need special care during shedding season, which can be a real workout for groomers.
3. Shih Tzus: Tiny Terrors With Tangles
Don’t let their size fool you – Shih Tzus can be a big challenge. Their long, silky coat gets tangled super easily. Many Shih Tzus hate having their face and feet touched, which makes grooming tricky. They can be stubborn and refuse to sit still for long periods. Groomers often have to take lots of breaks to keep these little guys happy.
4. Newfoundlands: Gentle Giants With Grooming Woes
Newfoundlands are sweet, but their size makes grooming tough. Their thick, water-resistant coat takes forever to wash and dry. These big dogs often don’t realize their own strength, making them hard to handle. Newfoundlands drool a lot, which can make the grooming area slippery and messy. Their heavy shedding means groomers need to be thorough to avoid matting.
5. Chow Chows: Fluffy Grumps With Attitude
Chow Chows look like teddy bears, but they can be grumpy during grooming. Their thick double coat needs a lot of work to keep it healthy and mat-free. Many Chow Chows don’t like being handled, which makes the groomer’s job harder. Their wrinkly skin needs special attention to prevent irritation. Plus, their strong-willed nature means they might not cooperate for long grooming sessions.
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6. Maltese: Tiny Divas With High Standards
Maltese dogs are cute but can be real divas at the groomer’s. Their long, silky coat needs daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats. Many Maltese are spoiled and expect special treatment during grooming. They can be sensitive to touch, making it hard to groom certain areas. Their small size also means groomers have to be extra careful with tools and handling.
7. Samoyeds: Smiling Fluff Monsters
Samoyeds are known for their “smile,” but grooming them isn’t always fun. Their thick, white coat gets dirty easily and needs constant brushing. Samoyeds shed a ton, especially during certain seasons. They’re active dogs who don’t like sitting still for long grooming sessions. Their fur can also hide skin issues, so groomers need to check carefully.
8. Cocker Spaniels: Ear-Cleaning Nightmares
Cocker Spaniels have beautiful coats, but they come with challenges. Their long ears are prone to infections and need careful cleaning. The fur on their ears can mat easily, causing pain if not managed well. Cocker Spaniels often have sensitive skin that reacts to certain products.
9. Bernese Mountain Dogs: Gentle Giants With Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, but their size makes grooming a big job. Their thick, tri-colored coat sheds a lot and needs regular brushing. These dogs often don’t realize how big they are, which can make handling tricky. Their fur can hide ticks and other pests, so groomers need to check carefully. Berners also tend to overheat easily during grooming sessions.
10. Yorkshire Terriers: Tiny Troublemakers With Tangles
Yorkies might be small, but they can be a big challenge for groomers. Their fine, silky hair gets tangled and matted very easily. Many Yorkies are spoiled and don’t like being told what to do during grooming. Their small size means groomers have to be extra careful with tools and handling. Yorkies can also be nervous or snappy if they’re not used to grooming.
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