Aroma Pets

Is your dog a diva? Check out our list of high-maintenance dog breeds that require extra time, care, and effort

High-maintenance dog breeds can require a lot of extra time, care and attention. High-maintenance in humans gives the impression of a needy person who requires a lot of time, money and effort to be spent on them. When it comes to dogs, it’s more nuanced.

A dog that whines, barks, and destroys the home furnishings when left alone for half an hour is obviously demanding. On the other hand, there are some dog breeds that appear low-maintenance, tough and self-sufficient, but shed their fur like crazy, requiring hours of grooming and vacuuming every week.

Or there are the high-energy dogs that maintain a strict exercise schedule of at least two hours a day, preferably morning and afternoon – that’s no picnic to keep up on a daily basis. Particularly if they relish jumping into every bog or puddle – the washing and cleaning demands are stratospheric.

And then there are those that are tricky to train and need cajoling and teasing, with short and sweet sessions to teach them commands – if they’re in the mood and if you have some of the best dog treats on hand.

Here’s a snapshot of 32 of those high-maintenance dog breeds, who are considered extra effort in any one or more of these categories: energy levels, barking or separation anxiety or grooming.

32 high-maintenance dog breeds that require a lot of care

The marvelous Border Collie checks just about every box when it comes to being high-maintenance. Rated the most intelligent of all the canine species, that big brain requires a whole lot of stimulation, both physical and mental.

They are fun personalities, but that.

Akitas are not an ideal breed for a first-time dog owner as they require an experienced handler. They fit into several high-maintenance areas: grooming, training, exercise, and temperament.

Akitas are strong and athletic, requiring plenty of exercise. Bear in mind that they are natural guard dogs, and can have an aggressive side, hence the need for expert training. Early socialization with both people and other pets is essential.

Finally, that beautifully thick, fluffy coat needs maintenance – it sheds prolifically so be prepared for constant brushing and vacuuming.

17. Chow chow

The loyal and loving chow chow isn’t too demanding on the exercise front – a bit of play and gentle walks will suffice. However, that luxurious coat requires significant attention – brushing and bathing – to prevent it from matting. Be prepared to put in plenty of time in the grooming parlor, whether it’s your own home or a professional salon.

And while they are devoted to their owners, they can be distrustful of strangers so need expert training and early socialization.

18. Australian Cattle Dog

Where the Australian Cattle Dog really ramps up its maintenance needs is in the exercise department. These dogs can run all day long, and so require a high degree of activity. A gentle walk won’t fit the bill – they need to burn off their energy with vigorous exercise such as running, biking, outdoor games, and agility training.

On the other hand, their grooming needs are minimal and they don’t shed constantly.

19. Weimaraner

Looking at the Weimaraner’s super sleek coat, you can mentally count the hours you’ll save not having to groom them constantly. However, that time will be amply spent exercising them, for this is a dog that needs not just to walk but run – and a long way!

They are intelligent and quick learners, so need to be kept busy and stimulated so that they don’t misdirect their attention into bad behaviors like chewing and digging. Plus, they have a strong prey drive, so you can’t switch off while out on a walk.

20. Dalmatian

Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages in Regency England, so – you guessed it – they have sky-high exercise demands. If you don’t cater to their energy outlet, they may take it out on your house and garden, so make sure they get plenty of stimulation. Plus, they are prone to separation anxiety – they are natural attention-seekers, and why wouldn’t you be, with that distinctive coat?

In an athletic family with people at their beck and call, and an experienced training regime, this breed is a winner, but their daily needs are significant.

You’re not off the hook on the grooming front either. Their coats may be short, but they are big shedders.

21. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound’s impressively long and silky coat puts them firmly in the high-maintenance category on account of the grooming demands. You’ll be brushing daily – with a variety of combs and brushes – and bathing weekly, possibly hair-drying too.

Furthermore, when they’re not being groomed, Afghan hounds need exercise – lots of it. They are sighthounds, bred to run fast over long distances – and they can really shift, hitting speeds of up to 40mph.

22. Chihuahua

For a very small dog – the smallest of all – the loveable Chihuahua packs a mighty punch. While their grooming needs are fairly minimal (particularly the smooth coat) and they don’t need quite as much exercise as the hounds and gundogs, they are certainly needy when it comes to human interaction.

A few fun facts about chihuahuas are that they can whine and bark if they don’t get enough attention, and tend to follow their owner around everywhere – including the bathroom.

23. Bichon frise

Grooming is high on the agenda for this fluffy, pale-coated breed. The bichon frise needs daily brushing to prevent matting and to keep their skin tip-top. A bath is advised on a weekly basis, and a monthly trip to a professional groomer to keep their eyes and ears fuzz-free (to prevent infection).

They also tend to think the world revolves around them – and perhaps it does, in many households!

24. Old English Sheepdog

The copious shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog has its downsides. To prevent mats and tangles, it needs grooming every day. Otherwise, it can collect dirt and bacteria, as well as fleas, ticks, mites, and so on.

The prospect of bathing such a huge dog may be a daunting one, so trips to the grooming parlor are often on the agenda. Although regular maintenance takes a lot of time and effort, it’s vital for the health of this friendly and affectionate breed.

25. Maltese

Stunning looks often take a lot of work behind the scenes, and the Maltese requires exactly that. They need daily brushing, routine bathing, and eye cleaning to keep them looking fabulous.

Conversely, they aren’t too needy on the exercise regime and are happy with short, gentle walks and playtime.

26. Samoyed

Stunning as they are, those thick, fluffy coats need almost constant attention. Expect to groom a Samoyed every single day – and bear in mind they shed a lot. Their polar bear look requires considerable upkeep; for a full bath and grooming session, you’ll need to spare a good four to five hours. Which leaves a few hours of daylight for the copious exercise a Samoyed enjoys! This is a very active breed that thrives on a couple of hours of activity a day.

27. Shetland Sheepdog

A wonderfully intelligent and attractive dog, the Sheltie requires plenty of attention, whether it’s grooming sessions, daily exercise, or mental stimulation in the form of playtime and enrichment. They excel in agility and obedience, which is a great outlet for some of that energy and gives their busy brains a task on which to focus.

28. Lhasa apso

On the one hand, the Lhasa Apso is undemanding. They won’t beg you to head out for a two-hour jog on a daily basis (in fact, they’d rather you didn’t). However, while you might save time and effort with just a short brisk walk, you’ll need some patience when it comes to the grooming regime. Their stunning coats need considerable attention to stop them from matting, as well as regular bathing to keep them smooth and tangle-free.

29. Schipperke

Although they have a double coat that sheds, the smart Schipperke is relatively low-maintenance on the grooming side, but high-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They are very active dogs – originally bred to work (as a rat-catcher, watchdog, and even herder) – and they love to exert their sporting prowess. As well as plenty of daily exercise, they require mental stimulation in the form of playtime or enrichment or they can turn to destructive tendencies.

30. Italian Greyhound

It’s easy to look at an Italian Greyhound’s sleek coat and think of the time you’ll save on grooming. However, their fine coats are high-maintenance in other ways. With their minimal fur covering and lack of insulating fat, they are very sensitive to the cold.

You’ll need to put on rugs, blankets, coats, and jumpers to keep them warm on chilly days. They’re also needy in terms of attention, as they like their favorite human to be around all day long for cuddles, companionship, and plenty of physical activity.

31. French Bulldog

While their short coats don’t require much more than a flick of the brush, there are other grooming requirements when it comes to the French Bulldog. Their wrinkles need cleaning, as well as their bat-like ears to prevent infections harboring.

You’ll also need to watch out in hot weather as their brachycephalic head shape means their respiratory systems are compromised. Take care not to let them over-exert themselves, especially when it’s hot, and make sure you have all the cooling mats, jackets, and beds at your disposal to enable them to dissipate the heat quickly. And watch out that they don’t try to cool off quickly in a river or pool – their body shape means they are not natural swimmers.

32. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are renowned for being a big dog in a small package. They bark, they need decent exercise and loads of playtime – this is no gentle lapdog that will sit on the sofa all day long watching TV.

If you’re a pet parent who is up for a challenge, check out the highest maintenance cat breeds for good measure.

 

Story by Martha Terry: Pets Radar

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Essential Things to Consider When Getting a Horse

Not your average pet, horses are majestic creatures. Make sure you do your research before taking the plunge and buying one.

Things to Consider When Getting a Horse

For many, owning a horse is a childhood dream, and some are lucky enough to make that dream a reality. Now that you’re an adult, you might still want to own a horse, but caring for one can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Horses require a tremendous amount of care, knowledge, and attention to ensure they survive and thrive. If you’re serious about getting a horse, here are five key factors you need to consider:

• Time Commitment: Horses need daily care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to their well-being.
• Space and Shelter: You’ll need enough land and appropriate shelter for your horse. This includes access to fresh water, a stable, and a pasture for grazing.
• Cost: Owning a horse comes with ongoing expenses. Consider the costs for feed, veterinary care, farrier visits, and equipment like saddles and blankets.
• Health and Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential. You’ll need to have a trusted veterinarian and a plan for emergency care.
• Experience and Knowledge: Horses are complex animals. If you’re new to horse ownership, it’s crucial to seek training and education to understand their needs.

The Importance of Pre-Purchase Exams

When getting a horse, one of the most important steps before finalizing the purchase is conducting a pre-purchase exam. This exam, performed by a qualified veterinarian, provides essential insights into the horse’s health and suitability for your needs.

Here’s why a pre-purchase exam is crucial:

• Health Assessment: The vet will check for any underlying health issues, such as lameness, respiratory problems, or hidden injuries.
• Temperament Evaluation: A pre-purchase exam also gives insight into the horse’s behavior and how well it may adapt to your environment.
• Future Health Risks: The exam helps identify potential long-term health problems, saving you from future surprises.

By investing in a pre-purchase exam, you can ensure that the horse is a good fit for your lifestyle and intended activities. Consulting your vet before getting a horse is essential to making an informed decision and safeguarding your investment.

To better understand what to look for during a pre-purchase exam, check out this video that walks you through a thorough health evaluation:

Cost of Owning a Horse

The first thing to consider when getting a horse? Your finances. A horse is not financially self-sustaining — you’ll be responsible for providing most, if not all, of the feed and care.

It’s not just about the initial cost of buying a horse; ownership comes with ongoing expenses that need to be factored in for the long term. Here’s what you can expect:

• Food: Horses require specialized feed, hay, and supplements to stay healthy.
• Shelter: You’ll need a stable or other suitable housing to keep your horse safe from weather conditions.
• Water: Constant access to fresh water is essential.
• Medication: Routine vaccinations, deworming, and emergency treatments can add up.
• Tools and Equipment: You’ll need to invest in saddles, grooming kits, blankets, and other necessary gear.
• Boarding: If you’re away, you’ll need to arrange boarding at a stable, which can be costly.

In addition to these, vet bills are a significant and ongoing expense. Horses need regular veterinary care, and with a horse, you’ll see your veterinarian often. For more insight into the costs of veterinary care, check out this guide on vet bills.

Assessing Your Budget for Horse Ownership

Before bringing a horse home, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your budget for horse ownership. Beyond the initial cost of purchasing the horse, there are various ongoing expenses that need to be factored in to ensure your horse’s well-being.

Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses to plan for:

• Feed: Horses need a well-balanced diet that includes hay, grains, and supplements.
• Shelter: Whether you’re building a stable or using a boarding facility, sheltering your horse is a significant cost.
• Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care should be part of your financial plan.
• Farrier Services: Regular hoof care is essential and can be a recurring expense.
• Boarding Fees: If you don’t have enough space at home, boarding costs will be a regular commitment.

When getting a horse, it’s essential to have a clear budget that includes these long-term expenses. Ensuring you’re financially prepared will help you provide the best care possible for your horse.

Food Requirements for Horses

Every horse has unique nutritional needs. Factors like age, activity level, health condition, and even weather can influence the type and amount of feed your horse requires.

Many new horse owners are surprised to learn that horses often can’t sustain themselves solely by grazing, even with a large field. Horses are master grazers, and their grazing can quickly wear down the grass, which will need time to recover.

To keep your horse healthy, you’ll need to supplement their diet with:

• Grains: For energy and essential nutrients.
• Hay: A staple that provides necessary fiber.
• Protein: Helps maintain muscle and overall health.
• Salt: Encourages hydration and balances electrolytes.

Ensuring a well-balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy and happy horse.

Space and Shelter for Horses

Space is crucial when owning a horse. It’s not enough to have a backyard unless you have a substantial amount of land. The general recommendation is at least 1 acre of space per horse to allow for movement and exercise.

Horses need:

• Exercise: Daily movement is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
• Shelter: Provide protection from extreme weather like heat and wind. A stable or run-in shelter is ideal for giving them a safe space to retreat.

Without sufficient space and shelter, your horse’s health and happiness could be compromised.

 

Essential Tools for Horse Care

To keep your horse healthy and well-maintained, you’ll need a few essential tools. Not only do these tools help maintain your horse’s physical health, but they can also provide an opportunity for bonding.

• Horse Brushes: Regular brushing helps maintain your horse’s coat and keeps it clean and healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your horse.
• Hoof Picks: Horses’ hooves are prone to collecting bacteria-laden mud, manure, and sharp rocks. Use a hoof pick to clean their hooves regularly and prevent infections.
• Blankets: While a horse’s coat does thicken in the winter, it may not be enough to fully protect them from the elements. Invest in waterproof, well-fitting blankets to keep your horse warm and dry.

These tools are key to ensuring your horse stays in top condition.

Companionship for Horses

Just like humans, horses can experience loneliness. Ensuring your horse has a companion is vital for their emotional well-being. While some owners choose goats or other barn animals, another horse is often the best companion.

However, keep in mind that having two horses means doubling the costs of food, shelter, and care. Before committing, make sure you’re fully prepared for the responsibility and financial investment required to provide a good environment for both horses.

If you’re curious about how cats and horses can coexist, this guide on cats and horses explores their unique relationship.

 

Adopting an Abused Horse

Rescuing any animal is a compassionate and humane decision, but with horses, it’s essential to be fully prepared for the level of care required — especially if the horse has suffered from abuse. Horses are already considered high-maintenance, and an abused horse will need extra care and attention to thrive.

Before adopting, ask the adoption facility key questions about the horse’s background and health. Understanding their specific needs will help you prepare for the additional care an abused horse might require.

• Health Deficiencies: Many abused horses suffer from malnutrition or neglect. They may need medications or treatments, such as deworming, to restore their health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the necessary steps.
• Physical Weakness: Horses that have endured starvation or neglect may be physically weak. They’ll need a slow, gradual return to exercise to rebuild their strength.

The nature of the abuse often dictates how long the horse will take to recover emotionally and physically:

• Neglect and Passive Abuse: Horses that suffered from neglect may bounce back faster because they haven’t learned to fear humans. With time and care, they can regain trust and thrive.
• Aggressive Abuse: Horses that experienced physical harm often have a harder time trusting people. It will take patience, kindness, and consistent care to show them that humans can be trusted.

In time, with love and dedication, your horse will learn to trust you and appreciate the new life you’ve given them. The journey may be long, but the reward of building a bond with a rescued horse is immeasurable.

 

General Advice for Bringing a Horse Home

Before you bring a horse home, it’s crucial to be prepared for the responsibilities ahead. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Spend Time in a Stable: Before committing to horse ownership, spend time at a local stable. This allows you to safely experience being around horses and to get familiar with their behavior and care needs.
• Consult with a Large Animal Vet: Meeting with a large animal veterinarian can give you valuable insights into the medical expenses and overall care your horse will require. They can outline what to expect, from vaccinations to emergency care.
• Educate Yourself: Read everything you can about horse care and management. Books, online resources, and local horse caretakers are excellent sources of information.
• Learn from Local Caretakers: Talk with experienced horse caretakers in your area to understand how they handle the local climate and any specific challenges they face with horse care.

Ready to make the commitment to care for one or more of these incredible animals? Great! Start shopping for all the essentials your new friend — or friends — will need.

And don’t forget the shovel — you’ll need it!

Interested in expanding your knowledge on other unique animal companions? Learn more about the considerations for buying exotic pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “What to Know Before Buying Your First Horse.” SmartPak Equine. https://www.smartpakequine.com/learn-products/what-to-know-before-buying-your-first-horse
• “Buying a Horse: 11-Step Checklist for a First-Time Horse Owner.” Farm House Tack. https://www.farmhousetack.com/blogs/barn-blog/buying-a-horse-11-step-checklist-for-a-first-time-horse-owner
• “Tips on Buying Your First Horse.” Rutgers Equine Science Center. 

By PetfulPublished Oct 4, 2024

Greenland court extends detention of anti-whaling activist Watson

 

AGreenland court decided Wednesday to hold US-Canadian anti-whaling activist Paul Watson an additional 28 days pending a decision on his extradition to Japan, an anti-whaling group said.

Watson was detained in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous Danish territory, in July on a 2012 Japanese arrest warrant that accuses him of damaging one of its whaling ships in the Antarctic in 2010 and injuring a whaler.

"He has been given a further 28 days' detention, which is scandalous," Lamya Essemlali, head of the anti-whaling organisation Sea Shepherd's French branch, told AFP after the detention hearing.

She said the next hearing would be held on October 2, adding that his lawyers would appeal the decision.

Greenland's police confirmed the extension in a statement, without saying when a new hearing would be held.

Lawyers for Watson, 73, told AFP ahead of the hearing that they expected the court to extend his custody as a legal review of the extradition request continues.

"We are disappointed, even though we were expecting this decision," Essemlali said.

Watson, who featured in the reality TV series "Whale Wars", founded Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF) and is known for radical tactics including confrontations with whaling ships at sea.

He was arrested on July 21 when his ship, the John Paul DeJoria, docked to refuel in Nuuk on its way to "intercept" a new Japanese whaling factory vessel in the North Pacific, according to the CPWF.

Japan accuses Watson of injuring a Japanese crew member with a stink bomb intended to disrupt the whalers' activities.

His lawyers say he is innocent, adding that they have video footage proving the crew member was not on deck when the stink bomb was thrown, but the Nuuk court has refused to view it at custody hearings.

"This is a legal charade and it's a political scandal. They do refuse to see the evidence. If they see the evidence, then I'll be exonerated," Watson told the online media outlet Vatika.

Watson added that he thought Japan was "putting an awful lot of political pressure on the Danish government". 

- 'Several legal steps' -

The custody hearings are solely about Watson's detention, and not the question of his guilt nor the extradition request.

The decision about his extradition will be taken independently.

Greenland police must first decide whether there is a basis for extradition, after which the Danish justice ministry will decide whether to proceed with an extradition. 

No date has been announced for those decisions.

The justice ministry told AFP the review of the extradition request was "an ongoing process".

"It is a process with several legal steps, and the Ministry of Justice is currently awaiting the legal assessment from the Greenland police and the Director of Public Prosecutions," it said in an email.

French President Emmanuel Macron's office has called for Watson's release, as have around 100,000 people who have signed a global petition.

Watson is a controversial figure among environmentalists because of his confrontational approach, which he calls "aggressive non-violence".

He told AFP in an interview at the Nuuk prison in late August that he was continuing his fight from his cell.

- 'Bright side' -

"If they think it prevents our opposition, I've just changed ship. My ship right now is Prison Nuuk," he said.

He said Japan was using him "to set an example that you don't mess around with their whaling". 

Essemlali, one of his strongest supporters, told AFP this week that while Watson's arrest was "very unfair", it had provided an opportunity to shed light on Japan's whaling practices.

"The bright side of it is that there has never been as much (of a) spotlight on Japanese whaling."

"This is what we've been doing for so long, to expose what Japan is doing in Antarctica, how Japan is violating the global moratorium on whaling," she said.

Shintaro Takeda, a former harpooner who now works on land for Japan's whaling company Kyodo Senpaku, who witnessed some of the confrontations, told AFP that Watson's actions had endangered lives.

The activists "tried to wrap ropes around our propeller, and all kinds of things, which escalated year by year," Takeda, 54, said in an interview in Tokyo.

Watson has a ship stationed in each hemisphere, ready to jump into action if one of the countries that still allow whaling -- Iceland, Japan and Norway -- were to resume the hunt. 

Story by AFP:

Dinosaur discovery in East Sussex completely changes what scientists know about Tyrranosauruses

Groundbreaking research has uncovered evidence of multiple meat-eating dinosaur species that roamed East Sussex 135 million years ago.

The discovery in Bexhill-on-Sea marks the first-ever identification of tyrannosaurs in sediments of this age and region.

Scientists from the University of Southampton identified several predator groups through fossilised teeth, including tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs and members of the Velociraptor family.

"Meat-eating dinosaurs are rare in the Cretaceous sediments of southern England," said Dr Chris Barker, lead author of the research.

The tyrannosaurs discovered would have been approximately one-third the size of Tyrannosaurus rex, hunting small dinosaurs and reptiles in their floodplain habitat.

Barker explained: "Dinosaur teeth are tough fossils and are usually preserved more frequently than bone.

 

Dinosaur discovery in East Sussex completely changes what scientists know about Tyrranosauruses© GB News

"As a child I was fascinated by dinosaurs and never thought how close they could be," said Brockhurst.

"Many years later I started work at Ashdown and began looking for fossils.

"For that reason, they're often crucial when we want to reconstruct the diversity of an ecosystem."

 

The research team used multiple analytical techniques, including phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning methods, to accurately identify the teeth specimens.

The discovery was made possible through the dedication of retired quarryman Dave Brockhurst, who spent three decades collecting fossils at Ashdown Brickworks.

Brockhurst has uncovered thousands of specimens, with around 5,000 already donated to Bexhill Museum.

"I'm happy with tiny fish scales or huge thigh bones, although the preservation of the dinosaur teeth really stands out for me."

The research involved collaboration between the University of Southampton, London's Natural History Museum, the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, and the Museo Miguel Lillo De Ciencias Naturales in Argentina.

 

"Southern England has an exceptionally good record of Cretaceous dinosaurs," said Dr Darren Naish, a co-author of the study.

These East Sussex specimens are older than those found on the Isle of Wight and have remained mysterious until now.

The findings were published in Papers in Palaeontology, using multiple analytical methods to ensure accurate classification of the teeth.

 

Several of the discovered specimens are now on display at Bexhill Museum in East Sussex.

The research was funded by the University of Southampton's Institute for Life Sciences.

"200 years after the naming of the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, there are still really big discoveries to be made. Dinosaur palaeobiology is alive and well," said Dr Neil Gostling from the University of Southampton.

The study highlights the vital role of museum collections, curators, and collectors in advancing our understanding of dinosaur diversity.