Sometimes, pet parents to-be can’t anticipate the amount of care their new dog or puppy will need. A new fur baby can require a lot of time and energy and between work commitments and family commitments, new pet parents may realize that they won’t have much time to dedicate to caring for a new dog.
If you’ve found yourself in this category, you may be happy to learn that certain breeds are low-maintenance. If you want your next furry family member to be low-maintenance, we have 20 ideas for which breed might be a great fit.
What makes a dog low-maintenance?
A low-maintenance dog generally doesn’t demand as many hours of day to properly care for. Caring for certain breeds can eat up hours of your day – lengthy walks, playtime, and ongoing health issues and the associated vet visits. Low-maintenance breeds will still need your attention. They will still want to go for walks, and play outside, and they will still want to spend time bonding with you, but the daily time commitment is smaller.
Characteristics of low-maintenance breeds
If you’re looking to add a low-maintenance dog to your household, here are a few defining characteristics to look for in your next pet:
Calm, easy-going demeanor
Well-behaved around humans and other dogs
Independent
Lower energy levels
Reduced need for exercise
Easy grooming and maintenance
Little to no shedding
Fewer overall health issues
Of course, a dog does not have to check all these boxes to be considered low-maintenance. Realistically, no dog will check all of these boxes. But knowing the characteristics of each dog breed can help you understand better the care that each pet will need from their pet parents, and whether you are the right pet parent for the job.
Best low-maintenance dog breeds
Whether you want a family dog that’s content to nap the day away on the couch and doesn’t need much attention or a dog that’s dedicated to keeping up with all the family activities, there are breeds to fit your preference. But, if you’ve decided that a low-maintenance breed is your best bet, here are some of the best choices for low-maintenance dog breeds:
Small low-maintenance dog breeds
Small dogs are great companions for older people and individuals who live in apartments and don’t have backyard space for a larger or more active dog to explore. If you’re looking for a smaller dog to bring into your family, here are some low-maintenance breeds you should consider:
1. Dachshund
What makes them low-maintenance:
Independent
Minimal shedding
Faithful
Drawbacks:
Can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs
German Badger dogs are a great fit for most families looking for a low-maintenance addition to their home. Playful and devoted, Dachshunds are lively dogs that make great companions. The smooth-coated dachshund is one of the easiest variations to care for. They need a minimal amount of brushing and only shed minimally. They do still need a daily dose of attention from their pet parent though, especially for regular exercise.
2. Chihuahua
What makes them low maintenance:
Extremely loyal
Requires little exercise
Few health issues
Requires little grooming
Drawbacks:
Some can be feisty
Even though they are the world’s smallest dog breed, Chihuahua’s have unending love for their pet parents. These little guys are also surprisingly low-maintenance. A little grooming is enough to keep them looking their best. And although they do get little burst of playful energy, they generally don’t require much exercise.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
What makes them low-maintenance:
Non-shedding
Requires minimal exercise
Sweet-tempered
Adaptable
Cavaliers are a small, loving, playful breed that have captured the hearts of pet parents worldwide. Their sweet temperaments make them a perfect low-maintenance dog for families or people living in small city apartments. Cavaliers are also non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs and don’t require much effort for grooming. They’re set with a few baths a year. Cavaliers are known for having low energy levels, and don’t need anything a short walk can’t accomplish.
4. Boston Terrier
What makes them low maintenance:
Even-temperament
Self-reliant
Little-to-no shedding
Drawbacks:
Can be stubborn
Boston Terriers are smart, affectionate, even-tempered companions. Generally, Bostons are well-behaved and friendly. Because they are infrequent shedders, Boston Terriers don’t require much grooming. And although they need a bit more exercise than other breeds on this list, a daily walk is plenty. These dogs are most of the time content to lounge around at home.
5. Italian Greyhound
What makes them low-maintenance:
Sweet
Gentle
Shy
Have you ever seen an Italian Greyhound? Even if the answer is yes, you probably saw one in a painting before you ever saw one in real life. The Italian Greyhound has been the subject of paintings and other art forms for hundreds of years. These dogs are sensitive, sweet, and gentle dogs that are often reserved around strangers. Italian Greyhounds require little maintenance to look and feel their best.
6. Papillon
What makes them low-maintenance:
Smart
Trainable
Happy
Drawbacks:
Brushing and grooming
Energetic
Known for their huge, lovely ears, the French Butterfly dog is surprisingly easy to care for. Papillon are very smart and easy to train, and their tiny size makes them ideal for anyone living in a city apartment. You may also be surprised that even with their long coats, all they really need is a quick brushing to keep up with their coat.
7. Pug
What makes them low-maintenance:
Short coat for easy grooming
Low-energy
Quiet
Both charming and cute, Pug personalities are adored by many pet parents. These plump puppies are ideal for living in small city apartments. They generally don’t bark much, and love to spend a large part of their days sleeping. They are the typical low-maintenance dog, but you may want to give their short coat a quick brush to get them ready to go out.
8. Toy Poodle
What makes them low-maintenance:
Smart
Trainable
Intelligent
Drawbacks:
Needs frequent grooming
Poodles are one of the smartest breeds in the world. So, like their large cousins, toy poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are small dogs with big personalities; friendly and outgoing toy poodles are highly dedicated to their families. There is some brushing and grooming that needs to be done to keep their beautiful coats from becoming matted. But they are still a great low-maintenance breed. Furthermore, they don’t need much exercise to be happy, and a relatively low energy.
Medium-size low-maintenance dog breeds
If you want a medium-sized dog that is easy to take care of, here are a few breeds to consider:
9. Basset Hound
What makes them low maintenance:
Lower energy levels
Laid-back demeanor
Friendly and people-oriented
Short coat for easy grooming
Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt small game, like rabbit. They are sweet-tempered dogs, who need moderately low amounts of exercise. Basset Hounds take frequent naps and can often be found lounging in different areas of their homes. They have a short coat that is easy to groom and maintain. Their laid-back demeaner makes them a wonderful pick if you’re looking for a low maintenance dog.
10. Beagle
What makes them low maintenance:
Easy going
Independent
Easy to groom
Drawbacks:
Can display mischievous behavior
Beagles are happy dogs with strong personalities. These pups are known for having a stubborn streak, but are a great option as low-maintenance dogs. Their short coats make grooming easy, you won’t have to spend time detangling fur, just a quick bath will do the trick. Beagles are affectionate dogs but are also curious and independent.
11. Cocker Spaniel
What makes them low maintenance:
Even-tempered
Intelligent
Good-natured
Drawbacks:
Grooming
Cocker Spaniels are known for being very smart and very trainable. They love to explore and overall are good-natured pets. They are also noticeable quiet; making them a great fit if you live in a small apartment or have a lot of neighbors. Keep in mind that because of their flowing coats, they will need to be groomed once a week; pretty low-maintenance when you think about it.
12. Basenji
What makes them low maintenance:
Independent
Quiet
Less shedding
Drawbacks:
Requires frequent walks and exercise
As a breed, Basenjis are known for being very independent and quiet but are also affectionate and loyal companions. One reason they are low-maintenance is how easy they are to groom; Basenji's have short coats with very little shedding. When compared to the other breeds on this list Basenjis are more active dogs and need regular walks and exercise, which can be a little bit demanding for those looking for a low-maintenance pup.
Large low-maintenance dog breeds
Keep in mind many larger dogs tend to be higher maintenance than smaller dogs. If you want a large dog that is easy to take care of, here are a few breeds to consider:
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
What makes them low maintenance:
Wonderful temperament
Gentle
Patient
Easy going
Don’t let their large size intimidate you, Bernese Mountain Dogs are often called “gentle giants.” These dogs are incredibly gentle but love to have fun and be playful. Their personalities make them an ideal big dog for families with young kids, who want a pet they can trust to be careful when playing. All these big dogs really need to be content is a good walk.
14. Bullmastiff
What makes them low maintenance:
Calm
Reserved
Fearless and confident, Bullmastiffs are renowned for their devotion to duty and their love of their families. While brave, this breed is also considered to be gentle, affectionate, and easy-going. Because these dogs are so independent and self-assured, they generally don’t need a lot to be content in your home. Learn more about the cost of owning a Bullmastiff.
15. Standard Greyhound
What makes them low maintenance:
Independent
Calm
Gentle
Fewer health issues
Greyhounds are goofy, funny and charming. Their wonderful temperament makes them a great fit for any family. Their tender demeanor and calm personalities make them ideal low-maintenance pets. Give them a run; they’ll happily relax with you the rest of the day.
16. Newfoundland
What makes them low-maintenance:
Sweet temper
Trainable
Gentle
Newfies generally play well with others, and that goes for humans and dogs. These sweet-tempered dogs are great companions, who love to swim. Actually, Newfoundlands are pretty graceful swimmers, so let yours enjoy a swim, just remember to dry them off with a towel after.
17. Standard Poodle
What makes them low maintenance:
Obedient
Smart
Lack of shedding
Fewer health issues
The Standard Poodle is an ideal breed for families. This breed is active, and people-loving, with a high drive to please their owners. Their want to please and high intelligence combine to make a dog that is highly trainable. While these dogs don’t shed, they do need a fair bit a grooming to keep their coat from matting. Learn more about what it costs to have a Poodle today!
18. Standard Schnauzer
What makes them low-maintenance:
Well-behaved
Intelligent
Standard Schnauzers are highly intelligent, good-natured dogs. They do have higher energy levels than other low-maintenance dogs on this list, but they rarely misbehave or get into trouble. Standard Schnauzers are great family dogs that are loyal to their pet parents, and affectionate with young kids.
19. Labrador Retriever
What makes them low-maintenance:
Gentle
Even-tempered
Intelligent
Labradors are a popular choice for families because of their loving, loyal, and friendly nature. Their short coats are easy to care for; only requiring a bath or brushing occasionally. While labs have multiple low-maintenance qualities they are also known for being a fit and active breed.
20. Golden Retriever
What makes them low-maintenance:
Even-tempered
Intelligent
Trainable
Drawbacks:
Grooming
Golden Retrievers are a familiar breed worldwide; their beautiful coats and sweet personalities make them a popular pick for families. Charming and easily trained, Goldens are an easy-going, spirited breed while being one of the most intelligent. Just make sure that if you welcome a Golden Retriever into your home you keep a few grooming tools nearby.
Ready to get a low-maintenance dog?
We hope this list helped you narrow down your choice for your new low-maintenance furbaby. No matter the breed you choose, please remember dogs still need attention and love from their families to thrive. Make sure your new pet is protected with a dog insurance plan provided by Spot.
