According to Forbes, over 54% of dog owners regret getting a pet dog due to unexpected maintenance costs. Choosing your first dog is exciting, but it can be overwhelming afterwards. It is better to go for a dog breed that suits your lifestyle and budget.
The good news is that not all dogs demand endless games of fetch or daily grooming marathons. If you want a calm, cuddly, and charmingly low-effort dog breed, these 9 low-maintenance dog breeds will win your heart!
Easygoing and Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
Love should feel easy, and so should your life with your dog. Whether you live in an apartment, work long hours, or just want a peaceful routine, these dog breeds might be for you!
1. Basset Hound
It is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound and is one of the gentlest of all dogs. Britannica notes that a Basset Hound adores its master and loves children, too. It cares more for its people than anything else in the world.
It also adapts well in a city environment and small apartments. However, it needs a good amount of regular exercise. Otherwise, a fat Basset Hound will develop major health problems.
Thorough and patient obedience training is crucial so that you can be sure that your Basset will come when called. This dog is very easy to train and maintain. It hardly ever presents a real problem, ideal for first-time owners.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is an American breed and goes back to the mid-19th century. The breed is the result of crossing the Pitbull and Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Boxer, and the English Bulldog. However, the modern Boston Terrier has little in common with its ferocious ancestors.
It is a very smart dog breed. It loves learning new tricks and is like a little powerhouse. If well-trained, it is a wonderful dog around children.
Boston terrier is clean, hardly smells at all, doesn’t shed and is vigilant without barking too much. Earlier obedience and socialization training as well as regular exercise is crucial for this dog. Moreover, it can easily adapt to an apartment.
3. Chihuahua
The world’s smallest dog, who is not afraid of anything! You may have seen videos of Chihuahuas scaring even the biggest dogs. Well, that’s how much they are self-confident.
The Chihuahua is the perfect dog for older people or those living in small apartments. It hates the cold and the damp, and therefore doesn’t have to be taken out much.
A Chihuahua needs close contact with its people and loves everybody it knows. It has a delusion that its a ferocious guarddog and its good to leave it to its illusions. All in all, it is a little tyrant that turns its owners into slaves, despite its mini size!
4. Dachshund
Let’s admit it! We all adored Dachshunds when we saw this dog in cartoons because of its funny, small legs. But there’s a reason behind it. They were useful for digging foxes, badgers, and rabbits out of their holes.
Dachshunds can be adorable, but they look for creative ways to avoid obeying commands. Hence, early training with authority and patience is crucial.
It is a tough, courageous, and active dog without any complexes whatsoever. It is ideal for first-time owners or people with tight schedules. Moreover, it is a good low maintenance breed and needs minimal grooming, but still requires daily exercise.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has been appreciated as a wonderful companion dog since the last century. It is a miniature version of the much heavier English Bulldog.
You know what makes it perfect for you? It is a great apartment dog, requires very little grooming, does not shed practically, and needs very little exercise. Moreover, it has no bad habits and doesn’t cost much!
Although this dog breed is very affectionate, it doesn’t like being around children or other animals. As this dog can consider them as rivals for affection. They are only happy when they can be their owner’s favorite!
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds make perfect pets as they are quiet, friendly, restrained, very clean, and have a coat that requires no care whatsoever. Moreover, training these dogs is very easy.
The Greyhound is also very sensitive and somewhat nervous. Gentle and patient obedience training can do wonders to enhance the self-confidence of this delightful dog.
Although, this dog seems an ideal companion, its need for daily exercise can be daunting. It can run up to 40 miles per hour as it was bred for running races, as per the AKC. It belongs in the house of a family that lives quietly but whose members are athletic.
7. Pug
Pug is not an ordinary dog. It is only for people who don’t mind if their best friend snores, grunts, and claims the most comfortable spot on the sofa.
It seems to have a split personality. At times it is calm and friendly, at others wild, playful, and filled with athletic spirit. It is an ideal small companion who is easy to handle and doesn’t smell.
It is an intelligent dog and responds well to obedience training. Moreover, it loves being around children. It is content with a walk of half an hour. However, it snores frightfully so you will have to adjust!
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This dog breed has been a favorite of the highest society of England since the 16th century when the breed was developed. CKCSC mentions that King Charles II kept a whole pack of these little spaniels.
It is an ideal family dog. It loves to go on walks and has an excellent nose. Moreover, its long ears make it more adorable.
It is easy to teach, easy to handle even for kids. It is always in good spirits and playful mode. If you want a low maintenance breed with little exercise requirements, the Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel is for you!
9. Shiba Inu
It is one of the oldest breeds of Japan with a history that goes back to 4th century B.C. It name means ‘little bush dog’ and derives from its use as a small hunting dog.
It loves its family, but can be aggressive towards other dogs. The Shiba Inu is excitable, and it knows how to yodel to draw attention to itself.
Once it has gained the trust of its owner, it becomes a bundle of love, joy, and curiosity. Shiba Inu is easy to train, however, it can be stubborn when it doesn’t want to obey commands. Overall, it’s a charming dog that is easygoing and low maintenance.
4 Factors to Consider When Getting a Dog as a First-Time Owner
Most first-time owners buy a dog in excitement and regret later as they had not calculated the potential maintenance factors. If you are a first-time owner or you are someone with a busy schedule, here are 4 factors to consider:
1. Temperament and Personality
A dog breed which is easy to handle and has a stable personality is ideal for you. Breeds like the Basset Hound and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel thrive in calm homes.
2. Exercise Needs
It is not easy to provide hours of physical and mental stimulation to most dog breeds. However, there are breeds that are made to snore on the couch most of the time! You will love the quiet French bulldog or the lazy Pug.
3. Grooming Needs
Low-maintenance grooming not only saves time but also money. The short-haired Chihuahua or smooth-coated Dachshund needs minimal brushing.
4. Monthly Budget
48% of dog owners report worrying about the monthly costs of their dogs. It is important to estimate how much you can spend on your dog. Moreover, vet bills can be expensive too, so go for healthier dog breeds. Boston Terrier, Greyhound, and Chihuahua have lower risks of genetic diseases.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog, don’t pick a dog you love, but pick one that will love your lifestyle too. Who says you can’t have a furry companion with busy schedule or low budget?
Low-maintenance dogs fit your life perfectly like a paw in a glove. Let your choice reflect both heart and habit. And start your journey with the right tail-wagging partner!
