If you are a dog lover with a busy lifestyle, a low-maintenance dog can be a good fit for your home. A low-maintenance dog breed is easy to take care of. It has minimum exercise, grooming, and healthcare needs.
Low-maintenance dogs are independent; they can spend at least a few hours alone. These dogs are suitable for all types of pet parents, whether they work from home, have flexible working hours, or have a busy schedule.
Low-maintenance canines come in different sizes, big or small, each having its unique personality. However, it is worth mentioning that no dog breed is 100% maintenance-free. Every dog needs at least some of your time and attention to lead a happy life.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that pair well with busy professionals.
7 Dog Breeds that Pair Well with Busy Professionals
1. Greyhound
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
These famous racing dogs with surprisingly low energy levels are the literal couch potatoes who can lounge peacefully for hours. Their laid-back nature and minimal exercise needs make them ideal for busy people.
Greyhounds are affectionate yet independent dogs who do not require constant supervision. Their short coat stays healthy without extensive grooming, and their gentle nature makes them excellent pets for apartment dwellers.
These intelligent canines are highly trainable, so you do not need to take too much time for training. Greyhounds have good overall health. They are large dogs but not giant. However, if you want a smaller dog, you can opt for another breed.
2. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Popular for their adaptable nature and lower exercise needs, French Bulldogs are cheerful companions for busy owners. Frenchies are loyal and affectionate fellows who will welcome you with wagging tails when you get home from work.
Frenchies are high-energy dogs, but they lack endurance. They are content with moderate daily exercise, including short walks and indoor play sessions. These playful dogs are one of the best dog breeds that will entertain themselves in their alone time, making them less prone to separation anxiety.
They have a loving nature and form strong bonds with their owners, but are not clingy. Frenchies respond well to basic training and are generally well-behaved. This is a brachycephalic breed and should not be overheated, but otherwise has minimal grooming needs.
3. Chihuahua
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
If you are an occupied apartment dweller, this teeny tiny dog can fit into your busy lifestyle. Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. According to the American Kennel Club, these affectionate dogs are eager to please their owners.
Chihuahuas do get bursts of energy, but they do not need plenty of exercise. They are generally healthy dogs having minimal grooming needs. However, long-haired Chihuahuas need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
Tip: Setting up boundaries for your Chihuahua is important for having a well-behaved dog. Avoid carrying them everywhere or babysitting them too much, otherwise they will try to boss everyone around them.
They tend to bond closely with one person, making them loyal and devoted companions for individuals who have limited time but unlimited love for their furry friends.
4. Dachshund
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 9 inches
Weight: under 11 to 32 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Dachshunds make great couch buddies. They have moderate energy levels, due to which they align with your busy schedule. Their compact size and high adaptability enable them to adjust to various environments.
According to PetMD, Dachshunds come in two sizes: miniature and standard. Both variants make excellent companions for busy professionals. Long-haired Dachshunds need a little more training than wire-haired dogs.
However, Dachshunds are known for having a stubborn streak, which makes training a little challenging. Avoid over-exercising your Dachshunds as they are vulnerable to spinal issues due to their short legs and long bodies.
5. Boston Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
These friendly and easygoing pets love being surrounded by people. They enjoy spending time with their owners, but at the same time, love chilling out on their own. This trait makes them well-suited for busy professionals.
They are funny and playful fellows who get along with everyone. They need only one hour of daily exercise and do not shed much. Boston Terriers do not require extensive grooming—their short and smooth coat looks good with weekly grooming.
These sweet-natured dogs are sociable and get along well with children and other pets. They are lively, strong-willed, and determined canines. According to Britannica, they are brachycephalic and are prone to breathing problems.
6. Shiba Inu
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
Having a fox-like appearance, the Shiba Inu is a relatively low-maintenance dog breed. These loving dogs form strong bonds with their owners, but are quite independent at the same time. They enjoy active play sessions with their family, but also enjoy alone time.
Shiba Inu is one of the best dog breeds and has minimal grooming needs; it requires weekly brushing and monthly bathing to keep its coat healthy. They need at least one hour of exercise every day for getting physical and mental stimulation.
However, Shiba Inus are prone to anxiety. Anxiety triggers can include separation from pet parents, going to new places, or loud noises. Proper training and socialization can help overcome separation anxiety, leading to a perfect dog for busy owners.
7. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Pugs are a little dog with a charming personality and a laid-back attitude, making them perfect for busy owners. They have minimal exercise requirements, short walks, and indoor playtime provide adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Pugs, one of the best dog breeds, enjoy human companionship and love cuddling with their owners on the couch. One of the best dog breeds, they will steal your heart with their comic personality and endearing expressions. Pugs are eager to learn and respond well to positive training techniques.
Tip: Pugs love food. Make sure to keep a balance between diet and exercise to prevent obesity in your dog.
Pugs generally do not start a fight, but are likely to get irritated when their favorite food is under threat. They do not exhibit any destructive behavior like digging or excessive behavior, but they are vulnerable to separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds are well-suited for busy owners due to their loving yet independent nature, lower exercise requirements, and minimal grooming needs. If you are planning to adopt such a low-maintenance dog, one of the breeds mentioned in this article might be the right fit.
Just remember: even the dog with the lowest maintenance needs requires love and care from its owner!
