Do you want to adopt a dog but cannot take out enough time to keep up with them? Several dog breeds are known for their laid-back demeanor and calm temperament. You do not need to spend hours every day walking or exercising them.
Such low-maintenance dogs make ideal pets for busy new owners because of their minimal grooming, training, and healthcare needs. Low-maintenance dogs come in all sizes, from large to small. Choosing the right breed depends on your personal preferences and the space available.
Remember, low-maintenance dogs might have fewer needs, but they are not maintenance-free. They still need loads of attention, but may be relatively independent and less prone to separation anxiety. Additionally, they are capable of adapting to different living environments.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds that stay calm with busy new owners.
Dog Breeds That Stay Calm With Busy New Owners
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are the gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered canines. These “champion sprinters” of the dog world run at a speed of 45 miles per hour, as per Towcester Racecourse. People often mistakenly perceive these sighthounds as high-energy dogs that require endless amounts of exercise.
These agile dogs love nothing more than cuddling on a comfy sofa. They can spend the entire day lounging and relaxing, provided their exercise needs are being met. Greyhounds tend to be loyal and affectionate dogs who bond firmly with their owners.
Greyhounds have a short coat that requires little grooming, according to the American Kennel Club. Their independent nature, moderate exercise needs, and laid-back temperament make them well-suited for first-time dog parents.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the gentle and affectionate canines with floppy ears and expressive eyes. This loyal dog breed is known for being friendly with everybody, including children and other dogs. Cavaliers are adaptable dogs who do well with active owners as well as couch potatoes.
They were originally bred to be lap dogs and require moderate physical activity to stay fit. Once they have been exercised enough, they can happily spend the rest of their time sitting on the sofa. Cavaliers have a sociable and playful temperament.
They are often described as “Velcro dogs” due to their tendency to follow their owner everywhere. Cavaliers make excellent companions for novice owners with a busy schedule. However, their luxurious coat requires little more than regular brushing.
3. Pug
Pug is a lazy dog breed that loves napping. These Chinese dogs are known for their mischievous and goofy nature. Easygoing and sociable, Pugs have moderate exercise needs and make great companions for busy apartment dwellers.
These extremely laid-back canines do best in moderate climates, neither too hot nor too cold. Their short coat requires minimal grooming. High adaptability, compact size, easy trainability, and loving disposition make these low-maintenance pups well-suited for novice owners.
However, Pugs are fond of eating. Their love for food, combined with their lazy personalities, makes them prone to anxiety. Therefore, make sure to keep a balance between your Pug’s diet and exercise. Moreover, they are brachycephalic, which makes them vulnerable to respiratory problems.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs who get along well with their family, children, and other dogs. They are one of the friendliest canines with an easygoing nature and eagerness to please. Goldens are trustworthy and have a joyous and playful approach towards life.
Their dense coat sheds moderately throughout the year, but does not require extensive grooming. Brushing your Golden’s hair once or twice a week will suffice. The Golden Retriever is a docile and calm dog breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay fit.
These traits make them well-suited for busy pet parents. A properly trained and well-exercised Golden Retriever does not engage in undesirable behaviors. Goldens have a natural affinity for water; their webbed feet and thick double coat make their bodies suitable for swimming.
5. Newfoundland
Often dubbed as “nanny dogs,” Newfoundlands are big and gentle canines with a laid-back demeanor. These devoted companions do immensely well with kids. Newfies have a loving and sweet disposition.
Do you know? Newfoundland dogs were originally bred for working in water, so they don’t mind getting wet. Their broad chests, excellent lung capacity, webbed feet, and water-repellent double coat make them ideal for swimming. Newfies are capable of pulling drowning victims to shore.
Newfies are the giant, cuddly teddy bears weighing up to 150 pounds, with lots of fur and drool. They are highly intelligent and easy-to-train canines. PetMD suggests using positive reinforcement methods to train your Newfoundland dog.
Despite their large size, Newfies do not require extensive exercise for physical and mental stimulation. You can take your pup for daily walks, occasional hikes, and swimming. Their heavy coat requires thorough brushing at least once a week.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving and affectionate canines. These playful dogs get along well with everyone, including adults, children, other dogs, and even strangers. Due to their compact size and easygoing nature, they can easily adjust to diverse living environments.
It is a quiet dog breed that loves its people. Cavaliers are happy and content with whatever their family does. They will steal your heart with their large, expressive eyes, floppy ears, and silky coats. These toy dogs have a sweet and loving disposition.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a laid-back dog breed that requires moderate energy levels. They need one hour of exercise every day, which should be split into at least two walks with some time off lead, according to PDSA. These traits make them suitable for busy first-time dog owners.
7. Border Terrier
Border Terrier is a loving, happy, and calm dog breed. Terriers are known for their high energy levels and tenacity, but the Border Terrier is relatively less intense while still having bouncy energy. They are good with other dogs and are very fond of children.
Border Terriers are playful dogs, and while playing outside, you might notice them turn away and chase a squirrel. They need only one hour of daily exercise, including walks and play sessions. Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs, due to which they are ideal for busy and novice owners.
Do You Know? The Border Terrier is an ancient dog breed. A painting made by Arthur Wentworth in 1754 features two Border Terriers, as mentioned by The Midland Border Terrier Club.
They have a thick double coat that comprises a wiry topcoat and a fluffy undercoat. Border Terriers are low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs. A quick brushing every week or two is enough to keep the coat in top-notch condition.
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds are the lively little dogs that can be easily characterized by their short legs and long bodies. They are often nicknamed “Weiner dogs” or “Sausage dogs.” These lovey-dovey dogs are loyal and gentle towards their owners.
Their comical and endearing nature has earned them a lot of devoted followers. With a big-dog bark, these smart and vigilant canines make wonderful watchdogs. They were bred to be independent, which means they do not require your attention all the time, making them well-suited for busy individuals.
Dachshunds are moderate shedders, but relatively clean. They come in three varieties: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired. Smooth-coated Dachshunds require little grooming, while the other two types need more grooming.
These adorable pooches need regular exercise to keep up with their long backs and stay healthy. They need only half an hour to one hour of daily physical activity to stay healthy.
9. Great Pyrenees
These large and powerful working dogs are recognized by their white coat. Great Pyrenees are the steadfast guardians who exhibit a Zen-like charm. These mellow fellows weigh more than a hundred pounds, but have a gentle and docile disposition. They make loyal and loving family pets.
Great Pyrenees get along well with kids and other dogs. It is a very quiet dog breed and not very active when indoors. Despite their large size, they do well with moderate daily exercise. Great Pyrenees thrive in suburban and rural settings, but they are not suitable for apartment living.
These big, fluffy dogs have a dirt and tangle-resistant coat that does not require frequent grooming. A thorough brushing once a week using a slicker hair brush helps to maintain the coat. They have an independent nature and relatively low exercise needs, making them perfect for busy owners.
Do you know? English Heritage mentions that Queen Victoria of England owned a Great Pyrenees in the mid-19th century. She was a dog lover and owned many different breeds throughout her life.
Conclusion
Some busy dog owners are reluctant to expand their family by four paws due to their busy schedule. Fortunately, several low-maintenance dog breeds can fill even a busy household with warmth and love. They do not need constant attention and have fewer grooming, exercise, and training needs.
However, every pet parent should remember that no dog breed is maintenance-free. Even the lowest maintenance breeds need little exercise, minimal grooming, and proper training. Lastly, spend some quality time with your dog and do not make them feel neglected.
