Some furry friends need constant human companionship, and some are perfectly happy ruling their own world. Independent dog breeds include those canines who enjoy their alone time, stay calm, and do not demand your constant presence.
However, their independence may turn into stubbornness when they are not properly trained or given routine activities, love, and care.
When this attribute blends with their lower grooming needs, these dogs make perfect pals for busy households. Though they are low maintenance, they still need consistent routines of feeding, ample spaces to relax, and proper attention daily.
Interestingly, the independent breeds learn a difficult task faster than the breeds working in groups, as revealed in a study. Let’s dig into the breeds that naturally shine in the category of independent, low-maintenance dog breeds.
Low-Maintenance Independent Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
1. Shiba Inu
Well-muscled Shiba Inu is a strong-willed dog breed that was originally bred to be the hunting dog for inhabitants of Japan around 300 B.C. Shiba Inu is alert, with a bold and good-natured personality. These Japanese dogs have a fox-like face and a double coat with regular grooming needs.
Intelligent and curious Shiba Inu needs training and socialization at its young age, due to their strong hunting instincts. Moreover, these independent dogs need consistent training with positive reinforcement methods. Shiba Inu should never be walked off-leash, no matter how well-trained it is.
These low-maintenance dogs are becoming a popular dog breed in the US as well. They need an active lifestyle, including daily walks and mental stimulation. They are a bit anxious dogs, which means they may not get along with young children, as noted by PetMD.
2. Chinese Shar Pei
Chinese Shar Pei is an independent dog breed due to its inborn hunting and guarding instincts. This loyal dog breed makes a wonderful companion for first-time dog owners, regardless of their own thinking.
Chinese Shar Pei is a calm breed and has an affectionate nature, yet they remain reserved around strangers.
Medium-sized Chinese Shar Peis are low-energy dogs with minimal grooming needs. Their short coat does not get tangled, but still requires regular brushing. This wrinkled face dog breed develops some skin infections as it retains moisture, so extra skin care is a must.
According to the AKC, these dogs thrive in short walks, indoor play sessions, and sometimes in dog sports.
Proper training and early socialization of Chinese Shar Pei result in a confident dog who can thrive in multi-pet households, including children. However, hunting instincts remain in them, and they always chase after small animals. They can easily adapt to small living spaces as well as open areas.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are large, independent dogs, yet have a calm temperament and need constant human interaction. These gentle giants used to be the hunting companions and today make wonderful family dogs, with socialization and training.
The pups of Irish Wolfhounds are sensitive and easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods.
Irish Wolfhounds are attentive dogs and do not bark too much until they sense any unusual things in their surroundings, making them good watchdogs. Owing to their sheer size, Irish Wolfhounds need obedience training to behave well and make good companion dogs.
Additionally, these large dogs are not a good choice for apartment living.
This low-maintenance dog breed has moderate exercise and minimal grooming needs. Though they prefer to be couch potatoes in their adulthood, physical and mental stimulation are the keys to happy and healthy lives.
They are moderate shedders, but their wiry medium-length coat needs weekly brushing to shed minimally.
4. Great Dane
With minimal grooming requirements, this independent dog breed typically suits busy owners. They are very friendly and easy-going dogs, and welcome new members in the house wholeheartedly. Regardless of their huge size, the Great Dane is a highly adaptable dog and does well in an apartment lifestyle.
A Great Dane needs moderate exercise, including a few brisk walks, and occasionally hunting and hiking as well. They are great companions for families having kids and other dogs, if introduced earlier. These furry friends show their independent nature during training sessions.
Great Danes are incredibly smart dogs and excel in reward-based training methods, like obedience classes with some treats. As a low-maintenance dog, the Great Dane’s short coat sheds minimally and needs only occasional brushing and bathing.
Fun Fact: They are nicknamed the Apollo of dogs, and these proud canines rank high among the biggest and tallest dog breeds, according to WebMD.
5. Basenji
These intelligent dogs tend to have cat-like behavior. The Basenji can groom itself on its own, and it remains reserved and quiet most of the time. These medium dogs are commonly called bark-less dogs, and they talk in their yodel noise. They also mark their name in the list of independent dog breeds.
This low-maintenance breed has a short coat and does not need extensive grooming. They are clean freaks; occasional brushing and bathing are needed until they get dirty, saying goodbye to professional grooming. However, Basenjis have high energy levels and need excessive exercise.
These dogs require daily exercise and mental enrichment to keep them away from developing destructive behavior. They bloom in canine sports like agility, obedience competitions, tracking, and training sessions.
Intelligence and a stubborn streak make their training somewhat possible with a lot of patience, an encouraging and entertaining environment.
6. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested is a low-maintenance dog breed due to its feline-like behavior, and is a perfect dog for pet parents having a busy lifestyle, who do not have time for grooming.
With that said, these affectionate dogs still need the time and attention of their owners. Their energy levels only demand light exercise and play sessions at home.
Chinese Crested comes in two types of coat: one is a silky coat called powderpuff, and the other is hairless with soft and smooth skin, having tufts of hair on the tail, head, and ankles.
Daily brushing for powderpuff and skin care for hairless Crested are the needs for low-shedding coats that pet parents should consider.
These small dogs have a loving and gentle nature and are totally devoted to their humans. While staying reserved, they are more interested in looking at the surroundings from elevated surfaces. With a gentle hand, these competitive dogs excel in dog sports and can be trained as therapy dogs.
7. Great Pyrenees
Calm and patient Great Pyrenees was developed for independence and guardianship to watch over the flocks, and today are considered great companions for family lives. These dogs are not overly active and use their energy reserves to protect their flock/ family.
Moderate exercise and some canine activities are enough to keep them healthy and fit. Great Pyrs also exhibit strong will during training.
Pyrs need socialization and training classes at a very early stage of their lives, otherwise these independent thinkers do not follow commands or get it done by taking too much time.
This dog’s coat has abundant fur, but this furry friend is a low-maintenance breed, thanks to their dirt and tangle-free outer coat. But they are heavy shedders, which is why regular brushing is a must in changing seasons.
After having their alone time, these dogs turn into playful mates and happily adapt to the company of other pets in the house.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, these dogs offer a calm kind of companionship that fits into everyday life. They do not demand constant attention, but remain alert and loyal whenever you need them. These dogs are proof of serenity and peace for those who are busy professionals without adding pressure to their lifestyles.
All they need is a simple routine with respectful boundaries and little mental and physical stimulation. The list of independent dogs that require minimal effort also includes Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hounds, French Bulldog, and Boston Terriers.
