Finding the perfect dog isn’t just about falling in love with a cute face—it’s about choosing a companion who truly fits your routine. For many people, a relaxed lifestyle means wanting a dog that’s affectionate and loyal without requiring constant grooming, intense training, or hours of daily exercise.
Fortunately, several dog breeds naturally thrive with simpler care, making them ideal for busy families, first-time pet parents, and anyone craving companionship without the overwhelm.
In this guide, you’ll explore some of the easiest dog breeds to live with, from calm pups that love lounging to breeds with minimal grooming needs or low-shedding coats.
Each one offers its own blend of charm, adaptability, and effortless companionship, helping you enjoy all the joys of dog ownership without the stress.
We’ll break down what makes these breeds so low maintenance—from temperament and energy levels to coat care and suitability for apartment living. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which easygoing companion can bring comfort, love, and harmony into your everyday life.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds: Perfect for a Relaxed Lifestyle
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound—also called the “Hush Puppy dog”—is a medium-sized scent hound known for its droopy ears, soulful eyes, and famously low-set body.
The AKC says that the Basset Hound, known for its distinctive appearance and charming personality, is one of the most beloved and consistently popular breeds among dog enthusiasts worldwide.
With a dense, smooth, short-haired coat and a naturally calm demeanor, this breed embodies everything that makes a low-maintenance companion ideal for relaxed households.
Their short coat fits perfectly into a low-maintenance lifestyle, needing only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Because they shed moderately, a quick weekly session with a grooming mitt is usually enough to keep them tidy without much effort.
When it comes to exercise, Basset Hounds thrive on a slow-paced routine. Short daily walks paired with plenty of nap time make them great for families who want a mellow companion rather than a high-energy dog. Their gentle, friendly nature helps them adapt well to apartment living and peaceful homes.
Basic care, like dental hygiene and monitoring their signature skin folds, keeps them healthy with minimal work. A fun fact: Basset Hounds were historically bred in France for hunting small game thanks to their incredible sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound.
2. Chihuahua
Also known as one of the world’s tiniest companion dogs, the Chihuahua is recognized for its expressive eyes, bold personality, and compact size. PetMD states that if you’re searching for a small breed with an outsized personality, Chihuahuas fit that description perfectly.
Available in both smooth- and long-coat varieties, this extra-small breed fits seamlessly into relaxed households thanks to its easy-care coat and adaptable nature.
Short-haired Chihuahuas are especially appealing to low-maintenance owners, since they only need occasional brushing and quick baths to stay tidy. Their petite build also means minimal shedding and grooming time, making them an excellent match for those who prefer simplicity.
Exercise needs are modest, with a short daily walk or indoor play serving as plenty of activity. Their small size limits the risk of overexertion, making them suitable for apartment living, seniors, and busy families who appreciate a dog that’s content with gentle movement.
Temperamentally, Chihuahuas are devoted, alert, and spirited. Their loyalty makes training easier, and their adaptable nature allows them to settle comfortably into many lifestyles when given patience and positive reinforcement.
Fun fact: Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world, yet they’re known for their huge, confident personalities.
3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog—affectionately known as the Frenchie—is a compact, charming companion celebrated for its signature bat ears and sweet, expressive face.
Britannica states that the French Bulldog is a nonsporting breed developed in France in the late 1800s through crosses between small native dogs and toy-sized Bulldogs. With a stocky build and a short, smooth coat, this small breed fits perfectly into relaxed homes and apartment living.
For owners seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, the Frenchie offers plenty of appeal. Its short coat requires minimal grooming, and its moderate energy level means daily strolls and indoor play are usually enough.
Because Frenchies tire easily, especially in warm weather, they suit families who prefer calm routines over high-activity schedules.
Training a Frenchie is generally simple thanks to its friendly, eager-to-please personality. They respond well to gentle guidance, making them a great match for first-time pet parents and households wanting an easygoing companion.
Although they shed lightly and need only basic upkeep, Frenchies do require attention to their facial folds and breathing due to their brachycephalic structure. Keeping them cool and avoiding overexertion helps them stay healthy and comfortable.
Fun fact: French Bulldogs can’t swim well because their dense, front-heavy build makes staying afloat difficult.
4. Greyhound
The Greyhound—also known as the “champion sprinter of dogdom”—is a sleek, gentle breed admired for its aerodynamic build and calm indoor demeanor. Despite their athletic background, these dogs are famously low-maintenance, especially for owners seeking a relaxed, easygoing companion.
Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that sheds lightly and requires only quick weekly brushing, making grooming simple for busy owners. Because they prefer soft naps over constant activity, they fit beautifully into homes that want a large dog without high-energy demands.
Even first-time dog owners appreciate their polite manners and quiet nature. Greyhounds rarely bark and respond best to calm, gentle training—ideal for households that value peace. A soft bed is essential, though, as their thin skin needs protection and comfort.
Daily walks keep them healthy, but long exercise sessions aren’t necessary, which suits busy families or individuals perfectly. Although they are friendly with most people, their prey drive means supervision around small pets is important.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu—also known as the “Lion Dog”—is a small companion breed famous for its sweet temperament, expressive eyes, and long, flowing double coat.
Despite their luxurious appearance, these affectionate lap dogs adapt beautifully to calm, easygoing households that prefer relaxed routines.
Thanks to their minimal shedding, Shih Tzus can be very manageable when their coat is kept in a shorter trim. This reduces daily upkeep while keeping them comfortable, making them an excellent fit for families seeking a low-maintenance companion with a gentle charm.
Their moderate energy level also supports a laid-back lifestyle. Two short, leisurely walks a day are usually enough, and they’re happiest lounging beside their favorite humans. Because they’re brachycephalic, avoiding intense exercise helps protect them from overheating or breathing strain.
Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement and thrive when training sessions are light and fun. Their calm, people-oriented nature makes them ideal for apartment living, older adults, and anyone who wants a loving pet without demanding activity levels.
Fun fact: Though not fully hypoallergenic, Shih Tzus shed very little compared to many other breeds.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—often simply called the “Cavalier”—is adored for its soulful eyes, silky coat, and gentle temperament.
Known for being affectionate and highly social, this small companion dog blends seamlessly into homes with children, other dogs, or multiple pets.
Their adaptable nature makes them a great match for relaxed households seeking a low-maintenance breed. Cavaliers enjoy moderate activity, but a couple of short walks and some indoor play will usually satisfy their exercise needs, making them easy to accommodate in both apartments and larger homes.
Though their feathered coat looks elegant, caring for it is surprisingly simple. Regular brushing helps reduce tangles and keeps their soft waves looking polished without requiring complicated grooming routines—ideal for owners wanting manageable upkeep.
Cavaliers are also known for their calm demeanor and easy trainability, contributing to their reputation as gentle, low-stress companions.
Fun fact: Their naturally growing foot hair needs occasional trimming to prevent matting and help them walk comfortably.
7. Dachshund
The Dachshund—affectionately known as the “sausage dog”—is a small, long-bodied breed recognized for its short legs, bold personality, and three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.
For owners seeking simplicity, the smooth-coated Dachshund is especially ideal thanks to its naturally low-maintenance grooming needs.
As a low-maintenance companion, the Dachshund fits beautifully into a relaxed lifestyle. Smooth-coated dogs only need light brushing, and even the other coat types require less upkeep than many breeds.
Their moderate exercise needs also make them senior-friendly—short walks and gentle play sessions tend to satisfy them without overwhelming their owners.
Their affectionate, devoted nature makes them wonderful housemates for those wanting a calm, loving presence. While they enjoy snuggling and spending time with their families, their independent streak keeps them from being overly demanding, a trait many busy or retired pet parents appreciate.
Because they aren’t high-energy jumpers or runners, Dachshunds suit quieter homes and small living spaces well. Just be mindful of their stubborn side—consistent, gentle training helps maintain harmony.
Fun fact: Dachshunds can have smooth, long, or wire-haired coats, but the smooth variety is the easiest to care for.
8. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier—often called the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like coat—is a small, polished companion known for its cheerful personality and smooth, low-maintenance appearance. With a short, glossy coat and compact build, this breed fits naturally into relaxed lifestyles and cozy homes.
Because their coat sheds minimally, Boston Terriers only need occasional brushing and simple care to stay looking their best. Their moderate exercise needs also make them a practical match for busy owners who prefer shorter walks and playful indoor activities over intense daily workouts.
To keep these affectionate pups healthy, regular vet visits are important—especially since flat-faced breeds can be sensitive to heat and tire quickly. Keeping them cool and monitoring their activity helps prevent breathing issues, while a stable routine supports their easygoing nature.
Daily check-ins on their prominent eyes help avoid irritation or dryness, and short, gentle exercise keeps them happy without overwhelming them. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers bring plenty of joy, loyalty, and companionship to any household.
Fun fact: Boston Terriers are prone to patellar luxation, a knee condition common in small breeds.
9. Pug
The Pug—affectionately known as the “clown of the canine world”—is a compact companion with a smooth, short coat that naturally suits owners seeking minimal grooming.
With their round faces, expressive eyes, and signature curled tail, Pugs bring charm and personality in a small, easy-to-manage package.
Their low-energy lifestyle makes them ideal for relaxed households. Most Pugs are content with short daily walks and plenty of lounging, fitting perfectly into routines where downtime is the norm. Their short coat also needs only an occasional brushing to stay tidy, giving pet parents a low-maintenance grooming routine.
Because Pugs are typically quiet and thrive in close-knit environments, they adapt well to apartment living. They enjoy affection and human company, making them a wonderful choice for anyone wanting a calm, cuddly companion without demanding exercise schedules.
However, their brachycephalic features mean Pugs are sensitive to heat and may experience breathing issues, so a low-maintenance lifestyle should still include mindful care.
One fun fact: Pugs come in four colors—black, fawn, silver fawn, and apricot.
Conclusion
Choosing among the low-maintenance dog breeds perfect for a relaxed lifestyle allows families, busy professionals, and seniors to enjoy the joy of companionship without constant upkeep. Many of these pups are lovable couch potatoes, happy with indoor playtime and short walks rather than rigorous exercise routines.
Even breeds with unique looks, like Chinese Crested dogs or long-haired Chihuahuas, can fit beautifully into a calm household with only regular grooming and minimal fuss. Their easygoing nature also helps them coexist well with other pets, making them wonderfully adaptable additions to many homes.
Several popular dog breeds—including those originally bred for companionship—remain favorites because they’re incredibly gentle, low-key, and intuitive around people.
From the quietly elegant Italian Greyhound to the surprisingly mellow, gentle giant types known for their sweet dispositions, these pups prove that simplicity and affection can go hand in hand.
With an adaptable dog that matches your energy, you can enjoy a peaceful, fulfilling bond that easily fits your everyday rhythm.
