Looking for a four-legged companion who suits your active lifestyle, and is not considered high maintenance? We got you to reap some of the benefits of dog companionship without compromising your daily activities.
But always remember, any soul with life inside needs your attention, care, and proper time, just to grow better and stronger. While we are listing our hottest breeds that are low maintenance, keep in mind that some of them can disturb your bank balance as they are prone to health issues if not observed carefully.
We are classifying the dogs on the basis of their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and of course, their temperament. Nevertheless, your lifestyle is the main thing that decides your choice; as some dogs are docile but are prone to shedding and need regular grooming, and there are others who are full of energy and need companionship to thrive.
Taking into account points like work commitment, home life, mobility level, and budget, you can make a thoughtful decision to enjoy life with a furry friend.
Easy to Care for Dog Breeds That Are Light on Your Wallet
1. Beagle
Happy-go-lucky Beagles are a loyal and low-maintenance dog breed when it comes to their grooming needs. These medium-sized dogs were originally bred for hunting small game as scent hounds. Today, their great noses and intelligence make them great dogs for detection services.
Beagles have a short but thick waterproof double coat. They shed moderately and only need weekly brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. However, they are active dogs and need to be physically and mentally stimulated on a regular basis.
While having great stamina and endurance, Beagles love to accompany you on hiking and hunting trips for long hours. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great family dogs. Due to their highly adaptable attitude, they can also live in various environments, whether it’s country living or city life.
2. Dachshund
A bold burrower, with its long body, strong muscles, and minimal grooming needs named as Dachshund. They hail from Germany as badger dogs with an independent nature. However, their charming nature and distinct looks make them a popular dog breed in the USA.
Dachshund comes in two sizes, standard and miniature, with a variety of coats and color patterns. Smooth, wirehaired, and long-haired Dachshunds, all of them shed regularly whole year. The first two types are relatively low-maintenance dog breeds, and the last variety needs frequent brushing.
Overall Dachshund is considered a perfect option for first-time dog owners, thanks to its friendly disposition. Being a small and playful breed, Doxies love mental enrichment such as interactive toys and scent tracking. These smart dogs respond well to positive reinforcement methods in training sessions.
3. French Bulldog
Inquisitive and totally devoted to their owners, French bulldogs rank high among the low-maintenance dogs. Although they are short-haired and easy to maintain in terms of grooming, as a brachiocephalic breed, Frenchies need special health care.
French Bulldogs do not need any professional groomer, but the careless attitude of owners can lead to various health problems, such as respiratory difficulty and overheating. Their adaptable and affectionate nature enables them to thrive in apartment living.
They do not bark much, though they make excellent watchdogs, thanks to their alert and calm personalities. Being a low-maintenance dog, Frenchie suits people of all ages, says AKC.
A short walk and daily indoor play sessions with its human are necessary to keep this companion dog happy and healthy.
4. Greyhound
Short coat with minimal shedding, and less exercise requirements of Greyhound make him a low-maintenance dog worldwide. These even-tempered canines are blessed with less barking ability, which is why they are perfectly happy in an apartment lifestyle, with daily walks.
In the past, Greyhounds were racing dogs, and today they are considered excellent family companions for laidback households. Their calm aura makes them an ideal choice for inexperienced pet parents.
What they adore the most is high-paced running, but for a few minutes, and other dog sports such as agility, obedience, coursing, and scent work mentioned by Britannica. However, when they are at home, no one can compete with them for being the best couch potato.
5. Boston Terrier
American Gentleman; Boston terrier has a dapper tuxedo coat reflecting black and white colors mostly. These good-tempered, petite dogs need regular grooming to look their best. Although they shed moderately, Boston Terriers’ short coat can easily be managed by regular brushing, says PetMD.
This spunky and mischievous type of terrier is an affectionate dog who tends to do well around children and other pets with proper training and socialization. Their energy levels are channelized via long daily walks, indoor and backyard playtime on a daily basis.
Other than walking, they enjoy playing fetch, frisbee, and flyball. Boston Terriers develop breathing problems if they experience overheating and exercising in summer. These low shedders require regular and moderate exercise and are a suitable choice for city dwellers.
6. Shih Tzu
If you want a Shih Tzu with a long coat, it will substantially increase your maintenance costs. Giving them a shortcut with cute styles ultimately cuts down on their grooming needs, making them low-maintenance dogs. Though the Shih Tzu is small in size, but its actually a big personality.
These little lion dogs face difficulty in breathing due to flat faces and short noses. That’s why a short burst of exercise is enough for their physical activity. For mental stimulation, quality time and play sessions with their pet parents should be done daily, to avoid any destructive behavior in them.
Since they are considered low-shedding, they are well-suited to dog allergy sufferers. They require regular brushing to avoid tangles in their smooth coat. Moreover, for better skin health, they should also be bathed weekly. This friendly breed is equally loved by kids and people of all ages.
7. Pug
Entertaining Pug comes with lots of humor, a gentle nature, and is low on budget. This low-maintenance breed is celebrated for its adorable and quirky faces. Being a social butterfly, Pugs crave human interaction, but also have a stubborn streak.
These clowns of the canine world have wrinkled faces, due to which their skin needs more attention in terms of cleanliness. Endlessly comical Pug’s energy levels can be channeled via 30 minutes of activities. Their short coats need regular brushing to avoid shedding.
Since they thrive in companionship and make better lap dogs, Pet parents should be cautious of their regular walks; otherwise, they develop obesity. As people-pleasing dogs, they love being involved in activities and becoming the center of every gathering.
8. Maltese
This small white dog is one of the easiest canines to be socialized and trained. When it comes to grooming, as a hypoallergenic dog, it is a perfect fit for city living with a short coat. Typically, they come with long coats, but to be a low-maintenance breed, fur should be trimmed.
Highly adorable and smart Maltese were bred to be companion dogs. They form deep bonds with their favorite ones and get along beautifully with kids and other dogs in the house. Small yet playful Maltese needs daily physical and mental stimulation.
With a daily short walk, they thrive in learning new commands and playing in the backyard or living room. They make an ideal breed for novice dog owners, thanks to their adaptable, trainable, and loving personalities. Since these fluffy balls are low-key, busy individuals can opt for them without any doubt.
9. Italian Greyhound
Big on love but not on shedding, the Italian Greyhound is a sensitive and loving canine. This low-maintenance breed has short fur and low energy levels, making as a suitable choice for an apartment lifestyle and busy households.
This tiny-sized pup is a little independent, making early socialization and training essential. They enjoy lounging indoors over outdoor activities. This distinct hound relies on its vision, agility, and speed to catch its prey rather than its nose work.
Short coats and lean bodies do not provide them enough insulation, so they are better suited to live in hot climates. They adapt well in various situations, and make kids their best friends who know how to act with them… with love and care.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small and adaptable dogs with bold and lively personalities. Their minimal grooming and less exercise needs make them an ideal breed for apartment dwellers as well as for novice pet parents. According to PetMD, these dogs are native to Mexico.
These little dogs tend to form strong bonds with their families and adore human companionship. They love being the center of each family’s activities. Chis can be destructive if it is not provided with its daily exercise and playtime.
Whether short-haired or long-haired, both coats have minimal grooming needs. However, they are prone to dental issues, and brushing them daily is vital. Chihuahuas are both intelligent and strong-willed, so starting their early training and socialization is crucial for their good manners.
Conclusion
If you are new to the canine world, one of the mentioned breeds can be your best buddy, but choose according to your lifestyle. They are not only low on budget but also offer love, loyalty, and smartness, indulging you more in them.
Although these dogs are less challenging than others, managing a pet dog responsibly is the thing that should always be at the top of your list. Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chinese Crested, Brussels Griffon, Great Dane, Lhasa Apso are also called adaptable and low-key dogs.
