Are you looking for low-maintenance dog breeds ideal for a relaxed lifestyle?
If you love the idea of having a furry friend who doesn’t demand constant activity, pocket-sized companions can be the perfect choice.
Many small dogs thrive in apartment living and busy households because they have a lower energy level, making them surprisingly calm and easy to manage.
Dogs’ daily exercise needs vary widely, and smaller or less active dogs often do well with shorter walks and lighter play, which makes them easier to care for in everyday life.
These generally low-energy dogs enjoy indoor play and short bursts of activity, making them a good fit for a calm home without causing stress for their owners. With minimal grooming and occasional brushing, they can quickly become a lap dog you bond closely with.
Choosing the right dog breed ensures quiet companionship, a laid-back personality, and a curious nature, making the dog low-maintenance and offering a loving, easygoing lifestyle for families, apartment dwellers, and busy professionals alike.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds Ideal For a Relaxed Lifestyle
1. Shih Tzu
Looking for a small dog that fits right into a calm home and quiet life?
The shih tzu might be the perfect pick for you. This pocket‑sized companion is a classic example of a low-maintenance breed that thrives in apartment living and relaxed routines.
Known as one of the most beloved low-maintenance dogs, the Shih Tzu enjoys short walks and plenty of indoor play, making it ideal for people who want affection without constant frenzy.
While this breed does have hair that needs care, keeping the coat short means they have minimal grooming needs, which is truly possible, and regular brushing helps prevent tangles and keep it neat.
With moderate exercise needs, most Shih Tzus are quite content with daily strolls and cuddle time on the couch, which matches well with their low-energy dog reputation. Their friendly temperament and gentle nature make them delightful for new dog owners and families alike.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Shih Tzu is a devoted companion and classic lap dog that bonds closely with its family, showing affection and charm in equal measure.
Fun Fact
Originally bred to sit in Chinese palaces, the Shih Tzu’s name means “lion dog,” and it was considered a symbol of royalty and affection long before modern pets became common.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Ever wondered how a tiny dog can fill your heart with big love?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful example of a low-maintenance dog breed that brings energy and affection into a small package.
Though Yorkies have a lively spirit, their small size means they don’t need long, vigorous exercise — moderate exercise like short walks and indoor play keeps them healthy and happy.
With their playful nature, these little pups can adapt well to apartment living and become loyal companions for busy owners or families who want a spirited buddy without overwhelming demands.
While Yorkshire Terriers do enjoy daily interaction and mental engagement, they don’t demand excessive exercise— a few short bursts of play and a short walk each day is usually enough to keep them content.
Their coat can be trimmed to make grooming easier, and many owners choose a shorter cut to reduce daily maintenance and brushing time. The Yorkshire Terrier is a confident, loving dog with a feisty personality, and it thrives when given attention and proper care.
Fun Fact
Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in old mills and factories, which is why they carry a bold terrier attitude in such a tiny body.
3. Havanese
Looking for a charming little dog that feels like a best friend and fits easily into a calm home?
The Havanese is often a perfect choice. This friendly, low-energy pup has a sweet and easygoing nature, which means it adapts well to apartment living and relaxed lifestyles.
While all dogs need some care, the Havanese can be easier to manage than many larger or high‑energy breeds because its exercise needs are moderate — short daily walks or indoor playtime of around 20–30 minutes keep them happy and healthy.
When you choose a Havanese, you get a loyal companion that bonds closely with its family and loves quiet companionship just as much as fun activities.
Though their long coat can require regular brushing, many owners choose shorter trims, which makes minimal grooming easier and more manageable for busy owners.
According to PetMD, the Havanese is a playful, affectionate toy breed that thrives as a companion dog and enjoys spending time with people of all ages.
Fun Fact
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and was once treasured by aristocrats for its charming personality and loyal companionship.
4. Basset Hound
Do you love a dog with a laid‑back attitude and a calm presence?
The Basset Hound may be the perfect pick for those who want a low-maintenance breed with plenty of relaxed charm. Known for its gentle, easygoing temperament, the Basset Hound is one of the low-maintenance dogs that enjoys easy, short walks and quiet days curled up beside you.
These dogs are not built for racing around the yard — their long body and short legs make brisk, high‑intensity exercise unnecessary. Instead, moderate exercise like slow strolls and scent games helps keep them happy and healthy.
Despite being medium‑to‑large in size, Basset Hounds have a calm demeanor that suits apartment living and families seeking a loyal companion with minimal grooming needs. Their smooth coat only needs regular brushing and an occasional bath, so daily upkeep isn’t overwhelming.
Basset Hounds are beloved for their affectionate nature and distinctive appearance, combining patience and loyalty in a puppy‑like package that bonds closely with its people.
Fun Fact
Basset Hounds were originally bred as scent hounds in France, and their long ears actually help trap scent particles and bring them right to their nose — a natural “scent‑tracking” system!
5. Chihuahua
Ever thought a tiny dog could have a huge place in your heart?
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds and a great example of a low-maintenance breed that fits perfectly into apartment living and busy lifestyles.
Despite their spirited energy level, Chihuahuas need only moderate exercise, such as short walks and bursts of indoor play, to stay healthy and happy.
Their compact size makes them easy to take almost anywhere. Because they don’t demand constant stimulation like high-energy dogs, they’re ideal for busy professionals or families who want a loyal, lively companion without overwhelming demands.
Their coat is another plus — whether short‑haired or long‑haired, grooming is quite manageable with minimal brushing, like weekly brushing and occasional baths.
Oral care is more important than coat work, because smaller breeds are prone to dental issues, but this still keeps daily care simple for most owners. According to Chewy, the Chihuahua is a graceful, alert little dog with a bold personality and makes a devoted lap dog that bonds closely with its family.
Fun Fact
Chihuahuas are known for loving warmth — they can sleep up to 15 hours a day, often curled in a sunny spot or snuggled in blankets.
6. Pomeranian
Curious how such a tiny dog can make a big impact on your heart and home?
The Pomeranian is one of the most delightful low-maintenance dogs you’ll ever meet. With its cheerful personality and bright eyes, this small dog brings joy without demanding hours of intense activity.
Pomeranians are low-energy dogs compared to many breeds, so low exercise requirements, such as short walks or brief indoor play sessions, are usually enough to keep them healthy and content.
This makes them especially great for apartment living and for busy owners who want a loving companion without constant outdoor time.
While their fluffy coat might seem high‑maintenance at first glance, keeping a Pomeranian’s fur trimmed short requires minimal grooming. With regular brushing and occasional baths, their coat stays soft and neat without daily work.
Pomeranians are smart, curious, and bond closely with their families, offering quiet companionship and affection throughout the day. Pomeranians are confident and alert little dogs that thrive on interaction and make them ideal loving pets when provided with proper care.
Fun Fact
Despite their small size, Pomeranians once weighed over 20 pounds! Through selective breeding, they became the tiny companions we adore today.
7. Maltese
Ever dream of a tiny dog that feels like a lifelong friend on your lap?
The Maltese is a delightful small dog that fits beautifully into the lives of people who want a low-maintenance breed with plenty of heart.
Though their long white coat looks elegant, many owners choose shorter trims to keep minimal grooming easier, which makes this breed a great choice for apartment living and calm home environments.
These pups enjoy little regular exercise, such as short walks and gentle playtime, rather than long, strenuous outings, making them perfect for people who want affectionate companionship without constant activity.
The Maltese has been a devoted companion for centuries and is highly adaptable, charming, and friendly, though their coat does require regular care to prevent tangles and matting.
Maltese are playful toy dogs with loving personalities that bond closely with their families and make wonderful companions for first‑time dog owners and families alike.
Fun Fact
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese have been cherished since ancient times, often depicted in Greek and Roman art, and have been beloved lap companions for over two thousand years.
Conclusion
Looking for a furry friend that fits your lifestyle without overwhelming your daily routine?
These low-maintenance dog breeds are perfect for families, busy owners, and apartment dwellers alike.
Do you want a lap dog with a calm and gentle temperament, or a small companion who enjoys short walks and indoor play?
Breeds like the Shih Tzu, Havanese, and Pomeranian show that low-energy breeds can still bring joy, laughter, and quiet companionship into your life.
With minimal grooming, moderate exercise, and low maintenance needs, these small dogs are easy to train and form strong bonds with their humans.
Their calm nature, laid-back personality, and affectionate nature make them a perfect match for anyone looking for a low-key companion who doesn’t demand constant activity.
Choosing the right dog breed ensures your furry friend thrives while making your home happier and more peaceful.
So, which of these popular low-maintenance dogs will bring love and fun into your life?
