Your calendar is packed. Your phone never shuts up. And somehow, you still want a dog. We get it. Dogs make life softer, funnier, and way less lonely, especially for busy owners with a busy lifestyle.
But why bother with a dog breed that needs two hours of jogging, daily salon visits, and constant entertainment like a high-energy dog?
Here’s the good part: “low-maintenance” does not mean “no effort.” It means the dog’s needs match real life. Short walks. Minimal grooming. A chill attitude. A dog that’s happy with couch time and quick play breaks, making them true low-maintenance dogs.
Sounds crazy, right? But wait, there’s more! You can still get cuddles, laughs, and that little paw-tap that says, “Hey, you okay?” from affectionate dogs.
Now, let’s meet seven dog breeds that can fit into your busy schedule without turning your life into chaos.
Important note: every dog still needs basic training, food, vet care, and your time. But the breeds below are often easier to keep happy in a busy household.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Fit Your Busy Schedule
1. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are basically little dogs with big hearts and are well-known low-maintenance dogs. They were bred to be companion dogs, and they take that job seriously as a loyal pet.
They love being near their people, and they are often happiest indoors, chilling close to you. If your idea of exercise is walking to the kitchen, a Shih Tzu is like, “Cool, I’m in,” making them cool, low-energy dogs.
They are known for being sweet and people-focused, and many do well in apartment life. They can be great with kids, too, which matters if your home is loud and busy. The vibe is simple: they want love, comfort, and a steady routine that avoids separation anxiety.
Grooming is the main “gotcha.” Their coat can be high-maintenance if you keep it long. But lots of busy first-time pet parents go for a shorter “puppy cut” style that’s easier to brush and keep clean.
Want to see how we do that? Set a simple schedule, keep tools nearby, and make it a two-minute habit.
Little Couch Lion Energy
Great “sofa buddy” temperament for calm homes
Often happy with shorter walks and indoor play
Can be less noisy than many toy breeds when trained well
Fun fact: They’ve been adored for centuries as lap-loving companions, and honestly, it shows.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small, bold, and packed with personality. They are the dog version of someone who is five feet tall but walks like they own the room.
They’re affectionate with their people and often love cuddle time, which is perfect if your evenings are more “Netflix” than “nature hike.”
They come in two sizes and three coat types. That matters for maintenance. Smooth coats are usually the easiest to care for. Long-haired and wire-haired coats can need more brushing and upkeep, but they are still manageable with a weekly routine.
Many Dachshunds are also described as relatively clean dogs with little doggy odor, which is a small win that feels huge when you’re busy.
Now, here’s the “busy schedule” warning you should actually listen to. Their long backs mean you need to protect their spine.
Too many stairs, wild jumping off furniture, or rough handling can become a problem. So yes, they can be low-maintenance, but only if you set them up safely.
Short Legs, Smart Routine
Often satisfied with moderate outdoor exercise, not intense workouts
A smooth coat is usually the easiest grooming path
Needs back-friendly habits: ramps, fewer jumps, careful play
Did you know? Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. So that brave attitude is not an act.
3. Havanese
Havanese dogs are friendly little charmers. Think “happy, social, loves people,” without the constant need for hardcore exercise.
They’re often described as cheerful, happy dogs that do well in smaller homes, which is great for apartment living or a busy city setup.
They also tend to be bright and eager to connect, which can make training smoother when you keep it consistent. A few minutes of practice can go a long way, providing great mental stimulation.
And here’s the best part: they’re the type of those Low-maintenance dog breeds that can turn boring days into better ones just by being their silly, sweet selves.
But wait, there’s more! According to PetMD, the coat can be the tricky part. Their long, silky hair can mat if you ignore it. Many care guides recommend frequent brushing, especially if you keep the coat long.
If you want “busy-friendly Havanese life,” the hack is simple: keep the coat trimmed shorter and brush on a schedule you can actually keep.
The “Cuddle Bug” That Still Needs a Brush
Social and people-loving, great for close bonding
Moderate exercise needs are good for busy days
Coat care gets easier with shorter trims and steady brushing
Important note: Some Havanese can dislike being alone for long stretches, so plan for company, a sitter, or calm enrichment.
4. Papillon
Papillons look fancy, but they can be surprisingly practical. They’re small, alert, and often very eager to learn.
AKC calls them one of the more trainable small dog breeds, and that can be a lifesaver when you don’t have time for constant behavior battles or destructive behavior.
They’re also known for being adaptable. Apartment? House? Different climates? Many Papillons do fine as long as they get attention and play.
They can burn energy with indoor games and short walks, which is perfect when your day is stacked, and the weather is trash.
Grooming is usually easier than people expect. Despite the long, silky hair, they don’t have an undercoat, and many owners find the upkeep pretty manageable with brushing and occasional minimal grooming needs.
The “but” is this: their ears and feathered hair can snag and tangle if you ignore them. A few minutes of brushing saves you a whole mess later.
Tiny Athlete, Easy Upkeep
Smart and quick to learn, which saves time long-term
Can stay happy with indoor play and short walks
The coat often stays manageable with routine brushing
Fun fact: “Papillon” means butterfly in French, because their ears look like wings. Yes, it’s adorable. No, they know they’re cute.
5. Pug
Pugs are love-shaped, low-maintenance dog breeds. That’s the only way to explain it. They’re affectionate, funny, and built for companionship.
Many Pugs are perfectly happy being close to you, even if your day is busy and you can’t do a big adventure. They’re often adaptable with families, singles, and multi-pet homes, too.
Exercise needs are usually moderate. They still need movement, but not intense workouts. And here’s a big busy-person win: short daily walks plus indoor play can often do the job.
It gets even worse, though, if you skip exercise completely, because Pugs can gain weight easily. So “low-maintenance” here means “easy routine,” not “no routine.”
Important note, and please take it seriously: Pugs are short-faced dogs. That means they can struggle in heat or humidity.
So if you live somewhere warm, plan walks in cooler hours, keep water handy, and avoid pushing them hard outdoors, as mentioned by Britannica.
The Sweetest Shadow You’ll Ever Have
Usually happy with short walks and indoor play
Very people-focused and snuggly
Needs heat-safe care and weight management
Did you know? Pugs have been bred to be companion dogs for centuries. That “I belong on your couch” attitude is basically tradition.
6. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, upbeat, and full of personality. They often love walks, but they don’t need a huge yard to be happy. That makes them great city dogs.
They can be playful without being nonstop, fitting well for busy owners seeking low-energy dogs with personality.
They also tend to be people-oriented. This can be a big deal if you want a dog that enjoys your company without turning every moment into a dramatic performance. With a Boston, you can often get a nice balance: play time, then calm time.
Grooming is usually straightforward since their coat is short. You still get shedding, because, yep, that’s life. But maintenance is typically simple: brushing, basic hygiene, and regular checks.
If you want an “easy care dog” that still feels lively and social, this breed often fits.
Small Dog, Big “Let’s Go” Energy
A short coat usually means minimal grooming needs
Often happy with walks, but does not need a big home
Friendly, funny, and great for people who want a social buddy
Important note: Like other short-faced breeds, some Boston Terriers may need extra care in hot weather.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are tiny fluff balls with main-character energy. They’re bold, loving, and often very attached to their people. If you want a small dog with a big personality, a Pom brings it every single day.
And here’s the good part: their exercise needs can often be met with short walks and indoor play, which fits a packed schedule.
They’re also known for being smart and trainable when you keep things positive and consistent. The trick is not letting the cuteness run the household.
Because trust me, a Pom will absolutely try. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true.
Their coat is thick, and it needs regular brushing and extensive grooming to prevent mats. The upside is you can build a simple routine and keep it under control.
The other upside: you will never be ignored on a video call again, because that little fluff face will steal the spotlight.
Fluffy, Bright, Busy-Life Friendly
Can get exercise through short walks and indoor games
Smart and responsive with steady training
Needs weekly brushing to keep the coat healthy
Fun fact: Pomeranians come from Spitz-type working dogs. So yes, your tiny Pom has ancestors who would laugh at their own dramatic confidence.
Conclusion
Life gets busy, but you can still have a furry friend who fits right in. Some dogs are well-suited for city living, and they don’t need nonstop outdoor activities to feel happy.
The trick is picking breeds with low maintenance needs so your days stay calm. That can mean occasional brushing at home, and seeing a professional groomer when it truly matters.
And yes, even fluffier picks like long-haired Chihuahuas can work for busy people if you keep the routine simple and steady.
Most importantly, choose dogs that are great companions and totally devoted, not dogs that fall apart when life gets loud.
When their needs are met, you’re less likely to deal with stressy habits like destructive behavior. Whether you’re into the Bichon Frise, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Schnauzer, or the lovable Boston Terrier, the right match can feel like the best kind of teamwork.
These breeds can be super smart, sweet, and steady, and they make wonderful companions for real life, not fantasy life.
