Tired of chaos? Let’s talk low-maintenance dogs that love your chill days.
If your dream life is soft blankets, slow mornings, and a loyal furry friend nearby, you are in the right place. Not every dog needs nonstop action.
Some calm breeds are happy with short walks, indoor playtime, and a simple routine. That is a huge win for busy professionals, city dwellers, and anyone with a busy lifestyle.
This blog is all about low maintenance, not low love. You will meet companion dogs with minimal grooming, low energy, and easy-going habits. You will also get to know about their minimal grooming needs, energy levels, and veterinary care, so you can pick the right dog with confidence.
And here’s the best part! These maintenance dog breeds still bring tons of joy, laughs, and that “totally devoted” look that melts your whole heart.
Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for a Relaxed Lifestyle
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds look like they were designed for couch potatoes. Those long ears, droopy eyes, and slow, steady steps scream “relaxed lifestyle.” They are low-energy dogs that enjoy being close to their people without needing constant entertainment.
Most days, Basset Hounds are content with short walks and some sniff time. Their nose is always “on,” so outdoor exercise is more about smells than speed.
As a low-maintenance dog breed, the Basset has a short coat and minimal grooming compared to fluffier dogs. You will still want occasional brushing to help with shedding and keep their skin comfy. Their ears need regular checks, and that is important.
Long ears can trap moisture, so simple cleaning can help prevent trouble. But why bother with that? Because a few minutes now can save you a vet visit later.
One more thing. This dog can be stubborn. Not “bad,” just hilariously determined. Training works best with patience, snacks, and a sense of humor. They can also struggle with separation anxiety if left alone too long.
If your demand hours are wild, plan a dog walker or a neighbor check-in. With steady love, this gentle temperament turns them into a low-maintenance companion who makes your daily life feel slower in the best way.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are like little comedians in a tux. They are charming companions with bright eyes and a fun, friendly spark. They fit well with pet parents who want a dog that can play, cuddle, and then settle again. Their energy levels are usually balanced. You will get bursts of zoomies, then a deep nap that looks dramatic in the cutest way.
They are low-maintenance dogs in the grooming sense. That smooth, short coat is easy. Minimal grooming is the norm here, plus an occasional bath when life gets messy.
A quick wipe of the face can help, too, since they can get watery eyes. Still, compared to high-maintenance coats, this is simple stuff. It gets even worse, though, if you ignore nails. Keep them trimmed, because long nails can mess with comfort and posture.
Exercise is usually moderate exercise, not marathon training. A couple of short walks and some indoor play can cover their needs. They do well in apartment living if you keep them busy in small ways.
A toy, a tiny game of fetch, a few minutes of training. That gives mental stimulation without turning your home into a wrestling ring. As per Purina, for first-time dog owners, this breed can be a sweet first dog, as long as you keep routines gentle and steady.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny, bold, and weirdly brave. They can be low-key dogs one minute, then act like they own the whole block the next.
Sounds crazy, right? But their small size can make them a good pick for city dwellers, apartment living, and people who want a maintenance dog that does not need huge outdoor exercise.
Many Chihuahuas have a short coat, which keeps minimal grooming simple. Even long-haired chihuahuas can stay manageable with light care. You are not signing up for a daily salon situation.
Occasional brushing is often enough, and it can feel like bonding time. Their grooming requirements depend on coat type, but either way, they are usually easier than many larger breeds with heavy shedding.
Chihuahuas often have low-energy moments and love warm laps. Still, do not confuse “small” with “no needs.” They benefit from short walks and indoor playtime to keep joints, mood, and confidence healthy.
They can also bond hard to one person, which is sweet, but can lead to separation anxiety if routines change fast. The good part is you can build calm habits early. Keep greetings low-drama, give a safe bed, and use gentle training.
With steady veterinary care, they can be wonderful pets and a low-maintenance companion for people who love big personality in a small package.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds are the long-bodied charmers who make people grin in public. They were originally bred for hunting, so their confidence is real.
But in modern homes, many of them are happy being companion dogs with a cozy rhythm. They love sniffing, exploring, and then returning to the sofa like they paid rent.
Coat type changes grooming demands. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are the easiest here, with a short coat and minimal grooming.
Wire and long coats may need a bit more, but they can still fit a low-maintenance plan with occasional brushing and a tidy routine. Compared to many high-maintenance styles, this is still friendly for busy schedules.
Exercise should stay smart because of their backs. Think short walks, controlled play, and avoiding too many stairs if possible. They do not need intense daily exercise, but they do need consistent movement.
That is the sweet spot: low energy for most of the day, with small activity blocks. But wait, there’s more! They are clever, and boredom can turn into mischief.
A puzzle toy gives mental stimulation without overdoing physical activity. If you also have other pets, slow introductions help. Once they trust the vibe, they can be a totally devoted and surprisingly gentle companion material.
5. Greyhound
According to AKC, Greyhounds are a large dog that look like athletes, and yes, they can run fast. But at home? Many are legendary couch potatoes. This is one of those “don’t judge a dog by the body” stories. They often have low energy indoors and love long naps that seem almost spiritual.
Here’s the good part: their calm demeanor can make them a dream for a relaxed lifestyle.
They are also low-maintenance in grooming. A short coat and minimal grooming are typical. A quick rub-down, occasional brushing, and an occasional bath when needed can keep them clean. No endless brushing sessions. No coat drama.
Many pet parents are shocked by how easy it is. But why bother with that? Because simple care keeps skin healthy and helps you spot little issues early.
Exercise needs are usually moderate exercise, not nonstop. They like a daily routine with short walks and a safe space to stretch. Many do best with controlled outdoor exercise, like a fenced area or leash walks.
They can be sensitive and have a gentle nature, which makes them sweet housemates. Some may be shy at first, so give them time. With steady veterinary care and a soft approach, they can become a low-maintenance companion who makes your home feel peaceful.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are basically love in a fluffy package. Their affectionate nature makes people feel chosen. They often want to be near you, not on top of you, just close. If you want a gentle companion that follows you from room to room like a tiny fan club, this might be your right dog.
They are not the lowest grooming breed on earth, but they can still fit low-maintenance breeds when you keep it simple. Their coat is silky, and weekly brushing can prevent tangles without turning life into a chore.
It is more “quick brush while watching a show” than “two-hour battle.” Their grooming demands are real, but manageable for a normal human schedule. A professional groomer is optional, not required, if you stay consistent.
Exercise is usually easy. Think short walks, light play, and calm bonding time. Many Cavaliers enjoy daily walks but do not demand extreme outdoor exercise. They also do well with indoor play when the weather is gross. Heads-up: they can be sensitive to being alone.
Separation anxiety can pop up if they are left too much. The fix is not harsh. Build comfort slowly. Leave a safe toy, keep exits calm, and reward relaxed behavior.
With good veterinary care, these dogs tend to be wonderful pets and deeply charming companions for first-time dog owners who want a low-maintenance vibe with a soft heart.
7. Whippet
Whippets are like Greyhounds’ smaller cousins with the same “run, then nap” lifestyle. They can sprint like lightning, then curl into a perfect donut on the couch.
Many are low energy indoors, which makes them great for a relaxed home. If you want a medium-sized dog feel without the chaos of high-energy breeds, this one is worth a look.
Their grooming requirements are simple. A short coat, minimal grooming, and an easy clean-up routine. Occasional brushing helps with loose hair, but it is not a big deal.
They also do not usually bring the muddy “farm dog” vibe into your living room. They are pretty tidy for a dog, honestly.
Whippets still need movement, just not constant. Short walks and a safe chance to run sometimes are ideal. They enjoy outdoor exercise, but it can be brief and focused. Indoors, they often prefer quiet comfort. Because they are sensitive, they respond best to gentle training.
Loud corrections can shut them down. Their gentle nature makes them sweet with other dogs when introductions are calm. With basic veterinary care and warm bedding, they can be low-maintenance dogs that bring peace, not noise.
8. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are the “wait, what?” breed in the best way. Some are hairless, some have a powderpuff coat, and both types have serious personalities. They are often playful, people-focused, and surprisingly cuddly. If you want a dog that feels like a quirky little friend, this one delivers.
Hairless Cresteds have minimal grooming in the classic “no fur everywhere” sense, but they need skin care. That is the trade. You might use gentle wipes, dog-safe sunscreen, and keep them warm in cold weather.
Powderpuffs have more coat, so grooming needs are higher than hairless, but still manageable with a steady routine. Either way, they can fit low-maintenance dogs when you understand what “maintenance” really means for them.
Exercise is usually light to moderate. Short walks and indoor play are often enough. They like games, little training moments, and attention. They can form deep bonds, so watch for separation anxiety if they cling hard.
The good part is that they are small and adaptable dog energy can fit many homes, including apartment living. With thoughtful veterinary care, they can be low-maintenance companion dogs in a very modern way: less yard work, more cozy connection, and a lot of laughs.
9. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus look like foxes and act like tiny rebels. They are clean, sharp, and full of opinions. If you respect their space and enjoy a dog with a bold vibe, they can be a great match. They are not the clingiest option, which can work well for busy professionals with busy schedules.
Their coat is thick, but they are known for being neat. They groom themselves a lot, almost like cats. Still, shedding seasons can surprise you. During those times, minimal grooming becomes “okay, let’s brush more often.”
Outside of that, their grooming needs can be pretty simple with occasional brushing and a basic routine. They are not usually the “high maintenance” type in daily care, but they do need consistent training.
PetMD notes that their exercise needs are moderate, not minimal exercise. Daily walks help, plus some play. They can have more energy than the true low-energy dogs on this list, but they are not always bouncing off the walls either.
The key is structure. Short walks, a little training, and indoor play can keep them steady. They can be selective with other breeds and other pets, so early social time matters. Once trust is built, their loyalty is real.
They are not for everyone, but for the right dog match, they can be low maintenance in the “self-contained roommate” way.
Conclusion
A relaxed lifestyle does not mean you want less love. You just want a dog that fits real life. The most low-maintenance breeds usually share a few things: low energy at home, simple grooming demands, and a steady mood that does not demand hours of entertainment.
Some need minimal grooming, some need weekly brushing, and some need skin care instead of fur care. But all can work if you match the dog to your daily life.
So pick your vibe. Do you want gentle giants, a small shadow, or a calm nap buddy? Get honest about your schedule, plan for veterinary care, and choose the right dog for your home. And then enjoy it.
Your future furry friend is out there, ready to make ordinary days feel better.
