Life is already full of responsibilities, and when it comes to a dog ownership some people do not want to spend their times to groom their pets that feel like adding another burden to the list. Nature has blessed us with four legged friends who not only bring love, and giggles in the homes but also do not over demand in terms of their routines.
Many people dream that canine companions, where is no stress of constant grooming, vet visits and complex care routines. We are going to enlist our seven dog breeds who shine with these hot favorite attributes.
When their furry friends are resilient and seamlessly fit into any lifestyle, here the chances of growing of a mutual bond increases. You spend less time in worrying and more in connecting. And this balance makes these breeds special for anyone finding a meaningful yet manageable relationship with their dog.
Fun Fact: Many low maintenance dogs are surprisingly intelligent, as they learn routines quickly and require less corrective training.
Best Healthy Dog Breeds For Those Seeking Low Maintenance Pets
1. Australian Cattle Dog
As the name reflects, Australian Cattle dog is originally bred to herd livestock, and is considered a healthy and low maintenance breed. Owing to strong work ethic, great resilience and exceptional intelligence, this medium sized dog is best suited to active households.
Australian cattle dogs come in two colors; red and blue. They have double coat with short undercoat and water resistant outercoats. Moreover, these dogs do not shed much and have minimal grooming needs including weekly brushing and occasional bathing, except in shedding seasons.
Being a working breed, this dog loves to have a job, and requires to burn off its moderate energy levels via moderate exercise and dog sports. Their protective nature make them excellent companion dogs for those who are seeking for a guard dog with loving yet reserved disposition.
2. Australian Shepherd
A beautiful dog who mesmerizes its fans with its tricolored coat, longer life span, and muscular build. This merle breed shines more with its medium length double coat that is waterproof and needs regular brushing and occasional bath, which makes him fairly a low maintenance dog.
Aussies are smart dogs with lots of serious attitude when it comes to competing their work. They bond closely with their owners and called velcro and affectionate dogs who do not tolerate to be left alone for longer time span. Back in past Aussies were used for herding purposes.
Australian shepherds have boundless energy, and need proper physical and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors. Eager to please and over protective Aussies should be trained for obedience at their young ages. This healthy dog breed lives almost 12-15 years, and is still prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
3. German Short-Haired Pointer
Blessed with speed and stamina, German Shorthaired pointer is bred to be hunting dogs in Germany. While these charming dogs are skilled at pointing and retrieving, they are also ranked as low maintenance dog breed, thanks to their short coats which require minimal grooming.
German Short haired pointer make great family dogs for those who want to have an active pooch with outgoing personalities. Their endurance, high energy levels and affectionate nature, make them great hiking and hunting companions.
With loving, loyal and gentle temperament, this breed gets along well with children and other pets, if socialized and trained at puppyhood, mentioned by Pet MD. German short haired pointers are healthy canines with a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
4. Beagle
Beagle is another low maintenance dog breed compared to long coated breeds, kudos to its short coat making grooming needs minimum, meaning no expensive bills at groomers. This small hound dog excels being a hunting breed as well as a family pet.
Beagles are active dogs, with a life duration of 10-15 years, but still they are prone to obesity, ear infections and epilepsy. With age their energy levels become low and they enjoy lounging with some short walks and playtime.
These dogs are smart but have less attention span, which is why Beagles should be introduced to positive reinforcement methods to respond well. Their sharp noses often make trouble for owners as they do not listen if get any chance to follow any scent, making leash training vital, says Britannica.
5. Basenji
A furry friend who is renowned for its rare kind of yodeling and is called a voiceless dog breed. Basenji is a small dog carrying an independent nature, smooth coat and healthy living years. They are also known to have aloof personalities, and moderate exercise needs.
Basenji is a low maintenance dog breed due to its super short coat and cat like behavior which helps him to keep its hygiene maintained on its own. Smartness and activity levels of Basenji demand committed pet ownership from their pet parents.
If provided with regular brushing, regular walks combining play sessions and proper training, these dogs do best in apartment living as well. According to American kennel club (AKC), with right training methods these intelligent and playful dogs are easy to train, keeping classes short and entertaining.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
Independent streak, minimal grooming needs and selfless loyalty makes Anatolian shepherd hails from turkey as herding dog breed. Though they are low maintenance companions, but for physical activities, they do not have low energy levels that’s why they are not suitable for first time dog owners.
Being a livestock guardian, these dogs still carry protective nature for their pack (families), and stay aloof with strangers; a true trait of a protective breed. They also try to herd small children and animals, making early socialization and training vital.
Generally, Anatolian shepherds live healthy life that comprises of 11 to 13 years. This large dog is not a low shedding breed, as its double coat sheds twice a year, in Spring and Fall when regular brushing is must. Alert yet calm breed, Anatolian Shepherd barks excessively if perceive any threat in surroundings.
7. Chihuahua
This little dog breed with lots of perks is popular for ranking among the breeds who have the longest life spans. Chihuahuas are endowed with fairly low energy, calm demeanor shaping them couch potatoes for those pet parents who have busy lifestyle and are well suited to first time owners too.
Though they share a deep bond with their humans, but do not hesitate to bark loudly when encounter with other dogs and people, forgetting their small stature. These canines are average shedders and can be styles as both short haired and long haired pals.
Chihuahuas crave human companionship and they do not like to be left alone for longer otherwise develop separation anxiety. Though these dogs do not need extensive exercise, but daily walks and high quality food are necessary as they develop obesity in no time.
Conclusion
Choosing a naturally healthy, and low maintenance furry friends are about finding peace than perfection. They have capability to offer companionship without constant worry, endless vet visits and overwhelming grooming needs. They fit effortlessly into everyday life making pet parenting feel joyful rather than stressful.
With proper care, love ad routine checkups, they reward you with years of devotion, playful moments and emotional support. There are other breeds as well who bring the same happiness and warmth, but are not discussed here in detail such as, Cavalier king Charles Spaniels, Shih tzu, Basset hounds, French bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.
