The idea of having a dog is loving, but not everyone has the time and energy to train and care for Olympic athletes or spend 2 hours a day training or brushing their dogs. Sometimes our lives get packed to the brim.
The crazy 9-to-5 work routine, spending time with family, and back-to-back deadlines make it difficult to take on another responsibility. You need a dog that is chill, easygoing, and completely fine with just a few walks if you are too busy.
Honestly, there are some low-maintenance dogs, but that does not mean zero maintenance. Every dog needs love, attention, basic training, and a little bit of playtime. But low maintenance actually means a dog with less grooming, moderate energy levels, and easy to train.
We have listed the 9 dog breeds that do not require extensive maintenance in this guide. They won’t make your life more stressful, but actually a bit relaxed and happy. So, if you want a low-key companion, then make sure to read the details and see if they actually meet your vibes.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds – A Complete Guide
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have oversized bat ears, smushy faces, and compact, muscular little bodies. They look like tiny, cute cartoons who just love curling up on the couch with you while you watch a movie. Frenchies are actually the best definition of low-energy dogs.
These low-maintenance dogs don’t need a massive backyard to run around five miles jogging with you. These little dogs are happy with a 15-20 minute walk around the block twice a day. Apart from this, they are also low-maintenance when it comes to their coat.
French Bulldogs have short single coats that require almost zero effort, as they just shed moderately. However, they require quite a lot of care and attention in terms of their health and wrinkly skin. Frenchies are brachycephalic, so they require special care and also cleaning under skin folds to prevent infections.
2. Pug
Pug’s motto is “multin in parvo,” which means a lot of dog in a small space. They have a round wrinkled head, big expressive eyes, and a tightly curled tail. Pugs live to love and be loved as they are super gentle with children, highly social, and also adapt well in different kinds of environments, as noted by Britannica.
These little dogs don’t need much effort as they require only 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. They have a short coat that actually requires minimal grooming in terms of trimming. However, they do come with major surprises like shedding heavily and having wrinkles that need daily cleaning.
That being said, they are eager to please but also have that stubborn streak. So, you can use positive reinforcement like praises and tasty treats when they follow commands to engage them. Plus, they have a unique love for food and even start overeating, so you have to focus on their weight.
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs were bred for the brutal sport of bull baiting, but soon became family dogs due to their sweet, dependable, and laid-back nature. Honestly, they may look scary with all of their loose skin, but they are actually gentle companions.
These small dogs are low maintenance when it comes to activity and coat trimming needs, as noted by the AKC. They have zero athletic goals, so they just like to have a 15-20 minute walk, which makes them perfect apartment dwellers.
That being said, they rarely bark and can even spend their whole day snoozing on the floor. They have a short coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. However, they are short-nosed dogs and also have a stubborn, independent streak, so you have to be careful and patient when training them.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are easygoing, gentle, and peaceful pups that were bred for a strong sense of smell to track small game. They were built low to the ground, so that’s why you have to be careful not to step over them.
They have a short coat that repels water and dirt, so hair trimming needs are actually minimal. Basset Hounds are highly social and rarely get aggressive, which is their plus point. These pups can sleep without any drama, even on rugs, and only need 30 minutes of walking a day.
That being said, they require high maintenance for their long ears, drooling habits, and managing weight. Because any extra pound they carry puts strain on their long back, so keep a check on their food. In addition, use short training sessions and treats (not too much) to train them.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and completely adaptable dogs. They were bred to be lapdogs for royal courts and even named after King Charles I and his son II, as per PetMD. Charles II was so obsessed with them that he decreed they were legally allowed in any public space.
These little dogs are low-maintenance because they need 30 minutes of walking for mental stimulation. They don’t have any hyperactive bones, which makes them perfect for calm and relaxed families. That being said, they have an eager-to-please nature, so you can easily train them.
Cavaliers have a medium-length silky coat that moderately sheds throughout the year and also require brushing almost 3 times a week. They don’t need professional haircuts or shaving, so you can leave their coat natural as it is.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are easily recognizable due to their apple (deer)heads, large, erect ears, and expressive eyes. They are one-person dogs that form strong bonds with their chosen people and don’t mind spending time with you.
These tiny dogs are easy to maintain as they only need a casual 15-20 minute walk. Plus, their food bill is also nonexistent, and it is also easy to travel with. Chihuahuas have short and long hair, so the short ones actually need less trimming.
However, they are low to moderate shedders with an independent and stubborn streak. Honestly, sometimes owners let them get away with bad behaviors like growling or snapping because of their cuteness, and that’s actually a small dog syndrome.
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, quiet, and peaceful dogs with a sensitive nature. Known for their relaxed nature, they are considered one of the cleanest dog breeds around. These small pups don’t have any doggy odor even when wet.
These Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartments due to their small size and need 45-60 minutes of exercise. They are always ready to stay all day with you after spending boundless energy.
These dogs actually have short coats that do not require that much trimming, but make them prone to heatstroke and dehydration. You don’t have to take them to a professional groomer daily, and they don’t need haircuts, so just wipe and brush them once a week.
8. Whippet
It may be surprising, but Whippets were known as the “Poor Man’s Racehorse” in nineteenth century England. These medium-sized sighthounds have a sweet, soulful gaze and a unique dual personality.
Whippets are velcro dogs but are not demanding or pushy, which makes them perfect family pets. They are sprinters, not marathon runners, so they only need up to an hour of exercise for mental stimulation. However, they do have thin skin and no fat, so they easily get scratched.
That being said, they have that typical independent and stubborn streak, but they completely hide or shut down if you use harsh tones. So, you have to be gentle, plus they don’t shed much, which is ideal if you are allergic to dog hair.
9. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are famous for their sunny, people-pleasing, and playful personalities. They are also nicknamed the American Gentleman for their dapper tuxedo-like markings.
These are one of the breeds that originated in the United States. Bostons are low-maintenance because of their adaptable nature and moderate exercise needs, so they don’t require intensive exercise or miles of running, and stay happy with walks.
That being said, Boston Terriers don’t drool, so they are quite clean. However, they have a short coat that sheds low to moderately. Plus, they are highly intelligent and have an eager-to-please nature, which makes training them easier.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are low-maintenance, especially in terms of exercise needs. Most of them have short coats but differ in their shedding levels and grooming routines. They adapt well to apartments, and even some of them make perfect pets, even for first-time owners.
While some breeds are not prone to excessive drooling, others may have brachycephalic (flat-faced) features that require special attention. Be sure to review each breed’s specific needs before making a decision, as low-maintenance dogs still require proper care, grooming, exercise, and health management.
