Not everyone has hours each day for grooming, long play sessions, or detailed training routines. If you live a busy life but still want the love and companionship of a dog, choosing a low-maintenance breed can make all the difference. The right dog breed will fit smoothly into your schedule while still giving you loyalty, affection, and personality.
Low-maintenance dogs are typically easier to groom and don’t require constant exercise to stay happy. Many adapt well to apartment living or smaller homes and are known for their gentle, affectionate nature. They’re also usually easier to train, making them a great choice for first-time or busy owners.
That said, it’s important to remember that no dog is truly “zero maintenance.” Every breed needs proper food, regular vet care, exercise, and emotional bonding. The key is finding a dog whose needs match your lifestyle.
When you choose wisely, both you and your furry companion will be happier in the long run. Here are seven low-maintenance dog breeds that are easy to care for and wonderful to have by your side.
Best Dog Breeds: Low-Maintenance Companions You’ll Love
1. Dachshund
A small dog breed that is fearless with an independent nature perfectly describes the Dachshund. Dachshunds were originally trained to hunt badgers, but they are brave and vigilant and extremely loyal to their owners.
Grooming Sessions and Maintenance
Dachshunds with smooth coats require very little grooming and are easy to maintain. They do not shed a lot, and their coat rarely becomes matted. Weekly and regular brushing suffices to keep the condition at bay.
Long-haired Dachshunds require more regular grooming (2-3 times frequent brushing), whereas wire-haired types have to be trimmed.
Exercise Requirements
They should get moderate exercise, about 30-45 minutes a day. Play and short walks are very satisfying for their mental stimulation. They do not require too much attention and, therefore, can be handled by busy owners.
Health Considerations
They are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long spine. VCA Animal Hospitals asserts that the avoidance of exorbitant climbing and jumping up the stairs helps in avoiding the strain on their backs.
Temperament and Training
Dachshunds are a little stubborn owing to their hunting instincts, although these adorable dogs are sensitive to regular positive reinforcement training.
Best in: Apartment living, singles, family dog for small families.
2. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a misunderstood animal. Most Greyhounds are extremely relaxed, despite their ability to run at a very impressive speed. Greyhounds may seem shy around strangers, but they are incredibly loving with their families. Their independent personality can make them appear a bit aloof, almost like a cat, but they most quickly warm up to anyone who offers them a tasty treat.
Grooming and Shedding
Their short hair does not need any grooming. They are regularly brushed and given basic baths. They shed light and emit low-content smells, making them a fairly low-maintenance dog breed.
Exercise Requirements
Although they are physically fit, the only exercise needs are a single brisk walk and, in some instances, sprinting every day. Once they have exercised, they are satisfied to lounge for hours. PDSA clarifies that a lot of the retired greyhounds adjust better than expected to home life.
Health and Sensitivity
Due to their low body fat, the Greyhounds are sensitive to cold conditions and have to be provided with soft bedding to cushion joints.
Best For: Relaxed homes, first-time pet parents who want an easy-going dog.
3. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers were first bred in Boston, which is how they got their name. They’re lovingly called the “American Gentleman” thanks to their polite personality and their distinctive black-and-white coat that looks just like a tuxedo. This low-maintenance dog breed is a highly adaptable, compact, and jovial pup.
Grooming
Their short coat sheds little and only requires minimal grooming, brushing once a week. Facial fold cleaning and nail trimming are to be done on a regular basis.
Exercise Requirements
As for exercise needs, the daily activity of this low-maintenance dog breed should be about 30 minutes. Their needs can easily be served in indoor play sessions, and therefore, they can be kept in apartments.
Health Awareness
This affectionate dog breed is brachyephalic, and they may have difficulty breathing during hot seasons. WebMD recommends that one should watch for signs of overheating and exercise in extreme heat.
Temperament
Boston Terriers are outgoing, easy to train, and relatively easy to please, as they require only minimal exercise.
Perfect dog breed for: Urban families, families that can provide moderate exercise.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred to sit on laps and keep their owners warm in drafty castles and cold carriage rides. These affectionate dogs are known for their gentle, friendly nature, making them a wonderful choice for first-time dog parents. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a highly lovable and well-behaved companion dog that is easy to take care of.
Grooming
This furry friend has silky hair, and thus it requires frequent brushing two to three times a week, or it gets tangled, especially around the ears and the tail. They are moderate shedders.
Exercise Requirements
They need approximately 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise or light exercise every day. Strolls and indoor games are enough to keep them satisfied.
Health Concerns
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is likely in this playful dog breed. Regular checkups with the veterinarian, according to Hill Pet Nutrition, are also important for early heart examination.
Personality
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are loving dogs and dependent upon human companionship. Yet there are still emotionally low-maintenance yet sociable as well.
5. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a friendly and laid-back breed. Originally bred to hunt in packs, they usually get along well with other dogs and pets. They’re also very people-oriented and tend to be gentle and patient with children.
Grooming
Short coats need to be brushed once a week. Their droopy ears have to be washed clean, though, to avoid infection.
Exercise Requirements
Although they are hunters, Basset Hounds are not hyper. 30 minutes of walking every day is enough.
Weight Management
They are prone to obesity. Purina suggests that joint protection should not take place through portion control and regular exercise.
Temperament
They are cordial, though they may be self-sufficient. Training is time-consuming and steady.
Best in: Casual family of people who want a low-energy, low-key dog.
6. Whippet
Whippets are gentle, loving dogs with a sweet temperament. While they enjoy short bursts of activity outdoors, they’re calm and quiet inside the home, which makes them wonderful companions for both families and individuals. They’re usually good with children and tend to get along well with other dogs.
Grooming
Whippets do not need much grooming. Their short coat sheds and hardly ever becomes odiferous.
Exercise
Whippets like running fast in short bursts of energy, but otherwise, do not worry much and spend most of their time within the house. One walk and some extensive exercise is enough.
Sensitivity
Whippets are emotional, and they are easily trained using soft approaches. Their loving and affectionate personality makes them excellent companions.
Climate
Low body fat may require this low-maintenance breed to wear sweaters during the cold season.
Best to: Owners of apartments who may be able to offer some outdoor area.
7. French Bulldog
Playful, quirky, and bursting with charm, the French Bulldog is a small dog with a big personality. Their compact size and fun-loving spirit make them wonderful companions and great playmates for kids. However, as with any breed, supervision around young children is always important. This low-maintenance breed is among the most well-known city dogs all over the world.
Grooming
Their short coats are easy to maintain, and they only have minimal grooming needs. It would be enough to brush and clean the wrinkles once a week with less frequent brushing.
Exercise Requirements
How much exercise depends on their needs. They require moderate exercise, such as 20-30 minutes a day in most cases.
Health Awareness
Being a brachycephalic breed, they are heat sensitive and prone to respiratory stressors. Petplan recommends regulating the climate and controlling weight in order to limit breathing difficulties.
Temperament
French Bulldogs are loving, faithful, and versatile. French Bulldogs get attached to their owners, and they are perfect four-legged companions fitting their owner’s lifestyle.
Best for: Professional people with little time, apartment dwellers, and first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
Selecting the most appealing low-maintenance breed would require striking a balance between your lifestyle and the natural temperament of a breed, the breed’s characteristics, grooming requirements, and health care.
And with either the carefree style of a Greyhound, the tiny dog and snug human companion that is the French Bulldog, or the versatile affection of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, all these breeds provide manageable care with profound companionship, unlike other pets.
Note: Low-maintenance doesn’t mean no responsibility. Even easygoing breeds need proper nutrition, regular vet checkups, and plenty of love and attention. In return, they reward their owners with lasting loyalty, joyful companionship, and many happy years together.
