Do you love dogs but do not adopt one because you are super busy? Don’t worry, some low-maintenance dog breeds make great pets for owners who do not have enough time to keep up with their pup’s needs.
These pooches require low to moderate exercise and minimal grooming. On the other hand, some breeds can be quite challenging for busy owners due to their high energy levels, specialized care, and need for attention.
Some dog breeds are better suited for active owners who can provide them plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Therefore, if you cannot take out enough time, you should not adopt these high-maintenance dogs.
Here are the dog breeds to avoid if you are busy.
Dog Breeds To Avoid If You’re Busy
1. Border Collie
The Einstein of the canine world, the Border Collie, possesses boundless energy and is quite athletic. Its high intelligence means it requires lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy. Lack of adequate exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
So do not adopt a Border Collie if your schedule cannot include daily walks, interactive play, and advanced training. Border Collie excels in activities like agility, herding, and obedience, and are not a good choice for individuals with a busy lifestyle.
They do well in outdoorsy households where they can spend lots of time outdoors and be a part of action. Thanks to their high intelligence, Border Collies are responsive to training and do exceptionally well with positive reinforcement methods, explains PetPlan.
Their thick double coat protects them in all weathers. It requires brushing two to three times a week with a slicker brush.
2. Siberian Husky
Recognized by their striking appearance and playful personalities, Siberian Huskies are incredibly intelligent dogs with high energy levels. They were originally bred to pull sleds in cold weather and are quite agile. Due to this reason, Huskies need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation.
Huskies thrive on human interaction and need plenty of it to stay happy. According to the American Kennel Club, Huskies are very social and regularly need the company of their people, so you cannot leave them alone for long periods. Otherwise, they become prone to separation anxiety.
Lack of proper exercise can also lead to behavioral issues. Therefore, busy owners who cannot cope with their needs should not adopt a Husky. These working dogs are the happiest when they have a function to perform.
Plus, Huskies are working dogs, and they require long walks, sufficient exercise, and frequent playtime to avoid destructive behaviors.
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs who require constant engagement for physical and mental stimulation. Without plenty of activities to keep them occupied, they can become bored and frustrated and exhibit destructive behaviors.
Australian Shepherds are the happiest when they have a job to do. Busy people may struggle to meet their high energy demands. They are also known for being strongly attached to their owners, which means they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
These athletic and agile dogs make excellent family pets with proper training and socialization. Aussies are smart dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement methods, explains PetMD. They excel in agility trials, hiking, fetch, and advanced obedience training.
Australian Shepherds have double layer, weather-resistant, thick coat. It needs regular grooming and keeps shedding year-round.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t be fooled by their small size; Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and curiosity. They are highly active and independent canines who require lots of physical activity and mental stimulation. Jack Russell Terriers can become hyperactive if not properly stimulated.
These little pooches love human company and require constant attention. Without enough attention, they can become destructive. Their strong prey drive makes them problematic in households with smaller animals, including cats.
Due to these traits, Jack Russell Terriers are not well-suited for individuals with a busy lifestyle. Also, their stamina and willpower can be a challenge for first-time owners. These agile hunting dogs make fun-loving family companions.
A Jack Russell Terrier’s coat can be rough or smooth. Grooming is fairly simple, and only weekly brushing is required to get rid of mats and tangles.
5. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is an extremely intelligent dog breed with high energy levels. Their driven and highly trainable nature makes them ideal for police and military use. But the same qualities make them challenging for dog owners with busy schedules.
These active and athletic dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay content. If not properly stimulated, Belgian Malinois can develop behavioral issues such as chewing or excessive barking.
Their need for structured activities makes them unsuitable for people who can’t commit to daily engagement and leadership.
Looking a lot like German Shepherds in appearance, Mals are quite playful and agile. They like to go for runs, hikes, and biking adventures with their owners. Belgian Malinois is also great at herding and tracking. Being fiercely loyal and protective of their humans, they make wonderful guard dogs.
6. Dalmatian
Recognized by their eye-catching spotted coats, Dalmatians are energetic dogs who need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They are a great fit for active individuals who love to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Dals love going for long walks, hikes, and playing outside the house. Busy people who cannot keep up with their energy needs should avoid having a Dalmatian. These fun-loving fellows should not be left alone for extended periods; otherwise, they can become anxious, restless, and destructive.
These dogs are also prone to hyperactivity and need daily physical and mental stimulation to avoid it. However, they require very little in the way of grooming. Only slight brushing will suffice, but they shed a lot. You can easily notice their short and smooth coat throughout the house.
Dalmatians make great family pets but are a bit challenging to train due to their strong-willed personality. Still, they are too smart and are considered to be highly trainable.
7. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is an active and strong breed known for its intelligence and high energy levels. They require at least two hours of vigorous exercise every day to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Without physical activity and daily mental challenges, they will become destructive.
They can even get anxious or depressed if not properly stimulated. Their high energy levels make them a poor choice for busy people who cannot take out enough time to exercise these pooches. Adopt a Weimaraner only if you can take them out for long walks and runs regularly.
Weimaraners thrive on routine and need proper attention from their human family. If their busy owner cannot provide this, they are likely to develop behavioral issues like separation anxiety and destructive habits.
Conclusion
Busy people also have the right to adopt a furry friend who could bring zest to their lives. While some low-maintenance dogs may be a good choice for them, other dog breeds should be strictly avoided. Usually, busy owners should not adopt high-energy dogs.
They will not be able to fulfil their exercise needs and provide adequate mental enrichment. Such people should also avoid high-maintenance dogs or pooches who thrive on constant human interaction. Lack of proper stimulation and company can lead to destructive behaviors in these canines.
