Maybe you’ve fallen in love with those fluffy pooches after binge-liking pet videos on social media—trust us, we get it. That first spark of canine crush is hard to ignore.
But before you start dreaming of cuddling a charming Maltese or hugging a teddy bear-like Chow Chow, pause for a moment. While they may look irresistible, not all cute dogs are easy for first-time owners. Some require more time, effort, and patience than most beginners expect.
Becoming a pet parent is a joyful yet serious commitment. It’s essential to consider practical factors like grooming needs, health care, cost, energy levels, and your available time. Let’s help you choose a dog that fits your lifestyle—with ease and love, minus the overwhelm.
Low-Maintenance Dogs For First-Time Owners
Whether you’re drawn to a large, protective companion or a tiny lap dog you can take everywhere, it’s essential to think practically. Consider how much exercise, grooming, and companionship your future dog will need—and how much time you can truly give.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some low-maintenance dog breeds that are perfect for first-time owners. These pups are easygoing, require minimal training, and are an absolute joy to raise.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Origin
The Cavalier King Charles is a British toy breed that originated from the old English toy spaniels. It is known for its silky wavy coat, short legs, long floppy ears, and distinctive feathered features. But the most adorable trait in this puppy is its big, soulful, doe eyes and its happy and sweet nature.
This pooch is a unique combo of a gentle and royal lap dog and a sturdy sporting spaniel. This small dog is a dream to own for first-time dog owners who prefer a more attached and velcro puppy. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are incredibly smart and relatively easy to handle and train.
Unique Traits
The cavaliers have an elegant habit of sitting or lying down with their paws crossed, which adds to their regal and dignified appearance
Despite their small size, they have surprising energy levels and enjoy joining owners on hikes, walks, and trips to the park.
Fun Facts
The Cavaliers enjoy hiding in small, cozy spaces, such as under furniture or in nooks, for a sense of security and solitude.
2. Shih Tzu
Origin
The sophisticated, silky-coated people pleasers originated in China but also have a centuries-old connection with Tibet. This pooch was introduced to Europe and America in the 20th century and has since gained popularity and fame for its extremely cute appearance and friendly personality.
The Shih Tzu’s long coat, short snout, large, warm eyes, and loyal temperament make it a huge heartthrob. This furry combination of grace and love is not only a common pup but is also a hypoallergenic dog with minimal shedding.
Their flowy coats only need weekly brushing and occasional trimming to keep their shiny, soft, and smooth coats healthy.
They don’t need a big yard to play or extensive physical stimulation or training. Shih Tzus have a moderate energy level and need a small amount of daily exercise. Hence, it is also the best breed for apartment dwellers.
Unique Traits
All modern-day Shih Tzus are the descendants of only 14 puppies (7 males and 7 females). That miraculously survived the Chinese communist revolution, where Shih Tzu were killed because of their connection to Chinese nobility.
Fun Facts
Shih Tzus are also called “Chrysanthemum-Faced” Dogs. Because the hair on their face grows in every direction.
3. Basset Hound:
Origin
This stubby, short-legged scent hound originated in France and was developed in Great Britain by several extinct strains of 6th-century hounds and French basset breeds. This long-eared pup is a unique, mild-mannered, and lazy homebody with a low energy level and less exercise needs than other dogs.
PetMD says the calm demeanor pooch was created with a specific intention to build a low-to-the-ground dog that could be followed on foot by hunters who are looking for small game. The basset is the second-best scent hound in the world and is famous for its tracking and scenting skills.
This patient puppy loves to take their time with everything, whether they are on walks, on a tracking mission, or simply accompanying you on the trail.
But this zen doggo prefers to live life to the fullest and will smell every bush, rose, and purple orchid on the way. A basset hound has a short coat, but it does shed quite a lot; hence, it will need weekly brushing to maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
Unique Traits
This soulful-faced pooch adores snuggling and cuddling with its owners and is also a heavy sleeper who loves long, relaxing naps.
These pooches tend to be stubborn and independent, hence they will need to be adequately trained and properly socialized.
Fun Facts
The Hush Puppies shoe brand made a Basset Hound named Jason its mascot in the 1950s. Because his sleepy, and relaxed look perfectly matched the comfy-casual vibe the brand wanted.
Amazingly, this wrinkled forehead and floppy-faced pooch helped launch a footwear empire that’s still around today.
4. Beagle
Origin
Originally bred as hunting dogs in England, these tri-color, happy, and energetic scent hounds are extremely lovable dogs. That makes them great companions for families with children.
Beagles thrive in an active lifestyle and do shed a massive amount of fur, but are the easiest-going and highly trainable pooches in the world.
PDSA mentions this adorable dog’s personality as affectionate, adaptable, and even-tempered. All you need to do is provide them with enough exercise and take care of their mental stimulation needs. These happy-go-lucky dogs don’t need extensive grooming or require trips to the professional groomer.
They are extremely people-oriented and don’t like to stay alone for a long time, and can sometimes be strong-willed and relentless. But they are a big dose of joy and happiness for every dog owner.
Unique Traits
These beautiful dogs have been around a long time before the Roman Legions arrived in 55 B.C and were called “Foothounds of our country, indigenous to the soil.”
Fun Facts
The cartoon character Snoopy, known for his quirky, curious, and independent personality with a daydreaming nature and playful spirit from the Peanuts comic strips, is also a beagle.
5. French Bulldog:
Origin:
The perky bat-eared French Bulldogs originated in Great Britain and eventually became popular in France among Parisian ladies. Frenchies have minimal grooming needs but may have skin issues, due to which they may need regular visits to the vet.
They make wonderful companions for people who have a love for fashion and drama. These pooches will certainly boggle your mind with their clownish antics and dramatic behavior. These excellent watchdogs are a great pet for apartment living.
Orvis confirms the Frenchies are adaptable dogs and, due to their lightheartedness, rule the hearts of a massive number of Americans. Because these pooches have been reigning consistently for the last 3 years due to their extreme popularity.
These pooches look exceptionally cute when waddling around town or snoring on your couch. This flat-faced pooch with big, round eyes and a short muzzle is the ideal dog for first-time pet parents.
Unique Traits
Don’t be surprised if your French bulldog plays a prank on you or indulges in some mischief. Because these sassy pooches also have a flair for humor and are natural comedians, which is quite rare to find among dog breeds.
Fun Facts:
Despite the French being in their name, the Frenchies aren’t actually French but British. They were initially bred as miniature bulldogs and became favourites of lace workers who later migrated to France.
These miniature pups cannot swim because they have short legs and compact bodies. Hence, if your Frenchies ever want to try the swimming pool, make sure to get them a life jacket.
6. Maltese
Origin
The origin of the Mlatese is shrouded in the mist of history and lost somewhere in some scripture, buried in sand, or burned in Lava. But historians insist that these white silky-haired hypoallergenic pooches are indigenous to Malta, that is, around 60 miles away from Sicily, which is in Italy (the country that has also played some part in the history of the Maltese.
But what makes these pooches low-maintenance dog breeds? The Maltese needs very little grooming, due to minimal shedding. Needs less dog training and even less exercise. Because their bodies are too tiny and cannot handle too much exertion.
Continental Kennel Club says they stay content even while they are alone and will play with their toys enthusiastically for hours. Run around the house and keep themselves entertained.
Just make sure to take them for pampering sessions in the salon and get their hair trimmed to maintain their beautiful, lustrous coat, and that’s it. They don’t need much more from you.
Unique Traits
This Maltese is arguably the world’s first fad dog, which was a persistent motif in Roman culture. It was written about in poems, myths, fables, and symbolized in the scriptures for its loyalty.
Fun Facts
They are described as “little critics” when it comes to toys, having a refined taste for squeaky and durable chews.
Despite their daintiness, they are “notorious for their fearlessness” and will take on much larger dogs if their territory is threatened.
7. Pug
Origin
The pug originated in ancient China over 2,000 years ago and isn’t just a good dog but a great dog for a non-active person or an incredibly busy dog owner. Because these spunky, wrinkly goofs are the most laid-back and laziest pooches ever.
Purina UK states that Pugs have moderate grooming needs and are incredibly low-maintenance pets. These happy and curious dogs tend to eat a lot of dog food and are prone to obesity and breathing issues.
Because of their pushed-in snouts and lazy nature. But with a bit of regular exercise and some daily walks, these adorable dogs can not only survive but thrive in any household or environment.
Unique Traits
The friendly and social cuddle bugs snore as loudly as a jet plane.
Fun Facts
There have been a lot of royal pugs. Marie Antoinette had a Pug as a teenager that she named Mops.
8. Chihuahua
Origin
The Chihuahua is a popular Mexican dog breed that hails from the Mexican State of Chihuahua. These tiny pooches are the smallest recognized dog breed that originated from Mexico.
They come in two different types, commonly short-haired and long-haired chihuahuas. But there are also apple heads. deer head and Teacup chihuahuas.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the Chihuahuas are totally devoted to their owners and even possessive about them. They require basic obedience training to set boundaries. They make perfect lap dogs that require little exercise and do not consume a lot of space.
But they do have quite big personalities and will trouble you with their incessant barking and territorial instincts from time to time. Chihuahuas have descended from the ancient Techichi dogs and have expressive eyes, extremely prominent and big, perky, pointed ears, and an incredibly cute attitude.
Unique Traits
These small pooches are incredibly fragile and sensitive. Hence, they cannot survive in extreme cold weather conditions. Hence, make sure to get your Chihuahuas fancy sweaters and cozy jackets (or else they’ll freeze)
Fun Facts
The famous Briar Woods from the movie Legally Blonde was a Chihuahua.
The Aztecs loved these pooches a lot and believed they had magical healing powers.
9. Brussels Griffon
Origin
This distinct and unusual-looking monkey-faced dog hails from Belgium and was originally bred to hunt and kill rats. The Brussels griffon is an extremely intelligent and sturdy pooch. It has a fringed beard and short muzzle, and prominently beautiful eyes.
Omlet explains that these delightful dogs are smart, sassy, and completely obsessed with themselves. Because they know their worth and beauty. If you look at a Brussels griffon, you’ll see a tiny philosopher who often behaves like a spunky know-it-all.
These dogs are highly energetic, but they do not need a lot of exercise. They are quite easy to train and only require basic training; they don’t need to hire a professional dog trainer. These pooches form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like being left alone for long periods.
Unique Traits
These pooches are distinct and rare and are one of the most searched dog breeds in the world (These pups have a high demand).
They are extremely distrustful and wary of strangers.
Fun Facts
They are called Griffs for short and were used to hunt and kill rats in the carriages and stables of Belgium.
Conclusion
Now, you might have understood what we meant by choosing the right dog breed rather than your Instagram favorite. Choosing the best dog for you should not be based on some visceral thoughts or some superficial attributes like looks and beauty. But rather on based on the temperament, needs, and behavior of these precious pups.
If you haven’t felt that zing or flutter in your heart by reading about these beautiful and affectionate dogs, then here are some more options for furry companions to choose from. Like the Havanese, which hails from Havana and also belongs to the barbichon family like the bichon frise and the Maltese, it doesn’t need a lot of daily exercise or maintenance to keep it healthy and happy.
The American gentleman or the Boston terrier is also a great option. As it is a smart dog and can be taught to do a lot of tricks, like serving as your wingman in important events, for some lady luck. Also, the popular trendy Shiba Inus are cool puppies who groom themselves like cats and require little grooming to keep them in a tip-top shape.
P.S. Many Low-maintenance dog breeds may only need 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily and require grooming only once a week. They are less prone to separation anxiety and a dream to raise and own.
