Have you ever wished for a calm, easy dog that fits your relaxed lifestyle without demanding constant activity?
Many busy owners feel the same. Life gets full, schedules get tight, and finding low-maintenance dog breeds for a relaxed lifestyle can feel like a small dream.
According to the AKC, dogs need daily physical activity to stay healthy and reduce stress, but short, regular walks are enough for many dogs to stay balanced. This is great news for apartment living, tight schedules, and pet parents who prefer low-energy dogs.
Low-maintenance dog breeds are mellow, calm, and simple to care for. They offer low-maintenance grooming, minimal brushing, and a sweet temperament that makes them laid-back companions.
When you choose the right breed, life feels softer, quieter, and far less stressful—just the way a relaxed home should be.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for a Relaxed Lifestyle
1. French Bulldog
Have you ever wanted a dog that feels calm the moment you walk through the door?
The French Bulldog is one of the best low-maintenance breeds for a relaxed home because of its gentle temperament and simple daily needs. Their calm temperament and easygoing nature make them perfect for apartment living, busy owners, and tight routines.
They enjoy spending time close to their owners, lounging around, and joining you in calm indoor activities. French Bulldogs‘ coat is easy to maintain, requiring little more than a weekly wipe-down.
According to PetMD, dogs with simple grooming needs are easier to manage and fit well into homes where time is limited. French Bulldogs have mellow energy and are content relaxing at home, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
Their sweet temperament also makes them excellent companions for people who want a calm, affectionate dog that blends into a peaceful lifestyle.
Fun fact
French Bulldogs can’t swim well because of their short legs and heavy heads, so many owners buy them tiny life jackets for beach days—making them one of the cutest “gentle giants” in the kiddie pool.
2. Basset Hound
Have you ever imagined a dog that moves at the same slow, steady pace as your relaxed home?
The Basset Hound is one of the most classic dog breeds, thanks to its soft temperament and calm demeanor. This breed loves slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and quiet evenings with pet parents who enjoy a peaceful home.
Their smooth coat has minimal grooming needs, so even busy owners can keep up with their care. Regular light brushing is enough for dogs with simple coats, keeping the skin clean without extensive grooming. This makes the Basset Hound an easy choice for anyone who prefers a dog with less upkeep.
They fit well with apartment dwellers, other pets, and even children because of their friendly temperament and steady energy. This breed moves at its own pace and enjoys short strolls without needing high-energy play.
Their gentle nature makes them one of the best low-maintenance breeds for people with a busy lifestyle.
Fun fact
Although they look slow, Basset Hounds have one of the strongest noses in the dog world — second only to the Bloodhound — meaning your “couch potato” could track a snack from across the house!
3. Pug
Have you ever wanted a tiny companion who instantly makes your home feel warmer?
Pugs are a medium-sized dog and among the most charming breeds for a relaxed home. Their calm nature, affectionate temperament, and playful personality make them ideal for busy owners, apartment living, or anyone who enjoys quiet time.
With a short coat and minimal grooming needs, Pugs are perfect for pet parents who prefer simple upkeep. Dogs with easy grooming routines are ideal for owners who want companionship without constant maintenance.
They are generally low-energy dogs and are happiest with light activity and indoor fun, adapting well to busy households.
Pugs bond closely with their families and enjoy forming strong connections without demanding constant attention. Their sweet temperament and affectionate nature make them great companions for people of all ages.
Fun fact
Pugs have a natural talent for making funny faces! Their wrinkled foreheads and big eyes let them express emotions almost like humans, earning them nicknames like “the little clown of the dog world.”
4. Dachshund
Have you ever met a dog so small yet full of personality that it instantly brightens your day?
Dachshunds are perfect low-maintenance dogs for a relaxed home. Their compact size and adaptability make them ideal for indoor use and short outings, even in apartments or smaller homes.
Dachshunds have moderate exercise needs, enjoying brief walks and interactive play without demanding excessive activity. Their smooth single coat (unlike a double coat found in some breeds) is simple to care for, requiring only occasional brushing, and they shed minimally.
Dachshunds are independent yet affectionate, thriving in homes that enjoy relaxed routines and occasional play. These small dogs have a loving yet independent vibe, forming strong bonds with their families while being content to relax during quieter moments.
Their compact size and simple care routine make them perfect for busy pet parents seeking a playful yet low-maintenance dog.
Fun fact
Despite their short legs, Dachshunds were originally bred to dig out badgers from their dens — proving even the tiniest dogs can have mighty courage!
5. Greyhound
Have you ever been surprised to learn that one of the fastest dogs in the world can also be one of the calmest companions at home?
Greyhounds are a perfect example of low-maintenance dogs that require low exercise, unlike breeds with high energy demands. Despite their speed on the track, most Greyhounds are couch pups who enjoy lounging indoors for long stretches.
They enjoy daily walks but do not demand excessive exercise, which means they can relax for long hours indoors without becoming bored or anxious. Greyhounds are ideal for people seeking low-maintenance, large dogs because they are low-energy breeds that adapt well to quiet homes.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making care simple. They connect deeply with their owners while enjoying peaceful indoor life, making them gentle companions.
Fun fact
Despite being race dogs, Greyhounds are often called “couch potatoes” because they can sleep up to 18 hours a day when not running!
6. Whippet
Have you ever wished for a dog that is graceful, quiet, and perfectly content, curling up on the couch?
Whippets are an excellent example of low-maintenance larger breeds for a home routine. They are light and calm, making them ideal for apartment living or homes where busy owners prefer quiet time over energetic moments.
Whippets enjoy short daily walks and moderate activity levels, but they are generally low-energy dogs who adapt easily to quieter routines. Their short coat requires minimal grooming and sheds very little, which makes basic care simple for pet parents.
Whippets are perfect for those looking for a dog that is affectionate, adaptable, and easy to manage without constant upkeep. Whippets are affectionate without being demanding, content to spend quiet moments near their families.
Fun fact
Whippets can sprint up to 35 miles per hour, yet despite this speed, many are happy snoozing for hours indoors, earning them the nickname “the indoor racer”!
7. Boston Terrier
Have you ever met a dog that instantly lifts your spirits with its friendly personality?
Boston Terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds for a relaxed home routine. Known for their friendly temperament, ease of basic training, and easy-to-train nature, they form strong bonds with their families and thrive in homes where affection and soft interaction are valued.
Boston Terriers have an easy-care coat, perfect for pet parents who prefer minimal upkeep. Dogs with minimal grooming needs are perfect for people who want companionship without constant upkeep.
Boston Terriers have a moderate energy level and enjoy easy interactive play, short walks, and quiet evenings, making them great companions for apartment living.
Friendly and lively, Boston Terriers balance playtime with calm indoor relaxation, fitting smoothly into any home routine.
Fun fact
Despite their tuxedo-like markings and small size, Boston Terriers are known as the “American Gentleman” and often appear to tip their heads politely when greeting people!
Conclusion
So, are you ready to welcome a dog that fits your relaxed lifestyle?
These seven low-maintenance breeds show that you can enjoy the love of a maintenance dog without constant grooming or excessive exercise. Each one is a laid-back companion, good-natured, and adaptable to apartment living or busy schedules.
Whether you want a low-energy dog for quiet evenings, a breed with minimal grooming needs, or a dog that forms strong bonds without energetic moments, choosing the right breed can make a big difference.
Imagine curling up on the couch with a calm companion who enjoys short walks and your company just as much as you enjoy theirs.
Low-maintenance breeds like these bring joy without stress. They are excellent choices for busy owners, pet parents, and anyone seeking an affectionate dog that adapts easily to life’s rhythm.
Which breed feels like the perfect match for you?
Ready to meet your new easygoing companion today?
