Owning a dog can be a joyful experience, but it also comes with expenses. Between food, grooming, veterinary care, and everyday care, costs can add up quickly. For those on a tight budget or anyone seeking an easygoing companion, low-maintenance dog breeds are the perfect solution.
These dogs are affordable to care for, have simple grooming needs, and are generally healthy and resilient. Breeds like the Beagle, Boston Terrier, and Chihuahua often require minimal grooming, have moderate food needs, and are generally easygoing companions.
They offer affection, loyalty, and companionship without the high upkeep that some breeds demand. This makes them ideal for first-time dog owners, busy families, or anyone seeking a loving dog that’s simple to maintain.
We’ll explore not-so-high-maintenance dog breeds that combine personality, charm, and low-maintenance living. These dogs prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the unconditional love and companionship of a canine friend. If you want a budget-friendly pup with minimal hassle and maximum heart, these breeds are a perfect fit.
Quick fact: Some small dogs are naturally low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming, moderate exercise, and fewer health interventions. Selecting these breeds can save time and money while still offering loyal, loving companionship.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Tight Budgets
1. Beagle
Best for: Families, active individuals, or anyone who loves a cheerful, sociable dog that thrives on companionship and exploration.
Beagles are the quintessential happy-go-lucky companions—friendly, curious, and endlessly energetic. These small-to-medium hounds are packed with personality, making them great for families, singles, or couples who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Originally bred for hunting, but they’re also loved as companion pets. This breed is fairly low-maintenance, just regular exercise and minimal grooming needs.
Beagles are social butterflies who thrive on interaction, whether it’s with their human family, other dogs, or the occasional squirrel that dares cross their path.
Although compact, Beagles have a nose for adventure. Daily walks, playtime, and sniffing excursions are essential to keep them mentally and physically satisfied. They’re intelligent, eager to please, and respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement training—though sometimes their curiosity can lead them into mischief if left unsupervised.
Beagles make the perfect balance of energetic explorer and loyal family companion. They’re the kind of dog that greets every day with a wagging tail and a big smile, ready to bring joy (and a little playful chaos) wherever they go.
2. Chihuahua
Best for: Anyone who wants a tiny, loyal, and loving dog with a big personality—and doesn’t mind a little sass along the way.
Chihuahuas may be pint-sized, but they pack a personality that’s larger than life. Chihuahuas are lively and confident members of the toy group. Devoted to their families, they make excellent lap dogs and constant companions.
These tiny pups are adaptable and easygoing—as long as they’re by your side. Their small size and graceful nature make them ideal for calm, cozy homes where they can snuggle up and enjoy life close to their favorite humans.
Their compact size means they don’t need a lot of space to burn off energy, so city apartments, small homes, or frequent travelers will find them ideal.
Chihuahuas also come in two coat types: smooth and long-haired. Smooth-coat Chihuahuas are basically low-maintenance glamour dogs—occasional brushing and regular baths keep them looking sharp.
Long-haired Chihuahuas require a bit more TLC to avoid mats, but with a few gentle brush strokes, they’ll remain silky, shiny, and totally Instagram-ready.
Small in stature but enormous in heart, Chihuahuas are the perfect companions for people who want a dog that’s affectionate, spirited, and always ready to keep life interesting—sometimes with a little sass for flavor.
3. Dachshund
Best for: People who enjoy bonding through positive reinforcement training and love a clever, curious companion.
Dachshunds are small dogs with big personalities—spunky, curious, and always ready for an adventure. PetMD noted that with their charming personality and iconic long, low-slung body, Dachshunds rank among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Playful and affectionate, they can be wonderful companions for first-time owners. These clever pups enjoy mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or scent-tracking games. Just be mindful during vigorous activities, as their long backs are prone to injury.
These sociable little hounds adore spending time with their families, but don’t be fooled: they have a streak of independence that makes training both important and rewarding. With a little patience and positive reinforcement, you’ll have a loyal, clever companion who will amaze you with both smarts and charm.
Despite their compact size, Dachshunds are true hounds at heart. Daily walks, playtime, or sniffing adventures in the yard are essential to keep them happy and healthy. Their grooming needs vary depending on the variety—smooth-coated, longhaired, or wirehaired—but overall, regular brushing and occasional baths are enough to keep their coats in tip-top shape.
Clever, courageous, and endlessly entertaining, Dachshunds bring a perfect balance of companionship, personality, and fun to any home. They’ll follow you around, charm every guest, and sneak their way into your heart before you even realize it.
4. Boston Terrier
Best for: City dwellers, apartment residents, or anyone who wants a low-shedding, adaptable pup that’s always ready for fun—or a snuggle.
Boston Terriers are the ultimate friendly, happy-go-lucky companions, perfect for the urban lifestyle. These little tuxedoed charmers have just enough pep to keep your days interesting, but not so much that you’ll need to run a marathon every morning.
Expect the occasional zoomie around your apartment—they’ll dash across the room like tiny, four-legged rockets—but a regular play session or a trip to the dog park is usually all it takes to satisfy their energetic streak.
When the zoomies are over, Boston Terriers transform into professional snugglers. Give them a cozy blanket or a warm lap, and they’ll happily settle in like they own the space (and maybe your heart, too).
Their short coat is low-shedding and easy to maintain, making them both budget- and time-friendly, without sacrificing affection or personality.
Friendly, playful, and endlessly adaptable, Boston Terriers are the perfect combination of fun and companionship—a dog who’s equally happy exploring the city streets or curling up beside you for a Netflix binge.
5. Shih Tzu
Best for: First-time dog parents, apartment dwellers, or anyone who loves a fluffy companion that doubles as a lap-warmer and mood-lifter.
The Shih Tzu is basically a walking cloud of charm, personality, and hair (lots of hair). These little lions are centuries-old royalty in dog form, bred to be pampered companions—and they’ve perfected the art of being absolutely lovable ever since.
Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and social, making them great for families, singles, or couples looking for a furry friend that’s equally happy cuddling on the couch or greeting guests with a wagging tail and an enthusiastic “hello!”
WebMD says Shih Tzus don’t require much room, making them perfect for pet owners in apartments or larger homes alike. Just be sure they have a little space to play so they stay happy and active.
Despite their luxurious coat, Shih Tzus are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to personality. They’re intelligent, adaptable, and easy to train for basic commands, though a little patience with grooming will go a long way if you want to maintain that signature flowing fur.
Many owners opt for a shorter, “puppy cut” for easier upkeep, while still keeping that signature fluffy appeal. Shih Tzus are small in size but big in personality. They thrive in homes where they’re loved, pampered, and included in everyday life.
If you want a dog who will happily snuggle for hours, brighten your day with funny expressions, and be a charming companion that fits perfectly into apartment living—or even a busy family schedule—this little lion is your perfect match.
6. French Bulldog
Best for: Busy individuals or families who want an easy-to-groom cuddle buddy that doesn’t demand tons of exercise. Also perfect for city-dwelling trendsetters and social media lovers who appreciate a dog with natural star power.
There’s a reason the French Bulldog topped the American Kennel Club’s most popular dog breeds list. These little charmers check every box: ridiculously cute, wonderfully smart, surprisingly adaptable, and irresistibly playful.
Their compact size and friendly nature make them the ultimate city-dwelling companions, and despite their laid-back appearance, they’re alert enough to double as pint-sized watchdogs when something catches their attention.
But don’t worry—Frenchies aren’t out here trying to join the Secret Service. When it’s time to slow down (which is often), they’re all about enjoying the simple pleasures: a cozy spot on the couch, a leisurely stroll around the block, or a short burst of playtime.
With their short coats, Frenchies are minimal shedders who require only basic grooming—an occasional bath, regular brushing, and a bit of facial-fold cleaning to keep them fresh and fabulous.
One important note for first-time dog parents: French Bulldogs can be prone to certain health issues, some of which can be costly, such as breathing problems.
Before you bring one home, it’s smart to research their veterinary and grooming needs so you know exactly what to expect. With proper care and attention, a Frenchie will reward you with endless love, snuggles, and a lifetime of hilarious facial expressions.
7. Pug
Best for: City-goers, families, and basically anyone who dreams of a pup that lives for the couch (and for you).
If you’re on the hunt for a dog that’s equal parts charming, mischievous, and hilariously expressive, the Pug is your little round soulmate.
These goofy, snorty bundles of joy are social butterflies through and through — they’ll happily befriend your mailman, the neighbor’s toddler, and the squirrel that definitely does not want to be friends. They’re fantastic city dogs and great companions for kids, young couples, older couples, and pretty much anyone who enjoys a dog that doubles as comedic relief.
Pugs are also certified relaxation specialists. Give them a comfy couch, a soft blanket, and a good Netflix lineup, and these happy dogs will settle in like they’re collecting a paycheck for it.
Sure, they still need minimal exercise (mostly to balance out their snack enthusiasm), but overall they are delightfully low-maintenance. Their grooming needs are minimal, which means more time for belly rubs, face squishes, or documenting their dramatic expressions for social media.
If you want a dog that will adore you, make you laugh daily, and match your energy level, whether you’re walking the city streets or binging an entire season of your favorite show, the Pug is ready to move in.
8. Maltese
Best for: First-time pet parents or allergy sufferers who want a dog that’s easy to socialize, easy to live with, and extremely easy to fall in love with.
Maltese are the perfect lap dogs — and honestly, they know it. These little snowballs have spent centuries perfecting the art of being adorable, charming, and just the right amount of dramatic.
They’re smart, friendly, and wonderfully trainable, which makes them fantastic family dogs and ideal companions for anyone welcoming a dog into their life for the first time.
One of the biggest perks? They’re considered hypoallergenic. With little to no shedding, they’re basically a dream come true for allergy sufferers and people who like their couches to remain fuzz-free.
While many pet parents choose to keep the coat short for low-maintenance practicality, the Maltese’s natural, long, flowing coat is nothing short of glamorous. A bit of regular brushing is all it takes to keep tangles at bay — think of it as a bonding session with your tiny, fluffy aristocrat.
Cute, smart, adaptable, and low on shedding… the Maltese checks every box for a budget-friendly, low-maintenance companion who looks like they stepped straight out of a luxury shampoo commercial.
9. Greyhound
Best for: Apartment dwellers, young couples, or busy professionals who want a loving pup that can keep up with them but also appreciates some quiet downtime.
Greyhounds may look like elite athletes (and technically, they are), but don’t let their aerodynamic build fool you—they are absolute champions of relaxation.
These dogs carry the elegant vibe of runway models but live the lifestyle of someone who hits the snooze button 14 times. They’re affectionate without being clingy, playful without being chaotic, and loyal without being demanding.
After a satisfying sprint or one dramatic burst of energy that lasts a grand total of three seconds, a Greyhound is more than happy to curl into a donut shape on your couch and silently judge your snack choices.
They don’t need endless exercise or expensive grooming routines, making them incredibly budget-friendly. Think of these calm dogs as the perfect mix of “low energy” and “high elegance,” ideal for people who want companionship without a constant to-do list.
Conclusion
Low-maintenance breeds for tight budgets—such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Bichon Frises, Italian Greyhounds, and mixed breeds—offer the perfect combination of loyalty, calm nature, and affordability for pet ownership. These little dogs, with adorable floppy ears and calm demeanor, are fairly lazy couch potatoes or moderately active companions suited to short walks and a busy lifestyle.
With minimal grooming needs, regular grooming, occasional ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and professional groomer visits as needed, vet costs and pet insurance remain manageable. Many are adaptable to other pets and larger dogs, making them ideal for families or individuals seeking a happy, obedient, and devoted companion. Choosing the right dog ensures a lifetime commitment to a loyal dog who fits seamlessly into a low-maintenance, budget-conscious home.
