Low maintenance dogs are a delight to have. They are happy to relax on the couch, enjoy indoor time and don’t require intense training or exercise, which makes them perfect for people with busy schedules who can’t care for a high maintenance pup.
If you work long hours or simply prefer a calmer lifestyle, these easygoing breeds can make dog ownership wonderfully enjoyable.
They are adaptable and won’t give you a hard time as long as you start training early, stay consisten and offer treats as encouragement. That gentle approach helps them grow into mellow, sweet companions.
These breeds follow simple routines and naturally fit into your daily schedule, so handling them is rarely a challenge.
Key Takeaways
Regular exercise, even in small amounts, helps maintain a healthy routine without demanding too much time.
Whether you want a loyal breed, a gentle couch potato, or an adaptable dog, there’s a low-maintenance companion perfectly suited to relaxed living.
Some gentle giants surprisingly have low energy levels and prefer cozy naps over extensive exercise.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds: Perfect for a Relaxed Life
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a favourite among people who want an easygoing, low-maintenance companion. With those signature bat-like ears and a naturally affectionate nature, the Frenchie brings charm to any home, especially apartment living, according to the American Kennel Club.
They don’t bark much, they adapt quickly to routines, and they don’t demand hours of outdoor exercise. A short daily walk or a playful moment indoors is usually enough to keep them happy.
Their smooth coat sheds lightly and needs only simple weekly brushing, and while they do require regular cleaning of their facial folds, overall grooming is quite manageable. Frenchies thrive on human company and get along well with families, singles, and other pets.
Like all flat-faced breeds, they can struggle in heat and should be kept cool and comfortable. With gentle training and basic socialization, the Frenchie grows into a well-mannered, loyal companion, ideal for anyone seeking a relaxed, loving dog without high-maintenance needs.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of those dogs that quietly settles into your life and makes everything feel softer. Small, affectionate, and incredibly people oriented, Cavaliers were bred to be companions and it still shows.
They love being close to their families, whether you live in a busy apartment or a quiet home, and they adapt easily as long as they get simple daily exercise and attention, as explained by PDSA.
Their gentle personality makes them a favourite for relaxed households, especially those looking for a dog that is easy to train and eager to please.
A bit of routine brushing, regular walks, and basic socialisation keep them happy. While the breed can be prone to certain health issues, choosing responsible breeders and keeping up with regular vet care helps reduce risks.
For anyone wanting a sweet-natured, low-maintenance dog who thrives on companionship, the Cavalier is a warm, loyal presence every single day.
3. Greyhound
Despite their reputation as the world’s fastest dogs, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-maintenance companions. Their long, elegant history, stretching back to ancient civilizations, shows how deeply they’ve been valued, yet today’s Greyhound is far more relaxed than its athletic build suggests.
A short daily sprint in a safe, fenced area is usually enough to satisfy their need for speed. Beyond that, they’re gentle, quiet dogs who spend most of their time lounging peacefully at home.
Their short, smooth coat makes grooming easy, and they tend to be affectionate without being demanding. However, their strong chase instinct means they should stay on-lead outdoors and away from small animals they may see as prey.
Italian Greyhounds, the miniature version of the breed, carry the same graceful charm in a smaller, equally gentle package.
Both breeds thrive in calm homes, bonding closely with their families and offering a soft, comforting presence to anyone seeking a relaxed, low-effort companion.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers may look sharp in their tuxedo coats, but behind that polished appearance is a cheerful, easygoing companion perfect for relaxed homes. Small, sturdy, and full of personality, they love being around people and have a playful confidence that brings lightness to any room.
Their compact size makes them great apartment dogs, and their grooming needs are minimal, a weekly brush and the occasional bath usually do the job.
What makes Boston Terriers especially appealing for low-maintenance living is their balanced energy. They enjoy daily walks and simple games but don’t demand endless activity. Their affectionate nature means they thrive on companionship, often forming strong bonds with their families.
While they can be sensitive and may dislike being left alone too long, their gentle temperament and adaptability make them wonderful pets for city dwellers or anyone wanting a friendly, manageable dog that brings joy without overwhelming care needs.
5. Basset Hounds
With their soulful eyes, long ears, and slow, thoughtful trot, Basset Hounds have a charm that instantly melts hearts. They’re famously laid-back dogs, happiest when life moves at an easy, unhurried pace.
Originally bred to track rabbits, they still love following scents, but at home they settle into a calm, lovable rhythm that suits relaxed households, as stated by Orvis.
Their short coat is simple to maintain, and their gentle nature makes them wonderful companions for families looking for a low-maintenance dog with a big personality.
While they can be vocal and a bit stubborn during training, their affectionate, steady temperament more than makes up for it. A couple of leisurely walks and some light play are usually enough to keep them content, according to Orvis.
Above all, Basset Hounds want to be close to their people. For anyone seeking a mellow, good-natured dog who brings warmth and quiet joy to everyday life, the Basset Hound is a comforting, loyal choice.
6. Pug
The Pug is one of those dogs that instantly win you over with their wrinkly charm and big, soulful eyes. Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, this little companion eventually found its way into royal courts, and today, into the hearts of laid-back dog lovers everywhere.
With their compact size, short coat, and famously expressive face, Pugs are easy to care for and even easier to love. They thrive on simple routines: a few short, gentle walks, plenty of indoor time, and endless cuddles on the couch.
Their flat face means they’re not built for intense exercise, which actually makes them a great fit for people who prefer a slower pace.
Despite the occasional snort or snore, and yes, they can be a bit gassy, Pugs are affectionate, people-pleasing companions who just want to be included in everyday life. For first time pet parents seeking a friendly, low-maintenance breed, the Pug fits beautifully.
7. Whippet
Whippets may look like mini Greyhounds, and that’s no coincidence, they were originally bred from the same elegant line and once helped workers hunt rabbits.
When city life took over, people discovered the breed’s love for chasing a simple waving flag, and “Whippet racing” soon became a working class pastime. Officially recognised in 1888, the Whippet has since become a beloved companion known for its gentle spirit.
Despite their incredible speed, Whippets are famously calm, loyal, and happiest when curled up with their families. They adore children, rarely bark, and often prefer a long nap on the sofa over endless activity.
Find the perfect daily feeding amount for your dog in seconds with dog food calculator.
While they enjoy a daily burst of exercise, they’re just as content to head home and snuggle under a blanket, especially in cold weather, which they truly dislike. Light grooming and gentle training suit them best, and with proper socialisation, they remain friendly, sensitive, and wonderfully easy to live with.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog can truly bring peace and balance to your daily life, especially when you explore low-maintenance dog breeds perfect for a relaxed life.
From the affectionate Shih Tzu to the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these calm breeds prove that loyal companionship doesn’t require extensive exercise or complicated routines.
Even French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Basset Hounds, often called adorable little couch potatoesthrive on short walks, indoor playtime, and occasional brushing, making them wonderful companions for first-time dog owners and busy professionals.
Some larger breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and other incredibly gentle giants, show that even big dogs can have a calm disposition and minimal grooming needs.
Whether you prefer the elegance of an Italian Greyhound, the charm of long-haired Chihuahuas, or the friendly nature of adaptable dog breeds, these low maintenance companions all share one thing: a gentle temperament and an affectionate personality that fits perfectly into a peaceful home.
