Not every dog lover has hours each day for grooming, training, and constant supervision—and that’s perfectly okay. Low-maintenance dog breeds offer all the love and companionship you want without demanding a high level of time or effort.
These dogs fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles while still providing affection, loyalty, and joy. Low-maintenance breeds often have easy-to-care-for coats, moderate energy levels, and adaptable temperaments.
They don’t require frequent trips to the groomer or endless exercise routines to stay happy. Many are content with simple walks, relaxed playtime, and plenty of cuddle moments.
Choosing a low-maintenance dog doesn’t mean compromising on personality. In fact, many of these breeds are known for being affectionate, calm, and highly adaptable.
We’ll explore dog breeds that make ownership simpler and more enjoyable—perfect for first-time owners, working professionals, or anyone seeking a stress-free canine companion.
Quick Insight: Research indicates that dogs with short coats, moderate energy levels, and fewer inherited health issues typically require less grooming, fewer vet visits, and less daily upkeep—perfect for busy owners.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds You’ll Love to Own
1. Boxer
The Boxer is a medium to large-sized dog that combines strength, intelligence, and an unmistakable playful personality. Originally bred in Germany for hunting, guarding, and even police work, Boxers have earned a reputation for courage, loyalty, and alertness.
They are muscular, high-energy dogs, making them ideal companions for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. Boxers are extremely affectionate personalities with their families, often forming strong bonds with children and adults alike, while maintaining a watchful eye over their home.
Exercise Needs: High – requires daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities.
Grooming: Low – weekly brushing and occasional baths; clean deep wrinkles as needed.
Space Requirements: Best suited for homes with a securely fenced yard; not ideal for prolonged periods of being left alone.
Despite their lively and sometimes boisterous nature, Boxers are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. They generally get along with other pets and strangers, although early socialization is recommended to help them develop good manners.
Britannica noted that while their grooming needs are minimal—weekly brushing and occasional baths—they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, compact dog with a friendly and lively personality. Often nicknamed the “American Gentleman” because of its tuxedo-like markings, the breed was originally developed in the United States for companionship and occasional ratting contests.
Boston Terriers are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and adaptability, making them excellent pets for both city apartments and suburban homes. They have a gentle disposition and a playful streak, often forming strong bonds with their families while getting along well with other pets.
Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks and short play sessions are usually sufficient.
Grooming: Low – short coat requires minimal brushing; occasional baths are fine.
Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments or houses; enjoys indoor play and cozy spaces.
Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise. Their short coat requires only occasional brushing, and their small size means they don’t require extensive exercise, although daily walks and playtime keep them happy and healthy.
They thrive on human companionship and respond well to positive training methods, making them ideal pets for first-time dog owners.
3. Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog renowned for its friendly, curious, and energetic personality. Originally bred in England for hunting rabbits and small game, Beagles possess an exceptional sense of smell and a strong instinct to follow scents.
Despite their hunting background, they are gentle and affectionate dogs, making excellent family pets. Beagles are social dogs who thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of household activities, making them well-suited for families and households with children.
Beagles are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their short coat, which requires only occasional brushing.
Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks and playtime are necessary to keep them happy.
Grooming: Low – short coat requires occasional brushing; occasional baths are sufficient.
Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments or houses; a secure yard is recommended due to their strong scent drive.
However, their high energy and natural curiosity mean they benefit from daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy walks, playtime, and scent-based games.
Beagles are intelligent and social but can sometimes be stubborn, so consistent, positive training is important. Their friendly nature generally allows them to get along with other dogs and pets, although their strong nose can sometimes lead them to wander if not securely contained.
4. Pug
Pugs are small, charming dogs with a history dating back to at least 400 B.C., making them one of the oldest companion breeds. Originally bred as lapdogs for royalty in China, Pugs are beloved for their cheerful, playful, and affectionate personalities.
These tiny dogs thrive on human companionship and are especially well-suited for families, singles, and apartment dwellers alike. Known for their expressive faces and distinctive wrinkled features, Pugs have a knack for bringing joy and laughter to any household.
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate – daily walks and playtime are sufficient.
Grooming: Low – short coat requires minimal brushing; occasional baths are fine.
Temperament: Friendly, cheerful, and affectionate; excellent with children, adults, and other pets.
Space Requirements: Great city dogs; enjoys cozy indoor environments.
Despite their playful nature, Pugs are relatively low-maintenance. Their short coat requires minimal grooming—occasional brushing is enough to remove loose hair. WebMD says they don’t need extensive exercise, but daily walks and playtime help maintain a healthy weight and keep them happy.
Pugs do best with regular veterinary care to prevent breed-specific health issues, such as breathing difficulties and eye problems, but overall, they are an easygoing, loving breed.
5. Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized, elegant dog known for its speed, grace, and gentle temperament. Originating from Northern England, Whippets have been depicted in artwork dating back to the Middle Ages and became one of the most popular breeds in the U.K. by the 2000s.
They are affectionate, quiet, and generally well-mannered, making them excellent companions for families or individuals seeking a calm and loyal pet. Despite their reputation as sprinters, Whippets are surprisingly adaptable to home life and enjoy lounging indoors as much as they enjoy outdoor exercise.
Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks and occasional sprinting sessions or playtime are ideal.
Grooming: Low – short coat requires minimal brushing; occasional baths are fine.
Temperament: Calm, gentle, and affectionate; generally friendly with family and pets.
Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments or houses; sensitive to cold and wet weather.
Whippets are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their short, smooth coat. However, due to their thin skin and lack of body fat, they are sensitive to cold or wet weather and may require a sweater or coat in chilly conditions.
While they don’t require hours of running, Whippets do benefit from regular exercise to stretch their long legs and explore their environment. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them great companions for both adults and older children.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds worldwide, celebrated for its friendly, outgoing personality and intelligence.
Originally bred in Newfoundland (not Labrador, as the name suggests) to help fishermen retrieve nets and catch fish, Labradors quickly became versatile working dogs and exceptional family companions.
They are known for their loyalty, gentle temperament, and eagerness to please, making them excellent pets for families, singles, and active households alike. Labradors are social dogs who thrive on human interaction and enjoy activities ranging from fetch and swimming to training exercises and outdoor adventures.
Exercise Needs: Moderate to high – daily walks, playtime, and activities like fetch or swimming are recommended.
Grooming: Low – short coat needs no extensive grooming; occasional baths are sufficient.
Temperament: Friendly, loyal, intelligent, and social; excellent with children, pets, and strangers.
Space Requirements: Adaptable to homes with yards or apartments if given sufficient exercise.
Despite their energetic nature, Labradors are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Their short, dense coat requires regular brushing to manage shedding, and occasional baths keep them clean.
While they are active dogs that need daily exercise, Labradors are generally easy to train and eager to participate in family life. Their friendly, adaptable nature makes them great with children, other pets, and strangers.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ultimate lapdog with a heart as big as its expressive eyes. These small, elegant dogs were originally bred as companion animals for royalty, and their devotion to humans hasn’t waned over the centuries.
Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle, and endlessly loyal, making them perfect family pets—or professional snuggle partners if you prefer. Just be warned: leave one alone for too long, and you may come home to a melodramatic welcome (or a few chewed slippers).
Despite their refined appearance, Cavaliers are fairly low-maintenance. They are happy in both city apartments and country homes, as long as they get their daily dose of exercise and mental stimulation.
Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks and playtime keep them happy and healthy.
Grooming: Low to moderate – regular brushing keeps their silky coat tangle-free; occasional baths are enough.
Temperament: Kind, gentle, and loyal; bonds strongly with family and enjoys socializing.
Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments or houses; happy wherever they can get plenty of attention.
Known for being easy-going, they are usually content lounging on the sofa, greeting guests politely (or dramatically), and participating in every aspect of family life, PDSA noted. While they may alert you with a bark if someone new shows up at the door, they’re not the type to keep the neighborhood awake all night
Conclusion
For busy pet parents and first-time pet parents, choosing low-energy dog breeds can make dog ownership enjoyable and stress-free. Best low-maintenance dogs like the Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, Bichon Frise, Italian Greyhound, Basset Hound, and Tibetan Spaniel are calm breeds with minimal grooming needs, low shedding, and minimal exercise needs, making them perfect for apartment living and city environments.
These intelligent breeds are wonderful companions, adaptable dogs, and often totally devoted to their furry friends, requiring only moderate exercise and occasional training sessions. With proper dog care, they remain happy dogs, calm nature intact, and make great family dogs for those seeking minimal maintenance without sacrificing companionship.
