Not everyone has the time (or patience) for a high-drama diva pup that needs daily grooming, endless training, and constant activity. If your ideal dog is more go-with-the-flow than go-go-go, you’re in the right place.
Low-maintenance puppy breeds are the unsung heroes of the canine world, offering companionship, cuteness, and loyalty without demanding your entire calendar. These pups are perfect for busy professionals, first-time dog owners, or families who want the joy of a pet without the stress of constant upkeep.
They’re easy to groom, relatively simple to train, and don’t need hours of exercise to be happy. But don’t mistake their chill vibe for lack of love—these low-maintenance dogs still adore belly rubs, lazy cuddles, and short walks with their favorite human.
Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment or simply want a dog that fits seamlessly into your routine, low-maintenance breeds make owning a pup refreshingly simple. So, if you’re ready to meet some of the easiest, most lovable companions out there, let’s take a look at the dog breeds that practically raise themselves.
Low-Maintenance Puppy Breeds
1. French Bulldog
Vibe: Charming, compact, and a master of the side-eye
Frenchies are the kings (and queens) of the effortless lifestyle. With their adorable bat ears and wrinkly grins, they look like they’re up to something mischievous—but they’re more into lounging than launching into chaos.
French Bulldogs are small, sturdy dogs known for their short snouts, broad, flat faces, and prominent bat-like ears. When fully grown, they typically weigh less than 28 pounds and measure between 11 and 13 inches in height.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Short coat = zero fluff drama
✔️ Low energy needs—short walks, big naps
✔️ Thrives in apartments and small spaces
✔️ Happy to chill indoors all day (preferably on your lap)
Their short coat means grooming is minimal, they don’t require much exercise, and they’re perfectly happy snoozing while you binge-watch your favorite series. Also, they rarely bark—unless it’s about something important, like snack time.
PetMD says the most important consideration before getting a French Bulldog puppy is the breed’s susceptibility to various health problems. Because of their unique anatomy, Frenchies may experience breathing difficulties, overheating, birthing complications, allergies, and spinal issues.
French Bulldogs easily adjust to living with singles, couples, or families and don’t need much outdoor exercise. They are friendly with other pets and love meeting new people.
Just be mindful of hot weather—they’re not fans of the heat. But otherwise? A Frenchie is practically the definition of low-effort, high-reward love.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Vibe: Graceful cuddlebug with a heart full of love
Yes, they look fancy. No, they don’t act like it. Cavaliers are delightfully easygoing and adapt well to all kinds of lifestyles—from active households to the ultimate couch potato life.
These friendly dogs have a calm and gentle nature, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. They are currently ranked as the 14th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
According to Wikipedia, Cavaliers excel in conformation shows, obedience, and agility. Their sweet, gentle nature also makes them excellent therapy dogs.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Mellow personality—hardly ever makes a fuss
✔️ Easy to train and super social
✔️ Low to moderate exercise needs (they’re more into cuddling than cardio)
✔️ Perfect for first-time dog owners
Their silky coat might seem like it needs a glam squad, but it’s pretty easy to manage with a regular brush. Training? A breeze. Cavaliers live to please and are one of the friendliest breeds you’ll ever meet.
These little dogs need a moderate amount of exercise each day, with two 20- to 30-minute walks being adequate. They also enjoy activities like playing tug-of-war or running through an agility course at the dog park.
They’ll happily follow you from room to room, nap next to you, and offer unconditional love—without the chaos that sometimes comes with raising a puppy.
3. Pug
Vibe: Goofy grandpa energy in a puppy-sized package
With a smooshy face and a heart of gold, the pug is a comedian disguised as a dog. One of the oldest and most popular breeds, pugs are born to be companions. They’re low-energy, low-fuss, gentle dogs high on cuddles and charm.
Pugs are a highly affectionate breed that loves receiving attention from their owners. These small dogs enjoy being involved in daily household activities and are eager to please their people. Because Pugs are sensitive to heat and humidity, they are best suited for homes where they will spend most of their time indoors.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ No constant grooming—just a quick brush and face wipe
✔️ Gets along with everyone, even nosy toddlers
✔️ Big lovebug vibes in a small body
✔️ Okay with apartment life and short play sessions
Just watch out for snoring—it’s part of the pug charm.
As per WebMD, Pugs may bark to alert you when someone unfamiliar arrives, but they’re generally not loud or overly vocal dogs. They aren’t territorial and typically greet newcomers with enthusiasm. Their friendly, non-aggressive nature makes them better companions than watchdogs.
Pugs don’t need a lot of exercise (short daily walks will do), and their short coat is a breeze to maintain. They’re also famously tolerant with kids and remarkably chill when life gets loud.
Pugs are generally motivated by food, making them fairly easy to train. Using positive reinforcement is the most effective approach for this breed.
4. Basset Hound
Vibe: Low rider with a nose for snacks and a passion for naps
Don’t let the droopy face fool you—Basset Hounds are pure joy in slow motion. They’re famous for their relaxed attitude, adorable ears, and impressive sniffing skills.
Basset Hounds are compact, solidly built dogs that typically stand under 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. Their name comes from the French word basset, meaning “short” or “low-set,” which reflects their close-to-the-ground build.
Although Basset Hounds were originally bred for hunting, they are now known for their laid-back nature and are most often kept as companion animals. They are typically affectionate and friendly, getting along well with both children and other pets.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Chill energy—long naps over long walks
✔️ Low grooming needs (despite the extra-long ears)
✔️ Sweet, loyal, and hilarious in their stubbornness
✔️ Perfect for relaxed households
They have a short, smooth coat, but they still require constant grooming to keep their fur clean and healthy. They are friendly dogs, but some may struggle with being left alone for extended periods and could develop separation anxiety.
A drawback of Bassets is their tendency to bark frequently. They have a loud, baying bark, which they use when they’re excited or frustrated. While training can help reduce their barking, they’re not likely to be a silent companion.
5. Italian Greyhound
Vibe: Elegant, sensitive, and secretly a professional blanket burrito
If a ballerina and a couch potato had a baby, it’d be the Italian Greyhound. These sleek little sweethearts are graceful, affectionate, and surprisingly low-maintenance dogs.
It is the smallest of the sighthound breeds, standing between 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 7 to 14 pounds.
These tiny dogs, also referred to as the Italian Sighthound, were originally bred in the Mediterranean region and primarily served as a companion dog for the affluent.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Low-shedding and low-smelling
✔️ Short bursts of play, then nap mode activated
✔️ Tiny enough to be carried, if needed
✔️ Velcro-dog levels of loyalty
Just keep them warm—they’re not fans of the cold and will insist on sweaters, thank you very much.
They don’t need much grooming (hello, short coat!), and they’re content with zoomies around the house followed by epic snooze sessions. Bonus: They barely shed and have that minimalist, low-dog-odor vibe.
Italian Greyhounds may initially appear shy and reserved, but they typically respond to strangers with openness rather than aggression.
They are athletic, agile, and intelligent, though their stubborn nature can make house training a challenge. With consistent training, praise, and rewards, you can successfully teach your Italian Greyhound.
6. Maltese
Vibe: Pocket-sized fluffball with main-character energy
The Maltese may look like a diva, but they’re surprisingly low-maintenance, especially if you keep their coat trimmed short (a “puppy cut” is your best friend).
These dogs make alert watchdogs, displaying fearlessness in a charming, toy-dog manner. They are also energetic little athletes on the agility course. Their white coat often earns them the label of “hypoallergenic” dog.
These low-maintenance companions are deeply attached to their family and prefer to stay close to their owners. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
They’re sweet, affectionate, and don’t require much exercise, making them great for apartments or older owners. Despite their royal appearance, these dogs just want to be close to their humans, and look fabulous while doing it.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Happy indoors and super adaptable
✔️ Loves short walks and lap time
✔️ Minimal shedding with proper grooming
✔️ Small size = small messes and small beds!
Pro tip: they’re natural charmers, so good luck saying “no” to that face.
Like all dogs, Maltese enjoy daily activity but don’t need intense exercise to stay physically or mentally healthy. They’ll be happy taking a walk around the neighborhood, playing in the backyard or living room, and learning new tricks.
7. Shih Tzu
Vibe: Royal roots, lapdog lifestyle
Don’t let the flowing hair fool you—Shih Tzus are surprisingly undemanding. Bred to be companions to Chinese royalty, they’re pros at indoor life and live for attention.
While their long coat can be high-maintenance, keeping it in a short puppy cut makes grooming super manageable. They’re affectionate, great with families, and pretty adaptable when it comes to energy levels.
Shih Tzus are very social and adapt easily to people and other pets in the household. They don’t require much space, making them a great choice for owners in homes of all sizes. Just be sure they have enough room to play to keep them happy and content.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Loves indoor lounging over outdoor adventures
✔️ Minimal exercise needs (unless it’s following you around the house)
✔️ Happy in small spaces and with kids
✔️ Grooming is easy with the right haircut
They’re tiny, snuggly emperors who ask only for love—and maybe a cute bow or two.
Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of exercise, as they were originally bred to be indoor companions. These royal pets spent much of their time lounging inside palaces, making them well-suited for a relaxed, indoor lifestyle.
The Shih Tzu was originally bred as an “alert dog,” and that instinct remains strong—these dogs will still bark to notify their owners of anything or anyone new entering their space, even after centuries.
8. Havanese
Vibe: Fluffy, friendly, and practically born to charm
Originally known as the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle, the Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba.
The Havanese is a little bundle of sunshine. Despite their silky coat, they’re not difficult to manage—again, a puppy trim makes life much easier. These small dogs are incredibly social, adapt well to most homes, and don’t need a ton of exercise.
They are extremely affectionate and, with proper supervision, socialization, and training from a young age, they tend to be well-behaved around children and other dogs.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Compact and cuddle-ready
✔️ Easy to train—even for first-timers
✔️ Flexible energy—playful but not hyper
✔️ Doesn’t need long walks or big spaces
Bonus: They’re not yappy or bossy like some toy breeds—just sweet, sassy, and here for the cuddles.
Havanese dogs are highly intelligent, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to training when it’s incorporated into playful games and reinforced with positive methods.
Havanese dogs have naturally long coats that require regular grooming. However, pet parents can simplify their grooming routine by opting for a short “puppy cut” to keep their dog’s coat manageable.
9. Bullmastiff
Vibe: Giant body, gentle heart, low energy
Think large dogs are high maintenance? Think again. The Bullmastiff is surprisingly chill. Despite their size, they’re incredibly laid-back, low-energy, and not at all hyper.
According to the AKC, the Bullmastiff is slightly smaller than its close relative, the Mastiff. However, standing up to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 100 and 130 pounds, it is still a very large and powerful dog.
Bullmastiffs are highly intelligent dogs and typically pick up new commands and skills quickly during training. Bullmastiffs require daily exercise, such as long walks and playtime in a fenced yard. However, they aren’t suitable as running companions, as they lack the stamina to run long distances.
The Bullmastiff is a loyal and affectionate giant, ideally suited for a home with older children and a calm, peaceful environment.
Low-Maintenance Points
✔️ Short coat = very low grooming needs
✔️ Calm and quiet—no zoomies here
✔️ Extremely loyal, protective, and affectionate
✔️ Prefers lounging to lunging
They’re like giant teddy bears who just want to sit near you (or on you), and they’ll defend your couch with quiet dignity and a lot of drool.
Grooming? Minimal. They love being close to their humans, are great watchdogs, and have a naturally calm, confident vibe that makes them amazing for experienced owners looking for a relaxed canine companion.
Bullmastiffs are gentle giants with a calm temperament. They are not typically anxious or fearful, but they may feel uneasy around new people or animals if they haven’t been properly trained and socialized.
These dogs are generally quiet and don’t tend to bark excessively, though they will alert their family with barking if something seems unusual.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a low-maintenance dog breed, factors like minimal grooming needs, manageable energy levels, and basic training requirements are key for many pet parents. Other low-maintenance dog breeds such as the Boston Terrier, Chihuahua (including long-haired Chihuahuas), Shiba Inu, and even Greyhounds are also some of the best options when looking for affectionate dogs. These petite dog breeds and some medium-sized dogs are ideal for apartment living, especially due to their often calm demeanor, obedience training potential, and modest need for daily exercise or regular walks.
Many of these dogs are affectionate, sweet-tempered, and devoted, making them great companions for individuals or families. Some, like the Chihuahua, may have a double coat or medium-length fur, requiring only weekly brushing or just a few baths to keep their coat healthy. Though some dogs are prone to ear infections or heart disease, choosing the right dog and performing simple care like ear cleaning and regular brushing go a long way. While large dogs and gentle giants may need more space and enough exercise, many low-maintenance dogs are adaptable dogs that need only as much exercise as suits their size and temperament. Whether you’re looking for the perfect lap dog, a loyal dog, or one that’s fairly lazy, there’s a perfect low-maintenance dog out there to match your lifestyle.
