Have you ever wished for a big dog that doesn’t demand endless walks, grooming sessions, or constant attention?
Believe it or not, some large dog breeds are surprisingly easy to care for—even with a busy lifestyle. While there’s no such thing as a “zero-maintenance” dog (you’ll still need to walk, feed, groom, and play with them), a few breeds stand out for being especially adaptable to hectic schedules.
These low-maintenance dog breeds require less time and effort than most, making them perfect for pet parents who want companionship without a high-maintenance commitment.
The breeds in this article bring more than just size; they offer calm temperaments, minimal grooming needs, and low energy demands. Whether you’re chasing toddlers or balancing a packed calendar, these dogs adapt beautifully.
From natural guardians to gentle giants, these seven breeds fit effortlessly into family homes, therapy settings, or peaceful rural spaces. Not sold on one yet? You just might be by the time we’re through.
Super Low-Maintenance Large Dog Breeds
Below are 7 super low-maintenance large dog breeds known for their easy care, calm personalities, and minimal grooming needs, perfect for owners seeking a big companion without big demands.
1. Greyhound
Don’t let their racing past fool you! Greyhounds are the couch potatoes of the dog world. These gentle dogs are incredibly calm, affectionate, and clean.
With their short coat and polite demeanor, they’re considered low maintenance in both grooming and behavior. They’re one of the best bets for anyone who wants a big dog with little upkeep.
Why Greyhounds Are Perfect for Lazy Owners
Despite being active dogs on the track, Greyhounds require only moderate exercise; a few short walks or sprints daily are enough.
They’re incredibly laid back at home, content to curl up on the couch and nap. This makes them one of the best dogs for lazy owners who want minimal physical activity without sacrificing companionship.
Easy Care Grooming Needs
Greyhounds have minimal grooming needs, no wiry coat, no double coat, and no need for a professional groomer. A quick brush weekly and just a few baths per year keep them looking sleek. Their naturally clean habits and low shedding make them one of the cleanest big dogs available.
2. Great Dane
Great Danes are the towering sweethearts of the dog world, massive in size but mellow in spirit. These gentle dogs are known for their affection, patience, and surprisingly low-maintenance routines.
Despite their height, they’re easy to manage at home, making them one of the most wonderful companions for laid-back families.
Calm But Capable
While they look like they need constant activity, Great Danes are actually content with moderate exercises like daily walks and relaxed play sessions.
Their calm demeanor and affectionate nature make them great for seniors, apartment dwellers, or anyone seeking a well-behaved, gentle housemate. They’re often considered the easiest large dog to own.
Minimal Grooming Effort
The Great Dane’s short coat sheds lightly most of the year. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), using a hound glove or grooming mitt weekly helps keep hair under control.
They’re a low-maintenance dog that requires no professional groomer, just some weekly brushing and a few baths annually.
3. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a low-energy, well-behaved, and extremely loyal breed. Known for its protective instincts and calm demeanor, it’s one of the most super low-maintenance large dog breeds you can find.
With minimal grooming and low exercise demands, Bullmastiffs are excellent choices for low-key pet parents.
Low Grooming, Low Fuss
This breed features a soft coat that requires weekly brushing and an occasional bath—no more. Their minimal grooming requirements save you trips to the groomer. As low-shedding dogs, they don’t leave a mess behind, making them great companions in clean households.
Ideal for Busy Owners
Bullmastiffs don’t need much exercise; a couple of short walks daily are sufficient. Their calm nature and loyalty make them great family pets for households with older kids or even other pets.
If you’re looking for a dog with low maintenance in both behavior and care, the Bullmastiff may be your perfect dog.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally bred in Africa for tracking lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a tough yet elegant breed with a surprisingly low-maintenance personality.
Though independent and athletic, they’re calm indoors and highly adaptable to modern households. These dogs are ideal for pet parents who want a big companion that’s easy to care for.
Confident Without Being Clingy
Ridgebacks have an independent nature and don’t struggle with separation anxiety, making them great for working families. They’re not overly demanding in affection, yet they bond strongly with their people.
With proper boundaries and moderate exercise, they become well-behaved, alert companions that don’t overwhelm first-time owners.
Sleek Coat, Simple Care
According to PetMD, Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed moderately, but their short coat has minimal grooming needs. They rarely have odor and stay clean with monthly baths and weekly brushing.
They’re ideal for those who want a low-maintenance breed that still looks sleek and polished without frequent trips to the groomer.
5. Anatolian Shepherd
If you’re looking for an intelligent breed that’s low-maintenance and loyal, the Anatolian Shepherd checks every box.
Originally bred to guard livestock, these dogs are independent, strong, and require little maintenance. They’re best suited to experienced owners who appreciate a protective yet calm companion.
Not Needy, Just Noble
These friendly dogs are known for their independent breed mindset. They don’t cling to you for attention, but still form deep bonds with family.
They don’t suffer much from separation anxiety and adapt well to quiet homes. They’re great companions for people with big yards and limited time.
Easy Grooming and Low Fuss
Despite their thick coat, Anatolian Shepherds are considered low-maintenance. They only need weekly brushing, not constant grooming.
Their coat sheds moderately but doesn’t require professional grooming. They’re an excellent choice among dog breeds with few maintenance needs.
6. Cane Corso
Muscular, confident, and devoted, the Cane Corso is a protective yet composed dog with a natural instinct to guard and bond.
Despite their size and strength, they’re surprisingly low maintenance when raised with structure. With the right training, they’re excellent companions for experienced owners seeking loyalty without chaos.
Minimal Grooming, Maximum Simplicity
According to Britannica, Cane Corsos have minimal grooming needs—just a quick brush once or twice a week and occasional bathing to keep their short coat in top shape.
They’re naturally tidy and rarely require help from a professional groomer, making them ideal for pet parents seeking an easy-care coat.
Start Strong, Stay Healthy
Early care is key with this intelligent breed. Cane Corso puppies should be fed large-breed puppy food, as Britannica notes, to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia later on.
Combine that with daily exercise and early training, and you’ve got one of the most well-behaved, low-maintenance dog breeds around.
7. Boerboel
Boerboels are fearless yet calm, making them excellent companions with low demands. Though large and powerful, these dogs are emotionally stable and require minimal upkeep.
With the right leadership, they’re surprisingly easy to manage and become wonderful companions to experienced owners.
Calm and Protective
Boerboels don’t require much exercise and thrive with daily walks and some backyard time. They’re devoted protectors with a calm nature, ideal for families without other pets. Their loyalty and trainability make them a perfect dog for those wanting presence without pressure.
Grooming and Health Simplicity
This breed has a short coat and requires very little grooming; a quick brush once a week does the trick. They’re also not susceptible to major health issues, making them one of the healthiest large breeds. Pet owners will appreciate the lack of surprise pet insurance claims.
Conclusion
Finding a large dog that fits into a low-key lifestyle isn’t just possible—it’s easier than you think. The breeds listed above are proof that size doesn’t always mean high maintenance. From the cleanest big dogs like Greyhounds to the best dogs for lazy owners like Bullmastiffs, these breeds tick the boxes for ease, temperament, and minimal grooming. Whether you want a dog that can go long stretches without needing a professional groomer, or one that’s content with low exercise and just a few baths, your best bet is here.
While popular names like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Basset Hound, and Italian Greyhound may often be praised for being low maintenance, they’re also smaller dogs. For those seeking super low-maintenance large dog breeds, the seven covered here are truly the top picks.
