If you want a canine companion but are often busy, you need a low-maintenance dog breed that can be easily taken care of. Low-maintenance dog breeds are happy with minimal grooming and exercise, but they are still affectionate to their owners.
Low-maintenance dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some people believe that tiny dogs are easy to take care of, but most low-maintenance dogs are often large-sized.
Remember, there is no such thing as a zero-maintenance dog. Some canines might match your hectic schedule better than others, but they still need love and affection. Even the low-upkeep dogs have training, healthcare, and grooming needs!
Here are the top 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for busy owners.
Dog Breeds for Busy People
1. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Less than 28 lbs.
Temperament: Friendly
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
French bulldogs are curious, cute, and intelligent pups, known for their stable temperament. They have easygoing personalities and can adapt to a variety of situations and lifestyles. French bulldogs are not too vocal, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs.
These low-maintenance dogs have minimal grooming needs. They have a low-shedding, short, and smooth coat that needs to be brushed once a week. Nail trimming can help keep their nails tidy. These low-energy dogs need only 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day.
These traits make French bulldogs ideal pets for busy households. However, French bulldogs have a stubborn streak, so it’s better to maintain a consistent schedule. PDSA recommends regularly cleaning the skin folds around their faces to prevent skin fold dermatitis.
2. Greyhound
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 lbs.
Temperament: Mild and sensitive
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
These gentle, loving, and easy-care fellas make an excellent pet for busy or first-time pet parents. They are great companions, but one of the laziest pooches you’ll ever meet. Greyhounds are more like cats than dogs, who prefer sleeping all day.
Greyhounds have relatively low energy levels, and they do not need much exercise to stay healthy. So, they are ideal for families who do not have a lot of time to dedicate to exercise. They enjoy short walks, playtime, and games like fetch.
It is an affectionate dog breed that loves and likes being loved. They get along very well with children and other pets. They have been around people all their lives and are usually very people-oriented. Greyhounds can adapt to different lifestyles.
3. Chihuahua
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Less than 6 lbs.
Temperament: Friendly and anxious
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
The small dogs, Chihuahuas, are preferred by many busy homeowners. These dogs are of two types: short-haired and long-haired chihuahuas. Short-haired chihuahuas have a smooth and short coat that does not need much grooming.
You only need to brush them once a week and bathe them once every few months to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Chihuahuas are high-energy dogs, but they won’t take up much of your time and energy. They only need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every day.
They spend their excess energy by following their owners from room to room. Chihuahuas are always eager to learn and excel in obedience training. These highly trainable pups make good travel buddies as well. Due to their size, you can easily carry them in your bag wherever you go.
4. Whippet
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 lbs.
Temperament: Friendly
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Whippets are a good fit for busy owners because of their minimal grooming and exercise needs. It is a low-maintenance breed that loves to stretch out and relax for hours, enjoying the role of a companion. They enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, followed by lounging on the couch.
Whippets have minimal grooming needs. Their short and smooth, single coat sheds lightly. Weekly brushing is required to stay healthy. Whippets are not overly demanding—they love to relax indoors.
As long as a Whippet’s physical and mental needs are met, they will be calm, quiet, and happy. However, Whippets do not do well in cold or wet weather. They have a thin skin and coat. You can dress your pup in doggy coats, pajamas, or comfortable sweaters to keep them warm.
5. Basenji
Breed Profile
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 lbs.
Temperament: Aloof
Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
Basenjis are the “barkless dogs” with unique behavioral and physical characteristics. Due to their independent nature, they do not need full-time attention from their owners. This makes them an ideal pet for busy households.
Basenjis are low-maintenance dogs in terms of physical grooming. They have a glistening short coat that does not need extensive care. Brush your Basenji’s coat once a week using a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur. Bathe your pup occasionally.
Basenjis are intelligent and highly active dogs that thrive on exercise. In the absence of adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can easily get bored. PetMD claims that Basenjis have a high prey drive and will never miss a chance to chase a squirrel.
6. Dachshund
Breed Profile
Height: 8 to 9 inches (Miniature: 5 to 6 inches)
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds (Miniature: Under 11 pounds)
Temperament: Even-tempered and affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
These loving and affectionate buddies are the real couch potatoes. Dachshunds come in two sizes: miniature and medium-sized. Short-haired doxies require less grooming as compared to the long-haired variety. Dachshunds make great companions for busy homeowners due to their moderate grooming needs.
Dachshunds are well-suited for apartment dwellers as well. They need a moderate amount of daily exercise. Playtime and physical activity can include a couple of 10-minute walks or games of fetch. Dachshunds are quite bold and independent dogs, but do not like being left alone for too long.
However, they have a stubborn streak that can be overcome with proper training and positive reinforcement. Also, Dachshunds are vulnerable to back problems. Do not let them jump on and off the furniture too frequently, as it can increase the chance of injury.
7. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
If you are looking for an adorable small dog breed to fill your apartment with joy, but are too busy to take out enough time, consider having a Shih Tzu. These charming canines are considered a low-maintenance breed due to their moderate energy levels and minimal exercise needs.
Short walks and indoor playtime with their owners will satisfy this short-legged fur ball. These hypoallergenic dogs shed minimally, and their long, flowing double coat needs to be brushed once a week. According to Hound Therapy, a Shih Tzu with a puppy cut should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks.
Shih Tzus love to be spoiled with attention. They love to please their owners and are eager to learn new tricks so that they can get treats and rewards. Shih Tzus should be trained at an early age to avoid social anxiety and excessive barking.
Conclusion
Are you a busy homeowner looking for a low-maintenance dog breed? Many breeds, such as basset hound, Australian cattle dog, Boston terrier, and others mentioned in this article, have minimal to moderate grooming and exercise needs. Most of them are independent and do not require constant human interaction. But remember, no dog breed is maintenance-free! All need love, attention, and care.
