Finding the perfect canine companion can feel overwhelming when life is already packed with work, school, and activities. Every dog deserves love and attention, but not every calm breed fits a busy or laid-back lifestyle. Choosing a pup that complements your routine rather than complicates it can make all the difference.
Low-maintenance dog breeds are ideal for those seeking companionship without the high demands of regular grooming or intense exercise. While they still need quality food, daily interaction, and basic care, many of these breeds thrive with just a weekly brush and a short walk or two.
From tiny lap dogs to larger mellow breeds, calm dog breeds bring joy without overwhelming your time. They’re affectionate, adaptable, and content to relax alongside you after a long day. With the right pup, a peaceful, balanced lifestyle and loyal furry friendship go hand in paw.
Chill, cuddly, and easygoing—low-maintenance dogs make life simpler and hearts fuller.
Top Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds For A Relaxed Lifestyle
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog began as a small English toy Bulldog in the 1800s, brought to France by lace makers, as per PDSA. Over time, they were crossed with local breeds, developing the signature bat ears and compact, muscular frame.
Easygoing Companions with Minimal Fuss
Frenchies are affectionate, bright, and compact, making them perfect for city living or smaller homes. They require only minimal exercise, enjoy social walks, and rarely bark, though their alertness makes them excellent little watchdogs. Their smooth coat is easy to maintain with occasional brushing.
Fun-Loving Personalities Meet Simple Care
These small dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and playful training games. While they enjoy social interaction and curiosity-driven activities, they’re laid-back enough to relax at home. Special care may be needed for their brachycephalic build, but their overall grooming and maintenance are straightforward.
Why French Bulldogs Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Low exercise requirements—short walks suffice for daily activity
Minimal grooming needs—weekly brushing keeps their coat healthy
Adaptable to apartments and small living spaces
Affectionate yet independent, content lounging around
Friendly with families, other pets, and visitors
2. Dachshund
Originating in Germany, the Dachshund was bred to chase badgers into their burrows. With a long body, short legs, and a keen sense of smell, this spirited hound-terrier mix combines courage and curiosity. Their playful energy and hunting instincts make them lively companion dogs for families or active pet parents.
Grooming Made Simple for Every Coat
Smooth coats require only occasional brushing, longhaired need a few sessions weekly, and wirehaired benefit from regular combing and occasional professional trims, as per Purina. Regardless of type, their care is straightforward compared to high-maintenance breeds.
Energetic Yet Adaptable Companions
Though small, Dachshunds have surprising stamina and a love for play, sniffing, and exploring. Miniature varieties adapt well to apartments with daily walks, while standard types enjoy a secure yard. Positive, reward-based training keeps their clever, independent minds engaged without overwhelming owners.
Why Dachshunds Suit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Moderate daily exercise keeps them happy and healthy
Grooming is simple, especially for smooth-coated varieties
Miniature Dachshunds fit well in apartments or smaller homes
Affectionate and playful dog, yet content to relax after activity
Social and alert, making them charming little watchdogs
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender, charming companion, resembling a tiny standard Greyhound. With a smooth coat, high-stepping gait, and delicate features, this breed exudes elegance. Originating over 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean, they were prized as companions for royalty and aristocrats.
Gentle Hearts with Simple Needs
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, shy, and often devoted to a single person or family. They thrive indoors, seek warmth, and prefer snuggling to braving cold weather. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and regular walks keep them happy without overwhelming exercise demands.
Alert, Loyal, and Adaptable
Despite their small size, these sighthounds are lively and alert, ready to bark when needed. They get along with other small dogs and cats, but early socialization ensures confidence around strangers. Their indoor lifestyle and manageable care make them ideal for relaxed owners in apartments or homes.
Why Italian Greyhounds Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Minimal grooming due to short, fine coat
Moderate daily walks suffice for exercise
Small, compact size perfect for apartments
Loyal, affectionate, and happy to relax indoors
Calm temperament makes them ideal lapdogs and gentle companions
4. Papillon
Papillons are elegant toy dogs, instantly recognizable by their large, wing-shaped ears. Energetic, alert, and surprisingly hardy, they combine delicate beauty with a lively personality. Initially bred as companions for European nobility, these dainty dynamos have charmed families for centuries, as per Britannica.
Affectionate, Smart, and Adaptable
These small dogs thrive on attention and love, being part of family life. Their long, silky coat requires moderate grooming, while regular walks and play sessions keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Papillons adapt well to apartments but also enjoy a yard for running.
Loyal Companions with a Spirited Streak
Papillons are intelligent and trainable, but may show a feisty streak without consistent leadership. They get along with other pets if socialized early, and their playful energy balances nicely with relaxation time. With proper care, they’re affectionate lapdogs who love being near their humans.
Why Papillons Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Moderate grooming—brushing 2–3 times weekly is enough
Small size ideal for apartments or travel-friendly living
Active yet adaptable, happy with short daily walks and indoor play
Affectionate and loyal, enjoying lap time after regular exercise
Intelligent and trainable, thriving in calm, structured households
5. Pug
Pugs are small, muscular dogs with a distinctive round head, wrinkled forehead, and tightly curled tail. Originally from China, these little companions were bred for loyalty and charm. Their expressive eyes and sweet personality make them instantly lovable family members.
Playful, Affectionate, and Easygoing
This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys moderate exercise, like short walks and indoor play. Pugs are adaptable to apartments or homes with yards, and their short coat needs only weekly brushing. With proper care, they remain healthy, cheerful, and ready for snuggles.
Loyal Comedians Who Love Attention
Pugs have a dry sense of humor and a gentle, affectionate temperament. They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers when socialized, making them ideal lapdogs. Their brachycephalic features mean they need watchful care in hot weather, but otherwise, they are low-maintenance companions.
Why Pugs Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Minimal grooming with a short, dense coat
Moderate daily exercise keeps them healthy without stress
Small, sturdy size suitable for indoor or apartment living
Affectionate and loyal, perfect for cuddling and companionship
Adaptable temperament, happy with calm routines and family life
6. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small, stylish dogs with a “tuxedo” coat, round, expressive eyes, and a cheerful personality. Known as the “American Gentleman,” they combine elegance with charm in a compact, muscular frame, as per Hill’s Pet. Their city-bred roots make them perfect for apartment life or bustling urban walks.
Playful Spirits with Manageable Energy
These energetic pups enjoy short bursts of play and moderate daily walks. They love family activities, indoor games, and mental stimulation, yet adapt easily to quieter routines. Their short coat requires only occasional brushing to maintain that signature polished look.
Loyal, Affectionate, and Clever
Boston Terriers are bright, social, and eager to please, thriving in households with children or other pets. They respond well to positive reinforcement training but appreciate a playful approach. Despite their spunky energy, their small size and gentle disposition make them low-maintenance companions.
Why Boston Terriers Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Compact size suitable for apartments and small homes
Moderate exercise needs can be easily met with short walks and play sessions
Short coat with minimal grooming requirements
Friendly and adaptable temperament, happy in many living environments
Intelligent and trainable, making daily routines stress-free
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, loving dogs bred for companionship and family life. Small in size with silky, feathered coats, floppy ears, and expressive eyes, they thrive on human interaction. Their friendly, sociable nature makes them ideal for homes where they won’t be left alone for long periods.
Playful and Intelligent
Despite their generally calm appearance, Cavaliers have plenty of energy and enjoy daily walks, playtime, and mental challenges. Positive, reward-based training from a young age helps them grow into confident, obedient companions, as per PetMD.
Loyal, Adaptable, and Charming
Cavaliers are highly adaptable, happy in city apartments or country homes, and usually get along well with other pets and children. Their affectionate nature and eager-to-please personality make them easy to bond with, though their grooming needs require regular brushing to keep their long coats tangle-free.
Why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Fit a Relaxed Lifestyle
Small, adaptable size suitable for apartments or houses
Moderate exercise needs can be met with daily walks and play
Friendly, incredibly gentle temperament makes them easygoing companions
Loyal and eager to please, making training enjoyable and stress-free
Sociable and affectionate dogs, ideal for families or individuals who want a loving lapdog
Conclusion
If your days are busy but you still want a loyal companion, some happy dogs fit perfectly into a hectic lifestyle. Look for one that needs only moderate exercise, simple grooming, and proper training. With the right match, you can enjoy affection and companionship without feeling overwhelmed.
Even low-maintenance dogs require love, care, and attention, from quality meals to regular walks and playtime. The difference is they’re often more independent, content with less stimulation, and easier to manage day-to-day. This makes them ideal for anyone juggling work, family, or other commitments.
Finding the right furry friend doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a lazy dog that matches your routine, you can create a bond full of joy, play, and human companionship.
Start exploring today and bring home a pet that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
