Dog ownership doesn’t always have to be about putting more effort into taking care of your dog than you can easily manage. While it can be tempting to partner up with a high-energy canine and have the time of your life hiking and going on adventures, it’s not always easy for all of us.
If the idea of taking the responsibility of a doggo seems like a lot, don’t worry, many easy-going pups can live happily with busy owners or those with low energy. While all dogs need some sort of care and physical stimulation, some dogs are just made to live a chill life with their pet parents.
Here’s our review of 10 awesome dog breeds that need minimal effort.
Wonderful Dog Breeds Requiring Minimal Effort
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are one of the most popular dog breeds for easy-going owners and apartment dwellers. These small and sturdy clowns help you take life lightly and enjoy snuggling up into your lap as you relax or finish your work.
We all know Frenchies are cute, but they’re also smart and adaptable; teach them to do little tricks, and you’ll be surprised at how good they can get. They are also low-maintenance dogs that will enjoy indoor games or brief walks outdoors.
According to the AKC, French Bulldogs make good watchdogs due to their alert nature, though they’re not heavy barkers. Other than their bat ears, you’ll notice their flat faces; as a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies need to be taken care of when it’s hot and humid, as they can struggle with breathing.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are, without any doubt, one of the most loved low-maintenance dog breeds that adapt amazingly to different types of living situations, including apartment living. Historically, they’ve lived with Chinese aristocrats, and nowadays, they’re loving family dogs as well as ideal pets for singles.
These “little lions” have long, silky hair that needs some regular upkeep, but some brushing and occasional bathing does the trick. A professional groomer can style these pooches into their Insta-worthy versions, or you can trim their long hair to make it easy to take care of.
PetMD recommends early socialization of your Shih Tzu puppies to keep them from developing bad habits like excessive barking or digging.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are small dogs with a body longer than it’s tall, giving them a very recognizable appearance. These low-slug dogs possess a calm demeanor but can sometimes have a stubborn streak that needs to be managed.
Though these doggos love to follow their noses and tend to think for themselves, they’re very loyal in nature. They can be considered one of the comparatively low-energy dogs and need moderate exercise daily. As this breed has worked in packs, they get along well with other dogs in the household.
To train this scent hound, make sure to adopt positive reinforcement methods like treats and encouragement. Their short coat does shed, but remains in good condition with some regular brushing and occasional bathing.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The dream lap dog of many dog lovers, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is outgoing, smart, and joyful. Amazing pup for first-time dog owners, the Cav can adapt to different types of lifestyles and living environments.
From having fun in dog parks or short walks to enjoying lazy afternoons on the couch, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will adapt to your vibe. Cavs are one of the largest toy dogs and win our hearts with their affectionate faces and gorgeous, silky coats.
Cavs can live amiably with not only other pets, but also with elderly family members and children, as long as they’re being treated gently. Like all dogs, they do need some regular exercise, but indoor play sessions and workouts can keep them healthy.
These pups are not exactly couch potatoes, so if you love to go on short hikes or camping trips, they will happily accompany you.
5. Dachshund
Dachshund is another, low-slung, long-bodied dog breed originally bred in Germany. Also called badger dog, Doxie, and wiener dog, this breed is a scent hound that enjoys nothing more than chasing interesting smells.
Apart from maybe trying to sniff out treats or even your socks, the Dachshund is a low maintenance breed as long as it’s burning off its energy and receiving mental stimulation. They make good indoor pets and also enjoy playing in a yard (that should be fenced); it’s crucial to keep them on leash.
Due to their hound instincts, they can try to chase small animals like rodents and rabbits. Dachshunds also make pretty good little watchdogs as they tend to be wary of strangers, as per Britannica. The smooth haired Dachshunds have minimal grooming needs; some occasional brushing is enough for them.
6. Greyhound
Sleek and fast, Greyhound is a runner, but lives surprisingly well indoors as long as it’s getting enough space to stretch its legs. It’s not just their agility and speed that makes them special, though; Greyhounds are sighthound known to track prey with their vision.
Greyhounds make amazing companion dogs for people who have a busy lifestyle due to their sweet and adaptable personalities. They are energetic dogs that will stay happy with you as long as you are taking out some time to give them their daily exercise.
They have a calm temperament indoors and can be reserved around strangers; early socialization can help them become even more well-rounded.
Their short coat has minimal grooming needs and can stay in a good shape with some brushing and off and on bathing.
7. Pug
Pugs are stubby little dogs thought to have been originally bred in China, and are recognizable due to their flat, wrinkly faces. With only minimal exercise indoors, these pooches can live happily in apartments and other small living spaces.
As low maintenance dogs, Pugs are hugely famous among city dwellers and make great lap dogs. Their brachycephalic nature makes them less than ideal for hot and humid climates; in such climates, it’s better to keep them indoors. Apart from that, they’re gentle and loving pets that are a great choice for first time owners.
Pugs have a short coat that needs weekly brushing and bathing, but their facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned to avoid infections.
8. Maltese
If you want a magical, easy going life with a beautiful and loving pet, Maltese is a great choice for you. These compact dogs come with a happy-go-lucky temperament, and long, white silky coat that makes them look like fluffy marshmallows.
These pooches hail from the Mediterranean Islands of Malta but are popular worldwide as lovable lap dogs. They’re playful dogs but don’t need excessive exercise to stay healthy, though some physical activity, like indoor play and short daily walks, is important for all pups.
An amazing thing about these doggos is their hypoallergenic coats that make them ideal pets for seniors and allergy sufferers.
Their long coat does need daily grooming, which can be a joyful bonding ritual for both the doggo and its owners.
9. Boston Terrier
With perky ears and a loving, adorable face, the Boston Terrier makes a fun-loving and comical pet. Famous for its tuxedo-like black and white coat, this “American Gentleman” is a sociable pooch that gets along well with everyone.
Boston Terriers are generally people-oriented dogs but should still be given early socialization and obedience training. They are playful dogs that will enjoy games like playing fetch with you, and will be overjoyed if given toys.
They need less exercise than the high energy breeds, but can do well in dog sports like agility and flyball etc.
As moderate shedders, Boston Terriers only need some weekly combing or brushing sessions.
10. Whippet
Whippet will remind you of Greyhounds with its similar built in a smaller size. They are also a fast dog breed and can run up to 35 miles per hour. As long as they’re receiving their daily exercise, they can adapt to a more relaxed lifestyle and possess an easygoing nature.
Whippets are low maintenance and loving companions that can enjoy their time indoors with you just as much as their outdoor walks. Crossbred between Terriers and Greyhounds, Whippets have been used to hunt small game.
Whippets have a short coat that sheds only seasonally, and requires minimal grooming; give them a quick brushing session whenever you get the time and they’ll be good.
These doggos love their owners and don’t enjoy spending a lot of time apart from them; they can suffer from separation anxiety if this happens.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to be a pet parent, these dog breeds aren’t just amazing options for first time pet parents, but can also live amiably with owners who have a tight schedule. So adopt your pup from a reputed breeder or a good rescue center, and have a loving companion for the years to come.
Some other best low-maintenance dog breeds requiring minimal effort may include the Chinese Crested Dog, Bichon Frise, and Great Dane. These furry friends possess an eager-to-please nature and are gentle giants who love to have a laid-back lifestyle.
