If you’re always on the go but still loving of a dog buddy, picking a low-maintenance breed is the way to go. You’ll want a pup that’s more chill on the exercise, doesn’t need a ton of grooming, and is cool without fancy training. Plus, one that’s generally healthy with minimal fuss. The best part? Low-maintenance dogs aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s definitely one out there that’ll fit right into your busy life.
There are like 10 breeds that are just perfect for busy folks. They’re the kind of dogs that won’t add to your already packed schedule but will still fill your home with that awesome doggy love. Whether you’ve got back-to-back meetings or a jam-packed social calendar, these furry pals are perfect for fitting right into your bustling life without missing a beat.
Keep in mind, you might choose a low-maintenance dog breed, there’s no such thing as a dog that doesn’t need any care at all. Every dog needs some of your time and attention unless you’re planning to hire someone else to take care of all their needs. The list of 10 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds are given below.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are such sweethearts and perfect for those lazy days on the couch. Did you know they come in two sizes? There’s the adorable miniature and the slightly larger medium size. If you’re into grooming, the long-haired ones will need a bit more brush time. But hey, whether short-haired or wire-haired, they’re all fantastic buddies. A heads-up, though: they can be pretty stubborn. A little training goes a long way with them. And exercise? They’re pretty chill – just enough to keep them happy and healthy. But careful with too much running; their cute short legs and long bodies need to be looked after.
Quick facts about Dachshund
Dog Group: | Hound group (AKC) |
Average Height: | About 8 to 9 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 16 to 32 pounds. |
Personality of Dachshunds | They are full of energy, too lovable, and have a charming nature. | Energy and Stamina: | They have a medium amount of energy. |
Life Expectancy: | They usually live about 12 to 16 years. |
Greyhounds
You might be surprised to hear but Greyhounds are not the high-energy dynamos you might think they are. They’re actually more like professional couch potatoes who love hanging out and chilling with their owners. Sure, they enjoy their daily walks and the occasional sprint, but they’re not all about that non-stop exercise life.
When it comes to Health-wise, Greyhounds are generally in good shape. They’re pretty easy going when it comes to training too. And size-wise, they’re big, but not overwhelmingly so. Oh, and if you’re into the Greyhound vibe but prefer something smaller, check out Whippets. They’re like Greyhounds’ cute, compact cousins.
Quick Facts about Greyhounds
Dog Group | Hound group (AKC) |
Average Height: | About 25 to 30 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 16 to 32 pounds. |
Personality of Greyhounds | Greyhounds are known for being calm, smart, and loving. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium amount of energy. |
Life Expectancy | Greyhounds typically live for about 10 to 13 years. |
French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are basically little bundles of cheer. They are perfect for those chill-out sessions at home. Seriously, they’re among the happiest dogs you’ll ever meet. They’ve got a fair bit of pep, but they’re not marathon runners – a moderate daily walk does the trick. Just watch out on those super hot or humid days; they’re not big fans of the heat.
Training-wise, they catch on pretty quickly and tend to follow the rules once they know them. Grooming a breeze, though they might have some skin sensitivities. And yep, their cute short muzzles mean they sometimes have breathing issues, something called brachycephalic syndrome. So, if you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky, low-maintenance buddy, Frenchies might just be your match.
Quick Facts about French Bulldogs
Dog Group | Non-sporting group (AKC) |
Average Height: | About 11 to 13 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 19 to 28 pounds. |
Personality of French Bulldogs | French Bulldogs have a medium amount of energy. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium amount of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 10 to 12 years. |
Chihuahua
Thinking about adding a pint-sized pup in your life? Then you should go with the Chihuahua. Chihuahua breeds are little guys and are super tiny, usually weighing in at just 2 to 6 pounds. They’re the ultimate lap dogs and a breeze to tote around. And despite their occasional zoomies, they don’t need tons of exercise.
Quick Facts about Chihuahua
Dog Group | Toy group (AKC) |
Average Height | About 6 to 9 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 2 to 6 pounds. |
Personality of Chihuahua | Chihuahua have a medium amount of energy. | Energy and Stamina | Chihuahua are loyal, alert, energetic, attentive, smart, and make great companions. |
Life Expectancy | About 12 to 20 years. |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might just steal your heart if you’re into dogs that never lose their puppy-like charm. These little ones are the definition of calm, gentle, and loving. They fit right into various situations – perfect companions whether you’re active or more of a homebody. They hit that sweet spot size-wise, not too big and not too small, making them ideal for snuggling.
Weighing in at a manageable 11 to 18 pounds, they’re easy to train and handle. It’s important to note, though, they do have some health concerns, including heart problems and ear infections. Regular grooming is part of the package with these guys – think brushing, ear cleaning, and occasional trips to the groomer. But hey, they’re not heavy shedders, so they’re perfect for those who love a neat and tidy couch companion.
Quick Facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dog Group | Toy group (AKC) |
Average Height: | About 12 to 13 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 13 to 18 pounds |
Personality of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Affectionate, active, and great with families. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium amount of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 12 to 14 years. |
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie for short, is such a cool little dog if you’re in the market for a buddy that’s not too big, not too small, and just packed with chill vibes. These guys are friendly, have a decent amount of pep in their step, and are pretty straightforward when it comes to training. Plus, they’re generally healthy, which is always a bonus.
Grooming? It’s there, but nothing too high-maintenance. You don’t need to be at the groomer’s all the time. Some folks go for hand-stripping to remove dead hair, while others just brush them regularly to keep that coat looking sharp. Either way, they’re a great pick if you want a fun, friendly pet that’s easy to care for.
Quick Facts about West Highland White Terrier
Dog Group | Terrier (Recognized by the AKC) |
Average Height | About 10 to 11 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 13 to 20 pounds |
Personality of West Highland White Terrier | Affectionate, active, and great with families. | Energy and Stamina | Their energy level is moderate. |
Life Expectancy | About 13 to 15 years. |
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, adorable, and funny little dog that’s really fun to be around. They have a bit of energy, but they don’t need tons of exercise. It’s important to train them to help manage their lively nature and give them some rules to follow.
Quick Facts about Brussels Griffon
Dog Group | Toy group (AKC recognized) |
Average Height | About 7 to 10 inches tall | Average Weight | Between 6 to 12 pounds |
Personality of Brussels Griffon | energetic, happy, and devoted. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium level of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 12 to 15 years. |
Mastiff
If you’re looking for a huge dog that loves to relax, then Mastiffs are perfect. They’re really big, but they don’t have a lot of energy and can’t run around for too long. Young Mastiffs are often playful and a bit silly, and they’re always very gentle. As they get older, they tend to become even more laid-back and a bit distant, but they still love their families a lot.
One thing to remember with big dogs like Mastiffs is that they usually don’t live as long as smaller dogs. They’re often considered old by the time they’re 6, and most of them don’t live past 11 or 12 years. They can have some joint problems, but other than that, they’re pretty healthy dogs.
Quick Facts about Mastiffs
Dog Group | Working group (AKC) |
Average Height | About 27 to 30 inches. | Average Weight | Between 120 to 220 pounds. |
Personality of Mastiff | dignified, gentle, and very loyal. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium level of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 10 to 12 years. |
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs have a bit more energy than Mastiffs, but they don’t have a lot of stamina. A daily walk is usually enough to keep them happy and in good shape. Other than that, you can expect them to be super relaxed and enjoy lounging around like a couch potato.
Quick Facts about Bullmastiff
Dog Group | Working group (AKC) |
Average Height | About 24 to 27 inches tall. | Average Weight | Between 100 to 130 pounds. |
Personality of Bullmastiff | Dignified, gentle, and very loyal. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium level of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 10 to 12 years. |
Poodle
Poodles are really smart dogs and come in three sizes: big (standard), medium (miniature), and small (toy). They’re quite active but also really good at adjusting to their owner’s lifestyle. So, if you’re more laid-back, they can be chill, too, which makes them easy to care for. They match the energy of their family.
Quick Facts about Poodles
Dog Group | Non-sporting group (AKC) |
Average Height | Over 15 inches tall. | Average Weight | Between 45 to 70 pounds. |
Personality of Poodles | dignified, gentle, and very loyal. | Energy and Stamina | They have a medium level of energy. |
Life Expectancy | About 10 to 18 years. |
Breeds to Avoid
If you’re looking for a dog but can’t give them a lot of exercise or playtime, it’s best to avoid certain high-energy breeds. Dogs like Schipperkes, Huskies, and Pit Bulls really need a lot of activity and mental challenges. If they don’t get enough of this, they can become frustrated or even start behaving badly.
Also, really smart, energetic dogs like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers can get bored quickly if they’re not given enough to do or learn.