10 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

10 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for first time owner

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.

Dachshund

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.
Dachshunds breeds come in different coat types like smooth (short hair), longhaired, and wire-haired. Their colors vary and include black, fawn, tan, beige, blue, chocolate, and red, often with different markings.

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.

Dachshund

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.
Greyhounds have short, smooth skin that comes in many colors like black, blue, fawn, red, white, and different shades of brindle, or even a mix of these colors.

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.

French Bulldogs

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.
French Bulldogs have short, smooth skin that comes in colors like brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white.

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.

When it comes to Health and grooming, Most Chihuahuas are pretty low-maintenance, though the long-haired ones do need regular brushing to avoid tangles. When we talk about their personality, they’re adorable, but don’t let them rule the roost. It’s key to lay down some ground rules and not spoil them too much. Otherwise, they might start thinking they’re in charge. A calm Chihuahua with some basic training can be a real delight to have around.
Chihuahua

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.
Chihuahuas can have either smooth or long coats in various colors like tan, fawn, black, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red.

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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have long, smooth, and silky skin with extra fluffy hair around their ears, paws, chest, and tail. They come in four colors: tricolor, Blenheim (chestnut and white), ruby (solid red), and black and tan.

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.

West Highland White Terrier

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.
They have a long, rough coat that’s all white, with black eyes and a black nose.

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.

Weighing in at 6 to 12 pounds, the Brussels is a small dog that doesn’t need a lot of grooming. You’ll need to brush their wiry coat sometimes, but they don’t need a lot of fancy hair care. Plus, they’re generally a healthy breed and have good manners.
Brussels Griffon

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.
They can have smooth or rough skin in colors like red, black, and tan, solid black, or belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown).

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.

 

Mastiff

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.
They have short and smooth skin in shades like fawn, apricot, or brindle, and they usually have a darker mask on their face, including the muzzle, ears, nose, and droopy jowls.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a great choice if you’re looking for a big dog that’s not as huge or as chill as a Mastiff. They still weigh quite a bit, between 100 to 130 pounds, so they’re definitely on the larger side. Their health is usually about the same or even better than Mastiff’s, and they tend to live a little longer, too.
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.
Bullmastiff

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.

Their hair keeps growing, like human hair, so they need regular brushing and haircuts to avoid tangles. The good news is they don’t shed much, so that you won’t find a lot of dog hair around your home.
Poodle

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.
They have a short jacket in colors like fawn, reddish-brown, or brindle. They often have a dark-colored muzzle, nose, and droopy jowls.

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.

Puppies are super cute, but they’re also a handful. They have loads of energy and need a lot of care, especially in their first year. Young dogs around two to three years old can also be quite energetic and demanding. So, if you’re looking for a more laid-back companion, consider an older dog with a calmer nature.

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