It can be difficult to understand the time commitment that comes with caring for a new puppy before you bring them home. While any new puppy takes time and effort to house train or leash train, the amount of physical exercise and playtime your new pet will need can vary greatly depending on their breed. A Jack Russel Terrier or Great Pyrenees will require much more time walking and playing outside than a Chihuahua or English Bulldog.
It's natural to want to do right by your dog, they are often seen as family after all. So it's important to think about how much time you can spend with your dog daily, before choosing which dog to adopt. If you've decided that a low-maintenance breed would be the best fit for you and your family, that's great! This blog will show you 20 low-maintenance dog breeds that might just be your perfect match!
What makes a dog low-maintenance?
A low-maintenance dog generally doesn’t demand lengthy walks or hours of playtime and often has a laid-back attitude. Typically, low-maintenance breeds are also low-shedders and easy to groom, cutting back on the time and cost of maintaining their coats. Keep in mind that any dog will still need time and attention. Any dog on this list will still want to go for walks and play outside, and they will still want to spend time bonding with you. However, the daily time commitment is smaller.
Characteristics of low-maintenance breeds
Defining characteristics of low-maintenance dog breeds include:
Calm, easy-going demeanor
Well-behaved around humans and other dogs
Independent
Lower energy levels
Reduced need for exercise
Easy grooming and maintenance
Fewer overall health issues
Of course, a dog does not have to check all these boxes to be considered low-maintenance. Realistically, no dog will check all of these boxes. But knowing the typical traits of low-maintenance dog breeds allows you to choose a pet with the traits that matter most to you and best align with your lifestyle.
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Best low-maintenance dog breeds
Whether you want a family dog that’s content to nap the day away on the couch and doesn’t need much attention or a dog dedicated to keeping up with all the family activities, there are breeds to fit your preference. But, if you’ve decided that a low-maintenance breed is your best bet, here are some of the best choices for low-maintenance dog breeds:
1. Dachshund
What makes them low-maintenance:
Independent
Minimal shedding
Faithful
Drawbacks:
Can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs
German Badger dogs are a great fit for most families looking for a low-maintenance addition to their home. Playful and devoted, Dachshunds are lively dogs that make great companions. The smooth-coated dachshund is one of the easiest variations to care for, they need minimal brushing and are low shedders. They do still need a daily dose of attention from their pet parent, though, especially for a little bit of exercise.
2. Chihuahua
What makes them low maintenance:
Extremely loyal
Requires little exercise
Few health issues
Requires little grooming
Drawbacks:
Some can be feisty
Even though they are the world’s smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas have unending love for their pet parents. These little guys are also surprisingly low-maintenance. A quick grooming is enough to keep them looking their best. And although they do get little bursts of playful energy, they generally don’t require much exercise.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
What makes them low-maintenance:
Non-shedding
Requires minimal exercise
Sweet-tempered
Adaptable
Cavaliers are a small, loving, playful breed that has captured the hearts of pet parents worldwide. Their sweet temperaments make them a perfect low-maintenance dog for families or people living in small city apartments. Cavaliers are also non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs and don’t require much grooming. They’re set with just a few baths a year. Cavaliers are known for having low energy levels and don’t need anything that a short walk can’t accomplish.
4. Boston Terrier
What makes them low maintenance:
Even-temperament
Self-reliant
Little-to-no shedding
Drawbacks:
Can be stubborn
Boston Terriers are smart, affectionate, and even-tempered companions. Generally, Bostons are well-behaved and friendly. Because they are infrequent shedders, Boston Terriers don’t require much grooming. And although they need a bit more exercise than other breeds on this list, a daily walk is plenty. These dogs are content to lounge around at home more often than not.
5. Italian Greyhound
What makes them low-maintenance:
Sweet
Gentle
Shy
Have you ever seen an Italian Greyhound? Even if the answer is yes, you probably saw one in a painting before you ever saw one in real life. The Italian Greyhound has been the subject of paintings for hundreds of years. These dogs are sensitive, sweet, and gentle dogs that are often reserved around strangers. Italian Greyhounds require little maintenance to look and feel their best.
6. Papillon
What makes them low-maintenance:
Smart
Easy to train
Happy
Drawbacks:
Brushing and grooming
Energetic
Known for their huge, lovely ears, the French Butterfly dog is surprisingly easy to care for. Papillon are very smart and easy to train, and their tiny size makes them ideal for anyone living in a city apartment. You may also be surprised that even with their long coats, all they really need is a quick brushing to keep up with their coat.
7. Pug
What makes them low-maintenance:
Short coat for easy grooming
Low-energy
Quiet
Both charming and cute, Pugs are adored for their lively personalities. These puppies are ideal for living in small city apartments. They generally don’t bark much and love to spend large parts of their days napping. They are the typical low-maintenance dog, but you may want to give their short coat a quick brush to keep them looking their best.
8. Toy Poodle
What makes them low-maintenance:
Smart
Trainable
Intelligent
Drawbacks:
Needs frequent grooming
Poodles are one of the smartest breeds in the world. So, like their large cousins, toy poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are small dogs with big personalities; friendly and outgoing toy poodles are highly dedicated to their families. There is some brushing and grooming that needs to be done to keep their beautiful coats from becoming matted but they don’t need much exercise to be happy.
9. Basset Hound
What makes them low maintenance:
Lower energy levels
Laid-back demeanor
Friendly and people-oriented
Short coat for easy grooming
Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt small game, like rabbits. They are sweet-tempered dogs who need moderate to low amounts of exercise. Basset Hounds take frequent naps and can often be found lounging in different areas of their homes. They have a short coat that is easy to groom and maintain. Their laid-back demeanor makes them a wonderful pick if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest dog to take care of? Breeds like the Beagle, Chihuahua, and Labrador Retriever are generally easy to care for thanks to their adaptable temperaments and low grooming needs.
Which is the lowest-maintenance dog breed? The Basenji is often considered the lowest maintenance dog — it hardly sheds, doesn’t bark much, and stays clean with minimal grooming.
What dog can be left alone for 8 hours? Independent breeds such as the Basset Hound, Greyhound, and Shar Pei can tolerate being alone for up to 8 hours with proper exercise and enrichment.
What is the best dog for lazy owners? The French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Bulldog are great for relaxed pet parents who prefer a low-energy, affectionate companion.
Ready to get a low-maintenance dog?
We hope this list helped you narrow down your choice for your new low-maintenance dog. No matter the breed you choose, please remember that dogs still need attention and love from their families to thrive. Make sure your new pet is protected with a dog insurance plan provided by Spot.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Helps Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
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