Many consider dogs to be high maintenance pets, which is reasonable, as dogs require a fair amount of attention in addition to daily walks, regular grooming, and other routine care needs. However, there are also low maintenance dog breeds that don’t require as much care as energetic dog breeds or those with extensive grooming needs.
In this article, we’ll list low maintenance dogs that make a good match for those looking for a companion without intense care needs and those who get along well with busy owners.
There isn’t one specific trait that makes a dog low maintenance – it is a combination of multiple characteristics that make some breeds low maintenance dogs compared to others. Here are some points that can help you assess whether a breed is low maintenance or not.
Your lifestyle also matters, in addition to the points above. For instance, high-energy dog breeds like the German shepherd may be a better fit for individuals who regularly go out for hikes than for those who live a more sedentary lifestyle. By better understanding what dog breeds suit your lifestyle, you can better determine which breeds will be low-maintenance for you.
Below is a list of 12 low maintenance dog breeds. We will include a variety of dog breeds to ensure you find the best match for your lifestyle, whether you want a small dog to keep you company or a large breed to protect your yard.
Size: 5-8 pounds / Under 6 pounds
Chihuahuas are a low maintenance dog breed due to their small size and minimal exercise needs. They don’t take up much space, and walking them for 30 minutes during the day is usually enough to meet their exercise needs. Chihuahuas also require very little grooming, and brushing only once a week works well for this dog.
Aside from exercise and grooming, the biggest care need of a Chihuahua is the love and affection they demand from every member of the family, though these tiny dogs tend to be one-person dogs, attaching to one family member a lot more than others.
Size: 27-30 inches / 60-70 pounds
Greyhounds are well-known for being one of the fastest dogs around. However, these athletic dogs are surprisingly calm and relaxed when not running around endlessly. They are content with moderate levels of exercise, whether it is a short walk around the neighborhood or playing fetch at the park.
Greyhounds also don’t have demanding grooming needs and are generally healthy dogs. These make the greyhound a low maintenance dog breed, but note that this breed is prone to separation anxiety, requiring the owner to be with their dogs for most parts of the day.
Size: 18-22 inches / 25-40 pounds
The whippet appears like the greyhound – they are athletic dogs that dominate dog sports like agility, dock diving, and flyball. However, just like greyhounds, whippets are content with moderate levels of exercise. A quick running session at the dog park and back home to rest is all that these dogs ask for while having minimal grooming needs.
If you’re looking for a low maintenance dog that’s more on the medium end in terms of size, you’ll find the whippet to be an excellent pick. They also have short coats that don’t demand much upkeep, only requiring light brushing using a grooming mitt.
Size: 15+ inches / 40-65 pounds
Basset hounds are well-recognized with their long, floppy ears. This iconic breed is fairly low maintenance with their easy-going attitude and relaxed temperament. They are happy with short walks and some quality backyard playtime. While they shed quite a lot, owners of this breed can manage shedding with minimal brushing.
The personality of the basset hound shines for those looking for a low maintenance dog. They are independent dogs that don’t require constant attention like the Chihuahua or other companion breeds. This might also mean that training is a challenge, but the overall pros outweigh the cons for anyone looking for a low maintenance dog with this breed.
Size: 27.5+ inches / 120-230 pounds
The mastiff doesn’t fit the exact description of a low maintenance dog for many with their towering size. Nonetheless, they are one of the best breeds for those looking for a larger low maintenance dog. Mastiffs are gentle giants with their laid-back temperament. They are great with kids and enjoy spending time with their family indoors.
This breed’s short coat requires only minimal grooming, but they drool quite a lot, so you might need to pay more attention to it than grooming at times. Mastiffs are also fairly quiet dogs that don’t bark often. They usually only bark to alert, making them effective watchdogs.
Size: 12-13 inches / 13-18 pounds
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an adorable dog breed that makes an excellent companion for those looking for a low maintenance dog. They are highly adaptable dogs with moderate exercise and grooming needs. The friendly and social side of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel also makes the breed an excellent match for first-time dog owners.
The adaptability of the breed means that they thrive both in spacious homes and apartments with limited size. As long as you’re committed to walking them for 30 to 45 minutes and brushing the coat every other day, you will find the Cavalier King Charles spaniel to be a low maintenance companion with endless love to give.
Size: 10-12 inches / 12-25 pounds
Boston terriers are compact dogs with cheerful personalities. They are always up for playtime but don’t have intense exercise needs like working dogs. These dogs are usually content with a quick stroll around the neighborhood, though they can play for hours with friendly dogs.
Boston terriers also adapt well to different living arrangements, including small apartments. They shed minimally and only need weekly brushing to manage it. However, like other flat-faced dog breeds (brachycephalic breeds), they may need more frequent vet visits and closer monitoring during warmer weather, making them a tad bit more than low maintenance for some.
Size: 11-13 inches / Under 28 pounds
One of the most popular dog breeds year after year, French bulldogs are beloved for their affectionate and playful temperament, which makes them such fun dogs to have around. These dogs adapt well to different lifestyles and various living arrangements, including small apartments.
A brief walk to let them explore around is enough to keep a French bulldog fit. The short coat only requires minimal grooming, and the low-barking personality makes them a perfect match for quiet households. However, like the Boston terrier, French bulldogs may develop a long list of health issues, requiring frequent checkups at the vet to ensure their health and well-being.
Size: 10-11 inches / 15-20 pounds
West Highland white terriers, also known as the Westies, are a less common breed to encounter in the United States compared to others, but these spirited and friendly dogs are excellent for anyone looking for a small low maintenance companion. They are also considered hypoallergenic, making them an ideal breed choice for those suffering from pet allergies.
Westies are fairly energetic, but owners of this breed can manage it with brief playtime and short walks. The coat that produces less dander requires brushing every other day and occasional visits to a professional groomer. With all these, the West Highland white terrier is one breed you should consider if you want a lively low maintenance breed.
Size: 12-14 inches / 11-20 pounds
Another hypoallergenic dog breed on our list is the miniature schnauzer. They are playful dogs with a character eager to please their owners. Coupled with their intelligence, miniature schnauzers become easy to train, provided they have the right motivations for what they need to learn, like tasty treats and praise.
While the miniature schnauzer’s coat requires brushing almost daily, they demand less in other regards, including exercise. Taking them out for half an hour walks is enough to meet their exercise needs. With sufficient daily exercise, miniature schnauzers can also adapt well to apartment living.
Size: 28-32 inches / 110-175 pounds
Despite the imposing size that may intimidate many, Great Danes are gentle giants with a calm and affectionate demeanor. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, only requiring occasional brushing. While they enjoy exercise, their needs are moderate; they are content with a 30-minute walk and then lounging indoors for much of the day.
Great Danes are known for their loyal and loving nature, forming strong bonds with their families. Due to their size, they thrive in spacious homes but adapt well to indoor living when provided with sufficient, dedicated space to stretch out. These qualities make the Great Dane an ideal pick for anyone considering a low maintenance gentle giant.
Size: 7-9 inches / Under 7 pounds
The Maltese is another small companion breed that makes an ideal choice for those looking for a low maintenance companion that’s also hypoallergenic. The coat care requires more attention than most others on this list, but they don’t demand much when it comes to exercise. They are happy with light physical activity, whether in the form of short walks or brief playtime.
Perhaps the only downside of the Maltese is how prone they are to separation anxiety. These dogs require constant attention, and if you’re not home for most parts of the day, this breed may not be the best pick for you.
While a low maintenance dog breed may fit your lifestyle better than breeds that demand more care, note that all dogs require daily care from their owners. If you can’t provide the daily care your dog needs, regardless of breed, such as taking them out for walks, behavioral issues and health problems will be inevitable.
Dogs also shouldn’t go without their owner or someone else present for long periods, even those with an independent mind and nature. While dogs can adapt to being left alone for longer than six hours, there isn’t a guarantee. If your dog will need to stay home alone for longer periods because of work or other commitments, you might need to reconsider your decision to get a dog.
Therefore, dogs aren’t a match for everyone. They require a big commitment, and if your lifestyle doesn’t leave you with enough time to take care of a dog, how demanding they are in terms of maintenance won’t change this.
Now that you know some of the low maintenance dogs, it is important to get to know the breeds that seem suitable for your lifestyle and preferences. Search for the breeds you think might be a good fit for you on our dog breeds page to learn everything you need to know about them, from their specific care needs and temperament to ease of training and intelligence.