20 Dog Breeds That Fit Seamlessly Into a Busy Lifestyle

If you need a companion however are sometimes busy, you want a low-maintenance canine breed or one that’s usually simple to take care of. Search for a pup that wants minimal train, grooming, and coaching, or rare well being care wants. Decrease upkeep canine are available all sizes massive and small, so that you’re certain to discover a good match.

These 20 low-maintenance canine breeds have qualities that make them very best housemates for busy pet mother and father.

Breed Traits

Low-maintenance canine breeds nonetheless require all the primary care wants of all canine companions. For instance, you want to feed them a high-quality food regimen that’s appropriate for his or her breed, measurement, exercise stage, age, and vitality wants.

Nonetheless, in relation to their grooming wants, low-maintenance canine breeds could solely must be brushed weekly, with out the must be trimmed or taken to knowledgeable groomer. When it comes to train, they could solely want 30 to 60 minutes of bodily exercise each day, versus hours of train exterior the home or needing a job to do to remain mentally stimulated.

Total, decrease upkeep canine breeds are simpler to take care of should you don’t have a number of time each day to dedicate to your pet. They nonetheless want a great deal of consideration and interplay with you, however they could be extra impartial, much less vulnerable to separation anxiousness, and extra content material being much less energetic, which could be useful should you aren’t energetic or work lengthy hours away the house.

  • Dachshund

    A dachshund

    The dachshund is a lovable and affectionate canine breed that makes an important sofa buddy. This canine is available in two sizes: miniature and medium-sized. All could make glorious companions.

    Lengthy-haired doxies require a bit extra grooming than the short-haired or wire-haired varieties.

    Dachshunds have a cussed facet and can want primary coaching to offer them construction. This breed often solely requires a average quantity of train. With their quick little legs and lengthy our bodies, extreme operating and leaping can exacerbate or trigger spinal points. 

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Top: 8 to 9 inches (normal); 5 to six inches (miniature)

    Weight: 16 to 32 kilos (normal); as much as 11 kilos (miniature)

    Character/Temperament: Energetic, lovable, endearing

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Easy (short-haired), long-haired, and wire-haired; colours embrace black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and crimson with varied markings

    Life Span: 12 to 16 years

  • Greyhound

    A Greyhound

    Opposite to fashionable perception, this racing canine isn’t a high-energy canine. Most greyhounds are sofa potatoes that get pleasure from loafing round with their household. They get pleasure from each day walks and the occasional likelihood to run, however they don’t want a considerable amount of train.

    Most greyhounds have total good well being. Basically, greyhounds are typically simple to deal with and really aware of coaching.

    This canine is massive however not large. If you happen to recognize their character and appears however would like a smaller canine, contemplate a whippet.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Top: 25 to 30 inches

    Weight: 60 to 80 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Even-tempered, clever, affectionate

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Quick and clean; colours embrace black, blue, fawn, crimson, white, and varied shades of brindle, or a mix of any of those colours

    Life Span: 10 to 13 years

  • French Bulldog

    A French Bulldog

    The gleeful Frenchie is among the hottest canine breeds, and makes the proper loafing companion. French bulldogs are additionally among the many most cheerful of all canine breeds.

    Though they’ve a great deal of vitality, they have a tendency to lack endurance. Average each day train is often appropriate for this breed, although outside actions needs to be restricted when it is vitally scorching or humid.

    Most Frenchies reply properly to primary coaching and are typically well-behaved if supplied with construction. This breed has minimal grooming wants however could have varied pores and skin points. Because of their shortened muzzle, there is a excessive potential for brachycephalic syndrome.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Top: 11 to 13 inches

    Weight: 19 to twenty-eight kilos

    Character/Temperament: Playful, pleasant, loyal, affectionate, full of life, sociable

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Quick, clean; brindle, fawn, white, or mixture of brindle and white or fawn and white

    Life Span: 10 to 12 years

  • Shih Tzu

    Shih Tzu standing indoors in profile

    The shih tzu is a good selection should you’re on the lookout for an lovable little canine that may simply reside in a small home or house. These charming canines love getting your entire consideration, so don’t be stunned when they’re round you on a regular basis and asking to cuddle with you.

    With a average vitality stage, you’ll want to offer your shih tzu each day train, and coaching can also be essential to forestall this good canine from changing into too cussed.

    When it comes to grooming, these hypoallergenic canine shed minimally, however weekly brushing will assist maintain the coat tender and clean, whereas common trims will maintain it on the applicable size.  

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 8 to 11 inches

    Weight: 9 to 16 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Clever, loyal, pleasant, playful

    Power Stage: Medium 

    Coat and Colour: Lengthy, double coat; colours embrace black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combos

    Life Span: 10 to 16 years 

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  • Basset Hound

    Basset hound dog relaxing in large plaid chair at home

    The medium-sized basset hound is thought for being dedicated to their household and calm. These canine may also be cussed and impartial, so coaching them whereas they’re puppies is important.

    These canine can shed fairly a bit, so weekly brushing will assist maintain the pores and skin and coat wholesome whereas additionally minimizing the quantity of fur that finally ends up all through your own home.

    They don’t have a excessive vitality stage, don’t want as a lot train as different searching canine breeds, and may do properly with 30 to 60 minutes of playtime and bodily exercise each day. After they’re executed taking part in, they’ll fortunately snuggle with you on the sofa and take an extended nap.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Top: As much as 15 inches

    Weight: 40 to 65 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Pleasant, candy, playful

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Easy, quick; combos of black, brown, tan, white, lemon, mahogany, and crimson

    Life Span: 12 to 13 years 

  • Chihuahua

    Close-up of chihuahua sleeping on bed

    Leaning in direction of a tiny canine? Weighing in at simply 2 to six kilos, the itty-bitty Chihuahua is the proper pocket-sized lap canine. Though these canine do get bursts of vitality, they typically don’t want a number of train.

    Most Chihuahuas are comparatively wholesome. Grooming wants are minimal, however long-haired Chihuahuas will want a bit extra brushing to keep away from tangles. 

    One factor to be careful for is that this breed’s angle. Keep away from carrying these canine in all places and babying them an excessive amount of. Set boundaries in your Chihuahua, or else they’ll attempt to boss everybody round. Select a canine with a mild-mannered temperament and supply primary coaching.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 6 to 9 inches

    Weight: 2 to six kilos

    Character/Temperament: Loyal, alert, full of life, attentive, shiny, companionable

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Easy or lengthy; black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and crimson

    Life Span: 12 to twenty years

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    King Charles cavalier

    If you need a canine that can seem like a pet endlessly, the Cavalier is small- to medium-sized, and is commonly happiest when snuggling with a human or one other canine, so that they make nice sofa buddies. Cavaliers typically weigh about 11 to 18 kilos and are simple to deal with and practice.

    The Cavalier King Charles spaniel has some grooming wants, akin to common hair brushing, ear cleansing, and the occasional journey to a groomer. They’re a low-shedding breed that’s thought-about hypoallergenic, and want only a few baths annually.

    This can be a mild-mannered, light, affectionate, and adaptable canine. However they’re predisposed to some well being issues like coronary heart illness, ear infections, and neurological points.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 12 to 13 inches

    Weight: 13 to 18 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, family-friendly

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Lengthy, glossy, silky; feathering round ears, ft, chest, and tail; tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan

    Life Span: 12 to 14 years

  • West Highland White Terrier

    Westie in repose

    If you happen to’re contemplating a small- to medium-sized canine in your new easygoing companion, a Westie makes a superb pet. Most are reasonably energetic, simple to coach, and comparatively wholesome.

    This breed requires some grooming however doesn’t want trimming frequently. Many individuals select to hand-strip the coat of this canine (pluck the lifeless hairs), whereas others brush periodically to maintain the coat wholesome.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Terrier (AKC)

    Top: 10 to 11 inches

    Weight: 13 to twenty kilos

    Character/Temperament: Upbeat, loveable, energetic

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Lengthy, tough; white

    Life Span: 13 to fifteen years

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  • Brussels Griffon

    Brussels Griffon lying on tile garden bench with his tongue out, Santa Barbara, California, USA

    Small, cute, and goofy, the Brussels griffon is a pleasant canine to know. Although they could be a bit energetic, they don’t want a number of train. Fundamental coaching is crucial to offset their feisty facet and supply construction.

    At 6 to 12 kilos, the Brussels is one other small breed with not more than average grooming wants. The wiry coat requires some brushing, however intensive grooming isn’t essential.

    Additionally, the breed is comparatively wholesome and well-mannered. They’ll turn into lonely, so they like being by your facet typically.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 7 to 10 inches

    Weight: 6 to 12 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Full of life, joyful, loyal

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Easy or tough; crimson, black and tan, strong black, or belge (mixture of black and reddish-brown)

    Life Span: 12 to fifteen years

  • Mastiff

    Mastiff Sleeping On Couch At Home

    Received your coronary heart set on an enormous sofa potato canine? Mastiffs are immense canine that are likely to have a comparatively low vitality stage and never a lot endurance.

    Youthful mastiffs are typically a bit goofy and playful and are often very docile. As they age, they turn into lazier and extra aloof however stay affectionate in direction of their households.

    Like most large canine breeds, a draw back is these canine have a shorter lifespan than the common canine. Most are thought-about seniors by age 6, and never many will reside previous the age of 11 to 12 years.

    Except for the orthopedic issues that have an effect on some mastiffs, these canine are typically moderately wholesome.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Top: 27 to 30 inches

    Weight: 120 to 220 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Noble, light, loyal

    Power Stage: Low

    Coat and Colour: Quick and glossy; fawn, apricot, or brindle with a darkish masks on the muzzle, ears, nostril, and drooping jowls

    Life Span: 10 to 12 years

  • Bullmastiff

    Bull Mastiff Dog On Bed

    If you need a big canine that isn’t fairly as large and lazy because the mastiff, the bullmastiff sounds about proper. Weighing 100 to 130 kilos, that is nonetheless a big canine. However they will adapt to small houses. Well being is much like the mastiff (or higher), and lifespan is a bit longer.

    The bullmastiff has just a little bit extra vitality than the mastiff, however not a lot endurance. Each day walks needs to be sufficient to maintain this breed glad and wholesome. The remainder of the time, depend on this canine to be a sofa potato.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Top: 24 to 27 inches

    Weight: 100 to 130 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Loyal, protecting, alert, loving, companionable, calm

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Quick; fawn, reddish-brown, or brindle with dark-colored muzzle, nostril, and drooping jowls

    Life Span: 8 to 10 years

  • Poodle

    Two friendly poodles

    Poodles are available three sizes: normal, miniature, and toy. They’re a extra clever breed and extra energetic however are adaptable to their people. Versatility equals low upkeep. They’re energetic canine and have a tendency to reflect the vitality stage of their individuals.

    Poodles have hair that constantly grows and requires brushing and clipping frequently to forestall mats. Fortuitously, they don’t shed a lot, so they will not depart a multitude round the home.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Top: Over 15 inches (normal); 10 to fifteen inches (miniature); 10 inches and underneath (toy)

    Weight: 45 to 70 kilos (normal); 15 to 18 kilos (miniature); 5 to 9 kilos (toy)

    Character/Temperament: Enjoyable-loving, energetic, clever

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Curly, dense single coat; colours embrace white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and parti-colored

    Life Span: 10 to 18 years

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  • Pug

    Pug Dog

    Pugs are little canine which might be full of character. A bit spunky and really candy, these canine make fantastic companions that get together with everybody, together with children and different pets. Though they’re definitely upbeat and able to have a superb time, they’re additionally recognized for curling up with their people to calm down and take a nap.

    This breed has primary grooming and train wants, and you should utilize optimistic coaching strategies to get your eager-to-please pug to be taught the principles.

    As a result of these canine have pores and skin folds, care must be taken to maintain them clear and dry to keep away from infections. And due to their flat face, they’re vulnerable to brachycephalic syndrome. 

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 10 to 13 inches 

    Weight: 14 to 18 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, adaptable

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Quick, clean; black or fawn with a black face masks

    Life Span: 13 to fifteen years

  • Beagle

    Beagle

    The beagle is an lively scent hound that may make a stunning household pet, together with in households with different canine. They like to have enjoyable by means of play and train, they usually favor being round individuals, so that they shouldn’t be left alone for too lengthy.

    Though they shed, a primary grooming routine can maintain these canine trying nice. Additionally, optimistic coaching is essential to make sure these strong-willed canine gained’t misbehave.

    As soon as they’re part of your loved ones, they’re affectionate, pleasant, and clever pets that can convey a great deal of pleasure into your each day life.  

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Top: Two varieties: these underneath 13 inches and people from 13 to fifteen inches 

    Weight: 20 to 25 kilos

    Character/Temperament: Fearless, energetic, companionable 

    Power Stage: Excessive

    Coat and Colour: Quick; tricolor combos embrace tan, black, white, reddish brown, and pale lemon

    Life Span: 10 to fifteen years

  • Boston Terrier

    Side profile of a Boston Terrier

    The lovable little Boston terrier loves being round their individuals. This breed can also be recognized for being desperate to please, affectionate, and pleasant, getting together with everybody. They’re humorous, like to play, and could be taught to do tips as a result of they’re so good.

    These energetic canine want about an hour of train each day, however their grooming wants are minimal as a result of they don’t shed a lot and their coat will look good with a weekly brushing.

    Like different breeds with flat faces, the Boston terrier is vulnerable to brachycephalic syndrome.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Top: 15 to 17 inches 

    Weight: 12 to 25 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Playful, social, affectionate

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Easy, quick; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white

    Life Span: 11 to 13 years 

  • Italian Greyhound

    Italian Greyhound dog laying in white and cream-colored bed

    One other petite canine breed is the Italian greyhound. This breed from Italy is hypoallergenic, so it may be a sensible choice for these with allergic reactions. The coat is clean and quick, doesn’t shed loads, and you should utilize a grooming mitt to brush your canine weekly.

    These canine favor being cozy, comfy, and heat, and they are often content material dwelling in a small residence or house. In reality, they’re delicate to chilly situations, so that they usually favor being indoors when it will get chilly. And since they crave being round their people, they’ll gladly cuddle with you on a tender blanket.  

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC) 

    Top: 13 to fifteen inches 

    Weight: 7 to 14 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Loving, delicate, affectionate

    Power Stage: Medium  

    Coat and Colour: Easy, quick; grey, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, crimson, sable, or a mix

    Life Span: 14 to fifteen years 

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  • Maltese

    Maltese Dog Breed Photo - Picture of a Maltese Dog

    The Maltese is a good looking canine, and one other toy breed that’s appropriate for these on the lookout for a small canine companion who will get pleasure from being a cuddly lapdog. These canine could be cautious round strangers, however they’re completely dedicated to the household they know and love.

    For the reason that Maltese has a average vitality stage, they don’t want an entire lot of train and bodily exercise each day.

    Their coat requires extra in relation to upkeep. To simplify issues, you’ll be able to take your canine to a groomer to have the coat trimmed frequently. At residence, brushing just a few instances per week is finest.   

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 7 to 9 inches 

    Weight: Below 7 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Alert, cussed, affectionate  

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Silky, lengthy; white

    Life Span: 12 to fifteen years 

  • Havanese

    Beautiful young havanese dog sitting on a gravel forest road

    The easygoing Havanese generally is a good choice for pet mother and father on the lookout for a low-maintenance canine breed. These light, pleasant canine make nice companions as a result of they get together with children and different pets. However as a result of they will expertise separation anxiousness, you’ll be able to’t depart them alone for lengthy.

    Although they must be groomed typically and persistently, these canine don’t want loads in relation to each day train, as about half-hour per day needs to be sufficient. And though they will take some time to housebreak, they’re good and be taught quick, so that they aren’t difficult to coach.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC) 

    Top: 8.5 to 11.5 inches 

    Weight: 7 to 13 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Even-tempered, playful, shiny    

    Power Stage: Medium 

    Coat and Colour: Lengthy, silky; straight or wavy with ringlets; double coat; one or two colours, together with black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or crimson

    Life Span: 14 to 16 years 

  • Chinese language Crested

    Female pure breed Chinese Crested dog

    It’s exhausting to withstand the tiny Chinese language crested, with their distinctive look and cheerful demeanor. They’re good, pleasant, and easygoing, so they’re appropriate for a wide range of life.

    They aren’t troublesome in relation to coaching, they usually don’t want a excessive quantity of train, so that they’re a superb low-maintenance breed to think about.

    A hairless Chinese language crested canine will want canine sunscreen when exterior and uncovered to the solar’s rays. However, the powderpuff selection will must be brushed typically to maintain their coat clean and wholesome. Plus, these hypoallergenic canine don’t shed a lot.  

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Top: 11 to 13 inches 

    Weight: 8 to 12 kilos 

    Character/Temperament: Social, glad, playful

    Power Stage: Medium  

    Coat and Colour: Comfortable, silky hair solely on the pinnacle, ft, and tail; powderpuff selection is fully-coated; white, grey, or black hair; grey, pink, or brown pores and skin with white patches

    Life Span: 13 to 18 years 

  • Shiba Inu

    Shiba Inu dog lounges on concrete wall in urban setting

    If you need a canine that appears like a fox, contemplate the Shiba Inu. These canine are clever and may get together with children and different canine, however could be cussed, so coaching them takes endurance and consistency.

    Grooming, nonetheless, is simple, as you simply have to brush them weekly and bathe them month-to-month. In reality, they’re so low-maintenance in relation to grooming as a result of they groom themselves like cats.

    These affectionate canine want an hour or extra of bodily and psychological train each day to forestall boredom and damaging behaviors.

    They are often impartial at instances, and are additionally described as aloof. So, should you don’t desire a clingy canine, the Shiba Inu is perhaps the suitable match for you.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC) 

    Top: 13.5 to fifteen.5 inches (females); 14.5 to 16.5 inches (males)

    Weight: 17 kilos (females); 23 kilos (males)

    Character/Temperament: Unbiased, alert, loving  

    Power Stage: Medium

    Coat and Colour: Quick, double coat; black and tan, cream, crimson, crimson sesame with/with out white markings

    Life Span: 13 to 16 years 

Breeds to Keep away from

Bored canine are likely to turn into pissed off and even depressed. Remember to keep away from high-energy canine, akin to schipperkes, huskies, and pit bulls, if you’ll not present them with sufficient train and stimulation. With out correct consideration, they may develop behavioral points. As an alternative, select a canine with rather less vitality. 

Additionally, smarter, high-energy canine breeds like border collies, Australian shepherds, and Jack Russell terriers will turn into bored if they don’t get sufficient coaching and stimulation.

Though they’re lovable, it’s best to keep away from puppies as a result of they’ve a number of vitality and want around-the-clock care throughout their first yr. Additionally, adolescent and younger canine (round 2 to three years outdated) possible have extra vitality and desires, and will not be one of the best match.

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