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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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