There’s no doubt that choosing to share your life with a dog can be a rewarding decision.
However, you may not want to spend all your free time grooming, training, and cleaning your house because of your dog. In this article, we’ll outline the perfect dog if you don’t want all the extra hassle. There are many dog breedsthat would be great pets if you are looking for a laid-back experience. So if you’re interested in learning more about these breeds, we’ve got you covered!

Related: 15 French Bulldog Facts That You May Find Fascinating

In this article, we will share with you 17 super low-maintenance dog breeds that could be right for you. We will define what makes a dog low-maintenance and give you information on why we chose each breed, taking out the guesswork and putting you in command of the leash. Many dog owners love these breeds for their personality, temperament, and lifestyle, and they might be just the breed you are looking for.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

What’s Low-Maintenance?

Dog hair everywhere! Have you ever gone to a friend’s house and sat on their furniture only to be immediately covered in their pup’s fur, even before the dog touches you? Some dog breeds just shed theirfur continuously, regardless of how much brushing you do. If you are looking for a low-maintenance dog, you surely aren’t looking for a big shedder. Many breeds are low shedders and they make our low-maintenance list.
The grooming tangle. Don’t want to become an expert dog groomer when you adopt a new furry friend into your life? There are lots of dog breeds that require just a little time each week for grooming. A quick brush of the coat a couple of times a week, teeth brushing daily, and nail trim every two to three weeks and you’re done. Many dog owners aren’t looking to invest hours into making their pup look and feel clean, and these breeds might be perfect for these owners.
The non-athletes. Not every dog breed is cut out to be a canine Olympian. Sure, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labs, and other working dogs excel at athletics. But, there are many dog breeds that only need moderate exercise to stay healthy physically and mentally. A little ball throwing or a good walk/run every day for these guys goes a long way toward keeping them happy.
Smart and ready to show it. The dog breeds that have made our low-maintenance list are smart cookies and are easy to train. They can learn new skills quickly and can be counted on to (mostly) leave the puppy shenanigans behind once they become adults. Training a dog can be an arduous process for many owners, and low-maintenance breeds help to alleviate some of this work through their high intelligence levels and obedient personality. However, there’s no guarantee when squeaky toys are involved.

Vizsla

The Velcro Vizsla is named named for their need to be close to their owners. A great jogging buddy, this breed is very intelligent and easily trainable. They are very easy to groom, with a beautiful red short and sleek coat. Vizslas are talkers; she will moan or whine to make her wishes known. She can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. Vizslas are great family dogs, and are and ideal choice for families with children.

American Staffordshire Terrier

These are great people dogs and really want to please their dog owners. Very intelligent, so training is a must or else mischief can happen. The Staffy can also be headstrong, so a confident person in charge is very important. They have an easy-care coat. Just once-a-week brushing is all that’s needed to keep them looking good. These are really affectionate fur kids.

So be sure to train your Staffy well and be confident in their presence. With the right owner, these can be a great companion dog, and a low-maintenance one at that.

Rottweiler

Being a German pack hound, the Rotti loves companionship. That means spending as much time with his humans as possible. This includes going out with you, sleeping with you, watching TV with you…you get the point. They are strong, loyal dogs, with a distinct personality, but with a loving owner you will find that they are quite happy just lounging.

Rotties are smart and quick learners. Once they pick up a skill they will retain it with consistent use. They have a calm nature and are usually slow to find their voice, with some not barking until two to three-years-old. Brushing a couple times a week will keep their short coat looking great.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Ridgebacks are super smart and have a high desire to please their people. Learning and practicing new skills will keep their sharp mind engaged and out of trouble. Their beautiful sleek coat requires minimal grooming, but will still need weekly care. They have moderate exercise needs and would make great running companions.

Rhodies are very quiet dogs, so if yours barks you’d better investigate the cause. Best of all, they are loyal, loving companions. Rhodies make a great pet if you are looking for a low maintenance pup that still likes to get outside.

Pug

Pugs are ancient Chinese dogs bred to sit on the laps of royalty. They have not forgotten this. According to them, their place is always with you being petted and, preferably, fed continuously. Be aware they can pack on pounds quickly. They enjoy grooming, which is good because they are moderate shedders. The pug is far from a large dog, but they have the unique personality to make up for it!

Exercise to them is moving from one cushion to another, however, they need at least a short walk daily. Pugs cannot tolerate heat above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for very long due to their smushed in nose. They are not outdoor dogs. Always leave your Pug indoors in warm or cold weather. So if you are looking for friendly dogs who have truly low exercise needs, look no further than the pug.

Bull Terrier

A Bully is a three-year-old kid in a dog suit: they’ve got to be DOING something! But if it’s not fun, forget it. If your training style is harsh and rigid, this is not the breed for you. Bull terriers want to be the center of your world and are loving and loyal. They are great with kids but need to be encouraged to be gentle.

What Bulliesare not so crazy about are other dogs. Best to stay away from the dog park and exercise on your own daily by running or vigorous ball throwing in a secure area.

Bullies have a super easy-care coat. A good brushing every week keeps things looking great.

Boxer

There are some who think Boxers are not a very intelligent breed. We are not part of that thinking. Just keep practicing those basic skills you taught her as a puppy and your fur kid will be a loving and happy member of your family for her whole life. Boxers love to give slobbery kisses, crawl in your lap, and be an active part of family life.

Weekly brushing keeps shedding to a minimum. Daily moderate exercise (not a walk down the block) is required for this breed. So if you want a smart breed that is more active than many of the dogs on this list, the Boxer might be a great fit for your lifestyle.

Bloodhound

This is a very affectionate, but independent breed. He will not be your Velcro dog, however, he will demandyour attention when he wants it. Good basic training is essential for this intelligent dog so that clear division of responsibilities is known (i.e., you are in charge). If you are willing to put in the effort to train this dog from a young age, you might find that their independent nature makes them quite low-maintenance.

Although his coat is easy to care for and only requires a good weekly brushing, his eyes and ears will need regular attention. This breed is great with kids, but older kids are best due to the size of grown dogs. Bloodhounds must always be kept in a tightly secured yard or on leash. They can never be trusted with a nose like that!

Beagle

The beagle is a really popular breed and is an excellent family dog for several reasons. They are friendly, happy, and loving. They also love to snuggle with you in bed and hang out while you watch TV or read. They definitely prefer the indoors. They are easy to train when the lessons are interesting and provide a food reward for good work.

Beagles require some form of daily exercise; a walk in the neighborhood is ok for them. They must have a securely fenced yard or else they will follow their nose to who knows where. Their coat is short and doesn’t require more than brushing once a week to keep shedding to a minimum. Although known for howling, Beagles aren’t really barkers. So if you don’t mind their noise, you might find the beagle is a perfect match for you.

Miniature Pinscher

Min Pins are lively and active dogs. They do great in homes with other small dogs to play with. They are really smart and very easily trained with positive techniques. They are not the best breed for homes with small children. However, if you want a dog who loves to snuggle with you under the covers at night, this is your girl!

The Pins are bold and can be aggressive with intruders, so consider this if your home has a lot of people coming and going. Be sure to socialize them from a young age so that they are not so skeptical of strangers.

Their grooming requirements are quite low. Just a quick weekly brushing is all they need.

Italian Greyhound

IGs are devoted and loving companions who prefer a one-on-one relationship with their human pack. That can be a one-person pack or family, but small or rowdy children should be supervised because these delightfully charming dogs are fragile.

A warm home and climate are ideal for them, with blankets to snuggle under on the couch and bed being a big plus. Iggys are clean and do not require much grooming due to their short and fine fur. Walks through the neighborhood every day are perfect for these guys.

As sight hounds, they do require a securely fenced back yard and leashes so that they don’t try to escape.

Boston Terrier

The Boston is a cute and funny little dog who loves a good play session with children or a nice cuddle on the couch. A running partner for you she will not be, however. Overheating is an issue for this breed, so keep her cool in the summer and warm in the winter and you’ll both be happy.

These are smart dogs who do well in obedience training and competition. She will be your loyal and loving defender, quick to bark at unfamiliar sounds from under the bed covers.Therefore, if you are looking for a low-exercise breed with a big personality to match, check out the Boston terrier.

French Bulldog

Frenchies are true people dogs. They really crave human contact and will keep you entertained for hours. They don’t need a lot of physical activity to stay happy. Just don’t take them swimming without a life preserver because they can’t swim! Their little bodies are so heavy they sink.

Grooming requirements are minimal due to the short, soft coat. They can overeat, and watch for sneakiness around food. Cuddle time in bed and on the sofa is their favorite time. Easy to train as long as it’s fun and engaging for them. These dogs make great family pets if your family wants a dog to hang out and lounge with.

Chihuahua

The smallest of the recognized dog breeds, Chihuahuas are normally a one-person dog and will sometimes ferociously defend their person against any perceived threat. Keep this in mind in a family with children. They must have a den and will burrow under blankets, into the clothes hamper, or anywhere dark that feels secure. They occasionally enjoy sunlight, too.

Grooming is a snap with such a small package to work with. Training can be a challenge if approached without a positive attitude.While their small size makes them low maintenance, be aware of their big personality and defensive nature when selecting this breed.

Dachshund

A breed close to our heart. This feisty, intelligent package of self-confidence is all you need for entertainment. Dachsies love to travel in packs and no home is complete without at least two. They can be stubborn about housetraining, but positive reinforcement (and tile floors) helps.

Grooming requirements are low for the short hair variety. They are food scavengers, so you must take care to keep an eye out for unauthorized snacking. They will sleep under your bed covers…no discussion allowed! These are intelligent, bold dogs, but their small size makes them a low-maintenance breed for many dog owners.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a happy little companion for women without children, mostly. There are some exceptions, of course. Their small size allows them to be on-the-go with their special human, the preferred life of the breed. They are great watchdogs because of excellent hearing and will alert at the slightest noise.

Training is made easier with positive methods. Keeping their hair cut short allows for minimal grooming requirements.

Weimaraner

The lovely, smoke gray Weimaraner is an active dog who needs vigorous daily exercise in his early years to remain a happy member of the family. If you are a runner, this is a great breed for you.

Weims are happy, cheerful, affectionate, and love their people. They are quick to learn, but dislike having the same skill repeated over and over. The short, fine coat makes for very easy care.

Conclusion

We hope you have found our list of low-maintenance dog breeds helpful.

As with any choice of this nature, selecting a dog breed will come down to your personal preference. Ultimately, what is “low maintenance” comes down to your personal definition of the term. Whether you are looking for a dog with low grooming needs, one that is easy to train, or one that prefers lounging over exercise, there are many factor that will determine whether a pup meets the low-maintenance requirements you are looking for.

So take your time, evaluate what you want out of a breed, and see which one is best for you. You will be happy that you took your time to make your decision the right way.

Dave Nielsen

I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. Little did they know that bringing a Labrador Retriever into their apartment would determine not only the course of their son’s professional career but also my love life.

Having obtained a Computer Science Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, I went on to pursue an IT career in the Big Apple. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. There, I got a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Web Development. As a means of supporting myself through college, he found a salesman job at a local paper company, where he met Mary, the love of my life and the person I’d end up creating My Sweet Puppy with.