While some cannot resist the allure of the world’s most glamorous dog breeds, others love a simple pup. Low-maintenance dogs are the kinds of canines that just want some treats and to hang out on the couch with the family. A little bit of exercise and plenty of love is all these easy-going doggies need to be happy. Each of the canines on our list of the top five best low-maintenance dog breeds has great potential as family pets and as options for first-time pet parents.
“Easy” and “difficult” to manage breeds are highly subjective as dogs have emotionally complex individual personalities. Still, common instinctual breed behaviors do exist, and the more pet parents strive to understand these behaviors, the more success they will find in raising their pup. Some breeds are simply laid back, friendly, and easy to groom. This combination of desirable traits is often seen as the key attribute for low-maintenance hounds.
Spending less time on grooming and on strenuous activities to burn up excessive energy makes more time for snuggles and chilling. Great low-maintenance dog breeds will be fully happy to relax while their humans read or to go for a quick walk around the block. In fact, these types of dogs might start out bursting with energy to play catch only to be ready to relax again after a few minutes.
First time pet parents can often feel overwhelmed by all of the new responsibilities that go along with dog ownership. Complicating this already tricky matter are the specifics of more demanding pedigrees. Difficult to manage coats, chronic joint pain, and even canine anxiety can be troubling issues that some dog breeds face. On the other hand, some breeds seem to have a naturally robust and hale health that lets them enjoy a longer more fulfilled life.
Advanced dog handlers might enjoy the challenge of demanding breeds like the luxurious Afghan Hound or the relentless Akita. For those seeking a dog that is a bit easier to raise, we turned to our trusted sources. They helped us sort through more than 200 American breeds to rank the best low-maintenance dogs. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The List: Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Dachshund
Everybody loves wiener dogs! Dachshunds are loving and loyal to the point of being possessive when it comes to their most loved family members. “These canines are not hard to maintain. The smooth-coat breed version requires only some occasional coat care and the wire-coated version needs brushing once or twice a week. However, the long-coated version will need regular brushing and grooming. The average lifespan of the Dachshund is about 12-16 years,” raves Service Dog Training.
![Dachshund](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/dachshund-scaled.jpg)
Parade Pets praises, “While originally bred to be hunting dogs, Dachshunds have since grown to be the perfect lap dog. They’re still charismatic and prone to mischief, but really only need about 30 minutes of exercise. Additionally, these small pups have short, stumpy legs—meaning they can’t actually exercise too much. They make lovable, slightly stubborn pets that can lounge around on lazy days.”
“The dachshund is a lovable and affectionate dog breed that makes a great couch buddy. This dog comes in two sizes: miniature and medium-sized. Long-haired doxies require a bit more grooming than the short-haired or wire-haired variety. All can make excellent companions,” exclaims The Spruce Pets.
2. Basset Hound
These droopy-faced doggies have soulful eyes and a loving nature. As lazy as they are adorable, Basset Hounds are happy to while away the day napping and snuggling. Pumpkin says, “You’ll recognize a Basset Hound when you see one, those ears stand out. These charming dogs are patient, loyal, and unlike some of their hound companions, they can be fairly lazy. A daily walk will probably be enough for a Basset, otherwise, these dogs can be couch potatoes.”
![Basset Hound lying in the grass](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Basset-Hound-scaled.jpg)
Daily Paws describes, “Droopy and low to the ground, basset hounds are happy with one long daily walk followed by an even longer nap at home. They’re pretty low-energy and slow-moving pups, (as long as they don’t catch the scent of a neighborhood rabbit, that is) and their short coat is a cinch to care for.”
HGTV elaborates, “The basset hound is widely considered a low-maintenance breed, if only because this doggo loves to laze the day away on a sunny afternoon. He’s a low-energy breed, so there’s no need to take a basset hound out on long walks. A short walk around the block will suffice. Take it slow, too.”
3. Chihuahua
These petite pups can be emotionally needy. They not only tend to bond strongly with their owners, but they also seem to go out of their way to appear brave in front of loved ones. Pit Pat comments, “You’ll need to have a firm handle on their training, as they can be stubborn and independent, but with plenty of enrichment toys to keep them entertained, they’ll happily while away the hours, especially if they live with another friendly dog. Short-coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming, and they are happy with a few good walks each day.”
![Chihuahua](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chihuahua-scaled.jpg)
Pure Wow adds, “Chihuahuas are like your Leo friend who’s always saying, ‘I’m up for literally anything!’ They are adaptable creatures with independent streaks (so instill commands early) who really only need to trot around behind you for a few blocks to get enough exercise. Short-coated chihuahuas require nothing but a quick brush now and again, but even long-coated versions don’t require groomers visits.”
The Dog People details, “Chihuahuas are the smallest of all purebred dogs—but with a big attitude. They are enthusiastic and tend to have a lot of energy. Due to their petite frames, Chihuahuas make great lap and apartment dogs. The short-haired varieties (sometimes referred to as a smooth coat) don’t shed much, making allergy sufferers happy.”
4. Italian Greyhounds
Not to be confused with their larger racing cousins, Italian Greyhounds are teeny tiny fellas that always look a bit cold. Web MD explains, “Italian greyhounds are very small and enjoy being lap dogs. They have a thin coat and need very minimal grooming. They are easy going companion dogs, but they are not recommended for families that have young children.”
![Italian Greyhound](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Italian-Greyhound-scaled.jpg)
“When it comes to grooming, the Italian Greyhound is low maintenance. A few minutes a day for brushing is usually sufficient. The frequency of bathing depends on the lifestyle- once a week or up to once every 6 weeks may be enough,” offers Service Dog Training.
“Similar in stature to whippets, Italian greyhounds are tiny dogs that hardly take up any space at all (making them great for busy city people). They do love a good, warm lap and may follow you around when you are home, but they know how to settle down, too. If dog parks are sparse in your area, this is the canine for you; they’re often too small and wary of other dogs to enjoy themselves and would rather hang out at home,” states Pure Wow.
5. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are quite popular, and they have only become even more popular in the age of social media. These photogenic pups are docile and loving, totally happy to lounge around with their family. The Spruce Pets claims, “The gleeful Frenchie makes the perfect loafing companion. French bulldogs are among the most cheerful of all dog breeds. Although they have a good deal of energy, they tend to lack endurance. Moderate daily exercise is usually suitable for this breed, though outdoor activities should be limited when it is very hot or humid.”
![French Bulldog](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/French-Bulldog-scaled.jpg)
“French bulldogs are smooshy-faced cuties, and they happen to be incredibly easy-to-care-for dogs. They’re chill but love to play, have a funny sense of humor, and pick up training cues quickly (as long as you make it feel like a game),” relates Daily Paws.
HGTV reviews, “The French bulldog — you know, the Frenchie — is fairly low maintenance given his short hair, little legs and preference for snuggling on the couch over long walks around the neighborhood. Frenchies do love attention, but mostly they want to be with their humans. This breed has skyrocketed in popularity. According to the American Kennel Club, Frenchies are the second most popular dogs in the United States, just behind the affable Labrador retriever.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
- Best Dog Breeds for Country Living
- Best Dog Breeds for Kids
- Best Dogs for City Living
Sources:
- Service Dog Training
- Parade Pets
- The Spruce Pets
- Pumpkin
- Daily Paws
- HGTV
- Pit Pat
- Pure Wow
- Web MD
- The Dog People
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
I have a chiweenie he is so laid back. I take him out for a walk every other day. He is the most loving, stubborn and loyal friend I ever had! I love him ❤️💓❤️💓
Dogs need to be walked EVERY DAY, not every other day.
Doxie’s who are in shape are capable of walking multiple miles, despite their short legs. Loving the sights and smells the whole way. They are a big dog in a small package. And full of love!
Agree. My doxie tweenie-size loves a long walk. All that sniffing to do!!
My Black mouth Cur is both easy and loyal. Truly smart and a companion.
I’m surprised the Boston Terrier isn’t included. I have 2 and had one previously. They can be active for a brief time and then love to lounge and sleep for hours. Very cute personalities as well.
There are 3 sizes of Dachshunds.
Mini, tweenie and standard.
My standard Dachshund was 22 lbs. I now have a tweenie he’s 11 lbs and is done growing.
I don’t know about the other breeds but, in my experience, doxxies and chihuahuas can be very mean. In fact, I’ve been bitten twice by a chihuahua
Shiba Inu. I have 2, a boy and a girl. Bar their vaccinations zero trips to the vet. Loyal companions. Loving and fun.
Several of these dogs are not low maintainable from a health standpoint. It’s worth considering more than just energy level and hair grooming needs.
I definitely agree with you. Several of these recommended breeds
are prone to serious, costly medical issues. That is something to consider.
Jack Russell/ Rat Terrier.
Great also
Dogs need to be walked EVERY DAY, not every other day.
My miniature dachshund loves going on walks on his terms. Once he’s had enough he will turn around and tug at the leash or sit down and refuse to budge until we are headed towards home. He loves to yap at bigger dogs and humans. He is always in a goofy mood (he keeps me in stitches w is goofy antics!) or sleeping under a pile of blankets or clean laundry. He does enjoy everyone once he warms up to a person. And everyone falls head over paws for him🤣. He is a special little guy and I am absolutely grateful for every moment with him.
Why not? I’m not good enough?
Why not? I’m not good enough? My Dashound/ Terrier mix is very low maintenance
French Bulldogs are NOT low maintenance, as they are known for their multitude of health issues. I belong to the French Bulldog Rescue Network, and we are constantly getting Frenchies from owners who surrender them once they realize they are very high maintenance and expensive.
Please do your own research. I have been a veterinarian for 42 years. These are all wonderful breeds, but many are not low maintenance. For example, while I love Frenchies, they are high maintenance. Skin issues and allergies are very common and all extreme brachiocephalic dogs have a much greater incidence of respiratory problems. Great dogs. Low maintenance. Not so much.
Ken, I agree with you a hundred percent. Thank you for sharing.
I have a xolo (Mexican hairless) he’s the lowest maintenance dog out there hands down!
Ok, I have seen other lists that say the EXACT opposite. Especially for dachshund and Bassett hound with significant health issues. The French bulldog also have all.sorts of issues. This article is just clickbait, plain and simple.
Don’t forget Dachshunds are prone to back problems. I have had Dachshunds for a long time and I have 2 now. They’re the best!!
This is basically a list of breeds for people that want a dog that requires less physical activity. However, I wouldn’t consider these breeds to necessarily be “low maintenance” as they typically come with high medical costs due to their body conformation (back, leg and hip issues) and congenital health conditions largely associated with heart or respiratory issues. I work in Veterinary medicine and every breed on here minus the Italian greyhound are breeds we see constantly in our ER. French bulldogs especially have been bred so horribly that they can not give birth naturally and must have cesarian procedures to prevent death of babies and mom. Frenchies are also highly prone to devastating heart conditions and respiratory diseases due to their flat face. They are cute as can be, but they are genetic nightmares. So, low maintenance is definitely not a term I would use.
I grew up with strays so I didn’t know about specific problems with certain breeds of dogs. 10 years ago I adopted a 3y/o dachshund. The next day at the vet’s office I was told he had dental issues and probably I will have to take care of that his whole life. It was true. Dog dental procedures are not cheap and mostly not covered by insurance.
I learned about their back problems not long after I adoption, so I tried my best to avoid stairs, low furniture and jumping in general, but still one morning he woke up not being able to walk. He got surgery to fix 2 damaged vertebral disks, with no promise of full recovery; 10k in bills and I had to take time off from work to take care of him.
I love my dog and would do everything again for him, but I am very honest when people ask about what it means to care for him. These 2 problems are very common in dachshunds.
A lot of these dogs listed can have health issues which can greatly influence that “low maintenance” moniker. Some are also prone to constant barking or aggressive behavior. Bad article.