Keeping or raising a dog can be a difficult task for most owners. In fact, many owners often struggle with the upkeep of grooming, exercising, training, and all that’ll need to go into keeping your dog companion happy.
However, not all dog breeds need to be a handful. While living basics still need to be met, there are some dogs that require less time and energy to care for. Some breeds are more independent than others, thus requiring less attention.
If you’re a busy person, we’ve come up with a list of the 30 most low-maintenance dog breeds. They’re also perfect for first-time dog owners, the elderly or for your older kids to take care of (with some parent supervision).
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What Makes a Dog “Low Maintenance?”
The definition of a “low maintenance” dog breed will be subjective. Depending on the owner, everyone will have different ideas of what basic dog care is. However, there are a few factors that most people would agree on as low maintenance.
I want to say that it’s very rare for any dog breed to hit every single criteria. For example, small lap dogs tend to be hypoallergenic and need less exercise, but they can’t stand being alone. You’ll need to pick and choose what you want to manage.
1. Low Shedding Dog
One of the most time-consuming aspects of dog upkeep is the grooming. Specifically, dogs that shed more tend to require more time to care for. As such, dog breeds that rarely shed, such as hypoallergenic breeds, are top consideration.
That said, low-maintenance dogs tend to have single coats as opposed to double coats. Having a single coat reduces the opportunity for shedding in the dog. Plus, you won’t see typical coat-blowing during shedding season.
2. Low Exercise Requirements
All dogs were bred for different jobs and roles in society. Whether it be tracking, herding, retrieving or companionship, dogs are built with the physical traits and temperament to perform at those jobs. As a result, some breeds will be more energetic.
On one hand, you’ll have dogs that require 1 to 2 hours of physical activity each day. These may be your Huskies, Border Collies, Labradors and others. On the other side, there are some dogs that need minimal exercise, such as lap dogs.
Of course, exercise requirement is a huge factor in determining whether a dog is low maintenance. Not only is it time-costly to provide active dogs with exercise, but without their exercise, active breeds may show destructive behaviors.
3. Obedient and Easy to Train
All dogs should be trained, whether it be housetraining, basic obedience or proper behaviors. But not all breeds will be as eager with training. There are breeds that can be exceptionally stubborn or strong-willed, but also dogs that are people-pleasing.
With that said, we’ve prioritized dog breeds that don’t mind training. These dogs have a high obedience & working intelligence, thus they’re very responsive to training. Plus, they’ll be less dominant and more willing to accept the owner as the alpha.
4. Calm and Docile Temperament
Most dog owners will agree that a calmer, more docile dog tends to be more low maintenance. Not only do they usually need less exercise, but they’re likely not going to be always pestering their owners to play with them.
Calm dog breeds are typically lap dogs or breeds developed for companionship. In a world with all types of working dogs, companion dogs are among the most laid back dogs. Still, there will be exceptions among individual dogs.
Small Low Maintenance Dogs
We start off the list with small or toy low-maintenance dog breeds. Because these dogs tend to be lap dogs, they’re more suited to a slower, easy going life. In addition, many of these small dogs shed a lot less than others.
1. Affenpinscher
Highlights: Comical, Fun-loving, Playful
The often-overlooked Affenpinscher is a fun-sized toy dog that doubles as a spirited companion and lap dog. They can be a little mischievous due to their fun-loving nature, but when needed, an Affenpinscher will always be there for you.
Affenpinschers are great low maintenance dogs for three reasons. First, they’re hypoallergenic dogs, so they will shed very little. Occasional brushing is still needed. In addition, the Affenpinscher needs just 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Plus, they’re above average intelligent dogs, at least for “working & obedience intelligence.” This means that they’re quick learners who respond well to training. And while they are lively dogs, an Affenpinscher enjoys cuddling just as much.
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2. Maltese
Highlights: Docile, Gentle, Easy-going
You’ll never have a hard time keeping a Maltese. These low maintenance, laid back dogs are perfect for all first-time owners due to their responsive temperaments. Plus, they tend to be relatively calm and docile when sitting in your lap.
Originally bred for rat-hunting, the Maltese is primarily a companion dog today. They’ve done a good job adjusting to a more mellow and relaxing lifestyle, and it’s easy to see how. This dog is the happiest when lounging with its owners.
Plus, the Maltese doesn’t need much exercise at all. We recommend giving them a short 20 minute walk through the neighborhood daily. However, they may appreciate more exercise. And like many other small dog breeds, the Maltese is a low-shedding dog!
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3. Boston Terrier
Highlights: Friendly, Lively, Loving
Boston Terriers are one of the best dog breeds for kids, so it makes sense why they’re low maintenance dogs. They’re often called the “America’s Gentleman” of dogs because they’re polite, calm, sweet and gentle. However, they do have a lively side.
Believe it or not, the Boston Terrier was once a fighting dog. But through several generations of breeding, the goal was to turn them into gentle yet calm dogs. As a result, the modern Boston is a happy-go-lucky companion in the home.
Requiring just 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, Boston Terriers are among the least active of dogs. Though they aren’t technically hypoallergenic, this terrier sports a single coat that won’t shed as much as their double-coated counterparts.
4. Shih Tzu
Highlights: Sociable, Loyal, Gentle
It’s hard to argue that the Shih Tzu is a difficult dog breed to keep. In fact, they were originally (and still are) bred to keep your laps warm. From the laps of Chinese elitists to our very own, Shih Tzus have been low maintenance for centuries.
In terms of canine companionship, the Shih Tzu is one of the best in the business. After all, the Shih Tzu has been doing it since ancient China. This means that these lap dogs tend to prefer cuddling in your laps than going for a game of catch.
To top things off, the Shih Tzu is yet another hypoallergenic dog breed. Even so, the long locks of hair means they need regular brushing to remove any debris stuck on the coat. However, it won’t require much work at all.
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5. Chihuahua
Highlights: Alert, Brave, Lively
I’ll admit, the Chihuahua doesn’t check all the boxes for a low maintenance dog breed. Not only do they shed quite a bit, but they’re not the most trainable dogs. In fact, they have one of the lowest scores for obedience and work intelligence.
But despite all the Chihuahua’s “flaws,” they’re some of the most independent toy dogs you’ll be able to find. They’re excellent dogs if you’re a busy person. With enough food and water, Chihuahuas can be left alone for 9 to 10 hours.
That’s not to say you should leave your Chihuahua alone all day. They’re loyal companion dogs that love the company of their owners. And if dealing with shedding is your biggest concern, how much fur can this tiny dog produce anyway?
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6. Japanese Chin
Highlights: Smart, Independent, Loving
Otherwise known as the Japanese Spaniel, the Japanese Chin is a popular dog for those that don’t have a lot of time to care for their pets. It’s true that the Chin is an independent breed and can be left alone for a few hours at a time.
Some owners describe them as “cat-like” dogs for this very reason. Even so, the Chins will still love and appreciate all human interactions. Always cheerful and bright, they’re the type of lap dogs that’ll be up for anything you want to do!
They’re not hypoallergenic dogs, though they do have an easy-to-care-for single coat. Plus, they’ll often groom themselves. And when it comes to training, the Japanese Chin will happily do your bidding due to their people-pleasing nature.
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7. Cavalier King Charles
Highlights: Affable, Adaptable, Loving
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the most famous spaniel breed, and by far, the most popular spaniel in America. The best part is they’re low-maintenance dogs perfect for all kinds of owners. No wonder the CKC spaniel is such a hit!
It’s worth noting that this spaniel sports a double coat, meaning they tend to shed heavily during spring and fall. However, they’re not big dogs and cleaning up after them shouldn’t be much of a problem. But even so, they have a lot of good aspects.
For example, the Cavalier King Charles are famously called “comforter dogs” because they love to sit in their owners’ laps. Because they were bred for companionship, they know when to relax and calm down. However, they can play hard too.
8. Bichon Frise
Highlights: Sensitive, Gentle, Playful
The Bichon Frise can be a low maintenance breed, though they’re not the most ideal for those that have a busy schedule. All these dogs need is love and attention. Aside from that, there’s very little involved with caring for a Bichon.
Like many small dogs on this list, the Bichon Frise is a hypoallergenic dog that rarely sheds. In the past, these dogs were actually sailing dogs (used sometimes for herding). But when the French got them, they bred Bichons into gentle lap dogs.
Bichons will appreciate exercise and fun-play, but only 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be needed to keep them mentally happy. In addition, they respond well to training. As long as you train with positive reinforcement, they’re fairly trainable dogs.
9. Pug
Highlights: Charming, Quiet, Docile
This list wouldn’t be complete without the fan-favorite Pug. Though, the biggest concern with a Pug is the shedding. While they do have double coats, many owners with black Pugs will tell you that they tend to shed a lot less.
Like many other small Chinese dog breeds, Pugs were developed to be lap dogs. Specifically, lap dogs of Chinese royalty. As such, you can count on them being low maintenance dogs for those that just want to cuddle with their dog.
Most Pugs may prefer not to exercise. It’s because they were born with a small nasal passage and unable to tolerate much physical activity. Still, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to go for a walk every day. After all, they’re prone to obesity.
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10. Border Terrier
Highlights: Obedient, Loving, Mild
The Border Terrier is one of the very few low-maintenance terrier breeds. While most terriers tend to be a bit spirited, bold and energetic, the Border Terrier is certainly calmer than most. It’s why we think they’re perfect dogs for children!
The best part of these dogs is the temperament. Border Terriers are mild-tempered dogs with a loving side that meshes well into any household. Overall, they’re quite obedient and respond well to training and commands.
The Border Terrier is also hypoallergenic with a relatively short coat, so grooming won’t be too much of a problem. They don’t need an exuberant amount of energy, like with other terriers, but a daily walk and some human interaction will suffice.
11. Papillon
Highlights: Smart, Friendly, Cheerful
The Papillon is one of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world! When it comes to learning tricks or commands, few dogs can learn faster than the Papillon. First time owners should have no problems with basic obedience training.
But what truly makes the Papillon a low maintenance dog is how clean they are. These dogs do not have a strong dog odor. Plus, they tend to do their own grooming. However, you’ll want to regularly check their ears, as they can get infected.
Papillons can be lively and energetic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they need a lot of exercise. They will require roughly 30 minutes each day to remain healthy and happy. Most of the time, they prefer to hang out in the comfort of your lap.
12. Dachshund
Highlights: Clever, Playful, Brave
The Dachshund was originally bred to be an active hunting dog. But in recent years, they’ve been widely touted as a lovable companion. So while they still retain their enthusiasm and liveliness from the past, Doxies are also be low maintenance lap dogs.
It’s worth noting that these little dogs tend to be stubborn. As a result, they score poorly in “obedience & working intelligence.” Nevertheless, Dachshunds are clever dogs with a loyalty seen in few breeds. For this reason, obedience training will vary.
Dachshunds need about 30 minutes of exercise a day. But because of their iconic short legs and long bodies, a Dachshund can’t actually exercise too much. Otherwise, it may lead to potential spinal injuries that can become serious with old age.
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13. Tibetan Spaniel
Highlights: Independent, Happy, Playful
The Tibetan Spaniel is one of the easiest dog breeds to live with. These spaniels are very much cat-like, that is, energetic and playful, though calm and relaxed. Tibetan Spaniels are great for home-body dog owners, as they tend to crave attention.
But when it comes to physical exercise, the Tibetan Spaniel doesn’t need much at all. With just a daily walk or playtime in a fenced enclosure, they’ll be quite happy. For these reasons, they can make great playmates for kids.
When it comes to shedding, the Tibetan will shed moderately year-round despite sporting a silky double coat. Make sure to brush them weekly to remove dead hair and debris stuck on the coat, especially if the dog spends a lot of time outside. Otherwise, grooming is basic.
14. Pekingese
Highlights: Loving, Proud, Sweet
The Pekingese was bred to be a companion, and they’ve been performing this role for several centuries. In fact, they were once lap dogs of China’s imperial family. It’s why the Pekingese dogs tend to have an air of confidence and dignity.
But they’re not as stuck-up as one may think. Rather, the Pekingese is always cheerful with a positive vibe. Though they’re low maintenance dogs that are great for beginners, they do need to have plenty of human interaction.
A Pekingese may develop separation anxiety if frequently left alone for long periods. But on the bright side, they’re fairly chill and calm dogs that require minimal exercise. And while they do shed, these small dogs don’t have much fur to begin with.
15. English Toy Spaniel
Highlights: Gentle, Reserved, Loving
Similar to their Cavalier King Charles cousin, the English Toy Spaniel is a toy companion that’s happiest in the laps of their loving owners. However, they’re even more low maintenance than the Cavaliers (in most cases).
Overall, the English Toy is a much more reserved and quiet spaniel. That’s not to say they are not playful and mischievous – they’re just more easy-going in the home. English Toy Spaniels do tend to develop a strong bond with a single person, though.
That said, I recommend these dogs for seniors looking for a companion, or first-time owners. In terms of physical activity, a English Toy Spaniel will often exercise himself. These dogs really don’t need much, so a simple stroll would suffice.
16. French Bulldog
Highlights: Patient, Bright, Easy-going
The French Bulldog is a type of bulldog bred exclusively for companionship. Not only were they bred down in size, but their personalities were also tailored for those wanting low maintenance dogs. As such, the Frenchie is one of the easiest to care for!
French Bulldogs check all the boxes. They have a docile and calm temperament, which means they can be easy to train. But at the same time, they don’t need as much exercise as many of the other breeds. About 30 to 60 minutes a day will be fine.
Frenchies don’t shed much, either. They sport a single coat that’ll see low to moderate shedding year-round. And with their short fur, cleaning up after them won’t take too much time. They just want to hang out and have fun with their owners.
17. Brussels Griffon
Highlights: Friendly, Sensitive, Curious
The Brussels Griffon is without question, a spirited and active companion. Among the dogs on t