Dogs make wonderful companions, but sometimes they can be hard to manage. A lot of dogs need constant exercise and attention, and some require a huge amount of grooming, which doesn’t suit every owner. Here are 18 dog breeds which are low-maintenance and easy to manage.
Greyhounds
Greyhounds are known for their calm and friendly demeanor, and although they are seen as fast racing dogs, they have surprisingly low energy when indoors and love to lounge about most of the time. Their short coat doesn’t need much attention, making them ideal for those who prefer not to deal with grooming.
French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs require only moderate exercise, a daily short walk is perfect, according to the American Kennel Club, making them suitable for less active owners. They are known for their laid-back attitude and are happy in most living spaces, adapting well whether in a small apartment or a large house.
Dachshunds
Dachshunds are a playful and loyal breed but don’t need too much exercise, making them good pets for less active households. The short-haired dachshund requires little grooming, which is perfect for owners who don’t want to or don’t have time to spend on this.
Chihuahuas
The tiny chihuahua is an easy-to-manage dog, ideal when living in an apartment or small home. The short-haired variety does not need a lot of grooming, and chihuahuas get most of their exercise indoors and only need the occasional short walk.
Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are friendly, easy-going, intelligent dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They are small enough for apartment life, and their short coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
Pugs
Pugs are social and gentle dogs, and they love to be loved. They are adaptable pets, according to The Spruce Pets, happy almost anywhere. This makes them good with older people or a family, with other animals, or as a solitary pet. They don’t need much exercise, and their small size makes them manageable for most owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavaliers are one of the most affectionate and adaptable dog breeds, perfectly happy to lounge around the home or join outdoor activities, adjusting their energy levels to their owner’s lifestyle. They also require little grooming; regular brushing and occasional baths are enough to keep their coats in good condition.
Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are happy with daily walks and a little playtime, which helps them fit well into less active or busy households. Although their hair is on the longer side, regular brushing and occasional professional grooming can keep their coats looking good.
Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are known for their relaxed temperament, and although they are friendly, they are only moderately affectionate so they do not need a huge amount of attention. They don’t need a lot of grooming or exercise either, they are content with short daily walks.
Miniature Schnauzers
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart and friendly dog, making them easy to train. They are also generally healthy animals and have a good lifespan. The American Miniature Schnauzer Club notes that the breed has a wiry double coat, requiring a little more grooming than some other small breeds, but it is still very manageable.
Beagles
Although Beagles want more exercise and playtime than other low-maintenance dogs, they need only basic grooming and occasional baths, as their coats are short and easy to manage. This breed is known for being friendly, they love company and are great with families and other pets.
Whippets
Whippets are calm and gentle dogs who love to chill, making them great companions for less active owners, and perfect dogs for city living, as they are very quiet pets and rarely bark. Their short, smooth hair only needs occasional brushing, and they don’t shed much.
Bull Terriers
The short but stocky Bull Terrier is an affectionate dog, and good with children, as well as being a generally healthy pet with few grooming needs. Bull Terriers can be a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance companion, and although they do enjoy being active, they love to relax afterwards.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are playful but can get most of their daily exercise from indoor activities or a quick walk. Their longer coat does need to be brushed every day, but that is a quick task due to their small size, and it is completely manageable with routine care.
Toy Fox Terriers
Toy Fox Terriers have a fun personality and are full of energy. They are generally healthy, says PetMD, and while they do need exercise and love going for walks, they are happy to run around the house or garden too. These pets don’t need much grooming.
Papillons
Papillons are fun, clever little dogs, full of energy but still manageable because of their size, only requiring simple indoor playtime and short walks. Their coat is deceptive, they may look like they need lots of grooming but because they don’t have an undercoat, grooming them just once a month is enough.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are small and generally quiet, making them perfect pets for smaller homes as they also do not require a lot of space to roam. While they should be groomed daily, their small size makes the process relatively easy and doesn’t take long.
Corgis
Although Corgis shed a lot and need a daily brush, their grooming needs are manageable. They are an active breed but their small size makes their exercise needs easy to deal with, a daily walk is fine for them. They are a great pet for someone who wants to stay active, but not too active!
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