- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
No matter what kind of pup you get, caring for a dog requires a lot of time and effort. But if you’re someone with a busy schedule, small children, mobility issues, or you’re a new pet parent, a low-maintenance dog breed might be the best choice. Low-maintenance dogs typically require less exercise, grooming, training, and healthcare, which makes it easier for them to smoothly transition into different lifestyles.
With the help of Shelby Semel, CPDT-KA, senior trainer and founder of Shelby Semel Dog Training, we’ll share the ten best low-maintenance dog breeds, which breeds are considered high-maintenance, and what to consider when choosing the best low-maintenance dog breed for your lifestyle.
No matter which breed you choose, it’s important to remember that even low-maintenance breeds come with their own personalities and quirks and will need love, attention, and patience. Here’s how to set your pup—and yourself—up for success.
1. Brussels Griffon
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Brussels Griffons are little dogs that pack a mighty punch. With an expressive face and a playful demeanor, they make wonderful family pets. They love bonding with people, so you can expect them to be by your side at all times. The best part: they hardly shed.
“If you’re looking for a transportable, confident dog with lower grooming and bathing fees, the Brussels Griffon is a good match,” says Semel. “They are smart, self-assured, and full of spunk.”
- Height: 7-10 inches
- Weight: 8-10 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Occasional brushing
- Health: Generally healthy, but as a flat-faced breed, they can experience breathing problems in hot or humid weather
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-to-medium sized breed with a rich history linked to European royalty. Known for their expressive eyes, silky coat, and friendly temperament, Cavaliers are great with children and other animals. Since they can be prone to certain health issues like heart disease and neurological conditions, they should have regular vet check-ups and screenings for predisposed conditions.
“Cavaliers need less training and mental stimulation than other breeds and are generally sweet and content,” says Semel.
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Regular brushing and baths, and ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection
- Health: Prone to some health issues, so regular vet check-ups are recommended
3. Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are pint-sized pups that pack a lot of personality into their small frames. They are fearless, sassy, and energetic, but they typically get sufficient exercise in small spaces. Because of their small size, they’re great for pet parents who live in apartments or in the city. They come in two coat varieties: short-haired and long-haired, with the long-haired pups requiring more regular brushing.
- Height: 5-8 inches
- Weight: Under 10 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Regular brushing for long-haired Chihuahuas to keep tangles from forming
- Health: Generally healthy
4. Dachshund
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You may have heard Dachshunds referred to as doxies, sausage dogs, lowriders, or other nicknames that are as charming as their lovable personalities. Dachshunds are spirited explorers that are always on the lookout for their next adventure, whether it’s digging up treasures in the backyard or chasing after their favorite toy. They come in two sizes (miniature and standard) and three coat varieties (smooth, long, and wire), which all require minimal grooming. Because of their short and long bodies, they are more prone to spinal issues.
- Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
- Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds or under (miniature)
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Regular brushing for long-coat variety
- Health: Generally healthy, but prone to spinal issues
5. Greyhound
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Despite their racing heritage, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-key and love lounging around the house. They have an affectionate nature and are gentle with children. This makes them great apartment and family dogs, and due to their short, low-maintenance fur, they hardly shed at all. If you’re hesitant about the Greyhound’s larger size, consider a Whippet, a smaller relative of the Greyhound.
“Their temperaments are solid for family life and lots of cuddles,” says Semel.
- Height: 27-30 inches
- Weight: 50-85 pounds
- Energy Level: Low
- Grooming: Minimal
- Health: Generally healthy
6. Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and versatile family dogs. Known for their boundless energy and love of play, Labs are happiest when they’re fetching a ball, swimming in a lake, or going on outdoor adventures. Their intelligent, eager-to-please nature makes them highly trainable. Labs have a thick double coat, so they do shed and require brushing at least once a week.
“The Lab is America’s sweetheart,” says Semel. “Easy to train, family-friendly, and wonderful temperaments.”
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming: Daily brushing during shedding season and weekly brushing during off season
- Health: Generally healthy, though occasionally develop hip and knee issues
7. Mastiff
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Mastiffs are the gentle giants of the dog world. Despite their large size, these dogs are incredibly gentle, affectionate, and loyal with their families. Because of their low energy level, most Mastiffs are content to rest on a couch all day. Their short coats require minimal grooming, only needing brushing every few days.
“Mastiffs do tend to develop health conditions as they age,” says Semel. This includes orthopedic problems and the risk of bloat. Because of their size, Mastiffs also have a shorter lifespan, usually living between six to ten years.
- Height: 27-30 inches
- Weight: Up to 250 pounds
- Energy Level: Low
- Grooming: Occasional brushing
- Health: Generally healthy, with potential health issues occurring as they age
8. Poodle
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Poodles have been a popular breed for decades and come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Known for their distinctive curly coats, Poodles have largely hypoallergenic fur. They also shed little, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Their curly hair requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles and is often styled in elaborate cuts for show dogs. But they’re equally as cute with a natural cut as well.
- Height: No more than 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
- Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Daily brushing with a longer cut, or clipping and trimming every four to six weeks for a shorter cut
- Health: Generally healthy
9. Pug
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Pugs are charismatic dogs known for their distinctive wrinkled faces, curly tails, and playful personalities. Pugs don’t bark much, which makes them perfect for city and apartment dwellers. They love being close to their humans. They do, however, have some health features to watch out for. Their smushed faces make them prone to respiratory issues, and their wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Weight: 14-18 pounds
- Energy Level: Low
- Grooming: Occasional brushing
- Health: Generally healthy
10. Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are charming, affectionate dogs that thrive as a constant companion to their owners. While their long, silky fur requires regular grooming and brushing to prevent tangles and mats, many pet parents opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance. Shih Tzus are generally healthy but can be prone to brachycephalic syndrome due to their short snouts, as well as dental issues.
- Height: 9-10 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming: Daily brushing for a long coat, occasional brushing for Shih Tzus with a “puppy trim”
- Health: Generally healthy
What Makes a Breed High-Maintenance?
All dogs require time and attention from their pet parents, but some breeds need more intensive care when it comes to grooming, training, or exercise. If you’re a pet parent with a busy schedule, limited resources, or you feel like you might not be able to stay on top of high-maintenance grooming or training needs, here are some dog breeds you might want to avoid.
Herding Dogs
Herding breeds like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, and Corgis were bred to gather, herd, and protect livestock. Because they’re considered working dogs, they tend to have high energy levels and need a lot of physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom. They are highly intelligent, which is why they’re commonly used for police and military work.
Hunting Dogs
Dogs and people have been hunting together for thousands of years. Most hunting breeds are extremely athletic, with bodies built for locating, flushing out, and sometimes retrieving small or big game. Because of their instinct to hunt, they tend to be very vocal and require regular and invigorating exercise. Many have long coats that require frequent brushing and grooming. Some hunting dog breeds include Pointers, Setters, and Spaniels.
Terriers
Terriers are feisty and energetic dogs that were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Their sizes range from small (Jack Russell Terrier) to large (Airedale Terrier). Terriers are notoriously stubborn, so they need a determined and knowledgeable hand when it comes to training. Many terrier breeds also require special grooming, known as “stripping,” to remove excess dead topcoat without clipping, leaving room for the new coat to grow.
How To Pick the Best Low-Maintenance Dog for You
Getting a dog can be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make, but it can also be overwhelming as you try to determine which breed best suits your lifestyle.
Here are a few things to consider when trying to find a low-maintenance dog.
Where you live
Are you a city dweller? Do you have a large home with a yard or a studio apartment? Is the climate hot and humid where you live, or is it cooler? These are all things to consider when deciding which low-maintenance dog breed is best for you.
For apartment and city-living pet parents, smaller, less active breeds like the Pug or Chihuahua may be ideal, as they require less space and exercise. If you have a house with a yard, more active breeds like the Labrador Retriever or Poodle would do well with the extra room to run and play. In hot climates, breeds with shorter coats like the Greyhound fare better, while in colder areas, dogs with thicker fur are more comfortable.
Your activity level
If you have an active lifestyle and enjoy hiking, long walks, or other outdoor adventures, a breed with a higher energy level is probably the best fit for you, since they thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation. If you prefer a more relaxed pace and enjoy leisurely walks or being cozy indoors, lower-energy breeds might be a better choice. Assess your daily routine and exercise habits to find a breed whose energy levels align well with your lifestyle.
How much grooming you’re willing to do
You’ll also want to consider how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to maintaining your dog’s coat. For some pet parents, daily brushing with a monthly trip to the groomer may be no big deal, but others may only have the time and patience for minimal brushing and infrequent baths. Typically, dogs with shorter coats like short-haired Dachshunds and Mastiffs only need an occasional brushing and bath. But dogs with longer hair or a curly coat (like the Poodle) are a bit more high maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Personality
Breed is only part of what determines a dog’s personality—and sometimes a small one. If there are qualities that are important to you, like a low energy level or relative quiet, consider adopting an adult dog instead of a puppy. Adult dogs have fully formed personalities, and a shelter or rescue organization can help you find a dog who’s a good fit.
