Which Breeds Are the Best Low Maintenance Dogs?

A lot of people love dogs and want them as a part of the family, but they might not have the time or patience to deal with a pooch who needs constant attention and care. If you fall into this category, you might want to look into low maintenance dogs for your home. These dog breeds are not only easy to care for, they are also very calm, loving, and loyal.

Here are just a few of the breeds you should consider when the time comes to bring home your new best friend.

What to Know Before Choosing Low Maintenance Dogs

Don’t go to the shelter, pet store, or anywhere else to look at dog breeds without being as informed as possible. For example, ask yourself what you’re looking for in a dog. This will be especially important if this is your first dog. Are you looking for a dog who likes to chill out all day, doesn’t shed a lot, and is easy to train? If that’s the case, low maintenance dogs will be perfect for you.

But it’s important to know that just because some dog breeds are known as being easy to care for, that doesn’t mean every dog of that breed will be the same.

A lot of dog breeds may have the reputation of being easy-going, but every dog is different. All dogs have their own personalities, so be careful about having preconceived notions. Take the time to get to know the dog as well as possible before you bring them home.

And even low maintenance dogs need to be groomed them regularly. Most breeds shed, so they need to be brushed at least three times a week so their coats don’t develop painful mats. In addition, most dogs should be walked daily so they get the exercise they need to be as healthy as possible.

10 Low Maintenance Dog Breeds

Whether you’re bringing home your first dog, or you’ve had a lot of experience with pooches, if you’re looking for low maintenance dogs, here are 10 breeds that fit the bill.

Small Dog Breeds

Bedlington Terrier

You might not have heard of the Bedlington Terrier, but it’s one of the best dog breeds if you’re looking for a calm companion who will be easy to care for. The Bedlington, like a lot of dog breeds, was bred to be a hunter. As a result, Bedlingtons will very likely want to chase squirrels and any other small animals that might find their way into your backyard. This breed is calm, but these dogs also need exercise. The Bedlington has a coat that needs to be brushed regularly so that it doesn’t develop mats.¹

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

One of the most beautiful low maintenance dogs, the Cavalier is extremely gentle and affectionate. This is also a very intelligent breed. But Cavaliers are also sensitive. If you yell at them or scold them, they may try to hide from you. Positive reinforcement will be very important during training. Cavaliers are also very attached to their owners, making them great travel companions. If you get a Cavalier and have to be gone from home all day, consider getting a second dog to keep your pup company.²

Chihuahua

This breed is also very loyal and affectionate, wanting to spend every moment with their owners. Like Cavaliers, Chihuahuas are known as “velcro” dogs because they’re so attached to the ones they love. They’re small enough that you can take them with you on shopping trips – assuming, of course, that the places you go allow you to bring dogs. When they’re left alone for too long, they tend to engage in behaviors such as chewing and barking. And even though this breed is known for being calm, Chihuahuas need exercise on a regular basis. Most dogs in this breed are easy to care for when it comes to grooming. Shedding will typically not be a problem with short-haired Chihuahuas, but long-haired Chihuahuas need regular grooming.³

Whippet

The Whippet is very close to the Greyhound in terms of body type. They’re sleek and extremely fast, often bred for racing and hunting agile game, such as rabbits. But even though Whippets have a lot of energy, they’re also very calm dogs, and they love to sleep. Whippets can get along with just about anyone, and they’re great in nearly any sort of home environment. Just make sure you keep your Whippet on a leash when walking, however. When a dog from this breed sees a critter, they will give chase for a long time.⁴

Medium-Size Dog Breeds

Basset Hound

Known for their calm demeanor and huge, floppy ears, the Basset Hound is one of the best low maintenance dogs you’ll find. Bassets can be a little stubborn, however, and they may be difficult to train. Just be careful not to scold or yell at a Basset Hound, because the breed is typically very sensitive. Basset Hounds love to lounge around all day, but they still like their daily walks. Even though they have short coats, shedding can be an issue. Their coats need regular care.⁵

Beagle

If you’re looking for your first dog, the Beagle is an excellent choice. Beagles are kind, loyal, and playful, and they’re easy to care for. They can get bored very easily, though, so you’ll want to make sure not to leave them alone for extended periods of time. You might want to think about getting two of them, so that loneliness isn’t a problem. Like Basset Hounds, Beagles can be somewhat stubborn. If you’re taking one for a walk, and they don’t want to go a certain direction, you’ll know immediately.⁶

Cocker Spaniel

This breed is gentle and calm, and great with children and other animals. They’re very intelligent and pick up training very quickly. They are sometimes timid when it comes to meeting strangers. But if you socialize a Cocker Spaniel early, that usually won’t be a problem. Shedding can be a problem with this breed. Their coats need to be brushed on a daily basis, and they need to be taken to a groomer regularly.⁷

Large-Size Breeds

Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are very clever and athletic, and one of their best qualities is their incredible intelligence. This is one of the dog breeds that is most eager to please their owners, and they’re very easy to train as a result. Standard Poodles may not look the part, but they are very hardy dogs who love to play. Their coats need to be brushed regularly to keep them looking beautiful, and you’ll want to take them for grooming fairly often.⁸

Standard Schnauzer

Another gentle, loving breed that’s easy to care for, the Standard Schnauzer lives to make their owner happy. They do have a lot of energy, however, so you’ll want to make time for a daily walk. This breed tends to shed, so make sure you brush a Standard Schnauzer’s coat a few times during the week.⁹

Labrador Retriever

This is one of the most popular dog breeds around, and for good reason. These are not only incredibly beautiful dogs, they’re also among the most affectionate and gentle. Labradors love to be around their human family members, and they adore being held and cuddled. They almost never meet a stranger – they are usually kind and gentle to everyone they come across. Even though Labradors have relatively short hair, they shed a great deal. You’ll need to brush them regularly.¹⁰

Wrapping it Up

These are just some of the best dog breeds if you want a low maintenance companion. But just because a dog is known to be easy-going, that doesn’t mean they can be ignored. All dogs need a lot of love and exercise.

Learn More:
10 Most Energetic Dog Breeds (which is right for you?)
11 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
The 6 Smartest Dog Breeds

Sources
1.https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bedlington-terrier
2.http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
3.https://www.dogster.com/dogs-101/chihuahua-dog-breed
4.https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_whippet
5.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/basset-hound
6.https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/beagle
7.https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cocker-spaniel
8.https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_poodle-standard
9.https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Standard-Schnauzer.aspx
10.http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/sporting/labrador-retriever.html