You might want to get a family dog, but you do not have much time to care for the dog. One thing everyone warns you before getting a pet is that it requires time, effort, sacrifice, and money. Well, the good news is that there are low maintenance dog breeds that are ideal for busy people. Or if you like to put it otherwise, lazy people.
Most dogs need a lot of frills and pampering. But these low maintenance breeds do not. Now, let’s not go as far as saying there are maintenance-free dogs. That is not possible. All dogs need time and attention. The difference is some require more, others require less.
These dogs are all recognized by the American Kennel Club.
What are your dog’s needs?
What are the dog needs you need to consider? There are a couple of factors that make a dog high maintenance or low maintenance.
Here are the factors:
- Exercise – all dogs need it, just some are happy with a short walk around the block
- Training – every dog needs basic training
- Grooming – Most dogs shed, but there is a difference in how often you should brush your dog
- Health care – mostly factoring in breed-related health issues
Low Maintenance Dog Breeds
With that in mind, here are a couple of dog breeds that you ought to consider.
Chihuahua
Whether you get a short hair or long hair Chihuahua, it doesn’t matter. Both are low maintenance dog breeds. However, short hair Chihuahua requires even less grooming. To be fair, a short hair Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. And since these dogs have big pricked ears, you do not have to check them for infections.
During the winter, you do not even hate to take the Chihuahua out for toilet business. In fact, it is recommended you get her diapers for doing the business at home. The Chihuahua is an apartment lap dog, and she doesn’t handle cold weather well.
The only downside is that Chihuahuas bark a lot, and they are not welcoming to strangers. But she loves her family.
Dachshund
This lovable and affectionate breed is an ideal couch buddy. Even though the Dachshund has some hunting instincts due to his nature and ancestry, he is now essentially a lap dog.
Weighing only about 10 or fewer pounds, he is an ideal dog to get in your lap. You can get a larger dog if you like, like the medium-sized Standard Dachshund.
Short-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds require less grooming, and they make an excellent companion. These dogs might have a bit of a stubborn side in them. So make sure to set some basic foundation of training. And most importantly, they are generally healthy and live a long and happy life.
Greyhound
Contrary to popular belief, the Greyhound does not require a lot of exercise. Yes, he is a racing dog. But he is a low-energy dog and is happy with just a short walk every now and then. Essentially, he is a couch potato. What the Greyhound enjoys is loafing around his owner.
Daily walks, and some occasional chance to run is more than enough. But you do not have to walk him for hours or play a lot of games with him. He also has overall good health.
This dog is ideal for those lazy owners who want a bit larger dog.
Boston terrier
Most terrier breeds are high energy dogs. But not the Boston. He is essentially similar to the Pug and French Bulldog. Same as these couch potato dogs, he requires little exercise, and is happy staying in your lap for the whole day.
Brush them just once per week using a firm bristle brush. One thing you have to note is their eyes might be prone to irritation. That is because their eyes are large and prominent. Because of that, you have to wash their face every day and check for any signs of irritation.
Labrador retriever
When you think of high energy dogs, the Labrador is probably on your list. And yes, he is a high-energy dog. So you are wondering how does he fit the low maintenance breeds standards?
Well, he has been a favorite among families for a while. And he is the most popular dog in America. While the Labrador Retriever requires a bit of exercise daily, he is easy to care in terms of grooming and vet visits. They are not prone to diseases. Just make sure to check their ears and keep them clean.
Labs and Goldens are in the top 5 of popularity by the American Kennel Club. The reason why the Lab is on this list is doesn’t have long hair like the Golden Retriever. That short coat still sheds, but not as much. If you are a potential dog owner, you cannot go wrong with a Lab.
French Bulldog
The poster child for couch potatoes is the French Bulldog. He is a perfect loafing companion. While he is lazy, he is very cheerful. Most problems with Frenchies are linked with their health. Being that they were bred to be a toy breed dog, they can have breathing issues. Therefore, you should not take them outside when it is too hot.
The Frenchie has the energy, but he lacks endurance. After five minutes of playing with other dogs, he might be close to dead.
They respond great to basic training and are generally well-behaved around children, other dogs, and people.
Yorkshire Terrier
If you want a low maintenance breed, you cannot go wrong with the Yorkshire terrier. Why? Well, for starters, this small dog is hypoallergenic. That means they do not shed. Yes, you might need to put more than minimal grooming effort.
But that silky hair will look amazing when you take your dog for a walk. The Yorkshire terrier needs little dog food, and minimal exercise. These lap dogs have only one downside, their terrier instinct might make them bark more often.
Miniature pinscher
You might notice, but most of the low maintenance dog breeds are small dog breeds, up to some smallish-medium like the Frenchie.
That is because most small breeds require less grooming. The pinscher doesn’t have a lot of fur, meaning no grooming needs. But you should also take care of him during the cold weather, and put some clothes on him.
These dogs require little and short walks. At home, however, the Miniature Pinscher will be loads of fun and entertainment.
Beagle
The Beagle is a high-energy dog, but he is a low maintenance breed at the same time. Same as the Labrador, the only issue is his droopy ears. You have to clean them regularly to prevent infection.
Other than that, the Beagle is quite easy to care for. Daily walks, some playtime, and he is more than happy. What is more important, the Beagle is a loyal and trainable dog breed. He is kind and friendly with other animals and doesn’t show signs of aggression.
The only downside is that he can howl, not bark. And that might irritate some potential pet owners.
Poodle
Whether you have a Standard Poodle or Toy Poodle, you will enjoy this puppy. Potential pet owners should know that the Poodle is hypoallergenic, meaning there is no shedding. Yes, there is a bit higher grooming need, especially brushing.
But what makes the Poodle ideal for dog lovers is their high intelligence and trainability. They are driven by food, so pack some dog food and you can train your puppy to do anything you want.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a lap dog that has some royal ancestry, look no further. This mild-mannered and gentle dog is ideal for families. He loves playing with his family and is quite adaptable to different conditions.
He doesn’t weigh much, and needs just short daily walks. The only downside with the King Charles Spaniel is his heart. Some of them inherit or develop heart issues.
Regular hair brushing is a must, but that is not something that will change your mind about owning this affectionate dog.
Pug
The Pug is the clown in the canine world. He sleeps for 20 or 22 hours per day. That leaves you just a few hours of taking care of your dog. If that is not ideal for lazy and busy owners, we do not know what is.
Add in their short coat that doesn’t need lots of brushing, and it is a winning combination.
And when he is awake, the Pug is quite playful and entertaining. Just be careful with food. He might be a greedy eater, and you do not want that. Pugs are susceptible to weight issues, since they do not exercise a lot, and eat a lot.
