Low maintenance dog breeds are well worth considering if you'd love a canine companion but don't have hours each day that you can spend exercising and grooming them.
It's easy to dismiss having a dog when you have a busy lifestyle, but not all pups require a big investment of your time and energy. Yes, it's true all dogs needs love, affection, and plenty of the best dog toys to play with, but some breeds have coats that are easier to care for, are lower in energy, or have easygoing and less demanding personalities.
It's these dog breeds that are worth considering if you're someone who's frequently on the go. When you pick one of these pups, you're able to focus on quality time rather than quantity.
While you'll still need to be attentive and to care for any dog you have, these low-maintenance breeds may just allow you to reap some of the many benefits of having a canine companion without having to compromise on your lifestyle.
Do bear in mind, though, that we’re talking low maintenance when it comes to daily chores – some of these dogs may have health issues that can quickly make them higher maintenance in other ways.
Low maintenance dog breeds
1. Dachshund
There are three types of dachshunds — smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired — and which one you choose will dictate how low-maintenance they are.
Smooth coated dachshunds are your best bet as they have short coats and require very little grooming other than a brush once a week to remove excess hair. They also don't require much exercise; just 30–60 minutes is more than enough to keep these dogs happy.
Dachshunds are spunky little dogs who adore attention, and while they can be stubborn, basic training in their younger years will ensure you have a well-behaved adult dog on your hands.
2. French Bulldog
When it comes to low-maintenance pets, French Bulldogs are a great choice. Their short, fine fur won't mat, so brushing is generally quick and easy, and on top of not needing much in the way of grooming, their exercise needs are also minimal.
About an hour's worth spread over the day will be plenty – short walks are better than long hikes because their flat faces cause breathing difficulties.
Frenchies have a charming personality and tend to be very affectionate and easygoing. They're also a wonderful mix of playful meets relaxed, so while they'll be more than happy to zoom about after their favorite toy, they'll be equally at home snuggling up with you on the couch.
3. Chihuahua
Needing just 20–30 minutes of exercise each day, perhaps spread over two or three walks, Chihuahuas are fun companions for a stroll around a park or a quick walk around the block. For the rest of the time, they'll be more than happy to be carted about in a handbag or backpack.
They're also very easy to groom, requiring only a few minutes of effort each week with a brush.
Chihuahuas bond deeply with their owners and don't like being separated from them, so this breed does best in homes where they can accompany their favorite humans wherever they go. Small but spunky, Chihuahuas are feisty dogs who make devoted companions.
4. Greyhound
You may think, due to their controversial use in racing, that greyhounds are always on the go. However, the opposite is true. While they may be the fastest dog breed in the world, with a top speed of 35mph, greyhounds were built for speed, not endurance.
With that in mind, these dogs are happy with short bursts of exercise, and once they've had that, they'll be more than content to curl up and relax. They're also very easy to groom, and are a low-shedding breed.
The greyhound is a very gentle dog, and they make wonderfully sweet-natured companions. Sensitive and friendly, they do best in quiet and calm homes, and because they have an independent side, you'll find that they don't need to be glued to your side all day.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Let's get one thing out of the way: yes, you will need to regularly groom a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their coat is prone to matting so it needs a daily brush (that way, you can avoid problems building up). You also need to tend to their ears because infections, such as inflammation of the ear canal, are common.
So why are they still low maintenance? Well, they only need about an hour of exercise each day and, because they love to please, you will find they are very easy to train too – more than capable of picking up on what you want from an early age.
They don't require you to have a large home, tend not to shed, and are generally quiet. Cavaliers are gentle souls, too. And when dogs look this cute, what's not to love?
6. Manchester Terrier
Only requiring a weekly brush of their short, smooth coat (and sometimes not even that), you'll find Manchester Terriers are very easy to groom. They only need bathing every three months or so because they are naturally clean.
You won't be holding your nose either because they tend to emit little to no odor – great for those of us who aren't fans of that doggy smell!
While they can be prone to barking, Manchester Terriers are well-mannered, quick to learn and with few behavioral issues, making training and being around them a pleasure. The downside is that they're energetic dogs that do like and need plenty of exercise – although they settle down quickly when they've finished and will curl up and relax.
7. Basset Hound
The short-legged basset hound is a calm but playful dog with a gentle and devoted nature. While their short coats are incredibly easy to groom, it's still worth giving them a brief daily brush as they're prone to shedding, and this will ensure you don't end up with a ton of fur all over your furniture and floors.
As you can probably tell by looking at them, basset hounds were not built for speed, and they have a tendency to be lazy logs if given half the chance, so making sure they get a 30-minute walk each day is important for preventing obesity.
Low-energy dogs, basset hounds enjoy lounging around with their family and are very affectionate. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they also tend to get on very well with dogs, so if you're on the go a lot each day and can't always have your basset hound with you, getting them a friend for company will be much appreciated.
8. Whippet
Whippets and greyhounds are often mistaken as being one and the same, but they're two very distinct breeds. Whippets are smaller and less muscular, although there are great similarities, among them their tendency to be low maintenance.
Like the greyhound, the whippet was built for speed, not endurance, so short exercise sessions are more than enough to keep this pup happy and healthy. In terms of grooming, you'll have few problems. Their coats are short and smooth and only need a weekly brush.
Quiet and intelligent, the whippet is a great choice if you're looking for a dog that rarely barks. They're a very sweet and friendly breed and tend to get on well with children and other dogs.
However, they do have a strong prey drive, so they're not ideal for homes with cats or other small pets. Because they have very short coats, be sure to pop one of the best dog coats on them when taking them out and about in the colder months.
9. Pug
So it's pouring down outside, and neither you nor your pug fancies a trip into the rain. Do you have to grab your coat anyway, or will this breed be just as content exercising around the home? Luckily for both, it's the latter. And if you do venture outdoors, then half an hour is going to be enough to keep a pug in tip-top shape.
While they require a little more attention from a grooming perspective – being a wrinkly breed, their facial wrinkles need to be cleaned once a week to keep them healthy – but these sessions can be a great way to bond with your dog and help bring you closer.
Pugs make for the most charming of companions. Often nicknamed the clowns of the canine world, they are endlessly comical and mischievous, so they're guaranteed to keep you laughing. Friendly and affectionate, they get along well with everyone and are very easygoing and adaptable.
10. Bullmastiff
Some people may think bullmastiffs look scary and that they may be high-maintenance dogs. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Although they are one of the breeds most often mistaken for pitbulls, bullmastiffs are, in truth, gentle souls and one of the laziest dog breeds around.
These dogs have a propensity to lie down and relax if left to their own devices; you'll want to ensure they get an hour of exercise each day to keep their bodies in good health.
Bullmastiffs are extremely intelligent and are known for being quick learners, so it's recommended you train and socialize them from a young age, as they are very large dogs and can easily knock people over in their excitement to say hello.
Kind dogs with big hearts, bullmastiffs are incredibly devoted to their human family and are known for having a happy-go-lucky nature.
11. Beagle
With their short, waterproof coats, beagles are a dream dog if you're looking for a breed that requires minimal grooming. While they do shed, a short brush a few times a week will catch a lot of their loose hair and make keeping your home clean that much easier.
Beagles are high-energy dogs, so they do need around 90 minutes of exercise each day, however, if you love running or hiking, you can kill two birds with one stone as they'll be only too happy to accompany you.
Beagles can be very mischievous creatures, and they are incredibly family-oriented, so they're a great choice if you have children, as they make fantastic playmates. They're also very loving and social, and they're super adaptable, so they'll be content with either city or country living.
12. Boston Terrier
If you're looking for a dog that you'll never have to dress but that'll always look their best, the dashing Boston Terrier is impossible to pass by. Nicknamed the 'American Gentleman' because their black and white coat makes them look like they're wearing a tuxedo, this lively, smart, and even-tempered dog is very low maintenance and easy to care for.
Happy dogs, Boston Terriers are eager to please and a breeze to train. They're a great choice for first-time owners and those who live in apartments, as their compact size and flexible nature mean they feel at home almost everywhere.
They only need one or two short walks each day to keep them healthy, and their short, shiny fur rarely sheds and requires little more than a brief, weekly brush.
13. Shih tzu
While there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, the shih tzu comes very close because they shed very little. Many people opt to have their long, luxurious coats trimmed short as this drastically cuts down on their grooming needs and makes them very low-maintenance indeed.
Because they're a brachycephalic breed, their exercise routine needs to consist of two short walks of 30 minutes per day (as opposed to running or hiking) to prevent breathing difficulties or overheating in the summer.
The shih tzu may be small, but what they lack in size, they certainly make up for in personality! They love being with their people, are eager to please, playful, and very affectionate.
Because they're intelligent and quick to learn, you'll find training them really rewarding – just be sure to use lots of positive reinforcement, as they don't respond well to harsh words.
14. West Highland Terrier
Easy to train and moderately energetic, the West Highland Terrier (or 'Westie' as they're affectionately called) is a sturdy, no-nonsense dog who requires minimal pampering.
While they're a small dog, they still require about 60 minutes of exercise a day and because they're highly intelligent, it's worth playing some brain games for dogs with them to give their minds a good workout. Alternatively, if you're too busy to play 1:1 with them, the best dog puzzle toys will help keep them entertained.
Westies need to be kept on a leash when they're outside as they have a strong prey drive, and they'll need brushing a few times a week to keep their coat in good condition. Happy, entertaining, and loyal dogs who get on well with children, the West Highland Terrier is confident, adorable, and independent.
15. Bulldog
While their wrinkles do require some care (these pups need bathing once a week to keep their skin healthy), English Bulldogs are otherwise a very low-maintenance breed.
Known for being couch potatoes, they need encouragement to exercise, but because they're not built for strenuous activity, this is best done in the form of two 15-minute low-intensity walks each day.
Bulldogs wear a permanently sour expression, but don't let that fool you – these dogs are friendly, loyal, and get along really well with children and other pets.
Kind, courageous, and confident, they're fantastic family dogs but they do require early training and socialization to ensure they're well-mannered.
16. English Mastiff
Keen to welcome an English Mastiff into your family? Well, you might want to clear some space in your home first, as these dogs are huge! Weighing anywhere up to 230 pounds and standing 28 inches tall, the English Mastiff may look formidable, but they make loyal, patient, and loving companions.
Mastiffs are true lazy logs, unless, of course, there's an intruder in your home, and then this guardian breed will be quick to spring into action. But, that aside, they are low-energy dogs who like short walks of around 30 minutes a day.
The English Mastiff has a short, dense coat that requires little other than a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. They're minimal shedders but one of the biggest droolers, so keep an old towel handy to mop up after them. Calm and gentle, this breed makes a good family dog and they also get on well with other pets.
17. Brussels Griffon
When it comes to dogs with beards, the Brussels Griffon is impossible to overlook. An intelligent and sensitive dog with a small body and an oversized personality, they need constant companionship – although they prefer adults to children.
These “Velcro” dogs who will enjoy accompanying you wherever you go, the Brussels Griffon is a moderately active pup who needs around 60 minutes of exercise each day.
The Brussels Griffon comes in two coat types – smooth and rough. Smooth-coated varieties have minimal grooming needs, requiring an occasional bath and a brief daily brush.
Rough-coated varieties have moderate needs as they require professional grooming every month or so, as well as regular brushing. However, unlike their smooth-coated siblings, the rough-coated Brussels Griffon doesn't shed.
18. Maltese
In terms of grooming, how low maintenance your Maltese dog will be will depend a lot on what you choose to do with their coat. Keep it long and you're in for more work – think daily brushing sessions to prevent mats and tangles and regular bathing – but opt for more of a short, puppy cut and immediately you've reduced your work load to a quick, hassle-free brush.
Maltese dogs don't require vigorous exercise and will be quite content with a stroll around the neighborhood and a game or two at home with their favorite toys.
The Maltese is a charming little creature and they're often considered to be one of the best emotional support dogs thanks to their gentle nature. They form very deep bonds with their owners and prefer to be with them at all times. Docile, easygoing, and affectionate, they make for a portable and faithful friend.
19. Miniature schnauzer
The miniature schnauzer doesn't require loads of effort when it comes to grooming and exercise, so they're a good choice if you're looking for a low-maintenance companion.
Typically requiring around one hour of physical activity each day, the miniature schnauzer also loves to learn, so they'll enjoy being taught tricks and new commands. Their short coat needs brushing once a week, and they don't tend to shed, making them a good choice for those allergic to dogs.
One of the best dogs for extroverts, thanks to their enthusiastic nature, this bearded breed is fun-loving, friendly, and obedient. If you're looking for an affectionate, outgoing, and portable dog, the miniature schnauzer is well worth considering.
20. Italian Greyhound
With a short and smooth coat that requires minimal brushing and a one-hour walk a day, ticking the box on the exercise front, the Italian Greyhound is a pretty low-effort dog.
Like a standard greyhound, just smaller, this breed loves to spend hours snoozing next to their favorite people and you'll find they have a very friendly and gentle nature.
Because they have slender bodies and not much in the way of fur, you'll want to ensure you have plenty of doggy sweaters on hand to help insulate them and keep them warm.
Typically healthy dogs that live to around 15 years of age, the Italian Greyhound has a high prey drive, so it's best to avoid these scent hounds if you have small pets in your home.
21. Chinese Crested
If you ever meet a Chinese Crested dog, you certainly won't forget them in a hurry! This hairless breed is known for their unique look and graceful nature, and while their name suggests they hail from China, studies suggest it actually originated in Mexico.
Requiring up to an hour of exercise per day, they enjoy walks and interactive play sessions, so you'll find it easy to meet their activity needs. In terms of grooming, they need bathing once a week and their skin needs to be moisturized to prevent it from drying out. In the summer, you'll want to apply a dog-safe sunscreen or protective clothing to keep them safe when they're outside.
The Chinese Crested is a happy and cheerful toy breed who tends to view strangers as people they just haven't made a friend out of yet. Eager to please their owners, they form strong bonds with their family members and love to receive attention and affection.
22. Havanese
With its small size, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs, the Havanese is a low-maintenance breed. One of the best dog breeds for travel (they rarely weigh over 10 pounds), they're a compact companion who will fit into your life without any fuss.
Affectionate and intelligent, the Havanese doesn't need a lot of space nor do they need tons of exercise – a 30-minute walk each day will be more than enough to keep them happy. Sweet and eager to please, they're natural-born entertainers, so they'll bring plenty of joy to your life.
Easy to train, the only part of them that's somewhat high maintenance is their coat. Having it trimmed will save you a lot of time and effort, but if you'd rather keep it long, it needs regular brushing to keep it free from mats and tangles.
23. Shiba inu
Looking for a dog you'll rarely need to groom? Look no further than the shiba inu. This breed is so cat-like when it comes to its fastidious grooming regime that we're not entirely sure they're not a feline in disguise!
While you can certainly give them a helping hand with a weekly brush, these dogs are incredibly self-reliant and super clean, so their grooming needs are minimal.
On the exercise front, you won't need to go to much trouble there either. A daily walk of 30–60 minutes is enough to keep them satisfied, although if you have any time to spare, a short play session would also be much appreciated.
The one thing worth noting is that shiba inus are known for being stubborn, so training them does require some patience.
24. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes — toy, miniature or standard — and all of them are a good choice if you're looking for a low-maintenance canine companion. Poodles shed very little, and their fur is known to be largely hypoallergenic, so they're a good choice if you suffer from allergies.
Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent knots, but they look equally cute with a short cut, and this will cut down on the amount of care their coat needs.
They're a very versatile breed because while they are moderately active, they tend to mirror their owner's lifestyle, so as long as they get a good hour of physical activity each day, the rest is up to you.
They'll be very happy to accompany you on long runs or hikes but equally happy to spend the rest of the day playing independently with a toy or resting. Friendly and fun, they get along well with everyone and make great playmates for children.
25. Great Dane
They may be huge, but don't let their imposing stature fool you, the Great Dane is more low maintenance than you might think. With their short and sleek coat that only requires brushing once a week and their gentle, calm, and amiable nature, the undemanding Great Dane makes an excellent family companion.
When it comes to exercise, you have some wiggle room in terms of what you can get away with. Because of their risk of bloat, you want to avoid exercising them around mealtimes, and when you do take them out, you can opt for two brisk walks a day, or, once they're over the age of two and there's no risk of damaging their growing joints, you could choose to have them accompany you on a run.
As long as they get their daily activity needs met, you'll find this large breed is very sedate dog to have around the house.
26. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu (often simply referred to as the Tosa) is a dog originally bred in Tosa, Japan. Known for their imposing size (they can measure up to 32 inches tall and weigh as much as 200 pounds), this Japanese breed is a quiet, sensitive, and dignified dog with a reputation for being brave and protective.
They are calm pups who are relatively low energy, although they still need 45 minutes of exercise each day for their physical and mental well-being.
Even-tempered and deeply devoted to their owners, they form strong bonds with their humans and make loving companions. Their coat is short and straight and generally requires a simple brush once a week to keep it looking its best.
27. Tibetan Spaniel
As you've probably guessed from their name, the Tibetan Spaniel hails from Tibet, where they were originally used as watch dogs on the walls of monasteries. These days, the Tibetan Spaniel makes for a lively and affectionate companion.
Standing at around 10 inches tall and weighing no more than 15 pounds, they're compact dogs who are very adaptable, making them a great breed for apartment living or as a travel buddy.
While their coat is gorgeous, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that they don't require much on the grooming front. Their shiny and silky coat isn't difficult to maintain – just a good brush to prevent matting.
In terms of exercise, a good one-hour stroll once a day is ample, and if there are children in the home, this happy-go-lucky dog will enjoy a play session or two as well. Cheerful and easygoing, Tibetan Spaniels make devoted friends.
28. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a plucky and spirited little dog who'll bring a whole lot of joy to your life. While their fluffy, double coat does require a daily brush to keep it in good condition, this won't take a lot of time and it's a really good way to improve your relationship with your dog by helping you to connect with them.
While they may be small, the Pomeranian has a big personality and won't hesitate to stand up to dogs two to three times bigger than them! They are feisty, loyal, outgoing, and playful and they get on well with children and cats.
Due to their small size, two short 15-minute walks each day is ample for the pom, although they'll love having a dog toy to play with when they get home.
29. Papillon
When it comes to the most affectionate dog breeds, the lap and cuddle-loving papillon is impossible to overlook. A toy dog measuring just eight to 11 inches and weighing no more than five to 10 pounds, they're small enough to accompany you wherever you go.
While they may look delicate, they're known for their hardy constitution and they'll thrive in any climate and any living situation. They also have one of the longest life expectancies of any dog, with many living to (or exceeding) 16 years.
In terms of exercise, neighborhood walks are ideal, but if you have a fenced yard, they'll also enjoy being able to run about outside or play with their favorite toys. If you don't have any outdoor space, indoor games are a great alternative.
Their feathered fur requires less effort than you might think, just a comb a few times a week to prevent any tangles from forming.
30. Irish Wolfhound
At 32 inches tall and weighing up to 120 pounds, there's no denying that the Irish Wolfhound is a big dog. But, like many large breeds, they're also true gentle giants and have a beautifully serene and undemanding nature.
Agreeable and calm companions who thrive on attention and affection, they are big-hearted, sensitive, and a joy to have in the home.
Moderate shedders, a brush twice a week should be enough to keep their rough coat in good condition.
When it comes to exercise, it's recommended that owners aim for around one to two hours of exercise split up across the day, which can include walks, gentle jogs or playtime in a fenced backyard.
31. Japanese Chin
Bred to be a companion dog, the Japanese Chin has a stunningly silky and luxuriously long coat that gives them the illusion of being high maintenance when in actual fact their coat doesn't require much effort at all.
It's hard to believe, but a weekly brush is all that it takes to keep this dog looking their gorgeous best. You'll get off equally lightly on the exercise front with the Japanese Chin being quite content with just 30 minutes of activity each day.
A compassionate, affectionate, and fun-loving little dog, these people-oriented pups make wonderful family companions. Just be mindful that they are one of the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety, so if you're out of the house all day and can take them with you, this would be preferable to leaving them home alone.
32. Pekingese
Pekingese shed seasonally and you'll find brushing their thick double coat once a week will help to remove any loose hairs and prevent the fur from becoming matted or tangled.
Due to their flat faces, you don't want to overdo things on the exercise front with this breed, so while they do need 30 minutes of activity each day, the Pekingese is not high energy, so a gentle stroll and a play session at home is ample.
Popular lapdogs, the Pekingese tend to be highly affectionate and very outgoing. They are deeply loyal dogs, and while they're known for being both confident and opinionated, you'll find they're pretty laid back when they're around their family.
Think you can handle it? Here are the more high-maintenance dog breeds for you to consider
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 28, 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
