10 Best Low-Maintenance Dogs For Busy People

Do you want a dog but don’t have enough time to spend with them?

You need a low-maintenance dog to suit your busy or sedentary lifestyle. But remember, having low-maintenance dogs does not mean without exercise, grooming, training, or infrequent health care needs.

The truth is, there’s no such thing as the ‘maintenance-free dog!’

Even if you are a busy person, you still need to invest at least some time caring for dogs. All you can do is have moderate to lower energy levels, dog breeds with average intelligence, and overall good health to keep you company. Middle-aged dogs or senior dogs are suitable for those with sedentary lifestyles, but, eventually, such dogs will need more medical care.

Therefore, go with low-maintenance dogs and prepare yourself to devote some time caring for them.

Here Are Some Low-Maintenance Dogs ideal for Busy People

#1. Dachshund

Dachshund is a lovable and affectionate dog breed that comes in two sizes – medium and miniature-sized. It is available in three varieties of coats – smooth-shorthaired, long-haired, and wire-haired. The long-haired breed has more grooming needs than shorthaired and wire-haired ones. Overall they make an excellent companion and great couch buddy.

Training & Exercises – It needs basic training and a moderate amount of exercise only.

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#2. Greyhound

In contrast to popular belief, Greyhound racing dog enjoys loafing around with its owners and is not a highly-energetic. Even if they are couch potatoes, they have overall good health. It has minimal grooming needs and does not require frequent baths. It also has very little doggy odor.

Training & Exercises – It is easy to handle and very responsive to training.  In terms of exercises, a daily walk or an occasional run is all they need.

#3. French Bulldog

French Bulldog is a small, cheerful dog breed that enjoys the company of its owner. Even though it is energic, it does not have the endurance to sport around a lot.

It is a well-behaved dog with minimum grooming needs like occasional brushing with a rubber grooming mitt or hound glove. Caring for such dogs requires keeping an eye on various skin issues and breathing difficulties.

Training & Exercises –  It responds well to basic training and needs moderate daily exercises.

#4. Chihuahua

Chihuahua is a pocket-sized lap dog that is relatively healthy than other dog breeds. It has minimal grooming needs, but if you get a long-haired Chihuahua, it needs daily brushing to avoid tangles. Always pick a mild-mannered temperament dog as they can become bossy if you carry them everywhere or baby them a lot.

Training & Exercises –  It requires basic training and does not need a lot of exercise.

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#5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a mild-mannered, gentle, affectionate, and adaptable dog that looks like a puppy forever. It is also a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog that loves to snuggle and stays in good health mostly.

But, some Cavalier might inherit or develop heart issues. It has average grooming needs with regular hair brushing, ear cleaning, and the occasional trip to a groomer.

Training & Exercises – It is easy to train and needs at least one hour of exercise daily.

#6. West Highland White Terrier

If you are looking for an easy-going companion, bring home West Highland White Terrier, a small to medium-sized dog. It is a relatively healthy and moderately energetic dog.

It is easy to groom and sheds low too. Its grooming needs include regular brushing and occasional hand-strip the coat for dead hairs. If you don’t want to clip, then it needs stripping about twice a year.

Training & Exercises – It is easy to train and needs at least one or two daily walks or play sessions.

#7. Newfoundland

Newfoundland is an affectionate and loyal dog breed. If you have kids, Newfoundland is an excellent option for you. They are also known to rescue people and dogs out of potentially dangerous situations.

For grooming, it needs bathing and drying of fur coats every other week. It has water-resistant double coats, so you must regularly brush to prevent mats.

Training & Exercises – It is calm and easy to train.  It has low energy levels, so you don’t need to do much to keep it healthy. Just an hour of exercise or swimming works well for them.

#8. Mastiff

Mastiffs are giant couch potatoes!

Mastiff has relatively low energy levels and lacks endurance for heavy exercises. Its younger ones are a bit goofy and playful, but as they grow old, they become lazy.

It has a short and dense coat that requires regular bathing and brushing. Aside from the orthopedic problems, it is a reasonably healthy dog. Caring for dogs like Mastiff means paying attention to their diet and vaccinations.

Training & Exercises – It is easy to train when it’s young. It has moderate exercise needs, and an adult Mastiff can be satisfied with 20 to 30 minute walks daily.

#9. Havanese

It is a dog that enjoys cuddling up to you every night and sitting on your lap every moment it can. They are generally healthy and relatively long-lived. Caring for Havanese dogs is pretty simple – regular brushing and baths every 1 to 2 weeks. Even though it has long hair, it does not shed much.

Training & Exercises – It is a clever, easy to train, and cooperative dog. As they are low-maintenance dogs, 30-minutes of exercise daily is enough for them to stay fit.

#10. Pug

Pugs are gentle temperament, happy-to-lounge kind of dogs. They are even satisfied with a few games indoors. They are perfect low-maintenance dogs that do not require frequent baths or hair cuts.

Its grooming needs are minimal, like brushing daily and bathing once every 3-4 weeks. Caring for dogs like pug includes brushing teeth at least 3-times a week and deep cleaning the wrinkles to avoid infections.

Training & Exercises – Pugs can get easily distracted, so you need to use the prospect of a reward to train them. Shorter walks or playtime and a max of 40-minutes to an hour of exercise are sufficient to keep them fit.

Conclusion

Always have a dog that suits your lifestyle. Even if you choose low-maintenance dogs, you must find time to devote to grooming, training, and exercise to keep them healthy.

If you have a hectic life, steer clear of highly energetic, around-the-clock care-seeking dogs. If you need more information about caring for such low-maintenance dogs, send your questions in the below comment section.