Some owners love the high octane lifestyle of a Jack Russell or the endless energy of a Spaniel, but for many more of us, we prefer the quiet life of low maintenance dogs!
Don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. We assembled a list of our top 8 low-maintenance dogs that are sure to make life easy for you. From the no-frills Brussels Griffon to the hypoallergenic ease of a Labradoodle, the best low maintenance dogs don’t want any fuss or trouble.
These dogs are here to make your life easier, but remember, you can make their life around the house easier too with comfy surroundings, dog ramps like this one, and a lot of love and affection!
Keep reading, and find out which dog breeds make for great low maintenance pets.
Choosing low maintenance furry friends
The eight dog breeds below are all incredibly diverse. They offer their owners a generally low maintenance lifestyle by being low energy dogs, minimal grooming dogs, or easy to care for dogs.
Each breed (and each individual) can be very different, however, so take some time to think about which low maintenance qualities are most desirable for your household.
For example, if your family has allergies, then you’re going to need a hypoallergenic dog that doesn’t shed fur. If you only have a small home, then low maintenance small dogs, like a Chihuahua, will be preferable to a large dog - even if the large dog is easy-going.
8 best low maintenance dog breeds
#1 Greyhound
A greyhound? Yes! It might be a surprise entry at the top of our list, but the greyhound is one of the best low maintenance dogs you could invite into your home. While greyhounds are best known for their super speedy running, this isn’t their normal state of being!
Greyhounds actually prefer to sit around, rest, and not do very much at all - when they're not running, they have a very low energy level. They can run when they need to, but they are low energy and super happy about not running most of the time.
Greyhounds are great low-maintenance large dogs, but that does mean they do need a larger home to be comfortable. Owners can train greyhounds quickly. Greyhounds are laid back and aren’t prone to misbehavior. They enjoy regular walking, but what dog doesn’t?
Average height: 25 inches
Average weight: 70 pounds
Physical characteristics: Long slender legs with an athletic build. Short coats that come in various colors.
#2 Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a classic low-maintenance dog breed. These tiny dogs are often known as handbag dogs because they are small enough to fit inside a handbag. That makes them perfect for small houses and apartments, where there’s not much space and limited opportunities for outdoor exercise.
The Chihuahua isn’t considered low maintenance for its low energy level, though. Quite the opposite. Chihuahuas are fiercely independent, and they’ll run amok if you don’t become their best friend and pander to their every need.
Chihuahuas have either a short or a long coat. If you love grooming and styling, then look for a Chihuahua with a long coat to play with. If you want low maintenance, then the short coat is best.
Average height: 7 inches
Average weight: 4 pounds
Physical characteristics: Short or long coats. Very short legs, pointy ears, and small stature.
#3 Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a wonderfully small dog that’s easy to train and super easy to get along with. If you’ve got young children, then the mild-mannered Brussels Griffon is one of the best options.
With their wise look, large eyes, and wispy beards, it’s easy for the whole family to fall in love with them.
They aren’t the lowest energy dog out there, but they listen to their owners and become easily attached (they are companion dogs.) This is one of the best non-shedding dog breeds, too, so there won’t be much grooming involved or any need to clean up fur around the house every day!
Average height: 8 inches
Average weight: 8 pounds
Physical characteristics: Small, squat dogs with large, wise eyes. Usually brown, beige, or tan.
#4 Poodle
The Poodle is often considered a companion dog, and with their distinctive, fluffy coats, you might see them as a dog that needs lots of care and attention.
This couldn’t be further from the truth because the reality is that poodles are smart, intelligent, easy to train, and easy to groom. That fluffy coat requires little work to keep it pristine, and they are one of the best hypoallergenic dogs out there - they rarely shed at all.
The Poodle makes for an excellent family dog and a lifelong companion. They have three distinctive sizes - miniature, medium, and standard. If you have an apartment, then the miniature toy poodle is perfect.
Average height: 8 - 23 inches
Average weight: 6 - 60 pounds
Physical characteristics: 3 sizes - miniature, medium, and standard. Distinctive ears and a famous, fluffy coat.
#5 Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and they are the ultimate low maintenance hypoallergenic dogs.
The Poodle is famously hypoallergenic, but this unique cross also gives you the loyalty of a Labrador Retriever (initially bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs!) They are easy to train, easy to groom, and very easy-going.
As they are mid-sized dogs, they need plenty of exercise, so they aren’t suited to small houses and apartments. For anyone with allergies, though, the Labradoodle could be the four-legged companion you’ve been searching for.
Average height: 25 inches
Average weight: 70 pounds
Physical characteristics: Straight, wavy, or curly hair in a wide range of colors. Midsize, with distinctive poodle ears.
#6 Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese Water Dogs have a fascinating history. They were initially bred to work on boats along the Portuguese coast and were trained to bring in fishing nets or even rescue lost sailors.
They are remarkably easy to train and remain highly intelligent yet easy to please. They are great low maintenance dog breeds if you’re looking for a fun-loving pet that will get along with the whole family. Look after them, and they certainly look after you in return!
Average height: 20 inches
Average weight: 50 pounds
Physical characteristics: Long curly hair, traditionally dark in color and mid-sized.
#7 Dachshund
The Dachshund is one of the best small to medium-sized companion dogs because they are well known for their laid-back personas and easy-going attitude.
The Dachshund has a distinctively long appearance. They have long ears that droop down low and a long body supported by squat legs.
The miniature Dachshund is wonderful for apartments, while the larger Dachshunds are great family dogs.
Average height: 5 - 9 inches
Average weight: 11 -30 pounds
Physical characteristics: Short legs, long body, long ears, long nose. The Dachshund is best described as a long dog!
#8 West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier - or Westie - is one of the best low maintenance dogs you could welcome into your home.
These small to medium-sized companions are friendly and affectionate, and while they are prone to spending long days lounging on the sofa, they are also up for running around when the mood strikes them.
Their long coats are lovely, but despite this, they require very little grooming or maintenance. This is the ultimate laid back, low maintenance dog because the Westie is easy to train, easy to make happy, and easy to get along with.
Average height: 10 inches
Average weight: 15 pounds
Physical characteristics: Distinctive, long white coat and short stature with short legs and frame.
Which breed is perfect for your home?
There are many more low-maintenance furry friends, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, and many other terrier breeds. Before bringing a new pet home, you need to consider which breed will be best for your household - low maintenance means different things to different people.
For anyone with allergies, then a Labradoodle is considered low maintenance, but if you’ve only got a small house, then a large Labradoodle is not going to feel at home. Low maintenance dogs can be big or small, furry, or with a short coat - but with so much diversity, we know you’ll find the perfect breed!
An informed decision is always a better decision, especially when it comes to our favorite furry friends! Why not bookmark our list of low-maintenance dog breeds so that you can find your next four-legged companion!
Leave a comment (all fields required)