Owning a dog is a big responsibility – they need regular walking, feeding, grooming, healthcare, training, and plenty of love and attention. However, different dogs require different levels of care, and there are dogs out there who are more easily satisfied and cared for than others.

All of the dog breeds in this list have been chosen thanks to their low-maintenance natures. Most need very little grooming, are satisfied with a couple of short daily walks and are usually fairly chilled-out pups. Of course, each individual dog has their own quirks and needs, so you’ll need to be flexible enough to give them what they need.

Greyhound

You might be surprised to hear that these stars of the racecourse are amongst the lowest maintenance dogs out there. They don’t need much exercise – a couple of 30-minute walks each day are plenty. Greyhounds are built for speed, not stamina. They have a short coat, meaning grooming requirements are minimal, and they don’t mind spending a few hours alone – they’ll often just sleep! These gentle giants usually settle into your family easily, often getting on well with children and other dogs – though they may try to chase small furry creatures!

Dachshund

One of the most popular small dog breeds, the Dachshund is a devoted and lively little pup. Because of their little legs, they only need a couple of short walks and some playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They bond closely to one owner but can be left alone for a few hours a day with proper training and plenty of enrichment toys.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus originated in Japan as hunting dogs. They have a cat-like personality – highly independent and likely to climb on top of your fridge! It’s this same temperament that means they can sometimes be left alone a little longer than some other dogs – just make sure their environment is safe and that you leave plenty of enrichment toys out for them. They need regular brushing, especially during shedding season, but it’s easily managed at home. They have an average energy level, meaning they’ll need a couple of good walks every day, plus plenty of mental stimulation, like training.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are easy-going dogs who are happy to take life as it comes. Long walk up a mountain? Sure. Chilling by themselves at home for a few hours? No problem. They need very little grooming thanks to their short coat and have average exercise needs – a couple of good walks and some playtime is pawfect for them. 

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are playful little bundles of fun who make pawfect companions for people looking for a low-maintenance pup. Grooming is minimal thanks to their short coat, and their exercise needs are fairly low. Frenchies bond closely with their family, so you’ll need to invest some time in good training to help them cope whilst they are by themselves – once trained, many will be happy to be left alone for a few hours with some enrichment toys to keep them occupied.

Bullmastiff

These gentle giants are protective and affectionate members of the family. They have low energy levels, meaning a couple of walks are enough for these pooches. Originally bred as guard dogs, they are happy to lay around the house all day and don’t tend to suffer from separation anxiety as long as they are trained well early on. Grooming is a breeze thanks to their short coat, but you’ll need to watch out for that drool!

Chihuahua

These pocket rockets have a reputation for feistiness, so you might be surprised to learn that they do rather well when left alone. You’ll need to have a firm handle on their training, as they can be stubborn and independent, but with plenty of enrichment toys to keep them entertained, they’ll happily while away the hours, especially if they live with another friendly dog. Short-coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming, and they are happy with a few good walks each day.

Pug

This recognisable pooch makes a pawfect low-maintenance dog. They’ve got a short coat, meaning grooming is super easy, and need very little exercise – on rainy days they’ll even be satisfied with some games indoors. They have gentle temperaments and are happy to lounge around all day – meaning they’ll probably be napping in the same spot on the sofa when you get home! 

Whippet

Whippets look like small Greyhounds and have similar personalities. Much like their larger lookalikes, Whippets enjoy exercising in short, intense bursts and are happy enough the spend the rest of the day relaxing. They are smart dogs, so need mental stimulation whilst you are away and have wonderful temperaments perfect for families. They have short coats, so grooming is very easy.

Mixed breed

Whilst mixed breed dogs can have slightly more unpredictable temperaments, many make wonderfully low-maintenance pets. If buying a mixed breed puppy, look at the temperaments of the parents for an indication of how the puppies might turn out, but be prepared for all sorts! If adopting a dog, discuss your needs with the rescue centre of your choice – they will work hard to find a dog who is a pawfect match for you.

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Think you’ve got a nervous pup? Did you know our activity monitor and GPS tracker can be used to help monitor separation anxiety, and even check up on your dog walker? Join our world for less worry and more adventures!

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