Here are some variables that determine the amount of care a dog requires:

Grooming. It should come as no surprise that most low-maintenance dog breeds are short-haired. Every week or so, they only need a quick bath and brushing.

Good health. Some dog breeds are suitable for their excellent health and lack susceptibility to specific disorders. You must maintain your dog’s health with nutritious food and regular exercise.

Low energy. You may believe that size is the most significant factor when selecting a dog for a limited location, such as an apartment. However, many little dogs are often hyperactive and a bit frantic.

You truly need a low-energy dog breed with a generally calm disposition. While certain dogs may come from low-activity dog breeds, keep in mind that all dogs require daily exercise.

Easy to train. The intelligence of certain dog breeds makes them eager to please and easy to prepare. Low-maintenance dogs will readily absorb any instruction and, as a result, be well-behaved.

The Best Low-Maintenance Dog Strains

Now that you understand what makes low dog maintenance, the most excellent breeds of low maintenance dogs are here.

1. First Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are ideal for apartment dwellers because of their petite size, with adults weighing approximately 6 pounds. It is the most popular breed of toy dog in the United States.

They have a longer lifespan (up to 15 years) and require little physical activity. A brief walk or indoor play session will suffice. Yorkies are ideal if you enjoy entertaining guests because they are amiable and hypoallergenic. Keep their hair short to minimize grooming time.

2. Miniature Pinscher

Despite their diminutive size, Miniature Pinschers are fearless. Having an average of 12 years, they have a cheerful disposition and are generally healthy.

Simple brushing is all that you need for routine maintenance. They are intelligent and easy to teach but not ideal for households with young children and can be aggressive against strangers.

They were developed to hunt, so they have slightly more energy than other breeds. They enjoy getting into mischief, so you must keep their minds active.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labs, one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, are easy to train, adore children, and are extremely friendly (so much so that they do not make good guard dogs).

But if you’re looking for a playful, easy-going, and always-happy family dog, you can’t do better than a Lab.

One of the reasons they are utilized as therapy and service dogs is because they make excellent companions. They have a short coat that is simple to maintain. They are one of the most excellent low-maintenance dog breeds for families.

4. Havanese

This breed loves ever to be cuddled! The Havanese dog is known for its kind demeanor, making it an excellent companion for anybody.

As a result, when left alone, the sick people perform poorly and are prone to separation anxiety. It is unquestionably an indoor dog breed. This breed is ideal for living in a small space.

They can be fearful of strangers but not typically aggressive. Thus adequate socializing is essential. These dogs have a fair bit of energy, so keep them entertained with a long walk or indoor games.

5. Basset Hounds

These lovely floppy-eared puppies are ideal for parents with a laid-back attitude. They are perfectly satisfied to laze around the home while everyone admires their adorableness.

Their short, sleek coats are relatively low maintenance. Basset Hounds are generally content with a stroll, despite their hunting heritage.

However, as they can quickly gain weight, you should take them on daily walks. They can be obstinate and challenging to teach, so begin early and be patient.

6. Pugs

Want to add a low-maintenance dog to your family? You need to look no further than Pugs! In China, pugs were bred to sit on the laps of rulers.

As lap dogs, they must be a rather laid-back breed. They are recognized for getting along well with children and small dogs and cats. They tend to be stubborn, so begin educating them as soon as possible.

They are still short-haired, but they tend to shed, so you may need to brush them more frequently. Due to the narrow noses, over-exercising them might lead to breathing difficulties.

They are affectionate, joyful, and enjoy being the center of attention, so shower them with affection. They are dedicated and enjoy being around humans, so you’ll have to get used to their snorting!

7. Shar Pei China

Shar Pei’s loose, wrinkled skin makes it nearly impossible to resist petting! A daily walk is sufficient for their exercise, so this could be the ideal breed for you if you lack a backyard.

As a result of being a loyal and protective breed that prefers to stay near its owner, they make an excellent guard dog. They can be pretty independent and strong-willed, so early training and socialization should begin.

8. Bullmastiff

What the what? How could such a large species be deemed low maintenance? Mastiffs, despite their great size, are peaceful and low-energy.

Their massive size and charming, loyal disposition make them ideal companions for single people, despite their continued need for exercise and adequate nutrition. When it comes to walking without tugging, they may require a little more training, but once that is mastered, walking will be a slow, quiet activity for both of you.

Their short coat is easy to maintain and does not shed excessively. The calm disposition makes it great for apartment dwellers.

9. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the world’s tiniest dog breed, so it’s not surprising that they made our list. They can even fit in your handbag.

This breed is suitable for apartment residents who like couch time with their dogs. These animals are affectionate and have a lengthy life expectancy (14-16 years). And if you’re looking for more than one dog, Chihuahuas like the company of other Chihuahuas.

However, they prefer to be a one-person dogs, as they fiercely protect their master. The short-haired Chihuahua requires slightly less grooming than the long-haired kind, but both are considered low maintenance.

10. Bichon Frise

Look no further than the Bichon Frise if you’re an apartment dweller searching for a cute companion with the correct size for your dwelling.

In addition to their adorable appearance, these dogs require little activity, enjoy cuddling on your lap, and are always cheerful. They like playing and make excellent family pets.

They have some vitality, so provide them with numerous activities and toys. They are easy to care for because they do not shed, but they dislike being left alone.

11. Beagle

This short-haired, mild-mannered breed has a disposition that makes them quick learners.

Beagles are friendly and affectionate with strangers and children. Therefore they may not make the best security dogs. This breed requires a daily walk, and, as hunting dogs, they enjoy games with scent trails.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming. One issue is that they will enjoy wailing.

12. Jack Russell Terrier

This breed has a lengthy lifetime (13-16 years) and is renowned for its responsiveness to training.

They enjoy learning tricks and practicing agility, but they become bored quickly and get into trouble.

If you have young children at home, they make excellent companions because they adore children and match their tremendous energy. They do require regular, intense physical activity. Due to their high activity level and propensity to bark, they are not suitable for flats.

13. Greyhound

Considering that they are bred as racing dogs, this may seem odd to our list.

Greyhounds are quite content with little more than lazing around the house despite their reputation for incredible speed. They are typically friendly and non-aggressive towards strangers and caring and devoted friends.

They do not require much space for a giant dog, and they are low-energy, quiet, and gentle. A daily walk (or jog) or a trip to the dog park will be required to tire them out, but they will spend most of their time at home sleeping.

14. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Despite being a huge breed that requires some initial training time, ridgebacks top the list because of their excellent health, loyalty, and modest grooming needs.

They are a quiet and docile dog breed, ideal for living near others. This breed requires a modest level of exercise, making it an excellent choice for anybody seeking a walking or running companion.

As intelligent animals, they require mental stimulation to prevent potentially dangerous behavior. Due to its easy-to-care-for short coat, the Ridgeback is among the most low-maintenance outdoor dog breeds.

15. Boxers

Due to their intelligence, this breed responds well to instruction. Boxers are devoted canines who enjoy spending time with their families.

They are kind and gentle with youngsters.

Their short-haired coat requires only occasional brushing, but they will demand regular playtime because of their high energy level. Maintain its physical and mental stimulation.

16. American Staffordshire Terrier

This short-haired breed is simple to maintain and has low shedding. A quick weekly wash and brushing are sufficient.

People-oriented devoted Staffies. Size and appearance make them good security dogs. Intelligence aids trainability.

They should be kept indoors and will require regular physical and mental exercise.

17. Puggle

The Puggle is a relatively recent hybrid dog made up of a Pug and a Beagle. As a smaller ‘designer dog,’ the Puggle is a low-maintenance breed with exceptional durability.

They require little room and have minimal quantities of energy. They enjoy playing, but they fatigue quickly due to their small size. They benefit most from short walks and indoor play.

They require minimal maintenance but tend to shed. A laid-back breed that gets along well with children and other pets.

Remember that even the most laid-back pets require affection, care, and attention. Therefore, if you cannot properly care for a pet, do not acquire one.

Additionally, please remember that all dogs require exercise. Even the most laid-back dog breeds require daily physical and mental stimulation.

Best of luck in your search for the perfect low-maintenance dog! If allergies are a concern, you should also read our article on hypoallergenic dogs.

Read more: Vets Go Upscale to Care for Pets (and Their Owners)