Least Needy Dog Breeds
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It’s no secret many of lead busy lifestyles and adding another thing to take care of can be stressful. We wanted to make it easier for you to decide which dog breed to get when you don’t want your life to revolve around your dog. Here are 12 of the most low maintenance dog breeds that made the list because of low grooming needs, strong health and easy trainability.
Labrador Retriever
The labrador retriever is a hunting dog that is loyal and one of the most popular breeds in America. They are easy to train and not aggressive. They are affectionate and good with children. They make a great companion dog and do need a good amount of exercise or they may start chewing on furniture. They are easy to keep happy with a weekly bone and a daily run. They are pretty big growing to be 55 to 80 pounds and this breed generally lives 10 to 12 years.
Chihuahua
The short haired breed especially is one of the most low maintenance dog breeds. While they need to be trained not to bark, they aren’t going to destroy your home and furniture. They live a simple life, perfectly content to curl up with you at the end of the day. They are rather independent and are easy to train. They don’t require much grooming besides trimming their nails and getting their teeth cleaned so they stay healthier longer. They are a small breed usually weighing only 4-6 pounds but this is one breed that lives longer than most. They live to be 10-18 years old on average.
Beagle
This medium sized dog breed is short haired and gentle. Their even temper makes them easy to deal with and train. They live to be 12 to 15 years and grow to be 19-24 pounds with the females being slightly smaller. This is a scent hound so he will use his nose a lot. He makes cute howling sounds which are unique to this adorable breed. They are not aggressive towards strangers or children generally either.
Jack Russell Terrier
This little dog is known to be entertaining. They are highly trainable and they were originally a fox hunting breed. They live to be 13-16 years old on average and grow only to be 14 to 18 pounds as adults. This dog needs a strong minded owner so they don’t develop small dog syndrome. They are good with children and very energetic. They need to be given rules and enough exercise to keep their keen mind busy.
Miniature Pinscher
This short haired breed is low maintenance because they are playful and amiable. They only grow to be 7 to 11 pounds and live to be about 12 years old. They are said to have been descended from the German Pinscher, the dachshund as well as the Italian Greyhound. This is a relatively healthy breed that only requires occasional brushing and is a great breed that is fun loving and fearless.
Pug
This dog breed is a sweet loving small breed that lives 12 to 15 years. They are not an aggressive breed and can be great with children. Their short hair makes them low maintenance without many grooming needs. This adorable breed hails from China and is docile and charming. They are known to be laid back and this is considered a great breed for a first time dog owner.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Although this is a big dog breed that will require training. They made the list because they are hearty and have low grooming needs. Their health and affection make them a lovable breed for someone who is strong enough to hold them. They live 10-12 years and are known to be very loyal. They are a large breed that grows to be 63-90 pounds. They do require exercise however.
Boxer
This is another short haired breed that is known to be low maintenance. They are energetic and loving. This dog breed hails from Germany and weighs 55 to 66 pounds. They need exercise but they can be easily trained. They are known to be loyal and not aggressive. They live to be 10 to 12 years old and they respond to firm but positive training. They are family dogs that do snore and drool because let’s face it, they’re dogs!
American Staffordshire Terrier
This is yet again a short haired dog breed that comes from the pit bull breed. They live 10 to 12 years and this loyal breed will grow to be 66 to 80 pounds. This is a strong dog that is outgoing and stable. The most important thing for this breed is that they get daily exercise. They are easy to groom and considered an average shedder.
Yorkshire Terrier
This small terrier comes from England and they don’t need a ton of exercise. They are well suited for apartment living and are friendly to just about everyone they meet. They live to be 12 to 15 years old and only grow to be four to six pounds. They do need to be watched around small children as they can get hurt but they do make a great companion dog. This is a great breed for people with allergies as they are hypoallergenic.
Bulldog
This people loving short haired breed needs minimal daily exercise as they will tire out quickly and this is another low maintenance breed from England. Are we sensing a theme here? They live to be seven to ten years old and are not usually interested in other dogs but very friendly with people. They like to nap and grow to be 40 to 50 pounds. They can be stubborn and easily spooked. They need to be trained not to be protective of food and toys as they have a strong jaw may chomp down as a knee jerk response.
Bijon Frise
This little white fluffball is loving and low maintenance. They are easy to train and make a great companion dog. They can be an apartment dog if they are given regular exercise. They are well mannered and not aggressive but can require some grooming. They live to be 15 years or more and their peppy and curios demeanor makes them fun to train. They are generally a healthy breed and will need a regular brushing and wiping of they eyes to keep their face clean and their fur unmated.
Now you have the knowledge of the most laid back dog breeds which is not by any means an all inclusive list. If you have a dog breed in mind, they may in fact be low maintenance so look up their grooming and exercise needs. Also look at how easy they are to train compared to other dogs. Remember that certain breeds need constant contact and others are more independent so keep your personal schedule in mind when choosing a dog.
