Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

Dogs are a big responsibility, but these low-maintenance dog breeds are as easy to care for as they come.

Dogs are a big responsibility. They are not low-maintenance pets. In fact, adopting a dog is as close to the level of responsibility of raising a human toddler as it gets, and it’s just as messy. But some dogs are easier to care for than others.

If you want a dog that’s lower maintenance than most, these are the best low-maintenance dog breeds. From small dogs that require minimal exercise to larger breeds that are easy-going and hypoallergenic, these breeds are as easy to care for as they come.

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15. Basset Hound

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Size: 44-75 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament: Friendly, easygoing, stubborn

Bottom line: Basset hounds were bred to hunt small game, and they’re still used for hunting today. All the same, they make wonderful, low-maintenance pets given the right care.

They’re so relaxed and adaptable that it’s easy to slack off on walks. But don’t fall into this bad habit, or your basset hound is likely to gain weight and develop health issues.

Still, they’re one of the best-suited medium-sized breeds for apartment living, and most novice dog owners can handle training them without a hitch.

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14. Shih Tzu

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Size: 9-16 pounds

Lifespan: 10-16 years

Temperament: Happy, playful, sweet

Bottom line: Shih Tzu means little lion, but the name only applies to this petite pup’s appearance. Their rounded faces and full ears look a little like a lion’s mane, but that’s where the similarities end. Shih Tzus are extremely gentle and easy to please.

As long as their people are around, they’re happy. They’re best suited to being companion pets, but some owners have started training them to compete in agility events.

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13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cute cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy

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Size: 13-18 pounds

Lifespan: 9-14 years

Temperament: Friendly, loyal, adaptable

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a cuddly companion animal, it’s hard to beat this sporty little spaniel. They were bred specifically for companionship, so expect any cavalier King Charles spaniel to be glued to your side at all times.

They’re one of the larger toy breeds, and they’re more athletic than most. If you’re short on space but aspire to take your dog with you on hikes and runs on the beach, this breed is well worth considering.

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12. Chihuahua

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Size: 4-6 pounds

Lifespan: 12-20 years

Temperament: Loyal, loving, feisty

Bottom line: Chihuahuas have a reputation for being aggressive, but most of them are not. There are tons of things to love about Chihuahuas, like the variety of their coat types and colors, their entertaining personalities, and their versatility in dog sports.

Chihuahuas love being with their family, and short-haired varieties require minimal grooming. They’re ideal apartment-dwellers and aren’t prone to excessive barking, but they’re alert enough to be trained as watchdogs if desired.

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11. Dachshund

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Size: 16-32 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Temperament: Brave, snuggly, loyal

Bottom line: Mini dachshunds don’t look very intimidating, but they were originally avid hunters. Standard-sized dachshunds were tasked with hunting wild boar, and smaller ones sniffed out badgers, rabbits and other small game.

While their hunting tendencies are still present, they’re also wonderful family companion pets. They can be stubborn, but they’re smart, kid-friendly and small enough to make do with a short daily walk.

They are prone to back problems, however. If you allow them on the furniture, consider buying a set of carpeted steps to help them avoid injury.

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10. French Bulldog

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Size: 20-28 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament: Affectionate, alert, lazy

Bottom line: Stocky French bulldogs have a similar build to pugs. They’re a small version of the English bulldog, and are famously nicknamed “Frenchies.”

Frenchies are finicky about temperature, and they get lonely easily. Aside from that, they’re easy to care for and get along with kids, other dogs and strangers with ease.

They are prone to drooling, though, so don’t forget to stock up on wet wipes.

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9. Italian Greyhound

Little white Italian Greyhound sitting among green bushes

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Size: 8-11 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament: Gentle, sweet, shy

Bottom line: Italian greyhounds are a cousin of full-sized greyhounds and whippets. Their distinctive, long, slender snouts give them a mousy appearance, but they’re full of surprises. They can be shy, for sure, but they’re also surprisingly fast and hardy.

They need virtually no grooming, and they love to play with anyone and everyone. That said, they don’t adapt well to being left alone. If you get an Italian greyhound, plan on bringing them along for rides in the car whenever possible.

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8. West Highland White Terrier

Happy West Highland white terrier dog lying outdoors on tiles

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Size: 13-20 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Temperament: Tough, intelligent, stubborn

Bottom line: Anyone who needs an example of high self-esteem shouldn’t look any further than the Westie. These lively dogs do need plenty of exercise, but they’re small enough that most of this can be accomplished through games of fetch in the backyard and a daily walk or two.

They’re good with kids and other pets and hardly shed at all. They also adapt well to living in small spaces. The only downside is that they don’t relish being left alone.

Consider them low-maintenance if you don’t mind having a quiet, curious sidekick accompanying you all around the house.

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7. Maltese

Cute Maltese puppy dog lying on an armrest of a sofa

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Size: 2-8 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament: Intelligent, responsive, trusting

Bottom line: The teensy, all-white Maltese is every Instagram influencer’s dream dog. They look more like stuffed animals than real ones, with a snow white coat that can be trimmed short for a cute puppy cut or left long for a glamorous, regal look.

These miniature walking clouds are a joy to spend time with. They’re sweet and easy to train, even for pet parents who have never owned a dog before. They’re so good-natured that they’re often used as therapy dogs.

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6. Papillon

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Size: 8-10 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Temperament: Cheerful, outgoing, lively

Bottom line: Papillons are the rays of sunshine of the canine world. They’re very energetic and playful, and they’ve been a favorite lap dog of royalty for centuries.

They might look fancy, but they have plenty enough energy to join you on walks in the park. After they burn off some energy, they’ll happily shift to couch potato vibes next to their favorite humans.

Since they can develop separation anxiety, it’s best to keep them with another dog if you’re away from the house for long hours.

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5. Pomeranian

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Size: 4-8 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Temperament: Friendly, scrappy, active

Bottom line: Pomeranians are like mini versions of large, spitz-type sled dogs. They have all the fur of their sturdier counterparts, but in a much more manageable size. Admittedly, Pomeranians don’t always realize how small they are.

They have big personalities and aren’t afraid to take on larger dogs, so socialize them when they’re small to ensure they don’t become heel-nippers at the dog park. They can be yappy, but regular exercise can help keep barking to a minimum.

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4. Miniature Poodle

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Size: 10-15 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Temperament: Smart, active, playful

Bottom line: Mini poodles are popular for so many reasons. Their teddy bear charm is part of the appeal, but their intelligence and eagerness to please don’t hurt.

Mini poodles are one of the few dog breeds that have hair, not fur. As such, they don’t shed and are much less likely to trigger allergies than most dog breeds.

Mini poodles should be considered a part of the family. As long as they’re given plenty of affection and are socialized early on, they make amazing pets.

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3. Pug

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Size: 14-18 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament: Laidback, affectionate, stubborn

Bottom line: Pugs are somehow small and larger than life at the same time. These stocky creatures are part of the toy group, and they’re known for their comedic flair.

Their short coats require nothing but an occasional bath to maintain, and they’re compact enough to live in small apartments without a problem.

They can be a challenge to train since they’re on the stubborn side, but overall, they’re a good match for new pet parents.

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2. Boston Terrier

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Size: 10-25 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Temperament: Playful, happy, cuddly

Bottom line: Boston terriers have been popular for more than a century. It’s hard to believe now that they were bred to be fighting dogs, because their nickname is “the American Gentleman.” It suits them, too.

Boston terriers are extremely bright and energetic, entertaining their families with episodes of the zoomies. Their big eyes will melt your heart, but their sturdy build makes them an excellent match for families with kids who are still learning how to be gentle.

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1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever dog smiling in a field

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Size: 55-79 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, spirited

Bottom line: Labrador retrievers were bred to be working dogs, but their friendly demeanor has made them one of America’s most beloved dogs. They’re exceptionally versatile and low-maintenance for a large dog breed.

With minimal grooming needs, unmatched friendliness and receptiveness to training, they’re one of the lowest-maintenance large breeds around.

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