Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and it’s important to make sure you get the right breed that fits in with your lifestyle.
All dogs have basic needs: exercise, training, feeding and grooming and there are some breeds which are considered easier to look after than others. We’re sharing the top 10 low maintenance dog breeds which are perfect for first time owners, families and people with busy lives.
Greyhounds – you might think this breed is going to have you out walking for hours a day but think again. Greyhounds are massive couch potatoes and only require a couple of 30-minute walks a day to fulfil their exercise needs. Their short coats mean they have minimal grooming needs and they’re perfectly happy being left alone for a few hours during the day.
Dachshunds – one of the most popular short dog breeds, and for good reason! Dachshunds love two things – playing and napping. They form a close bond with their family and are happy to be left alone for a few hours so long as they have plenty of enrichment and toys to keep them occupied. Short haired dachshunds require minimal grooming, and their little legs mean they have low exercise needs and are happy with a couple of short walks a day.
Shih Tzu – bread for companionship, Shih Tzus are friendly, extremely lovable, easy to train and make great family pets. They can be energetic, love to play and enjoy a gentle 30-minute walk a day. Shih Tzus require daily brushing and regular trips to the groomers to keep their coat in top condition.
French Bulldog – the fun-loving Frenchie is the perfecting lounging companion. Whilst they have a plenty of energy, they have low endurance and are happy with moderate daily exercise. They’re easy to train, have low grooming needs and are happy to snooze at home whilst you’re out for a few hours. Be aware though – flat faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to suffering from breathing issues which can require expensive medical treatment.
Basset Hound – well known for their long hanging ears, Basset Hounds are affectionate, calm, sociable and get on well with children. They have minimal grooming requirements and are easy to train. They love being with their pawrents so don’t like being left at home for long periods of time.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – these gentle and affectionate dogs are happiest when they’re snuggling with their pawrents and are pretty easy to train. They’re hypo-allergenic and low shedding but do require a regular brushing and trips to the groomers.
Mastiff – these gentle giants are well known for their affectionate and docile nature and make perfect family dogs. They’re easy to train and eager to please and will happily snooze on the couch for hours at a time. Their short coats make them easy to groom and their low energy levels mean they only require two 30-minute walks a day.
Whippet – think greyhounds but smaller. Whippets enjoying short exercise sessions in areas where they can run about and then snooze for the rest of the day. Whippets are smart pups so need plenty of mental stimulation to stop them getting bored whilst their home alone.
Pug – these little dogs make the perfect companion due to their calm and affectionate nature and their love of lounging around. They have low exercise needs and require minimal grooming, but they do tend to shed, so make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner on standby! Be aware though – flat faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to suffering from breathing issues which can require expensive medical treatment
Chihuahua – these tiny dogs may have a feisty reputation but with firm training early on and plenty of enrichment, you’ll have a happy little pup who can be left alone for a few hours a day. Plus, short haired Chihuahuas require minimal grooming and are happy with half hour daily walks around the neighbourhood.
What’s your favourite low maintenance breed? Let us know by Dming us on social or by emailing PawfitPals@Pawfit.com
