The venture into being a dog parent is exciting, with dreams of snuggly cuddles, comical antics, and faithful companionship. To the new pet owner or busy professional, a high maintenance dog may seem overwhelming. But don’t deprive yourself of the happiness of owning a dog! A brief search to find the ideal breed for your needs can make the process easy and extremely gratifying.
What is a “low maintenance” dog? That may vary depending on what you require perhaps a pup that is easy to train, sheds less, is friendly with kids or elderly, or enjoys sleeping most of the day. This article spotlights breeds that are fun without being high-maintenance, so you can pick a pal that fits your individual circumstances.
While these guidelines are suggestive, each dog is unique. A high-strung pup may be from a normally laid-back breed, or an inhibited one from an extroverted line. Any dog enjoys frequent training and routine. With some initial effort and encouragement, your new companion will fall into a relaxed, comfortable life with you.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers, with their lamb-like, fluffy coat, are fierce and brave of temperament, inherited from their hunting heritage. Sensitive guards that they are, they are high-strung dogs with a strong prey drive and therefore keeping them busy is a must for a quiet home. A regime of exercise on a daily basis, in the form of an energetic walk, is what prevents unwanted habits like chewing and barking. Bright but sometimes obstinate, they can be assisted with positive training and are extremely sensitive to criticism. Reward them with praise, and they are friendly, loyal companions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are kind, friendly dogs with a catch of a temperament. They are eager to please and quick to learn, and treat-based training is well suited to them. They become scared with harsh voices, so positive reinforcement works wonderfully to build up trust and rapport. They are “Velcro” dogs and love having people close to them and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Perfect for families where someone is always home, they are great travel companions or snuggle partners.
Chihuahua
Don’t be fooled by their tiny size Chihuahuas are loyal companions who love to be with you, which is why they are referred to as the “Velcro” dog. Their dependency is perfect for someone who can give constant attention. Left alone for too long, they will chew or bark incessantly, so give them some company. A 30 minute walk burns off their surprising energy, curbing bad habits. They are prone to temperature fluctuations and need to be shielded when hot or cold.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are cute, small dogs who alternate play with their go-to: napping. Adaptable to most family timetables, they’re ideal for first-time owners learning the ropes. Their lively, playful personality comes across though their small size. Curious and alert, they’ll sound the alarm at anything out of the ordinary, acting as a vocal alert system. Stubbornness, particularly with potty training, demands patience and persistence. Coming in so many color combinations and coat lengths, they’re as individual as they are adorable.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs or “Frenchies” are wrinkly, bat eared clowns with silly personalities. They are friendly and curious and settle well to household living, so they are perfect for apartments or less dynamic owners. They don’t bark, but they grunt excitedly or when annoyed. Their short, brachycephalic faces need to be cared for so they don’t get breathing problems, restricting exercise and exposure to the heat. Regular visits to the vet and health cover are a sensible precaution against possible health problems. Their high adaptability and low prey drive make them friendly, well-adjusted pets.
Maltese
Maltese are half elegance and half energy, adoring playtime but more than content to sit quietly with their people. They are very people-oriented and adore human contact, so they will be protective or suspicious of strangers. Inclined to please and intelligent, they are easy to train, and low shedding is a bonus. Their smooth, white coats must be brushed daily to avoid mats, but they contentedly lounge around or walk leisurely, so they are suitable companions.
Pug
Pugs are the court jesters of dogs, filling every moment with laughter and love. They are playful but not high-strung, enjoying daily walks and playtime without needing grueling exercise. Their small, simple to groom coats shed surprisingly heavily, so they must be brushed. Their short noses make cute snorts but require shielding from cold and heat. With their loving, adventurous personalities, Pugs are wonderful, low-key companions.
American Eskimo
American Eskimo dogs are bright, loving, and spirited, enjoying physical and mental tests. Left on their own for many hours, they’ll bark or dig and require active family participation. Affectionate in personality, they are great with children, other animals, and strangers and are highly trainable. Provided with difficult tasks, they direct energy into being well mannered, adaptable family companions.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, with droopy ears and eyes, are gentle friends with a bit of stubbornness and intelligence. Shouting hurts them, but they like best gentle, happy training. They like to lounge, not run high energy, and only require a short walk or playtime to remain in peak shape. Chatty at play or when left alone, their characteristic howl adds zing. Perfect for those who want to lounge, they’re a delight with low expectations.
Beagle
Beagles package play, sweetness, and loyalty into a compact lively package. They thrive under dog or human companionship because, with their innate curiosity, they can get into trouble, so they need training to avoid chewing or barking. A trained Beagle is, however, a contented, affectionate companion. Their love of challenge makes them ideal for busy owners who want to make an early investment in training.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels have tender and playful personalities, large hearts and clever minds which learn quickly and answer training. They will whine if they are left alone or be shy around people, but early socialization gives confidence to their step. Their beautiful coats need to be brushed daily and groomed every month to prevent matting. Their affectionate, adaptable nature makes them excellent companions for devoted owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs, or “Berners,” are goofy, large dogs with a talent for providing the laughs. Intelligent and willing to be part of family activities, Berners respond well to regular, positive training. Heavy coats require brushing in quantity, and their enormous size (well more than 100 pounds) requires room. Despising to be alone, Berners thrive in busy homes. Playful and loyal in nature, they are loving, if demanding, companions.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are quiet, laid-back giants who prefer to sleep or bask in the sun, and they make perfect apartment pets. Their short, easy to groom coats are a breeze to maintain, but their slobbery jaws present a whimsical challenge. Clever but obstinate, they require firm but gentle training to prevent them from taking over. Their easy-going, loyal nature repays owners who give them a firm but gentle hand.
Greyhound
Greyhounds, despite their speed, are affectionate dogs who adore sleeping and sunbathing. Short-coated and low-maintenance, they bark rarely unless isolated for extended periods of time. Shy around strangers, they become bolder with early socialization. Responsive to good reinforcement, they’re easy companions to their owners, who provide them with short consistent exercise sessions.
Bringing a low maintenance dog into your home offers companionship and joy without overwhelming demands. Whether you’re drawn to the playful American Eskimo, relaxed Basset Hound, adventurous Beagle, gentle Cocker Spaniel, comedic Bernese Mountain Dog, mellow Bullmastiff, or serene Greyhound, there’s a perfect match for your lifestyle. With love, patience, and consistent effort, these breeds become cherished, easy going family members, ready to share in life’s happiness and adventures.
