When I brought home my first dog, I was way too ambitious. I fell in love with a fluffy high-energy puppy online… and within a week I was Googling “how to get a dog to calm down at 2am’’. Between constant grooming, zoomies, training, and daily vet-level attention, I realized some dogs are just not built for busy humans.
That’s when I learned what a blessing the best low maintenance dog breeds can be. Dogs that fit into real life, working schedules, kids’ routines, smaller spaces, or just the desire not to vacuum fur forever. And often, the most chill dogs turn out to be the most loving ones too.
Table of Contents
Best Low Maintenance Dogs
Some dogs just make life easier, minimal shedding, easy grooming, relaxed energy, and happy to nap while you deal with grown-up life.
These are the best low maintenance dog breeds people love because they fit into daily routines without demanding the world in return.
They’re the dogs who happily chill while you cook, work from home, or binge Netflix, always close enough for cuddles but never chaotic.
| Breed Name | Size | Grooming Needs | Exercise Needs | Temperament | Why Low-Maintenance |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Calm, affectionate | Minimal shedding, short walks |
| Pug | Small | Low | Low | Friendly, playful | Easy coat care, very adaptable |
| Bulldog | Medium | Low | Low | Gentle, laid-back | Low energy, simple routine |
| Beagle | Medium | Low–Moderate | Moderate | Loyal, cheerful | Short coat, easy grooming |
| Chihuahua | Small | Low | Low | Alert, loyal | Tiny size, easy daily care |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Low | Low–Moderate | Gentle, social | Short coat, easy training |
| Dachshund | Small | Low | Low–Moderate | Lively, loyal | Minimal grooming, low exercise |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Moderate | Low | Calm, loving | Thrives indoors, simple temperament |
| Havanese | Small | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Friendly, gentle | Great apartment dog, easygoing |
| Whippet | Medium | Low | Low–Moderate | Quiet, affectionate | Clean, odor-free, calm indoors |
| Greyhound | Large | Low | Low–Moderate | Gentle, relaxed | Surprising low-energy breed |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Sweet, calm | Easy personality, moderate care |
| Maltese | Small | Moderate | Low | Gentle, cuddly | Light exercise, loving companion |
| Basset Hound | Medium | Low | Low | Relaxed, friendly | Slow-paced, low-energy |
| Miniature Pinscher | Small | Low | Moderate | Alert, confident | Smooth coat, easy upkeep |
Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Kids
Families need a dog that’s patient, playful, and not a handful. These breeds tend to be sturdy enough for kid play, gentle in personality, and easy on grooming and training time. Think: friendly, stable, and just the right amount of fun, without turning the house into a circus.
| Dog Breed | Size | Shedding | Energy Level | Why Good for Kids |
| Beagle | Small/Medium | Low | Medium | Friendly & playful |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Low | Low | Gentle & affectionate |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Calm & sturdy |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Low | Low | Easygoing |
| Pug | Small | Low | Low | Social & funny |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Low | Hypoallergenic |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Low | Kid-friendly temperament |
Best Low Maintenance Dogs for First-Time Owners
If you’re brand new to dog life, the last thing you want is a high-maintenance diva pup. First-timers do best with dogs who are naturally easygoing, quick to learn house rules, and don’t need hours of daily attention. These breeds help you build confidence without overwhelm.
| Dog Breed | Size | Grooming | Training | Temperament |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | Low | Easy | Friendly |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Low | Easy | Gentle |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Medium | Easy | Calm |
| Pug | Small | Low | Moderate | Social |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Low | Easy | Well-mannered |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Easy | Quiet |
| Basset Hound | Medium | Low | Moderate | Relaxed |
Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Families
Between school runs, errands, and everyday chaos, families benefit from dogs who can keep up just enough but also relax. These pups adapt well to busy environments and love being part of the pack, but stay calm and manageable when life gets hectic.
| Breed | Size | Grooming | Energy | Why Great for Families |
| Golden Retriever | Large | Low | Medium | Loyal, loving |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | Low | Medium | Easy to train |
| Beagle | Small/Med | Low | Medium | Good with kids |
| Boxer | Medium/Large | Low | Medium | Protective |
| Bulldog | Medium | Low | Low | Gentle |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Low | Family-friendly |
| Cavapoo | Small | Low | Low | Hypoallergenic mix |
Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Seniors
Best dogs for seniors are the dog who enjoys gentle routines, slow walks, couch cuddles, predictable behavior, and minimal grooming demands. Their presence offers joy and comfort, not physical strain.
| Breed | Size | Grooming | Exercise Needs | Why Good for Seniors |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Medium | Low | Calm companion |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Hypoallergenic |
| Cavachon | Small | Low | Low | Soft temperament |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Low | Low | Loving |
| Pomeranian | Small | Low | Low | Easy to carry |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small | Low | Low | Hypoallergenic |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Low | Gentle & cheerful |
Low-Maintenance Dogs for Apartments
You don’t need a yard to have a dog, just the right dog. These breeds do well with compact living, don’t bark excessively (hello neighbors), and adapt to smaller daily exercise needs. Many are perfect quiet low maintenance dogs that won’t disturb the peace.
| Breed | Size | Barking | Exercise | Best Qualities |
| French Bulldog | Small | Low | Low | Quiet |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Low | Calm |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Low | Adaptable |
| Pug | Small | Moderate | Low | Friendly |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Hypoallergenic |
| Boston Terrier | Small | Low | Low | Clean |
| Dachshund | Small | Low | Low | Low shedding |
Small Low Maintenance Dogs
Small dogs can be extremely easy companions, lightweight, portable, and low shedding. The best ones aren’t yappy or demanding but social, adaptable, and happy to snuggle most of the day.
| Breed | Size | Shedding | Grooming | Personality |
| Chihuahua | Small | Low | Low | Alert |
| Maltese | Small | Low | Low | Sweet |
| Pug | Small | Low | Low | Friendly |
| Miniature Pinscher | Small | Low | Low | Confident |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low | Medium | Calm |
| Havanese | Small | Low | Low | Affectionate |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Low | Medium | Gentle |
Best Low Maintenance Large Dogs
Surprise: some big dogs are total couch potatoes. These gentle giants often prefer lounging to long hikes and usually have easy-care coats. If you want presence without high energy, large low-maintenance breeds are a perfect match.
| Breed | Size | Grooming | Exercise | Why Low-Maintenance |
| Greyhound | Large | Low | Low | Couch potatoes |
| Bullmastiff | Large | Low | Low | Calm |
| Great Dane | Giant | Low | Low | Gentle giant |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Large | High (shedding) | Low | Relaxed |
| Anatolian Shepherd | Large | Low | Low | Low activity |
| Mastiff | Giant | Low | Low | Very calm |
| Newfoundland | Large | Moderate | Low | Gentle |
Best Low Maintenance Dogs That Don’t Shed
This list is made for anyone who hates sweeping or struggles with allergies. These quiet low maintenance dogs shed very minimally, sometimes not at all, and keep allergies and fur cleanup under control. Grooming is simple, homes stay cleaner, and snuggling becomes stress-free.
| Breed | Size | Coat Type | Exercise | Why Good |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Small | Hypoallergenic | Low | Easy coat |
| Poodle (Toy/Mini) | Small | Hypoallergenic | Low | Intelligent |
| Maltese | Small | Hypoallergenic | Low | Minimal grooming |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Low shed | Low | Calm |
| Havanese | Small | Low shed | Low | Soft temperament |
| Basenji | Medium | No-shed | Low | “Barkless dog” |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Hypoallergenic | Low | Family-friendly |
| Cavapoo | Small | Low shed mix | Low | Gentle |
| Schnoodle | Small | Low shed mix | Low | Easy to train |
Personality – The Secret to a Low-Maintenance Dog
When people search for the best low-maintenance dog, they usually focus on the obvious things like size or coat type. But honestly? The thing that makes a dog truly easy to live with is personality.
You can have a tiny dog that screams at every leaf falling outside, or a huge dog that is calm, quiet, and sleeps most of the day. Which one sounds easier? Exactly.
A calm, confident dog doesn’t panic when you leave for a few hours. They don’t chew through the drywall while you’re grocery shopping. They take life at your pace, content whether you’re having an active day or a lazy one.
These dogs are emotionally stable, smart enough to understand household rules, and relaxed enough that they don’t constantly need direction.
And here’s the thing: low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring. These dogs can still be silly, playful, and affectionate. But they know how to turn off the energy when needed. You won’t have to sacrifice a peaceful home to enjoy a loving companion.
Grooming & Health Of Low Maintenance Dogs
We hear low maintenance and instantly think no brushing and no shedding dog but it’s actually a combo of several factors. Grooming should be something you can keep up with easily, not a constant battle.
Even short-haired dogs can shed an unbelievable amount. Meanwhile, some curly-coated breeds barely lose any hair but need scheduled trims. It’s all about the kind of care you personally prefer.
Health plays a major role, too. A dog with fewer genetic health concerns means fewer vet visits and less worry. Some breeds are prone to issues like joint problems, allergies, or breathing trouble, and that can quickly turn into high maintenance both emotionally and financially. Before choosing a dog, consider
- Coat type
- Drooling levels
- Sensitivity levels
- Exercise needs
The best low-maintenance dog is one whose grooming and health needs match your lifestyle long-term. When those are aligned, caring for them feels natural, not stressful, and you get to spend more time enjoying your dog, not managing them.
FAQs
What dog can be left alone all day?
No dog loves being alone all day, but independent, calm breeds handle it best with toys + a potty routine.
Are low-maintenance dogs less affectionate?
Not at all, many are actually cuddly and people-focused, just less demanding.
Is grooming or energy level more important?
Depending on your life, grooming needs are predictable, exercise needs vary more.
Can apartment-friendly dogs also protect the home?
Yes, some low-energy breeds are alert watchdogs too without constant barking.
Are quiet low maintenance dogs good for kids?
Yes, as long as kids are taught gentle and respectful interaction.