Yahoo Lifestyle 21 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds of All Sizes for First Time Pet Parents
When you’re thinking about adopting a dog, you may not be sure what breed is right for you. There are so many cute breeds, tall breeds, small breeds and everything in between! But if you’re a first-time pet owner, you may want to consider the more low-maintenance dog breeds.
Full disclosure: Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance! Walking, grooming, feeding and vet visits are all a required part of being a pet parent. But from unconditional love to endless sloppy kisses, loving a dog is one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself!
If you’re new at pet parenthood or simply looking for a dog that’s a good fit for your family’s busy lifestyle, there are many great breeds that are lower maintenance because they may not require as much grooming, space, and exercise as others. Some breeds definitely are more “couch potatoes” than others!
Using information from breed clubs and the American Kennel Club, we’ve rounded up the best low-maintenance breeds. But always remember that while certain breeds are known for specific characteristics, all dogs are individuals and have their own personalities—just like people. And don’t forget that sometimes the best dog for your family is a rescue dog!
Ahead, read on to learn about dog breeds that are considered more low-maintenance than others:
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, which recently shot to the top of the list for most popular dogs, is an adaptable breed with an even disposition. They don’t require a ton of outdoor exercise, get along well with other animals, and love people of all ages.
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Chihuahua
This tiny, sassy dog has personality plus! With expressive eyes and a big-dog attitude, this little breed makes a wonderful companion and loves sitting on laps. Chihuahuas adapt well to city living, and their coats, which can be short or long, don’t shed much or require constant grooming. Because they’re so small, they can get sufficient exercise indoors if you play with them regularly.
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Dachshund
This low-to-the-ground dog is a friendly and vivacious breed that’s extremely lovey-dovey with their people. Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes in three different coat types (smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired). They don’t shed a ton and don’t need a lot of exercise, as you’d imagine, with their short legs.
Height: 8 to 9 (standard), 5 to 6 (miniature)
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds or less (miniature)
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Italian Greyhound
This sweet, sensitive breed makes a devoted companion. Italian Greyhounds adore being in your lap, but, as sighthounds, they do love to run, so you should make sure to train them appropriately and keep them leashed when outdoors in case they spot something fun to chase! Their coats need very little grooming.
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 15 pounds
Life expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Pug
Pugs are meant for love! This muscular little breed is happy and curious and has a very expressive face. They are adaptable to big or small families, as an only pet, or part of a pack. But because of their mischievous little pushed-in faces, they do best in more temperate (not hot) climates.
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 pounds
Shih Tzu
These adorable dogs, which date back centuries to Tibet, are extremely willing to please their people. They’re great with kids. While their coats do require regular grooming, Shih Tzus actually are couch potatoes, which makes them ideal in an apartment setting or if you don’t have a big yard.
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Basset Hound
This patient, low-key dog with the soulful face is a mild-mannered homebody. Basset Hounds do require some regular grooming—and they do drool a moderate amount—but you won’t need to take them on long runs to burn off their energy.
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Pomeranian
Watch out! Here comes the Pomeranian! This bold little dog is a true sweetheart and is very loving. The breed is easily trained and good with older kids. Poms are active but can get sufficient exercise on short walks and indoor play.
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Bichon Frise
Playful and curious, this breed loves making new friends. Bichons are alert watchdogs, but they are quick learners and happy to please their pet parents. Their small size makes them great city dogs. They do need regular grooming but are not big shedders.
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Pekingese
Originally bred for the ruling classes of ancient China, the alert and serene little Peke is a dog that tends to bond closely with one human. They’re tolerant of kids but don’t like rough play.
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is known for its willingness to please. Shelties are lovey-dovey, super-smart, and great with kids and other dogs. The coat needs a moderate amount of grooming, and they do require a lot of exercise. But they are sensitive and affectionate dogs who love their entire family.
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel loves people! As sturdy and compact little dogs, Tibbies adapt well to apartment or country living. They require minimal grooming and are alert dogs who love to perch on the back of a couch to survey their territory; however, they are not nuisance barkers.
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The beautiful, soulful eyes of the sweet-natured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel reflect the breed’s graceful, affectionate personality. The breed is highly attached to its people and does well with kids and other dogs. Despite its lush coat, it doesn’t require a ton of grooming, benefitting from weekly brushings and regular baths.
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Japanese Chin
Bred to be a lapdog, the Japanese Chin is all about snuggling. Chins are super-smart with a distinctly regal bearing. Their silky coats need minimal grooming, despite their lush appearance. Chins typically are quiet dogs that are happiest indoors, not on long hikes.
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 11 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Maltese
Maltese have gorgeous coats, which do require frequent grooming. However, they are low-shedding, don’t need a ton of vigorous exercise, and their playful and affectionate personalities make them wonderful companions for singles or families.
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: 7 pounds or less
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Brussels Griffon
These funny-faced little dogs are smart, sassy, and entirely impressed with themselves. Brussels Griffons, or Griffs for short, come in four colors and smooth or rough coats. They’re energetic and easily trained and can get enough exercise with a minimum of effort. Griffs are devoted little companions, who don’t like to be left alone.
Height: 7 to 10 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Beagle
Beagles love people and are easy to please. They are happy dogs that do particularly well with kids. They need lots of play time to keep them stimulated, but their easygoing personalities make them a great choice for families. Beagles come in two sizes, 13 and 15 inches.
Height: 13 inches, 13 to 15 inches
Weight: Under 20 pounds, 20 to 30 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a happy, sporty little dog that loves to walk—but the breed doesn’t require a ton of space, so it makes a great city dog. They’re people-oriented and have a silly sense of humor. Plus, they’re typically great with kids.
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Miniature Schnauzer
As the smallest of the Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a fast learner that's bright and friendly. The breed is low-shedding and obedient, making them a great choice for families or first-time pet parents.
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniels may look like they’re frowning, but they’re cheerful, even-tempered, and playful dogs. Their flowing coats do require regular grooming, but they are a loyal breed that make wonderful companions.
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 35 to 45 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Whippet
Whippets are gentle, calm dogs that love to run—but they’re also quite happy to stretch out for a nap with you. They adapt well to apartments, and they’re not big barkers. Their sleek coats also require only monthly grooming, and they don’t shed a ton.
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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