Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds: 13 Dog Breeds For A Lazy Owner

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We all know that dogs can be a pain in the neck at times. Dogs need to be exercised, groomed, fed, and watered, and worst of all, dogs often get sick.

Although we know dogs need to be fed and watered and that no dog is exactly immune to disease, you can lessen the workload depending on the dog you adopt.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance dog breed, then you’ve come to the right place.

1. Boston Terrier

A black and white Boston Terrier sitting on grass

The Boston Terrier is affectionate with the family, good with young children, and is a low-maintenance dog breed.

They typically only need weekly brushings with a soft-bristle brush and occasional baths. Their eyes should be checked for redness or irritation, but overall they are fairly easy to care for.

They do require some exercise, but not too much. A brisk walk or a little playing time should help get their daily exercise in.

Did you know? The Boston Terrier is a cross between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier.

2. West Highland White Terrier

A West Highland White Terrier sitting down on grass

The West Highland White Terrier is a small dog breed, only getting 10–11 inches tall and weighing 15-20 pounds when fully grown.

These dogs are fairly healthy and will live for up to 15 years, but health conditions you should look out for include cardiac disease and patellar luxation.

Remember, however, that these dogs are not known to be the best in areas where they are not fenced in or on a leash, so make sure that you keep your pooch in a fenced-in backyard or at least on a leash.

West Highland White Terriers are related to Westies, Cairn, Skye, Scottish, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers!

3. Bergamasco Sheepdog

A Bergamasco Sheepdog standing on a field grass

The Bergamasco sheepdog is surprisingly low-maintenance. In fact, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is probably the most low-maintenance dog breed on this list!

These dogs do require a moderate amount of exercise, but they are nearly maintenance-free when it comes to grooming.

After a year, their coats must be ripped into mats. This may take a while, but after that, they basically never shed, their coat shouldn’t be brushed down, and they only need to be bathed once to twice a year.

4. American Hairless Terrier

An American Hairless Terrier on a leash standing on a red carpet

The American Hairless Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed, growing 12–16 inches tall and weighing 12–16 pounds.

The American Hairless Terrier originates from the southern state of Louisiana, along with the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended as with any dog breed.

5. Dachshund

A black and brown Dashchund sitting in front of other dogs

The Dachshund is a small dog. Miniatures are 5–6 inches tall and weigh 11 pounds or less. Standards are 8–9 inches tall and weigh 16–32 pounds.

These dogs are affectionate and also fairly easy to care for; they are generally healthy, relatively clean (in doggie terms), and moderate shedders.

Do keep in mind, however, that the Dachshund is energetic and should have regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.

6. Chihuahua

A black Chihuahua laying down

The Chihuahua, one of Mexico’s most popular dog breeds, is a very small dog breed. He stands no taller than 8 inches and weighs no more than 6 pounds.

These dogs love to run and play, so make sure they have plenty of exercise and mental challenges.

Chihuahuas do not require much maintenance, are eager to please, and are generally healthy.

If you are looking for a small, energetic dog that’s also fairly low-maintenance, then consider getting a Chihuahua.

7. Löwchen

A gray and white Löwchen laying down on hay (?)

The Löwchen is a small German dog breed. These dogs are affectionate with the family and should behave around younger kids, which makes them a great option for families.

Löwchens only require occasional brushings and baths, so they shouldn’t be very hard to keep if you’re a little more on the lazy side.

Overall, if you want a small, family dog breed that is easy to care for, consider getting a Löwchen.

Did you know? Löwchen means “little lion” in German. Thus, it is also known as the Little Lion Dog.

8. Maltese

A picture of a Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog breed, growing 7-9 inches tall and weighing less than 7 pounds.

A Maltese is naturally affectionate with the family, so if you are looking for a family dog, a Maltese is certainly an option.

They do require daily gentle brushings, however, they are generally healthy. Although, you should look out for luxating patella and heart anomalies like PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus).

Did You Know? For more than 28 years, Maltese were known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” and they were an aristocrat in the canine world.

9. Bolognese

A white Bolognese close-up

The Bolognese grows up to 10-12 inches tall and weighs 6-10 pounds.

Although the Bolognese is generally healthy, you will still need to watch for health conditions such as luxating patella and eye anomalies.

If kept in their full coat, they do require regular grooming, but many will choose to shave their coat down some.

10. Biewer Terrier

A Biewer Terrier laying on grass with a toy.

The Biewer Terrier, standing no more than 11 inches tall and weighing 8 pounds or less, is definitely a very small dog.

They do require regular exercise, but thanks to their playful attitude, these dogs will often exercise themselves by playing and frolicking around the house. Feel free to also take it on a brisk walk now and then.

They do require daily brushings, but overall, they are a great dog that is easy-going and family-friendly.

11. Bichon Frise

A Bichon Frise standing on snow

The Bichon Frise originating from Spain (no, not France), is 9.5-11.5 inches tall and weighs 12–18 pounds.

The Bichon is also another family-friendly dog on this list. They should also behave around other friendly dogs, but watch closely.

They are generally healthy, but a good breeder should scan for allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella, cataracts, and other eye diseases.

12. Japanese Chin

A Japanese Chin laying down on concrete

The Japanese Chin is a friendly dog breed and should behave around other friendly dogs. It is another family-friendly dog breed on this list.

Weekly brushings and a bath once a month or so should keep the dog looking it’s best.

Health conditions to watch out for include luxating patella (slipping kneecaps), cataracts, epilepsy, and early-onset heart murmurs.

13. Standard Poodle

A brown and black poodle on leashes

The poodle is a friendly, family-friendly dog breed. These dogs should behave around children and other dogs, but early socialization and puppy training are always recommended.

Poodles are typically healthy dogs, but a good breeder should scan for hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, von Willebrand’s disease, immune-mediated disorders, and eye disorders.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this article to be of use and I wish you a safe and happy journey in the world of dogs.

If you have a dog breed that is also low-maintenance that doesn’t happen to be on this list, feel free to let me know in the comment section below.

Resources:

AKCBoston TerrierWest Highland White TerrierBergamasco SheepdogAmerican Hairless TerrierDachshundChihuahuaLöwchenMalteseBologneseBiewer TerrierBichon FriseJapanese ChinStandard Poodle.
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