Low-maintenance dogs often have lower energy needs, minimal grooming, and are generally adaptable, with popular choices including the Dachshund, Pug, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Basset Hound, and Chihuahua, known for being couch companions with short coats and needing just moderate exercise like daily walks. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and Maltese are also low-maintenance for busy owners, offering affection without overwhelming demands, though some require regular brushing.
TOP 15 EASIEST DOG BREEDS TO OWN
With that in mind, here's our top 10 picks of the most popular low-maintenance dog breeds.
Greyhounds, whippets, basset hound, great Dane, olde English bulldog, chihuahua. All pretty lazy and content. Just know of you get any of these breeds and they are puppies, they will have lots of energy.
If you're going to be out of the house a lot, make sure you choose a breed that's comfortable alone. Dog breeds that can be left alone include Labrador Retrievers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and Corgis (Welsh and Pembroke varieties).
The 16 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
Here's a list of the best dog breeds for working dog owners:
Top 11 Stubborn Dog Breeds
🌟 Top Cleanest Dog Breeds
Transitioning into dog ownership couldn't be easier with a Labrador Retriever. Known for their gentle temperament, Labs are friendly, playful, and great with kids. They love being part of family activities and are quick learners, making training enjoyable even for beginners.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
Small dogs can be a good option for many first-time owners, being sometimes easier to care for in terms of space, feeding costs, and handling. The Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are some of the best small dogs for first-time owners.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
12 Dog Breeds That Are Hard AF To Potty Train
Breeds like Basset Hounds, Greyhounds, Shiba Inus, French Bulldogs, and Maltese are often recommended for owners working 8-hour days due to their independent, mellow, or lower-energy natures, but success depends on meeting individual exercise needs and ensuring they're well-trained and stimulated with toys. Labradors, Chow Chows, and Shar-Peis can also adapt if they get enough activity and mental engagement during their time alone.
Book details. The Secret Life of Pets meets Toy Story in a new illustrated series about a group of Very Good doggie day care buddies who follow a few of their wilder instincts, leading to hilarious chaos. Do good dogs have to be good all the time? Hugo, Lulu, and King love going to doggy day care together.
Top 10 Working Dog Breeds
Golden retrievers are the ultimate people lovers. They are always looking for a playmate or their next adventure. They are loving and gentle, but also know how to have fun when it's time. Golden Retrievers are great comfort dogs and are always looking to please their owners.
When looking for your new 'man's best friend' why not consider one of the following dog breeds:
1. Poodle. Poodles are almost always the best indoor dog breeds in the world. They are gentle, calm, barely bark without a good reason, happy-to-go, and kid-friendly pups.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
The time it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home can vary from one dog to another. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks for a dog to adjust to a new home, but it can take up to 3 months for them to fully adjust behaviourally.