10 low-maintenance dogs that are easy to groom

Low-maintenance dogs require occasional bathing and brushing.

I get it; you’re craving some companionship but don’t have time to brush, bathe, or visit the groomer every week. Or even worse, cleaning up the house after a shedding dog has been let loose. That’s why you want to consider low-maintenance dogs.

You want the best of both worlds — a dog that’s generally easy to care for and has little need for constant grooming. Thankfully, there are a few dog breeds that fit the bill and might make a good fit for your lifestyle.

Other things to consider

Grooming is one responsibility of dog ownership, but you also need to consider training, exercise, health, and general costs. It all adds to the time and effort spent keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Consider dogs that are easy to train, require daily walks, and have lower to moderate energy levels.

From my experience as a professional groomer, I have seen which low-maintenance dogs are easy to groom.

1. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is known for its “tuxedo” coat and likes to show off its sleek black and white masking and chest.

Boston Terriers are little hyperactive comedians. They’re joyful, intelligent, and sometimes mischievous. But their main goal in life is to make you laugh.

They tend to be stubborn about training and will test your persistence.

The dogs tend to shed, but it’s minimal due to their short hair (compared to most shedding breeds).

You may notice a few odd hairs left on the couch or rug, but it’s barely noticeable.

Overall, this makes their short coat very easy to care for, and the occasional bath is all they require.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are sweet and gentle dogs who love being the center of attention. These pups spend their days just trying to make you smile.

However, they get so attached to their owners that they sometimes experience separation anxiety when they leave.

And with their gentle demeanors, the dogs don’t respond well to negative training or scolding.

Cavaliers are nonshedding, hypoallergenic, and only require a bath and trim a few times yearly. That makes them about as low maintenance as it gets for grooming a longer-haired breed.

To prevent painful mats and tangles, brush their coats out at least once weekly.

Another option to reduce your grooming requirements is to consider getting a Cavapoo — a Cavalier and poodle mix.

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas sometimes get a bad reputation, but they’re sweet and affectionate. Be warned; they tend to be noisy and bark at everything. And they are perhaps a little possessive with their owners.

Like other breeds, these dogs don’t like being left alone and are content to follow you all day.

Chihuahuas come in short and long coat types. Both hair types shed a moderate amount, but you’ll notice it much more with dogs with longer hair.

Brushing a few times a week will keep excessive shedding to a minimum. And thankfully, due to their small size, it’s easy to control their shedding coat.

4. Dachshund

Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs,” are a popular small breed beloved for their playful and affectionate nature. 

These cute dogs were initially bred in Germany to hunt badgers, and their distinctive body shape helps them dig into underground burrows.

However, today they are more commonly known as family pets due to their low-maintenance grooming needs and friendly demeanor.

One of the main reasons why Dachshunds make great low-maintenance pets is because of their short, smooth coats. Unlike other breeds that require frequent brushing and grooming to keep their fur from matting or tangling, Dachshunds only need a quick weekly brush to remove loose hair and maintain a shiny coat. 

This makes them an ideal choice for busy pet owners who don’t have the time or energy for extensive grooming sessions.

Dachshunds don’t shed excessively. While all dogs shed to some extent, Dachshunds shed minimally compared to other breeds. 

This means less vacuuming and cleaning up after your furry friend, making them an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to pet dander.

In addition to their low-maintenance coat, Dachshunds are also relatively clean dogs that do not require frequent baths unless they get particularly dirty or smelly. 

They have very little body fat and do not produce much oil on their skin, making them less prone to developing that distinctive doggy odor associated with many other breeds.

Dachshunds are naturally energetic but can adapt well to different lifestyles.

They enjoy daily walks but can also thrive in smaller living spaces such as apartments or condos as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. This makes them a great choice for city dwellers or those who may not have access to large yards.

5. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is a beloved breed renowned for its charm and affectionate nature. 

Originating from England in the 1800s, these small but sturdy dogs were initially bred as companion animals for lace makers and later gained popularity among French artists and high society.

One of the French Bulldog’s standout features is its adaptability to various grooming routines.

With its short coat, it requires minimal brushing, and shedding is relatively low compared to other breeds. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for pet owners with busy schedules or those who prefer a more hands-off approach to grooming.

Their coats come in various colors, such as fawn, brindle, white, cream, and pied (a combination of white with any other color), giving potential owners plenty of options. 

However, it’s worth noting that darker-colored Frenchies may shed more than lighter ones due to their fur having higher melanin levels.

Bathing frequency can range from once every few months to once a month, depending on individual needs. Some owners opt for dry shampooing or spot cleaning between baths to keep their Frenchie smelling fresh and clean.

In terms of nail care, regular trimming is recommended. Their fast-growing nails can easily become overgrown if neglected. It’s important to be cautious when trimming their nails, as they have sensitive quicks (blood vessels) that can cause bleeding if cut too short.

French Bulldogs are moderately active but require daily walks or playtime to stimulate them physically and mentally. 

Due to their shortened snouts, they do not do well in extreme temperatures, so it’s important to monitor them closely in hot or cold weather.

6. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is quiet, compassionate, and a little bit shy. While their bodies were designed for running, they preferred to cuddle up in a blanket and nap.

Socialization and training can be frustrating, as they tend to be stubborn. But these dogs are susceptible, so scolding or negative training will only cause them to run and hide.

Perhaps the best kind of dog is one you don’t have to brush. Italian Greyhounds have thin coats that rarely require cleaning. They don’t produce a “doggie odor” either, so even bathing is rare.

They shed, but their hair is so short you’ll barely notice. As far as coats go, this is the easiest one to maintain. Their grooming needs are far more apparent with their teeth and nails, which need regular maintenance.

7. Miniature Pinscher

Min Pins have a short, sleek coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed, but a quick brush frees up loose hair and minimizes shedding every few days.

Acting as a true Mini-Doberman, the Min Pin is a proud, bold little dog. They love to show off and be the center of attention.

That also means they like taking charge, so you’ll need to be a patient yet assertive leader in your home.

Min Pins have a short, sleek coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed, but a quick brush frees up loose hair and minimizes shedding every few days.

Bathing is only required once every few months or when they begin to get stinky.

There is a variety of coat densities with Min Pins.

Sometimes, these dogs can have dense fur around their neck, which leads to a decent amount of shedding. Meanwhile, other Min Pins may have incredibly short and sleek coats.

8. Papillon

Papillons are an outgoing and loving breed and are always looking for their next adventure.

They’re incredibly energetic, playful, and eager to learn. That makes training the Papillon an absolute joy. It’s no wonder they excel in training and agility courses.

Despite some rumors, the Papillon is not hypoallergenic. They do shed, but not excessively. Thankfully, it’s easy to maintain their coat with regular brushing.

Like the Cavalier, these dogs can get away with only having a few grooms per year. Their long hair is prone to matting, so it’s essential to keep a weekly brushing schedule to avoid painful tangles.

9. Whippet

The Whippet resembles a small greyhound. The Whippet is affectionate, intelligent, sweet-natured, and loyal.

You may have difficulty telling a Whippet apart from an Italian Greyhound. They’re both mild-mannered and love to lounge all day. Whippets tend to be slightly more confident and affectionate, making them fantastic family companions.

Regarding grooming – it’s also quite similar to the Italian Greyhound. They have very thin coats and short hair, so shedding is barely noticeable.

They need the occasional bath, but since they don’t produce a typical “doggie odor,” that only needs to happen a few times yearly.

10. Greyhound

Similar to the Whippet, these dogs were designed for racing. BuWhippette being incredibly athletic, they are absolute couch potatoes. Greyhounds would much rather spend their day lounging in the sun. They can be timid and take time to improve their confidence.

This is as easy as coat care gets. While they do technically shed, it’s minimal and barely noticeable.

They don’t produce the odor that most dogs do, so bathing only needs to happen a few times yearly. The full extent of Greyhound grooming is usually caring for their nails, teeth, and ears.

Choosing among low-maintenance dogs

Although grooming requirements may not top the list when considering what kind of dog to adopt, low-maintenance dogs will make your life easier.

If you’re worried about dog hair, avoid selecting a breed with a double coat that sheds seasonally. Instead, opt for a dog with short hair that sheds occasionally or rarely and has minimal grooming needs.

After all, you can play with your dog instead of grooming. As for the money, you won’t pay; instead, you can buy more toys and treats.

Just know that all dogs shed; some lose more hair than others.

The low-maintenance dog breeds on this list make great companions and can appeal more to people with allergies or anyone who hates cleaning up dog hair.

Shayla McConnell ​has been working closely with animals for more than 10 years. Initially trained​ as a vet tech assistant at a local emergency clinic, she ​later changed career paths, became a ​professional dog groomer, and now runs a successful grooming business.

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