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, clean up the house after a shedding dog has been let loose. That’s why you want to consider low-maintenance dogs.
While there are no dogs that don’t need grooming, you can consider adopting a dog that’s generally easy to care for and needs little constant grooming.
Thankfully, a few dog breeds fit the bill and might fit your lifestyle.
Before adopting a dog, consider your lifestyle
When choosing a low-maintenance dog, you must consider your lifestyle, living situation, and activity level.
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Consider your living space
If you live in a small apartment, you may want to choose a dog breed that doesn’t require much space to roam.
Activity level
If you have a busy schedule and can’t commit to long daily walks or intense exercise sessions, look for a dog known for being low-energy and doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
Temperament
Take into account the temperament of the dog breed you’re considering. Some dogs are more independent and less demanding of attention, while others thrive on human interaction.
Allergies
If you or someone in your household has allergies, consider hypoallergenic dog breeds that shed less dander and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
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, their short coat makes them very easy to care for, and the occasional bath is all they require.
Health and exercise needs
Boston Terriers are generally healthy dogs but prone to certain health issues such as brachycephalic syndrome, deafness, patellar luxation, and allergies.
It’s important to provide them with regular exercise to keep them healthy and prevent obesity. Daily walks and playtime are essential to meet their exercise needs.
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 and hypoallergenic. They only require a bath and trim a few times yearly, which makes them about as low-maintenance as grooming a longer-haired breed can be.
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.
Health and exercise needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to heart conditions, syringomyelia, and certain eye issues.
They require regular veterinary check-ups. In terms of exercise, active dogs need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
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 minimize excessive shedding. Thankfully, due to their small size, it’s easy to control their shedding coat.
Health and exercise needs
Some potential health issues for Chihuahuas include dental problems, patellar luxation, and hypoglycemia.
As for exercise needs, Chihuahuas are active dogs despite their small size, so they benefit from regular walks and playtime to keep them healthy and happy.
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 Dachshunds make great low-maintenance pets is 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 ideal for busy pet owners who lack 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 relatively clean dogs that do not require frequent baths unless they get 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.
Health and exercise needs
Dachshunds are prone to health issues such as intervertebral disc disease, obesity, and dental problems.
Due to their elongated bodies, they are at risk of back problems, so it’s crucial to provide them with proper support and avoid activities that strain their backs.
Regular exercise is vital for Dachshunds to maintain a healthy weight and to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Daily walks and playtime in a secure area are good ways to meet their exercise needs.
If they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can thrive in smaller living spaces such as apartments or condos. This makes them an excellent 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.
Its short coat 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.
Regular nail care 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.
Health and exercise needs
French Bulldogs are prone to health issues due to their flat faces, which make breathing difficult.
They don’t require intense exercise; short walks and gentle play sessions are usually enough.
However, monitoring their breathing and energy levels during any physical activity and prioritizing regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet is important.
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 also don’t produce a “doggie odor,” 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.
Health and exercise needs
Italian Greyhounds may be prone to dental problems, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. They require regular dental care and vet check-ups.
They are high-energy and need daily walks and playtime for exercise. Avoid over-exercising them at a young age to prevent joint issues.
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.
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.
Min Pins have a variety of coat densities.
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.
Health and exercise needs
The Miniature Pinscher is generally healthy but prone to health issues such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Dogs require regular exercise, including daily walks, play sessions, and interactive toys, to stay healthy and happy.
Engaging them in agility training or dog sports can provide mental stimulation and physical exercise.
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, their coat is easy to maintain 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.
Health and exercise needs
Papillons are generally healthy dogs but prone to patellar luxation, which is a kneecap dislocation. Regular teeth cleaning is crucial because they can also be prone to dental issues.
In terms of exercise, Papillons are energetic and playful, so they require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive games are great ways to meet their exercise needs.
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.
Health and exercise needs
Whippets are generally healthy but can be prone to heart murmurs, eye problems, and sensitivity to anesthesia.
Dogs require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, including daily walks and off-leash running in a secure area.
10. Greyhound
Similar to the Whippet, these dogs were designed for racing. But while they are incredibly athletic, they also 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.
Health and exercise needs
Greyhounds are generally healthy but prone to bloat, bone cancer, and dental problems.
They need regular opportunities to run and sprint, so daily brisk walks or runs, along with playtime in a secure, fenced area, are essential for their exercise needs.
Choosing among low-maintenance dogs
Although grooming requirements may not top the list when considering the best dogs 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 and became a professional dog groomer. She now runs a successful grooming business.