So you want a dog, but you haven’t got the time to dedicate hours of physical and mental stimulation. It’s not that you don’t want to; it’s simply because you don’t have the time. Perhaps you are working unsociable hours, or you have a large family. Don’t worry. There is a dog out there for you! We all want that little light in our lives and something to come home to or entertain the family. A dog is a perfect choice, although the right breed choice needs to fit into your hectic lifestyle. Obviously, within reason, you still actually need to feed them, pick up poop, bathe, walk them, do vet check-ups, play and comfort your dog. It’s just some dogs are naturally less high maintenance. It will still be a massive commitment that you need to think long and hard over before you take the next step.
We will show you the dogs we have thoroughly researched to be low maintenance. If you have taken the time to read some other articles before mine, some I read suggests a Doberman! That’s madness. Please don’t get a Doberman If you have a hectic lifestyle. It will be no good for you or the dog. If you’re seriously considering adding a dog to your family, see below the choices that we would highly recommend.
Small, low-maintenance dogs
#1 Chihuahua
This particular breed of dogs is small, making them the perfect dog. They don’t leave much mess around due to their size, and they are very independent and often enjoy a little alone time, so a few hours here and there won’t hurt. Their general health is overall pretty good. In terms of exercising, they need a minimum of 10 minutes a day. Grooming a Chihuahua, they need a brush now and then, especially the long-haired ones as the coat can become tangled if left, but this would take a while. You don’t even have to get them groomed by a professional if you don’t want to. The long-haired coat doesn’t tend to overgrow and generally falls out when it does. Nail clipping, well, is no way of getting away from this, especially since they aren’t long walkers. Their claws are only tiny, and it takes two minutes to clip them back.
- Walking requirements = 10 to 15 minutes a day
- Grooming requirements = 5-minute brush a week
- Health conditions = Overall in good health
- Barking = Average
- Life expectancy = 12 to 20 years
- History = 1800 B.C onwards
#2 Dachshund
Dachshunds have a cheerful outlook and can adapt quickly to changes. Small in size so travelling with them wouldn’t be a problem. They are easy to house train. They love to sleep and play when they can. Dachshunds coat doesn’t need much grooming. A brush here and there is enough. Even the long-haired dachshunds require just a brushing; no monthly trips to a professional groomer are required. Because of a Dachshund long body and short legs, they don’t need to walk too much. A stretch in the garden and around the house is enough. I do believe that all dogs should experience the outside. Sniffing and exploring is what they love. However, ten minutes a day is sufficient.
- Walking requirements = 10 to 15 minutes a day
- Grooming requirements = 5-minute brush a week
- Health conditions = Overall in okay health, although they can suffer from Intervertebral Disc Disease due to their long bodies.
- Barking = Average
- Life expectancy = 12 to 16 years
- History = 15th Century onwards
#3 French Bulldog
The generally well-behaved French bulldog is a perfect fit for a busy household; they are pretty chilled and can come across as quite lazy. French Bulldogs love to eat, so try not to overfeed them, or extra exercise will be needed. They need to walk slightly more than a Chihuahua or Dachshund. A French Bulldog requires a minimum of 25 minutes a day, ideally split into two. They are somewhat more significant, usually small to medium, so they need more exercise. The good thing about French bulldogs is they tend not to bark as much as other small dogs. They do have breathing problems on their shorter faces, especially when they get older.
- Walking requirements = 25 minutes a day
- Grooming requirements = 5-minute brush a week
- Health conditions = Some health conditions to be aware of due to their physical appearance
- Barking = Below average
- Life expectancy = 10 – 14 years
#4 Pug
The Pug breed is calm, relaxed and cool. It has a worry-free attitude which makes them perfect stress-free companions. Grooming is minimal with a pug, although a hoover is needed since they shred their coats. The sad fact is that Pugs do have lousy health; if you have ever seen a Pug, their physical appearance on the face is called flat-faced, which can cause breathing difficulties and eye problems. Pugs need daily exercise since they are prone to weight gain; they need around thirty minutes daily. They also get along with cats great, so no need to worry if you have a feline friend already.
- Walking requirements = 30 minutes a day
- Grooming requirements = 5-minute brush a week
- Health conditions = Some health conditions to be aware of due to their physical appearance
- Barking = Way below average
- Life expectancy = 12 – 15 years
- History = 400 B.C. Onwards
Don’t be put off by the health issues; many dogs have health issues, especially when older. Due to the physical appearances in French Bulldog and Pugs, this is more noticeable and remembered. They are both beautiful breeds, and they make lovely family pets.
Always get pet insurance when you get your dog! Speaking from experience, it can be very costly without.
Summary
Dogs make us happy, and I understand that you want a companion. But please don’t forget that dogs need looking after just some are less needy than others and may fit around your lifestyle slightly better. However, If you feel like you can’t dedicate any time, you should probably get a cat. Automatic feeder and a cat flap, and you’re all set! So there you have it, the best low-maintenance dogs.
Good luck, and if you choose any of the dogs listed above, you will have a friend for life.
