In busy city apartments or wide-open country yards, the right dog should fit your daily routine instead of forcing a major lifestyle change. Picking a breed that needs minimal grooming, moderate exercise, and straightforward care makes it easier to enjoy companionship without extra stress.
There are 12 low maintenance dog breeds, ranging from Basenji to Whippet. For each breed, we list Scientific name, Size (kg), and Care (grooming & exercise) so you can compare needs at a glance — you’ll find below.
How can I tell whether a specific breed will be low maintenance for my lifestyle?
Look beyond labels: consider coat type (short coats need less grooming), typical exercise needs, common health issues, and temperament. A breed that’s “low maintenance” for one person might not be for another if your schedule, space, or activity level differs. Meet dogs, ask breeders or shelters about individual behavior, and factor in age—puppies need more time even in low-maintenance breeds.
Will a low maintenance breed do well in a small apartment?
Many will, provided you meet their daily exercise and mental stimulation needs. Smaller size helps, but energy level matters more—some medium breeds are calm indoors if they get regular walks or play. Use short outings, toys, and training to keep them happy; consistent routine and vet care make apartment life manageable for low-maintenance breeds.
Low Maintenance Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Size (kg) | Care (grooming & exercise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Canis lupus familiaris | 1.5-3 | low grooming; 10-20 mins/day |
| Dachshund (Smooth) | Canis lupus familiaris | 7-14 | low grooming; 20-30 mins/day |
| Whippet | Canis lupus familiaris | 11-20 | low grooming; 20-30 mins/day |
| Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 27-40 | low grooming; 20-40 mins/day |
| Italian Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 3-5 | low grooming; 15-25 mins/day |
| Basset Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | 20-29 | low grooming; 20-30 mins/day |
| Beagle | Canis lupus familiaris | 9-14 | low grooming; 30-40 mins/day |
| Boston Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 6-11 | low grooming; 20-30 mins/day |
| Miniature Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 3-5 | low grooming; 20-30 mins/day |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 11-17 | low grooming; 30-40 mins/day |
| Rat Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 5-11 | low grooming; 30-40 mins/day |
| Basenji | Canis lupus familiaris | 9-11 | low grooming; 30-40 mins/day |
Images and Descriptions
Chihuahua
Tiny, alert companion weighing about 1.5–3 kg. Short coat needs minimal brushing and brief daily walks. Widely available from shelters and small-breed breeders; adapts to apartments and busy owners due to low exercise needs and simple, affordable care.
Dachshund (Smooth)
Low-slung, smooth-coated hound around 7–14 kg. Infrequent brushing and regular short walks keep them happy. Common in rescues and reputable breeders; adapts well to smaller homes and busy schedules because of calm indoor behavior and straightforward care.
Whippet
Athletic yet gentle sighthound weighing about 11–20 kg. Short coat needs little grooming and enjoys short bursts of running plus daily walks. Often rehomed from racers and shelters; calm indoors, making them ideal for busy owners seeking low-care dogs.
Greyhound
Tall, gentle greyhound around 27–40 kg with a sleek coat, low grooming needs and moderate daily exercise. Many come from adoption programs. They are relaxed at home and adapt well to owners with limited active time and simple care routines.
Italian Greyhound
Delicate, affectionate toy sighthound weighing 3–5 kg with a fine short coat. Minimal grooming and short walks meet their needs. Found through breed rescues and small breeders; thrives with busy owners who provide cozy indoor life and brief exercise.
Basset Hound
Short-legged scent hound about 20–29 kg with a smooth coat and minimal grooming needs. Enjoys moderate walks and scent time. Common in rescues and working-breed groups; laid-back indoors and suitable for owners preferring low-effort daily routines.
Beagle
Friendly, compact hound roughly 9–14 kg with a short coat and modest grooming needs. Requires daily walks and nose-work time. Readily found in shelters and breeders; adaptable and sturdy, good for first-time owners who can manage moderate exercise.
Boston Terrier
Compact, affectionate companion around 6–11 kg with a short coat and easy grooming. Needs moderate walks and indoor play. Available via rescues and breeders; generally adaptable to apartment life and busy schedules, though owner vigilance in hot weather recommended.
Miniature Pinscher
Energetic toy breed weighing 3–5 kg with a sleek coat that needs little grooming. Enjoys short daily walks and playtime. Found in rescues and breeders; adapts to busy owners who provide consistent routines and brief activity sessions.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Muscular, affectionate dog about 11–17 kg with a short coat and modest grooming. Benefits from daily walks and socialization. Widely available through rescues and reputable breeders; loyal and adaptable, fitting busy households with basic training and routine care.
Rat Terrier
Small, sturdy terrier weighing 5–11 kg with a short coat that’s easy to maintain. Needs regular walks and play but not excessive exercise. Found in rescues and breed clubs; versatile and resilient, good for owners wanting low-fuss grooming and active-but-manageable routines.
Basenji
Clean, cat-like hound around 9–11 kg with a short coat and low grooming needs. Enjoys daily exercise and supervised outdoor time. Available via rescues and specialty breeders; independent but adaptable for busy owners comfortable with moderate activity and consistent routines.
