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Okay we get it, youโre not lazy, you just already have a lot to
do and you really want to keep a dog as well. Keeping a dog can
be a lot of work but fortunately not all dogs are created equal.
While some breeds might need a lot of care and maintenance, there
are other breeds that donโt need too much work. For those of us
who donโt have a ton of time and resources at our disposal, these
low maintenance breeds could just be the answer.
Hereโs our pick for the best low maintenance dog
breeds
-
American Staffordshire Terrier: We love this
terrier for a number of reasons โ they have short coats that
donโt need a lot of care and doesnโt get all over the place.
But besides the easy care this breed is also very intelligent
so training is relatively easy and the big plus point is that
these pups are very affectionate.
-
Miniature Pinscher: These cuties really are a
delight to have in the home. Cute looks aside, the short coat
of fur makes brushing and grooming a breeze while not making a
mess of the house. The little fellas are a healthy breed and
for the most part donโt need too many vet visits.
-
Chihuahua: This tiny, tiny breed it
practically a stuffed toy. With their small size and short
coats, grooming Chihuahuas only takes a few minutes. Exercising
this breed is easy too as you donโt need a lot of space and
just a ball to keep them occupied and running around for a bit.
-
Russell Terrier: This is another healthy breed
of dog that doesnโt need to see the vet too often saving you
both time and money. Easy to groom short fur, and a playful
attitude make these little dogs a good addition to the family.
-
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs do
love the attention and hate being left alone but for the most
part they donโt require any extra special care. They are easy
to groom, easy to train and are very friendly around both
adults and kids.
-
Italian Greyhound: True to the greyhound breed
these dogs are sleek and have short coats. You will need to
take them out for a run every day but hey, that would be good
for you too. This breed is friendly and lovable and a treat to
be around.
-
Rhodesian Ridgeback: These smart, affectionate
and loyal dogs are a strong and healthy breed. Short coats
means less grooming time and good health means fewer vet
visits. Take them out once a day for a good run and you will
have a happy puppy.
And there you have it; these are our top picks for the best low
maintenance breeds.
Delve deeper to know more about these breeds.
What Are Some Low Maintenance Dogs?
Some people want to spend a lot of time engaging with their
pets. They enjoy complicated grooming, long walks,
or teaching tricks, and
some even spend time and money dressing their dogs in cute
clothes, or arranging elaborate spaces in the home. For these
folks there are many dogs to choose from -- the Jack
Russell, or the Pekingese,
to the happy-go-lucky Labrador.
But some folks just donโt have time in their lives for quite so
much fuss. Itโs perfectly respectable to be a dog-lover who
happens to have a bit less time and energy for a pet. From busy
parents, to working people with a litany of other obligations,
dogs canโt always come first. Donโt fret. There are several
breeds who are, relatively speaking, low maintenance dogs, and
well-suited for loving caregivers who wish to focus on the rest
of life as well.
Dogs who Need Minimal Exercise
Some dogs need frequent walks and lots of off-leash time to
run. The following dogs, on the other hand, do quite well lying
about the house, and require just a short walk once or twice a
day.
These friendly, curious little
dogs are great for the busy pet owner with limited
spaceโthe apartment or
condo dweller. Pugs donโt need a ton of exercise, and
a lot of what they do need can come from a brief bit of play in
a small living room.
Similar to the Pug, the tiny Chihuahua is one of those dogs
that makes a perfect pet for close quarters. These dogs are low
exercise pets to a T, and are content to sleep much of the day away on the
couch or a doggie bed.
Dogs who Need Minimal Grooming
The short coat on the American and English Bulldogs requires
little from their owners in terms of maintenance.
Occasional brushing and a
bath now and then will keep these dogs in top shape.
Bulldog owners will have to make sure the folds on the dogโs face are kept
clean and dry, but this is not a difficult task.
Another short-coated dog that needs little other than an
occasional brushing. The coat of the Beagle stays clean
and doesnโt shed much.
This breed, like the Bulldog, is also great with kids.
Dogs that Donโt Need Showers of Attention
All dogs need companionship and love from their owners. After
all, dogs are social animals. Nevertheless, these breeds get
along without constant contact and attention from their people.
Originally bred as a guard dog, the Shar Pei is a confident,
independent breed that wonโt demand constant attention from
their owners. The dog is also often silent, barking only when
strangers are present. The Shar Peiโs independence and wariness
might make this dog better for families without children. Also
worth noting -- the Shar Peiโs smushy face requires a bit of
extra skin care.
Another proudly independent breed is the Chow Chow, whose
reserved nature sometimes earns this dog the reputation of
being cat-like. Like the Shar Pei, the Chow Chow is dedicated
and loyal to their owners but wary of strangers.
More on Caring for Your Dog
A Dog Brushing Buying Guide
Small Dog Pet Supplies
Flea and Tick Prevention and Treatment
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