Dogs are the best. But some dog breeds are easier to care for than others. So are you in the market to rescue a new furry friend? Here are five low-maintenance dog breeds you should consider owning...
Basset Hounds
The noble basset hound is a droopy, sleepy dog. The breed’s inherent laziness makes it a great choice for owners who don’t want to have to intervene too much in the dog’s daily life. You’ll still need to give a basset hound regular love and attention, but you’ll have a lot of time to get things done while your pet is taking long, luxurious naps during the day.
Slow Learners
Basset hounds aren't always the best at training, but this will depend both on the dog and on the person doing the training. You’ll need to be patient with your hound at first, but they’ll get there in the end. It’s also important to note that basset hounds are very sensitive, so shouting or chastising your dog when they do something wrong is likely going to really upset them.
Bone Idle
Walks and playtime never really take too long with a basset hound. This breed gets the urge to play periodically, but these sessions won’t last too long because the dog simply doesn’t have the stamina for a long run. That said, you will still need to exercise your pet at regular intervals.
Simple Grooming
A basset hound has relatively short hair, so shedding isn’t going to be a problem. Even so, you will still need to regularly brush a basset hound and be prepared for a fair amount of shedding. The good news is that this dozy breed will happily sit patiently while being groomed.
In Need of Love
Basset hounds aren’t too fond of being left unattended for long hours at a time. They can also be noisy when upset or disgruntled, so be prepared for long, whiny howls if you ignore your basset for too long. But as long as you check in regularly and make sure your dog knows you’re available, it’ll let you get on with your life as they sleep the days away.
Chihuahuas
Poor Chihuahuas. This adorable little dog has developed a reputation for being angry, yappy, and attention-hungry. But with dog ownership, a particular dog’s behavior is more a reflection of their owner than anything else. And if you don’t treat your Chihuahua like a tiny monarch, it can be a very relaxed, contented dog.
Size Matters
The benefit of Chihuahuas is their size. Because these dogs are so little, they don’t really require a lot of exercise, making them a nice fit for anyone with a busy life. You still need to take your Chihuahua for regular daily walks, but a little bit of playtime goes a long way for a dog with such tiny legs.
Boundary Issues
In order to develop a mini Napoleon you’ll need to be firm with your Chihuahua. No carrying the dog around in a bag. No giving into demands for more attention or playtime. Chihuahuas are known for sudden bursts of energy, but as long as you set strict boundaries, they’ll tow the line.
Not Too Fluffy
Grooming such a small dog can be relatively easy depending on how long their fur is. If your Chihuahua has short fur, it’s going to be easy to keep it looking neat and tidy. There could be a little more grooming involved with a longer-haired Chihuahua, but these dogs are still a lot easier to maintain than bigger breeds.
For Never Alone
Chihuahuas like to have company and don’t deal well with boredom when left alone (although the same can be said of most dogs). Maybe that's why some owners treat their Chihuahuas like babies, carrying them everywhere. A Chihuahua likely won’t be a great fit if you’re out of the house a lot.
Labrador
Labradors are go-to family breeds for good reason. These pets are smart, capable, affectionate and loyal. You may find yourself taking longer and more frequent walks than you would with other dogs on this list, but the classic Labrador makes up for this with other talents.
Smart Cookies
Training a Labrador is a piece of cake. These are smart dogs who pick up new skills quickly, so there’s going to be less frustration around correcting inappropriate behavior or teaching your dog fun tricks. Labs are adaptable, and friendly, so they won't see all newcomers as potential threats.
Family Friendly
Labradors are safe around children. These dogs have a strong sense of family and kinship, and they’ll do their best to look after young people in the house, while also tolerating kids’ more annoying quirks. You’ll probably deal with more behavioral issues from your child than your Labrador.
No New 'Dos
Labs have short hair, so they don’t shed as much as some other breeds. But as with other short-haired dogs, know that shedding still occurs, and your house will get messier if you’re lax with grooming. Brush your Labrador regularly to ensure it stays clean, and you won’t have a problem.
Energetic
Fair warning: Labs aren't a good fit for lazy owners. They need regular time outside to burn off excess energy. And you can’t leave a Lab alone too much during the day. Smart dogs suffer terribly from boredom if left to their own devices, and will take it out on your furniture or possessions.
Beagle
Beagles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world for a reason. These dogs are outgoing, friendly and affectionate. While they can be a bit boisterous, good training can convince them to act appropriately, making them solid family pets.
Great With Kids
Beagles are great dogs to have around children, especially because they love playtime. There’s no guarantee your beagle and yours kids won’t end up getting into trouble together, but you can at least rest assured your children will be safe.
Bouncy
Beagles can be a overly playful sometimes, and that can be a problem when the dogs are left at home alone for hours. These dogs can also be stubborn during training, so it may take a little while to get them behaving properly. But once they’ve been taught, they’ll obey commands with ease.
Low-Shedding
Beagles have short hair that doesn’t shed too badly. You’ll need to groom your beagle regularly to avoid hair on the furniture or other favorite resting spots, but you likely won’t need to worry too much about errant fur all over the place.
In Need of Exercise
Beagles are more energetic than other breeds on this list, especially when they’re young. It makes them a excellent family pets, but it also means they require a lot of attention and playtime. So they may not be ideal for smaller families. In fact, some owners recommend that two beagles are easier to look after than one, as they’re able to entertain each other.
French Bulldogs
Any bulldog is an excellent choice for a dog owner who wants an easy experience. While these dogs’ gruff appearance can make them a little intimidating, a bulldog that is cared for will be a kind, affectionate and low-maintenance pet. This applies particularly to the French bulldog.
Short Stuff
French bulldogs are even easier to care for than their larger cousins thanks to their diminutive size. No bulldog is particularly athletic, but thanks to their little legs, Frenchies require even less exercise. So walks are going to be relatively short affairs without too many surprises.
Not Too Noisy
French bulldogs almost never bark. They're one breed of dog that likes to stay silent unless they spot a present danger (like the mailman, because dogs will be dogs). They’re generally friendly and outgoing, and will happily accept visitors once they’ve been reassured the strangers aren't a threat.
All-Arounders
Training this breed is easy because French bulldogs are smart. They 're also small and have short hair, so grooming is a quick and painless process. Many of these traits are also shared by the French bulldog's cousin, the pug, which is also a friendly, easygoing breed.
Snuffles
The one big downside to all bulldogs is their health. They often have breathing difficulties due to their scrunched-up noses, and this means your bulldog will snore loudly, breath heavily while awake, and will be prone to breathing-related illnesses. If you’re concerned about these traits, it may be worth trying a mixed-breed dog that’s only part Frenchie.