Top 10 Low Maintenance Dog Breeds For Families

Do you want a dog but do not want the hassle of dog care, like exercise, grooming, training, shedding, and health care? To be honest to you, there is no such thing that no need to care for your dog or let your dog care for itself.

All dogs require care, attention unless you hire pet sitting. But we can’t find those dog breeds tend to have fairly low maintenance-free dogs where they only need moderate exercise, training, grooming and etc.

Here are the top 10 low maintenance dog breeds for families and busy dog owners.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Spaniel originated from the United Kingdom and it is a small breed in a toy group. Dog breeds in a toy group are gentle, affectionate, graceful, and sociable. This breed doesn’t tend to bark excessively, in fact, they are quiet and like to accompany humans.

They do require regular grooming like hair brushing, ear cleaning which take 10-15 mins a day. Occasionally, need to bring to the nearest vet or pet store to trim their coat. The often health problem these breeds might have is heart disease that will happen when they around age 10. If you are a busy owner, this breed might be the choice for you.

Origin: United Kingdom

Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

9. West Highland White Terrier

Westie originated from Scotland and it is small dog breeds in the terrier group. This breed in the terrier group was used to hunt or moving livestock in the old time. But in these modern days, westies are moderate energetic and feisty which makes them an easygoing companion excellent pets for families.

They do require regular grooming and you can use hand-strip to groom it. To maintain their coat healthy. Westie often has minor health problems such as Legg-Perthes Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy.

Origin: Scotland

Temperament: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining

Height: 11 inches

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

8. Chihuahua

Chihuahua originated from Mexico and this charming, graceful, sassy tiny dog chihuahua average lifespan of 14-16 years. As one of the smallest breeds sometimes can reach 20 years of living life.

Things to take note of are, This tiny dog has a huge personality, like having an almost terrier-like temperament. But they are easy to train and require little grooming as it is a low shedding breed. Chihuahua also has a minor problem when they grow older such as Legg-Perthes disease.

Origin: Mexico

Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy

Height: 5-8 inches

Weight: not exceeding 6 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

7. Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terrier originated from England and it is a large dog breed in the terrier group. Commonly these dog breeds will have some health problems when they get older. Such as Willebrand's disease, hypothyroidism, eyes problem, and Legg-Calve-Perthes.

But do not worry, is just like the human life cycle when getting older. Manchester Terrier is low maintenance dog breeds that do not need expensive salon session trimming or grooming. They are spirited, bright, and obedient dogs that suitable for family pets.

Origin: England

Temperament: Spirited, Bright, Keenly Observant

Height: 15-16 inches

Weight: 12-22 pounds

Life Expectancy: 15-17 years

6. Dachshund

Dachshund originated from Germany and also known as "sausage dog". Which has an average lifespan of 12 – 16 years. And it’s also set a record in Guinness World Record which know to have lived for 21 years.

But the older it grows, it has a common health problem which suffers from back injuries. It’s due to the distinct long shape of the body, whenever it’s hopping around or jumping off from the back. All the pressure will be applied to it back. It required a low amount of exercise, short hair, non-shedding breed make them excellent companions for family pets.

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky

Height: 8-9 inches

Weight: 16-32 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher originated from Germany and is a large dog breed in the working group. Normally these dogs used as working dogs such as police dogs, watchdogs, and guard dogs. They are loyal, fearless, alert and they can run at the speed of 32 mph. Doberman Pinscher has an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

These dog breeds are low maintenance due to short hair and have a healthy coat. If you are a runner, Doberman Pinscher is highly recommended as these dogs need a certain amount of exercise. 

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Loyal, Fearless, Alert

Height: 26-28 inches

Weight: 75-100 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

4. French Bulldog

French Bulldog originated from France and it is a small dog breed in the non-sporting group. Today this breed in a non-sporting dog is mainly a companion dog. But in the old-time, those breeds were used as hunting, herding, and guard dogs.

French Bulldog has playful, smart, adaptable makes them perfect for family companions. They may have potential health problems such as diarrhea, skin problem, ear infection, and breathing problem when they get older. But overall they are a low-maintenance dog breed with low shedding.

Origin: France

Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: under 28 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

3. Broholmer

Broholmer originated from Denmark. This dog is ideal for the family due to their friendly, watchful, loving temperament.  Not to be mention, the required regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. They do not need fancy expensive sessions of grooming. Broholmers do require plenty of outdoor exercises and are suitable for family with kids to play around.

Origin: Denmark

Temperament: Friendly, Watchful, Loving

Height: 27.5-29.5 inches

Weight: 90-150 pounds

Life Expectancy: 8-10 years

2. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier originated from the United State and it is a small dog breed in terrier ground. These dog breed in terrier ground were used as a hunting dog and moving livestock in the old time. But today, Rat Terrier is a popular choice to choose a family pet. This is due to their friendly, inquisitive, and lovable temperament. When they see their dog owner they will open paws and happily welcome you back.

Origin: United State

Temperament: Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-18 years

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hound originated from France and this dog breed is in the hound group. Those dog breed in the Hound group is commonly sharing their ancestor traits of hunting, following a trail or scents. Basset hound is charming, patient, low-key, and loyal. They required regular brushing of the coat to keep it healthy. They also have an average life expectancy of 12-13 years.

Origin: France

Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-Key

Height: up to 15 inches

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

Which Top 10 low maintenance dog breeds you would prefer? Let me know and share your thought in the comment below!