13 Easygoing Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Low-Maintenance

With their droopy eyes and short legs, Basset Hounds practically radiate “no rush.” These mellow dogs love lounging, sniffing around at their own pace, and generally avoiding anything that looks too much like cardio. Their grooming needs are minimal—just a quick brush now and then—and their calm temperament makes them great for families or apartment living. Bassets aren’t overly clingy, but they do love company, especially if that company comes with snacks. Their biggest daily struggle? Deciding which soft surface to nap on next.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are all about maximum personality with minimal effort. These pint-sized clowns are content with short walks, a few toys, and a soft place to snooze for 18 hours a day. Their short coat needs very little grooming, and their size makes them ideal for smaller homes. Frenchies don’t require complex training or intense social schedules—they’re just happy to be with you. They may snore louder than you do, but it’s a small price to pay for a dog this chill.

Greyhound

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Greyhounds might be known for racing, but off the track, they are world-class couch potatoes. These elegant dogs are surprisingly low-energy and perfectly happy with a couple of quick sprints followed by marathon nap sessions. Their short coat needs almost no maintenance, and they’re gentle, quiet, and adapt easily to home life. Greyhounds are polite housemates who won’t pester you for constant entertainment. If you’ve ever wanted a dog that looks like an athlete but acts like a retired librarian, the Greyhound is your match.

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they’re big on personality—and low on maintenance. These compact companions require very little grooming, are easy to transport, and don’t take up much space. While they can be feisty, many are happy to curl up in your lap or burrow under a blanket and call it a day. Exercise needs are minimal, and they often self-entertain with dramatic stares and rearranging their throw pillows. Just don’t tell them they’re low-maintenance—they think they’re royalty.

Boston Terrier

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Boston Terriers are compact, cheerful, and refreshingly easy to care for. They’re not high-energy and are typically content with short walks and playtime indoors. Their short, smooth coat means grooming is practically nonexistent, and their easygoing nature makes them a breeze to train. Bostons are affectionate without being needy and love to relax as much as they love to play. Think of them as your chill roommate who occasionally gets the zoomies but mostly wants to Netflix and nap.

Shih Tzu (with a short haircut)

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Shih Tzus are often considered high-maintenance because of their long, flowing coats—but here’s a secret: clip it short, and you’ve got a cuddly, low-maintenance companion. With a “puppy cut,” these dogs require minimal grooming and shed very little. They’re not overly active and are perfectly happy snoozing next to you for most of the day. Shih Tzus are friendly, adaptable, and don’t need long walks to feel fulfilled. Just a soft pillow and your lap, and they’re in heaven.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs are low-key masters of relaxation. These stocky sweethearts are all about short strolls, soft beds, and uninterrupted nap time. Their short coats need minimal care, and their exercise needs are almost laughably low. Bulldogs are great for people who prefer lounging over hiking and don’t mind a little snoring. They’re affectionate, calm, and as low-maintenance as a dog can get without being a stuffed animal.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds may be tiny sausages, but they’re big on easy living. Their short coats (especially in the smooth variety) require minimal grooming, and their small size makes them easy to manage in any living space. These pups are curious and playful, but they tire quickly and are happy to cuddle up under a blanket for the rest of the day. They’re also known for their comical behavior, so you get low-maintenance care with high-level entertainment. Just be ready to help them up on the couch—they’re not exactly built for vertical travel.

Pug

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Pugs are the lovable weirdos of the dog world, and luckily, they don’t demand much. These squishy-faced charmers are low-energy, easy to groom, and full of love. They do need a little care with their facial folds and weight management, but they’re otherwise about as easygoing as it gets. A short walk, a snack, and a nap is their ideal day. And if that also happens to be your ideal day? Welcome to your perfect match.

Whippet

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Whippets are like Greyhounds’ little siblings—slightly smaller, just as graceful, and equally lazy indoors. They love to sprint when they get the chance, but after that? Straight to the couch for hours of guilt-free loafing. Whippets are gentle, clean, and their thin coats barely shed at all. They don’t require much grooming, and their mellow temperament makes them excellent house dogs. Just give them a blanket and a sunbeam, and they’re all set.

Italian Greyhound

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The Italian Greyhound is basically a tiny supermodel who doesn’t need much to look fabulous. With their sleek, fine coat and small size, grooming is nearly nonexistent, and even exercise can be minimal. These dogs love lounging and snuggling and are often more emotionally needy than physically demanding. They’ll attach to your hip like a Velcro shadow—but only for love, not labor. Bonus: they come with their built-in heat source during winter cuddles.

Havanese (with a short cut)

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Much like the Shih Tzu, the Havanese can be super low-maintenance with a clipped coat. These cheerful pups are small, affectionate, and content to spend their days close to their humans. They don’t shed much, they adapt well to most environments, and they don’t need intense exercise to stay happy. Please give them a short walk, a good belly rub, and a sunny spot to nap, and you’ve got a happy little cloud. Simple, sweet, and surprisingly stress-free.

Rat Terrier

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Rat Terriers are feisty, fun-loving, and gloriously low-maintenance. They have short coats that need almost no grooming and a sturdy, adaptable nature that makes them great for novice owners. While they enjoy playtime, they’re just as happy relaxing indoors and don’t require hours of physical activity. Rat Terriers are clever, curious, and surprisingly well-behaved with minimal effort. They’re the dog version of a chill best friend who’s always down to hang, but never demands too much.

The Dogs Who Think “Chill” Is A Lifestyle Choice

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They’re easy to groom, easy to entertain, and even easier to love. With these laid-back breeds, there’s no pressure to run a marathon before noon or keep your couch spotless at all times. They’re content with simple pleasures—a stroll, a cozy nap, and maybe a treat or two. Their go-with-the-flow attitude makes them ideal companions for anyone who prefers calm over chaos. With these mellow pups, life slows down in the best way, giving you more time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the snuggles.