Dogs come in all shapes and sizes with varying temperaments, grooming needs, and energy levels. There are low maintenance dog breeds and high maintenance breeds. If you’re a busy family that’s on the verge of getting a new dog, one of the most important things you can do is choose a breed that fits your lifestyle.
Remember, a curly coat that looks incredibly beautiful (we’re looking at you, Poodles) can be very high maintenance. Think carefully whether you can afford to visit a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks. An energetic dog like a German Shorthaired Pointer may seem like the perfect family pet. What’s more, this dog has a short, low-maintenance coat. But do you have the time to give this high-energy pooch the heart pumping exercise he needs with a long run every day? And then there are dogs who’ll jump into your lap in a flash (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, you’re guilty as charged). With kids, work, and errands on your plate, do you have time for a clingy dog?
To help you choose a family pet that doesn’t need much work, we’ve shortlisted some of the best low maintenance dog breeds.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the following are low-maintenance dog breeds in terms of grooming. These breeds have a short coat that requires only a weekly brushing or occasional bath.
The amount of activity a dog needs can vary with age. In general, puppies are energetic, but will calm down once they mature. Keep in mind that all dogs need some daily exercise for good physical and mental health. With that said, here are some dog breeds that can stay healthy and happy with relatively less exercise, such as light playtime or a short walk every day. Here are some breeds that need minimal exercise:
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and limiting mental stress can go a long way in keeping your pooch healthy and by your side for a long time.
Nonetheless, some dog breeds are more likely to develop health issues while others enjoy generally robust health. Genetics plays a key role in making certain dogs prone to health problems. Of course, every individual dog is different and there’s no guarantee that a dog of a particular breed will not have serious health issues. However, in general, the following dog breeds tend to have few health problems and live long lives.
Busy families who want a low maintenance dog should take the dog’s size into consideration. Did you know that a fully grown Great Dane can stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh a whopping 175 pounds? If you’re a family that lives in a small apartment, you might not want a pooch that takes over your entire couch when you settle down in front of the TV. Small dogs take up less space. They also have an additional advantage that they don’t eat that much, so they’re easier on your wallet. Here are some low maintenance dog breeds that are small in size.
Whether you choose a small dog or big dog, keep in mind other factors like personality, temperament, and exercise needs before choosing the best low maintenance dog breed for your family and lifestyle.
We’ve narrowed it down to three dog breeds that are low maintenance in terms of small size, grooming needs, exercise needs, and vet visits – Beagles, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds (short haired). If you’re going to ask us to pick a winner, we’d have to say Chihuahuas because in addition to the above they have pricked ears and are less prone to infections compared to floppy-eared breeds. Also, Chihuahuas generally have a long lifespan with minimal health concerns.
06 September, 2022