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Best Low-maintenance Dog Breeds For Busy People
Best Low-maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy People
woman working from home with french bulldog
(Photo credit: Tempura / Getty Images)
Have you ever worried that your busy lifestyle prevents you from finding canine companionship? Dogs are a huge responsibility, and it's understandable to worry about how they'd fit into your schedule. But being busy shouldn't prevent you from being a dog owner. While some breeds might not be a good fit for an action-packed schedule, there's plenty of low-maintenance dog breeds that are well-suited to an owner's busy lifestyle.
What makes certain dog breeds a good fit for busy people?People who have busy schedules are likely to be better suited for some dog breeds over others. Low-maintenance dog breeds tend to also have relatively low energy. After all, extremely energetic breeds require more exercise, which can be time-consuming. Outsmarting an intelligent breed like a Border Collie isn't a good match for an already packed day. Instead, you'll want to go for a breed with average intelligence. Busy people also are likely to be successful with a breed that tends towards good health. Any dog can have unexpected health issues, but knowingly signing yourself up for expensive and time-consuming vet visits isn't a good strategy to start out with. You may find the best success with a mixed breed that combines the best traits of several dog breeds.
Brussels GriffonWhile they can be mischievous at times, the Brussels Griffon is generally considered one of the best low-maintenance dog breeds. They often adapt well to apartment life. While they need walks like any other dog, they aren't known to be excessively hyperactive. Your biggest concern with this breed and your busy schedule? They tend to be watchdogs, which can create some commotion. If you're worried about this tendency in the breed, consider signing them up for weekly training sessions.
BullmastiffLow-maintenance dog breeds are frequently conflated with the smallest dog breeds. However, the large and in-charge Bullmastiff is an exception to the rule. They're known to be so mellow that they make good apartment dogs despite their large size. They also have short coats that are easy to care for. However, Bullmastiffs are known for being very drooly, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. This low-maintenance dog breed nonetheless wins the hearts of many busy dog owners.
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Cavalier King Charles SpanielA Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be an equally good match for a family or a working professional. While their sister breeds were bred for duck hunting, and this Spaniel retains some of these instincts, this breed has always been developed for what they do best: being a companion. This breed is truly happy being an adored lapdog. However, you'll want to meet this breed in person before you adopt. Some individuals are very relaxed, while some are inherently more energetic.
ChihuahuaThe Chihuahua has been beloved for centuries, and that won't be changing anytime soon. This breed has plenty of great qualities that are often overlooked. Often cited as being a "noisy" or "aggressive" breed, this dog can be extremely well-behaved (with a dedicated owner). The key is not letting your pup get away with their bad behavior just because they're cute! Requiring only approximately 30 minutes of exercise daily, the Chihuahua can be a great fit for busy people.
DachshundOnce bred as a skilled hunter, the Dachshund today is known as a great lap dog. Popular for city dwellers due to their small size and low exercise requirements, the Dachshund can be happy with just about any household. While this breed can be stubborn, they're also highly trainable and quick learners. Short-haired Dachshunds are probably the best fit for busy people due to their low grooming requirements.
French BulldogNow the most popular dog breed in America, the French Bulldog is favored by many busy owners. This low-maintenance dog breed's clownish personality is entertaining, but they aren't known for hyperactivity or separation anxiety. However, they are prone to health concerns associated with being a brachycephalic (short-faced) breed.
GreyhoundSome may be surprised to see the Greyhound make this list. After all, it wasn't long ago that Greyhound racing was popular, despite its ethical concerns. This left the Greyhound breed with a reputation for being driven and energetic. However, when left to their own devices, this breed is known for actually being a couch potato. Despite their large size, they can peacefully dwell in an apartment. They aren't good matches for households with small pets or cats. However, if you're looking for a dog to be your one and only companion, a Greyhound is a great match.
MastiffThe Mastiff is an ancient dog breed that's been beloved for many generations. Their large size can make them an intimidating guard dog. However, the Mastiff isn't inherently aggressive. They require little exercise for their size. They're also known to be mild-mannered and easygoing. If you leave your Mastiff asleep on the couch or their dog bed while you go to work, you're likely to find them in the same place when you return.
PoodleThe Poodle's intelligence can sometimes be a hassle for inexperienced owners. However, if you have a busy schedule but you're willing to commit to the necessary training, they could be a good match. Their intelligence also lends them to high trainability and generally good behavior. For those who don't have the time for lots of exercise, a Miniature or Toy Poodle might be the best fit.
West Highland White TerrierThe West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, hails from Scotland, but they're popular throughout the world. They live to entertain, and their antics will keep you engaged with them. However, they're also content being lapdogs much of the time. They are trainable and typically not aggressive. Their exercise requirements are fairly low. Your biggest time concern is likely related to their grooming; in order to maintain their beautiful white coats, this dog needs routine grooming sessions.
More dog breeds to fit your lifestyleNot finding a good fit for your busy schedule? Plenty of other low-maintenance dog breeds can accommodate a hectic lifestyle. You may find happiness with a lazy Basset Hound or laid-back Pug. But don't rule out a mixed-breed addition to the household, either. You might even find the best match is a mix of two typically laid-back breeds as opposed to a purebred. If you're looking for a low-maintenance pet, consider adopting a senior dog! Often, these dogs are happy with reduced exercise and lots of cuddles.
The post Best Low-maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy People appeared first on DogTime.
Best-Behaved Dog Breeds You Can Own
© Getty Images Good dogs. All dogs are good. That's a fact. But it's also true that some breeds are naughtier than others. And while it will always be a joy to come home to your fur baby, it's also good to know that your baby didn't ruin your shoes and furniture while you were gone.
But which breeds are known for being on their best behavior? They include dogs of all sizes and personalities, from the tiny papillon to the gigantic Irish wolfhound.
These are the best-behaved dog breeds, so you can enjoy all the love without any of the headaches.
PapillonHeight: 8–11 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Bottom line: This breed gets its name from its distinctively large, fluttery ears that look like the wings of a butterfly, or papillon in French. The dogs are small, cheerful and playful, making them fairly easy to care for.
Shedding could be a problem, but given their adorable face and good disposition, we'd gladly put up with cleaning up hair for these cutie pies.
*Note: Rankings are based on "The Naughtiest and Best-Behaved Dog Breeds, According to Instagram" report from Protect My Paws.
Havanese DogHeight: 9 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Bottom line: This highly social breed is the national dog of Cuba. Havanese dogs have distinctly soft, silky fur and large ears that give them the look of sporting a mid-length haircut.
The breed is usually amicable and gentle, which makes them a favorite for families with children.
Because of their small size, they are good for apartments or houses with limited space. They're also known for being loyal and following their owners around the house.
German Shepherd
© Getty Images The German shepherd dog breed is one of the most lovable big dog breeds in the world. Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 49-88 pounds
Life expectancy: 9-13 years
Bottom line: Highly intelligent, independent and loyal, German shepherds are one of the most lovable big dog breeds in the world. They make excellent work dogs and thrive when they have a purpose, which is why you'll see them working at police stations, airports and in search-and-rescue efforts.
Their strength and size does mean that their bite can be dangerous, so parents with small children should carefully watch interactions. They thrive in large spaces and will rarely act out as long as they have an outlet for all their energy.
Vets Reveal 15 Breeds New Owners Shouldn't Get – Including A 'destructive' Favorite And A 'powerful, Scary' Dog
A VET has revealed the 15 dog breeds new owners should never get.
In their inexperienced hands, these family favorites can be destructive and scary.
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A rottweiler needs a strong and dominant ownerCredit: Getty
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The Dalmatian's energy can be irrepressibleCredit: Maja Dumat / Animal News AgencyThe source of the list came from Vetstreet, who said that in order for a dog to become a well-behaved member of any family, it has to undergo proper training and socialization.
However, even then a dog's innate nature can sometimes rear its ugly head.
In such cases, these breeds should only be left to the most skilled and expert dog handlers.
Some of these breeds were originally trained to do a job, such as hunting, guarding homes and property, and herding livestock, so their behavior is ingrained and therefore often hard to handle for novice dog handlers.
First on the list is the Rottweiler. It can look cuddly and docile, but be warned. With an inexperienced handler, this canine can be scary. He is powerful, protective, and loyal, and wants his owner to be the boss. Weighing as much as 135 pounds, he can be an intimidating creature.
Next up is the Dalmatian. Forget about cutesy Disney creations.
This breed was originally bred as a coach dog, warning coachmen of menacing highwaymen. But these habits make it a challenge as a pet.
It's tireless and requires masses of exercise and can be destructive when not entertained. Watch out for household furnishings because it likes to shred.
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The Akita's heritage was to hunt down big prey, such as bears and elk. A big boy of 115 pounds, this is another pooch who wants a lot of walkies - always on a leash. It can be hellish to train, so best left to the more adroit.
The Chow Chow might look cute and cuddly but it is anything but. Intelligent, yes, but highly stubborn, this breed also needs an awful lot of training. It is also nervous about strangers and can be aggressive toward other dogs.
The exotic Chinese Shar-Pei is eye-catching. But this dog's folded skin can lead to increased skin and eye ailments.
It's another dog that is easily bored and needs to be entertained. It is also territorial and slow to trust strangers.
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull sleds over long distances and live outside. Any new owner will have to make a vow to give this guy masses of exercise. They also have a tendency to escape, so be prepared.
The elegant Weimaraner is nicknamed appropriately the Gray Ghost. Bright and intelligent, it does not like his own company and suffers from separation anxiety.
If you have other smaller pets, like a cat, watch out, it can be challenging to train around them.
The Australian cattle dog was originally a mix of several breeds including the collie and the dingo. It has enormous energy but can be stubborn and challenging to train for the inexperienced.
The German shepherd can be seen in a number of roles, including guard dog, police dog, and sniffer dog. But for the uninitiated, this animal can be hard to train and requires dedication.
It also suffers from health problems including hip dysplasia and neurologic issues.
The breeds new owners should avoid
A vet has revealed the 15 dog breeds new owners should never get.
The breeds are:
The cuddly Saint Bernard drools and generally looks adorable. Despite its incredible size, 130 to 180 pounds or more, it's not a fan of lots of outdoor exercise.
It would rather hang around his or her owner and would prefer to stay indoors than wander over mountains.
The gorgeous Siberian husky is a dog that once thrived in an icy wasteland, pulling sleds. So this liveliness is inbred.
It still requires a lot of walking. And a home with cats is not best for this fluffy beast. It can be predatory.
The lovable and daft-looking bulldog is prone to a number of health concerns. The flat face makes it sensitive to heat and has breathing problems.
But it's super chilled too. However, this breed can't swim so should stay well away from water.
The bullmastiff is big, around 130 pounds, and one of the most loyal breeds. This dog would put himself between a charging bull and its owner.
But its size means it could easily overwhelm any inexperienced owner. It needs good, consistent, positive training and firm boundaries from a young age.
The Airedale Terrier will keep you entertained. It's independent and stubborn, so will keep you busy.
It also likes to dig, so prepare for a messy snout. Like so many on this list, it needs to be stimulated, intellectually and physically.
Finally, the American pitbull terrier has a formidable reputation but is loved by its owners. In recent decades, its reputation has been salvaged, and has been described as a loyal and devoted pooch. But, it needs good, strong discipline.
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The bullmastiff is devoted to its ownerCredit: Getty
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The Weimaraner is also known as the Grey GhostCredit: Getty
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The American pitbull terrier has a formidable reputationCredit: Getty
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