9 Low-Maintenance Dogs That Are Perfect for Busy People

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Let’s face it—life gets hectic. Between work meetings, errands, and that long list of “someday” projects, not everyone has hours to dedicate to dog grooming, exercising, or training. But being busy doesn’t mean you have to give up the dream of having a furry best friend. Thankfully, there are dog breeds out there that thrive with minimal fuss. These low-maintenance pups are the laid-back coworkers of the canine world: easy to care for, generally healthy, and content with just a little love and routine. Whether you live in a small apartment or you’re constantly on the go, these dogs can fit into your lifestyle without demanding a full-time job’s worth of effort.

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are the couch potatoes of the dog world—with just enough energy to play and just enough laziness to nap through your entire Netflix queue. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they don’t need long walks or endless fetch sessions to stay happy. A quick stroll and some couch time are often more than enough for these compact cuties. They’re great for apartment living and don’t bark much, making them ideal for urban dwellers or those who don’t want a daily barking soundtrack.

Chihuahua

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Small but mighty, Chihuahuas pack a ton of personality into a tiny, low-maintenance body. They’re easy to groom, eat very little, and don’t require much exercise, though they’ll definitely appreciate a few laps around the living room. These little companions are happy to curl up in your lap or quietly judge your life decisions from a cozy blanket. Their size makes them ideal for small homes, and their grooming needs are basically: “Brush occasionally, admire constantly.” Just don’t be surprised if this tiny dog ends up running the household.

Boston Terrier

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Boston Terrier is a no-fuss companion with a tuxedo coat and a charming personality to match. These dogs are adaptable, low-shedding, and generally very clean, making them perfect for people who don’t want to deal with fur tumbleweeds or constant baths. They’re playful but don’t need a ton of exercise, and they’re happy lounging just as much as they are playing. Boston Terriers are also known for being easy to train and eager to please, especially when snacks are involved. If you want a low-drama, high-sass dog, this one’s for you.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds, or “wiener dogs” if you prefer the snack-based nickname, are compact, clever, and relatively easy to care for. With short coats that are easy to maintain (unless you go for the long-haired variety), they require minimal grooming. They do enjoy short walks and sniffing every inch of your neighborhood, but they’re not marathon runners—and let’s be honest, those legs weren’t built for speed. Dachshunds can be stubborn but are usually independent enough to entertain themselves. Plus, watching one try to conquer stairs is its own kind of stress relief.

Italian Greyhound

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If elegance had a lazy cousin, it would be the Italian Greyhound. These sleek, graceful dogs love lounging more than running, and their grooming needs are practically nonexistent thanks to their short, smooth coats. They’re quiet, gentle, and prefer to nap in sunbeams or under your blanket. Exercise? A short burst of zoomies followed by a three-hour nap. Italian Greyhounds are also light eaters and clean by nature, making them ideal for busy people who want a minimal-effort best friend that still looks like it belongs on a runway.

Pug

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Pugs are the masters of laid-back living and are more likely to snore next to you than demand a mile-long walk. Their short coats are easy to maintain, and while they do shed a bit, their grooming routine is basic: occasional brushing and face-wiping. Pugs are great for smaller spaces and tend to adapt easily to your routine, especially if that routine involves snacks and snoozes. They love companionship but don’t need a full-day agenda to stay happy. If you’re a busy person who wants a lovable goofball to keep you company, the Pug delivers low-maintenance affection with bonus snorts.

Rat Terrier

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Rat Terriers are hardy, low-maintenance, and full of spunky charm. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they’re generally healthy, active dogs that don’t require hours of exercise. A few quick games or a walk around the block, and they’re content to nap by your side while you catch up on emails or binge your favorite show. Rat Terriers are loyal, easy to train, and happy to adapt to their humans’ pace. They’re proof that you can have a clever, energetic companion without taking on a second full-time job.

Whippet

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Whippets are sleek, quiet, and surprisingly chill for a breed that looks like it should be racing around the clock. They have a short coat that’s easy to care for and minimal shedding, which is great news for people who don’t want to constantly lint-roll their life. Whippets are sprinters, not marathoners—so a quick daily burst of exercise is all they need before they return to couch mode. They’re polite, affectionate, and often forget they’re dogs, preferring to curl up like cats and nap dramatically. They’re perfect for busy people who like their pets fast… and then asleep.

Basenji

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Basenji is known as the “barkless dog,” which is already a win for anyone with neighbors or Zoom calls. These dogs are famously clean and quiet, often grooming themselves like cats. With a sleek, low-shedding coat and a natural independence, the Basenji is one of the most low-maintenance breeds out there. They do enjoy a bit of exercise, but they’re also perfectly capable of entertaining themselves without tearing the house apart. If you want a dog that doesn’t make a mess, doesn’t make noise, and doesn’t make demands—just love and occasional weird yodels—the Basenji is your low-effort legend.

The Chill Squad You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Busy life? No worries. These dogs offer love without the mess, fun without the frenzy, and loyalty without the long to-do list. Whether you’re juggling work, living in a small space, or simply prefer calm over chaos, these low-maintenance champs fit right in—and might even steal your spot on the couch. They don’t need constant attention, just your affection and a comfy place to nap. Low-maintenance doesn’t mean low love—they’re just easier to keep up with than your group chat.