Low-Maintenance Small Dog Breeds: Perfect BFFs for Busy Lifestyles

If you love little dogs but don’t have hours of spare time to groom, train, or exercise them, you’ll be thrilled to know that lots of small breeds and mixes are easy to care for. Low-maintenance small dog breeds are those who require minimal grooming, are easy to train and exercise, and tend to be healthy. Read on to meet some wonderful, low-maintenance small dogs and find out which ones best fit your lifestyle.

The feeding and care of small dogs is generally more affordable: They eat less food than larger dogs, their toys and pet supplies are smaller and usually cost less, and parasite preventives and other prescriptions that are dosed by weight are usually less expensive.

TL;DR: Low-maintenance small-dog breeds are easy to care for, requiring minimal grooming and exercise. Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Boston Terriers are known for their relaxed temperaments and adaptability. These dogs thrive in various living spaces and are great for busy individuals or first-time pet parents.

Key traits of low-maintenance small dog breeds

Most small dog breeds are naturally lower maintenance than big dogs, making them an appealing choice for busy pet parents, seniors, and apartment dwellers. 

• Smaller size: These small companion dogs take up less room, so they fit into almost any living space and can easily travel with you by car or even plane.

• Lower grooming needs: A number of small breeds have minimal grooming needs. They are either wash-and-wear or have low-shedding coats that are easy to maintain when kept short.

• Lower exercise needs: Many small dogs have moderate to low exercise requirements, which are easy to meet with daily walks and play sessions at home or in the yard.

• Easy-going temperament: Small dogs with adaptable temperaments get along well with people and other pets, so they can fit seamlessly into many types of families.

10 Best low-maintenance small dog breeds

Compact, easy-to-care-for dogs are great for people with busy lifestyles or those who prefer a low-effort pet. Whether you’re looking for small dogs who don’t shed much, the best small apartment dogs, or easy-to-train small dog breeds, these breeds might be your perfect match.

Keep in mind, low-maintenance small dog breeds don’t have to be purebred: Mixes of these easy-care small dog breeds can be just as low-key to live with as purebreds and are commonly found in shelters and rescues.

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Chihuahua

Barely tipping the scales, the Chihuahua’s claim to fame is being the world’s tiniest dog breed, but Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes are also very low-maintenance small dogs. Although most Chihuahuas benefit from daily walks, they don’t have to be long. Chihuahuas can even get enough exercise just running around inside. Chihuahuas can have short hair or long hair, but both coat types are easy to maintain with occasional brushing. Affectionate yet independent, Chihuahuas are adaptable and able to hang out alone for brief periods as long as you make up for it with lots of cuddling when you get home.

Traits

• Weight: 2 to 9 pounds

• Height: 6 to 9 inches

• Considerations: The Chihuahua breed tends to be healthy and live long, up to 20 years.

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Italian Greyhound

Long-legged and elegant, the Italian Greyhound is a toy-sized version of the large Greyhound. They have short, sleek coats that don’t shed much and need very little upkeep. Italian Greyhounds love to cuddle in your lap between bursts of playful energy. A short walk or two a day, plus playtime with you, is all they need for exercise. Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy, though their bodies can be fragile — especially those thin legs — so they do best with older kids who can treat them with care. These calm, independent dogs are loving but don’t demand endless attention.

Traits

• Weight: 5 to 14 pounds

• Height: 12 to 15 inches

• Considerations: Italian Greyhounds are affectionate with family, but can be reserved around new people.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy-sized spaniel with a loving, gentle, and adaptable personality. These small dogs are easy to train, well-behaved, and calm with a playful spirit. The Cavalier is friendly to people of all ages, including gentle kids as well as other pets, such as dogs and cats. Grooming is needed, but a simple brushing two to three times a week keeps them tangle-free. Cavaliers are happy with one or two walks a day plus play sessions at home, although they are intelligent and athletic enough to train for dog sports like agility. 

Traits

• Weight: 11 to 23 pounds

• Height: 12 to 13 inches

• Considerations: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s medium-length, silky-soft coat needs no trimming.

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Basenji

The Basenji is known as the “African barkless dog” because they don’t bark in a traditional way — instead making sounds such as whines, growls, whimpers, and melodious yodels. Those who appreciate an independent dog with a mind of their own might enjoy the calm, reserved Basenji. Although they bond closely with their human families, Basenjis are not your typical dogs. They are often described as cat-like due to their aloofness and tendency to self-groom. Basenjis are practically odorless and don’t need a lot of brushing or other grooming. Basenjis are not generally lap dogs, but they usually prefer to hang out close to their people.

Traits

• Weight: 16 to 34 pounds

• Height: 15 to 17 inches

• Considerations: Basenjis need moderate exercise, but should be kept on a leash due to their tendency to run off.

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Dachshund

Dachshunds come in two sizes, Miniature and Standard. Though Minis are the smallest (about 11 pounds or less), smaller standard Dachshunds can weigh 16 to 20 pounds. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth (short), long-haired, and wirehaired. Smooth Dachshunds are truly wash-and-wear, but even Dachshunds with long or wire coats don’t require much grooming outside of brushing a few times a week. Dachshunds are friendly with people — including kids who can be gentle with their delicate backs — and tend to get along well with other pets.

Traits

• Weight: 16 to 32 pounds

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Considerations: Dachshunds are active and energetic. But because their legs are so short, it’s easy to provide them with enough exercise through daily walks and playtime at home.

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Maltese

The tiny, portable Maltese is great for apartment living and travel, even by plane. They are extremely adaptable and prefer to accompany you outside the house rather than being left alone. This arrangement works out well since Maltese are affectionate, intelligent little dogs, who will charm everyone they meet. If you’re looking for low-maintenance, hypoallergenic dogs, the Maltese is a great choice thanks to their silky, non-shedding white coat. Maltese can get enough exercise by running around the house, but they also enjoy daily neighborhood strolls like any other dog.

Traits

• Weight: 5 to 13 pounds

• Height: 8 to 10 inches

• Considerations: The Maltese has a long coat, but you can keep it short if you prefer to skip daily brushing sessions.

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Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are dignified, friendly little dogs who are polite with strangers and devoted to their human families. Though the Boston Terrier is lively, this small dog will get enough exercise through daily walks and play sessions. They love being out and about with you, and their small size makes this easy to accomplish. Boston Terriers have short, smooth coats that require very little in the way of grooming, and as a bonus, they don’t shed too much. This flat-faced breed tends to be healthy, but take care not to exercise them when it’s too hot outside because they can overheat.

Traits

• Weight: 15 to 29 pounds

• Height: 14 to 16 inches

• Considerations: Brachycephalic dogs, known for their flat faces, face various health issues (especially respiratory ones) due to their unique physical structure.

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Papillon

The Papillon is a delightful little dog with large, frilled ears that look like butterfly wings — a trait that’s earned them their name (in French, “papillon” means butterfly). Papillons have a lot of energy, but they will get enough exercise with daily walks and excursions with you. Papillons are easy to train and eager to please with a dedicated pet parent. They get along great with people and other pets, and are exceptionally healthy. The long silky coat doesn’t need any trimming — a bath once a month and brushing a few times a week is all they need to look and feel beautiful.

Traits

• Weight: 4 to 12 pounds

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Considerations: The Pallion is fast, athletic, and can excel on the agility course or in flyball competitions.

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Poodle (Mini and Toy)

The popular Poodle comes in three sizes: the medium-to-large-sized Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle (10 to 15 pounds), and the Toy Poodle (two to six pounds). All Poodles are energetic, but Minis and Toys are so small that they are easy to exercise with daily walks and play sessions at home (lots of Poodles love to play fetch in the house). Though low-maintenance and mostly hypoallergenic, the Poodle may need professional grooming. But if you keep their coat clipped short, you won’t need to spend much time brushing them, and their minimal shedding means very little clean-up in the house. Poodles are friendly with all people, get along with other pets, and can live happily in apartments and condos.

Traits

• Weight: 2 to 75 pounds

• Height: 7 to 24 inches

• Considerations: Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, so they are relatively easy to train and very well-behaved.

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Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a friendly, happy little dog who has never met a stranger. Shih Tzu are lively but don’t need loads of exercise — daily walks are enough to meet their needs. A low-maintenance and mostly hypoallergenic dog when their hair is kept short. Bonus: Shih Tzu shed very little, if at all. This pup gets along great with gentle kids and other pets, even cats. They are quite loving and affectionate with their favorite humans, and love it when you bring them along on excursions out of the house. The Shih Tzu is also a wonderfully portable, easy travel companion.

Traits

• Weight: 10 to 21 pounds

• Height: 10 to 11 inches

• Considerations: The Shih Tzu has a long, silky coat that needs professional grooming and daily brushing if left long. (A short pet clip will make care even easier.)

Choosing the right low-maintenance dog for you

When selecting the best low-maintenance breed, consider your lifestyle and personal preferences. Some people might not want to spend a lot of time exercising a dog, but don’t mind some extra grooming if it means less hair in the house. Here are some key points to think about:

• Shedding level

• Amount of brushing and professional grooming needed

• Exercise needs 

• Training needs 

• Affection levels

• Incidence of health issues

Care tips for low-maintenance small dogs

Low-maintenance dogs are low maintenance, not no maintenance. Luckily, it’s easy to provide the essential care your small dog needs to be happy and healthy.

Grooming

Most low-maintenance small dogs need minimal grooming: the occasional bath, brushing a few times a week, and nail trimming every few weeks. Mostly hypoallergenic dogs need a little bit more attention, because they require professional grooming. If you want them to have a longer haircut, you’ll need to brush them more often. But breeds such as Poodles, Maltese, and Shih Tzu can also have short cuts that don’t need much brushing. 

Exercise

Low-maintenance small dog breeds need less exercise than large, energetic breeds, but all dogs benefit from daily walks outdoors to explore and sniff. Small dogs usually do well with one to two 30-minute walks a day, depending on their energy levels, though many small dogs are happy to go for longer walks.

Health

Something that makes a breed low-maintenance is a tendency for good health. That said, all dogs should visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a checkup and routine care, including vaccines, parasite preventatives, and dental cleanings. Brush your dog’s teeth daily to maintain their dental health. This is especially important for small dogs, who can have crowded teeth due to their smaller mouths. 

Training

All dogs need training — even small dogs. Basic obedience training will help your dog be a well-behaved pet at home and on the go. Resist the urge to carry your small dog everywhere — all dogs need to develop and maintain their confidence by walking and standing on their own four paws. 

Commonly asked questions 

What makes a small dog low-maintenance?

The things that make a small dog low-maintenance are small size, lower energy levels or exercise requirements, high trainability, adaptability to different living arrangements, and low grooming needs. 

Which small dog breeds are the easiest to care for?

The small dog breeds who are the easiest to care for include those requiring less exercise, training, and grooming. They include the Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basenji, Maltese, Dachshund, Boston Terrier, Papillon, Miniature and Toy Poodles, and Shih Tzu.

Do low-maintenance dogs still need regular exercise?

Yes, low-maintenance dogs still need regular exercise, but it’s easier to provide it. Most small dogs need less exercise than large, energetic dogs. Aim for one to two 30-minute walks per day.

How do I groom a low-maintenance small dog?

To groom a low-maintenance small dog, you need to know what type of coat they have. Small dogs with low grooming needs tend to have short, smooth coats that need only occasional brushing and baths. Dogs with longer hair might need more frequent brushing. And those with non-shedding coats usually need professional grooming.

Are these breeds good for first-time dog parents?

Yes, most low-maintenance small dog breeds are great for first-time dog parents, because it’s usually easy to meet their exercise, training, and grooming needs. Some low-maintenance small dog breeds need more grooming or training than others, so consider which traits are most important to you when choosing a dog.

Which low-maintenance small dog breeds are best for apartments?

Low-maintenance small dog breeds for apartments include the Chihuahua and Dachshund due to their minimal grooming needs. 

References 

S. Serisier, et al. “Maintenance Energy Requirements in Miniature Colony Dogs.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 97, no. s1, 1 May 2013, pp. 60–67, https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12044.

‌Ko, Kwang S., et al. “Differences in Taurine Synthesis Rate among Dogs Relate to Differences in Their Maintenance Energy Requirement.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 137, no. 5, 1 May 2007, pp. 1171–1175, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/137.5.1171.