15 Low Effort Dogs Perfect For Busy First-Time Owners

Looking to add a furry friend to your family but don’t have hours to dedicate to pet care? The good news is that there are plenty of dog breeds that require minimal effort while still offering tons of love and companionship. These dogs are perfect for first-time owners with busy lifestyles. Keep reading to discover the best low-maintenance breeds that make great pets without the stress.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are loved for their calm demeanor and low-energy lifestyle. Their short coat is easy to maintain, and they thrive on gentle exercise and a relaxed environment. The breed’s affectionate nature and laid-back attitude make them a low-maintenance choice for new pet parents. However, be prepared for occasional stubborn streaks and those irresistible sad eyes.

Greyhound

Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds are actual “45-mph couch potatoes.” These gentle giants require short bursts of exercise followed by ample rest. With minimal grooming needs and a quiet, elegant demeanor, they adapt beautifully to apartment living and are perfect for first-time pet parents.

Maltese

Maltese are small, elegant companions known for their luxurious white coats. Although their long, silky hair requires regular brushing, they virtually never shed, require minimal exercise, and adapt well to apartment living or limited space homes

French Bulldog

Frenchies are the ultimate apartment-friendly companion. These compact, muscular dogs need minimal exercise, have easy-care short coats, and typically form strong bonds with their owners. With their fun-loving nature and low exercise needs, they’re ideal for busy city residents.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed uniquely balances the energy of sporting types with the gentle nature of lap dogs. Cavaliers enjoy moderate exercise and grooming, and their eager-to-please attitude simplifies training—an excellent match for new pet parents seeking a loving, manageable companion.

Bichon Frise

Don’t let the fluffy coat intimidate you—Bichons are manageable with some effort. They need regular grooming (brushing and professional cuts every 4-6 weeks), but they’re hypoallergenic, rarely shed, and require moderate exercise (about 30 minutes daily). Their cheerful, adaptable nature and small size suit nearly every living situation.

Chihuahua

The world’s smallest breed brings a big personality with minimal maintenance. Chihuahuas need a little exercise, adapt to different living situations, and form intense bonds with their owners. Their tiny size suits them perfectly for apartment living, while their bold confidence keeps life interesting.

Boxer

Boxers combine athleticism with a low-key lifestyle. Their short, low-shedding coat needs little upkeep, and a daily exercise routine of 1-2 hours is ideal for active beginners. Loyal and playful with a protective streak, they make a fantastic family pet for first-time owners.

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier brings a big personality in a small package. They adapt well to apartment life, with only minimal grooming and moderate exercise needs. Bostons’ friendly and smart nature, combined with distinctive tuxedo markings, adds a dash of charm to any household.

Labrador Retriever

America’s favorite breed is beloved for a reason. Labs are incredibly adaptable, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. Requiring 1-2 hours of exercise daily, they suit active beginners, and their short coat keeps maintenance simple while their forgiving nature eases the transition into dog ownership

Shih Tzu

Bred solely for companionship, Shih Tzus are consummate loungers with modest exercise needs. While their long, luxurious coat benefits from regular attention—or a practical “puppy cut”—this breed’s affectionate, adaptable nature ensures they fit seamlessly into any home

Italian Greyhound

The miniature version of the full-sized Greyhound, these elegant dogs need brief exercise sessions but prefer lounging afterward. Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, and their sensitive, affectionate nature makes them an excellent choice for gentle first-time pet parents.

Pug

Pugs are known as the clowns of the canine world. They have minimal exercise requirements and easy-care coats that suit a relaxed lifestyle, and their small, versatile frame is ideal for apartment living. Add in their expressive, comical faces, and you have endless entertainment.

Dachshund

These confident little hounds pack big personalities into a small package. Dachshunds require moderate exercise and come in smooth, wire, or long-haired varieties. Their bold, curious nature makes them entertaining companions, while their size ensures they’re manageable for new dog parents.

Bullmastiff

Despite their size, Bullmastiffs are surprisingly low-energy and easy to care for. These gentle giants need moderate exercise, have minimal grooming requirements, and tend to be calm house dogs. Their fierce loyalty and protective nature make them an appealing choice for first-time owners seeking a family protector.