The 8 Easiest Dog Breeds to Take Care of

Bringing a dog into your home is one of life’s most rewarding decisions—but it’s not always easy. Between daily walks, grooming, training, and general care, some dog breeds can feel more like a full-time job than a faithful companion. If you’re juggling a busy schedule or stepping into pet ownership for the first time, the last thing you want is a high-maintenance pup that turns your world upside down.

Thankfully, not all dogs demand constant attention and endless energy. Some breeds are naturally more relaxed, easier to train, and require less grooming, making them ideal for first-timers, seniors, families, or anyone who simply wants a low-fuss best friend. These dogs still bring the affection, loyalty, and joy we all crave—just without the extra stress.

Whether you live in an apartment, have kids at home, or just prefer a more laid-back lifestyle, these low-maintenance breeds offer the perfect balance of companionship and convenience. From the charming lap dogs to the gentle giants who’d rather nap than sprint, we’ve rounded up eight of the easiest dog breeds to care for—no dog-whisperer skills required.

If you’re looking for love without the labor, start with this list.

1. Labrador Retriever: The Friendly Family Favorite

Labs combine an easygoing nature with remarkable intelligence, making training a breeze. Their short coat needs minimal grooming – just a weekly brush to control shedding and the occasional bath when they’ve found something smelly to roll in.

These happy-go-lucky dogs adapt well to different living situations and family dynamics. While they do need regular exercise, a daily walk and some playtime will keep them content.

Originally bred as working dogs, Labs naturally want to please their owners. This helpful attitude makes them respond quickly to commands and house rules, perfect for first-time dog owners who worry about complicated training.

2. French Bulldog: The Apartment-Dwelling Companion

Frenchies have skyrocketed in popularity for good reason – they’re perfectly suited to modern living. With minimal barking tendencies and low exercise needs, these compact companions thrive in apartments and smaller homes where space is limited.

Their short coat requires just occasional brushing, though you’ll want to clean their facial wrinkles regularly to prevent irritation. Don’t expect marathon running sessions with a Frenchie – their flat faces limit strenuous activity.

What they lack in athleticism, they make up for in personality. Affectionate and comical, these dogs prefer lounging by your side over demanding constant attention or activity. Just watch them in hot weather – their breathing structure makes them sensitive to heat.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Gentle Lap Dog

Meet the ultimate adaptable companion! Cavaliers happily adjust their energy level to match yours. Feeling active? They’ll join your walk. Need a quiet day? They’ll snuggle beside you contentedly for hours.

Their silky coat does require regular brushing to prevent tangles, but many owners find this grooming time becomes a bonding ritual. Unlike high-strung small breeds, Cavaliers rarely develop nervous behaviors or excessive barking habits.

These sweet-natured dogs get along wonderfully with children, other pets, and strangers without extensive socialization efforts. Their natural friendliness means less work teaching appropriate behavior. With moderate exercise needs and an eager-to-please disposition, Cavaliers make pet ownership refreshingly simple.

4. Shih Tzu: The Low-Energy Charmer

Bred specifically as companion animals for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus have perfected the art of being delightful housemates. These little lions (their name literally means “lion dog”) require minimal exercise – short daily walks and indoor play sessions fully satisfy their movement needs.

Unlike working breeds that demand constant mental stimulation, Shih Tzus are content simply being near you. Their coat does require regular grooming, but many owners opt for practical “puppy cuts” that significantly reduce maintenance.

Health-wise, they’re generally robust little dogs with few breed-specific issues. Their adaptable nature means they thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses, making them perfect for both city dwellers and suburbanites looking for an uncomplicated canine friend.

5. Boston Terrier: The Tuxedo-Wearing Roommate

“The American Gentleman” isn’t just a nickname for their tuxedo-like markings – it perfectly captures their well-mannered nature too! Boston Terriers typically weigh under 25 pounds, making them substantial enough for play but small enough for easy handling and transportation.

Their short, sleek coat sheds minimally and requires virtually no grooming beyond occasional wipe-downs. Unlike many small breeds, Bostons rarely bark unnecessarily, making them excellent apartment dwellers who won’t annoy your neighbors.

While energetic and playful, their exercise needs are modest – a couple of short walks daily plus some indoor playtime will keep them satisfied. Their natural intelligence makes training straightforward, and their adaptable personality helps them fit seamlessly into most households and routines.

6. Beagle: The Happy-Go-Lucky Hunter

Beagles pack tremendous personality into a conveniently sized package! Their wash-and-wear coat requires minimal grooming – just occasional brushing to control shedding and the rare bath when they’ve found something interesting to roll in outdoors.

Born with natural sociability, these pack hounds typically get along wonderfully with children, strangers, and other pets without extensive training. Their sturdy build makes them remarkably resilient, avoiding many of the health issues that plague more delicate breeds.

While they do enjoy daily walks to satisfy their curious noses, beagles don’t demand the intensive exercise regimen that sporting or working breeds require. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions who can adapt to your lifestyle, whether active or more relaxed.

7. Chihuahua: The Tiny Travel Companion

Small enough to fit in a purse but packed with personality, Chihuahuas require minimal space and resources. Their tiny appetites mean food costs stay low, while their minimal exercise needs can be met with indoor play and short neighborhood strolls.

Short-haired varieties need almost no grooming beyond occasional brushing. Long-haired Chihuahuas require slightly more attention but still less than many breeds. Their tiny size makes bath time quick and manageable in any sink.

Despite their reputation for being high-strung, well-socialized Chihuahuas develop delightful personalities. They form strong bonds with their people and prefer cuddle time to demanding activities. Their impressive lifespan of 14-16 years means you’ll enjoy this low-maintenance relationship for many years to come.

8. Greyhound: The Lazy Sprinter

Surprising to many, these racing dogs are actually world-class couch potatoes! Greyhounds earned the nickname “40mph couch potato” because despite their athletic ability, they spend most of their time napping. A daily walk and occasional sprint session at a fenced area satisfies their exercise needs completely.

Their short, fine coat barely sheds and requires minimal grooming – just occasional brushing and rare baths. Many greyhounds are naturally quiet, rarely barking without good reason, making them excellent apartment neighbors.

Gentle and somewhat shy by nature, these dogs typically display calm, undemanding behavior in the home. They’re content simply being near their people without constant interaction or entertainment. Retired racing greyhounds often come pre-trained in basic commands and house manners, further reducing the work of bringing them into your home.