12 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds of All Sizes for First-Time Pet Parents

Bringing home a dog for the first time is an exciting experience, but choosing the right breed is crucial—especially if you’re looking for a low-maintenance companion. Some dogs require constant grooming, training, and exercise, while others are much easier to care for. If you’re a first-time pet parent looking for a loving but easygoing pup, you’ll want a breed that’s adaptable, independent, and doesn’t need excessive attention.

Here are 12 low-maintenance dog breeds, ranging from small to large, that are great choices for first-time owners. These dogs are easy to train, don’t require excessive grooming, and are happy with moderate exercise. Starting with small dog breeds that require low maintenance:

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are compact, affectionate, and require little effort to keep happy. They have a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally, meaning you won’t need to worry about constant grooming. These dogs are adaptable and thrive in small spaces like apartments, as they don’t require a lot of exercise. A few short walks each day and some quality cuddle time are enough to keep them content. However, because of their flat faces, they can struggle with breathing in hot weather, so it’s best to keep them in a cool environment and avoid excessive exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are affectionate and gentle, making them ideal for new pet parents. They are naturally well-behaved and eager to please, making training relatively easy. Their coat is soft and silky, and while they do require occasional brushing, their grooming needs are far from high maintenance. Cavaliers are highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses, as long as they get some daily playtime and social interaction. However, they form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like being left alone for long periods.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which makes them incredibly easy to care for in terms of grooming, food, and exercise. Their short coat requires almost no maintenance, and they are generally clean dogs that don’t need frequent bathing. A few indoor play sessions or short walks each day are enough to keep them active, and their small size makes them easy to carry around if you’re on the go. While they can be stubborn, early training and socialization will help them become well-mannered companions.

Boston Terrier

Moving onto medium sized dog breeds: Boston Terriers are small, intelligent, and friendly dogs that don’t require much upkeep. Their short, smooth coat sheds very little, making grooming a breeze. They have a naturally clean nature and don’t develop strong odors, so they only need occasional baths. While they enjoy playtime, their exercise needs are moderate—daily walks and short bursts of activity are enough to keep them happy. Because of their gentle and friendly personality, they’re also easy to train, making them great for first-time owners.

Beagle

Beagles are friendly, outgoing dogs that don’t require complicated grooming or excessive exercise. Their short coat is low-shedding and easy to maintain, requiring just occasional brushing. Beagles are naturally happy dogs that get along with people and other animals, and they’re easy to train with positive reinforcement. They do best in homes with a yard or access to daily walks, but they don’t need constant stimulation to stay content. However, they are scent hounds, so keeping them on a leash during walks is recommended to prevent them from wandering off in search of interesting smells.

Whippet

Despite their athletic build, Whippets are surprisingly low-maintenance dogs. They have a short, fine coat that requires almost no grooming and they rarely shed. While they enjoy sprinting and playing in short bursts, they are generally calm and spend most of their time lounging indoors. Their quiet and polite nature makes them easy to live with, and they don’t bark excessively or demand constant attention. Whippets are also incredibly adaptable and do well in both small apartments and larger homes.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their relaxed and easygoing nature, making them an excellent choice for first-time owners. They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming, and they don’t need much exercise beyond leisurely walks. These dogs are friendly, affectionate, and independent enough to be left alone for reasonable periods without developing separation anxiety. While their long ears need occasional cleaning, their overall care is simple, making them a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance, loving companion.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terriers have a short, sleek coat that requires little grooming, and they shed minimally throughout the year. Despite their muscular build, they don’t require excessive exercise—daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. With their affectionate and social personality, they love spending time with their owners but don’t demand constant attention like some other breeds.

Greyhound

Finally the large sized dog breeds, starting off with the Greyhound. While Greyhounds are known for their speed, they are actually one of the most low-energy breeds when indoors. They have a short, smooth coat that requires almost no grooming, and they rarely shed. Despite their athletic nature, they are content with just a few short bursts of exercise and spend most of their time lounging on the couch. Greyhounds are naturally calm, well-mannered, and easy to train, making them ideal for first-time owners looking for a large but low-maintenance pet.

Great Dane

Great Danes may be large, but they are incredibly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and training. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they don’t shed excessively. Despite their size, they are surprisingly calm indoors and don’t require as much exercise as one might expect. A couple of daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy. They are known for their gentle, affectionate nature, making them an easy and loving companion for first-time dog owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, affectionate, and relatively easygoing, despite their large size. While their thick fur requires occasional brushing, they don’t shed excessively compared to other long-haired breeds. They are naturally well-behaved and eager to please, making training straightforward. Their moderate energy levels mean they enjoy walks and outdoor time but don’t require constant exercise. With their loving nature, they’re great companions for new pet owners looking for a large, easygoing breed.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle, affectionate dogs that thrive in family environments. Despite their large size, they have a laid-back personality and moderate exercise needs. Their thick coat requires some grooming, but they are naturally clean dogs that don’t have strong odors. They are easy to train, intelligent, and incredibly patient, making them a great choice for first-time owners looking for a loyal, low-maintenance companion.

If you’re a first-time pet parent, choosing a low-maintenance breed will make the experience much easier. These dogs adapt well to different lifestyles, require minimal grooming, and have moderate exercise needs.

Whether you prefer a small lap dog, a medium-sized companion, or a large gentle giant, there’s a perfect low-maintenance breed for you. Just remember that all dogs need love, proper care, and attention, regardless of how easy they are to maintain!