20 Lovable Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

Not all dogs are easy to care for, but some dog breeds are generally lower maintenance than others. They require less grooming, they don’t shed (or don’t shed much), they have few health problems and they don’t need to spend a lot of time outside to burn off energy. Often, these are small pups that like to play, cuddle, please and love on their busy humans.

We’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite dog breeds that are generally good picks for those who want to love and be loved by a dog, but don’t have hours to spend bathing, grooming, brushing and walking their adorable pets. If you’re on the hunt for a low-maintenance dog, here are our faves.

The vibrant and active shih tzu is an outgoing pup that does well with children and families. This healthy breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise. A short walk or two will do. The shih tzu does well with apartment living and first-time owners who are still figuring out daily life with a doggo. He wants to be a loyal companion and will gladly join his human for a cuddle on the couch or a stroll to the dog park to meet up with the neighborhood pups.

It’s easy to be won over by the Brussels griffon. This adorable pup with big black eyes and a black muzzle can peer into your soul. This small breed is playful and sturdy, but he’s not much into rough play with children. He can become lonely, so look for this pup to be by your side for life, eager to please and a cinch to maintain. The Brussels griffon is social, affectionate and easy to train. He’s also generally healthy and as devoted as they come.

The basset hound is widely considered a low-maintenance breed, if only because this doggo loves to laze the day away on a sunny afternoon. He’s a low-energy breed, so there’s no need to take a basset hound out on long walks. A short walk around the block will suffice. Take it slow, too. That’s just their speed, whether walking or eating. Basset hounds are affectionate and laid-back. They’re not fussy, especially when they can get in a long nap after a leisurely stroll.