Best Easy Doggos
Choosing the right dog can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to pet ownership. After all, it’s a decision that’s going to live with you for a very long time. And while it’s true that some breeds need hours of grooming, constant activity, and tons of attention, others are much easier to live with. Here’s a list of 35 of the easiest breeds to handle. Among them, you just may find a friend.
Affenpinscher
The German Affenpinschers are small, scruffy-looking dogs with a fun-loving, clownish personality. Their wiry coats don’t shed much and require minimal grooming, and they’re playful but don’t need intense exercise. They are prone to hip dysplasia, however.
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers may look tough, but they’re actually affectionate companions. They’re low-maintenance because of their short, smooth coats, which shed very little and require almost no grooming beyond the occasional brush. And they’re energetic but don’t need extreme exercise. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular dog breeds.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds may look droopy and slow, but that’s part of their charm. They’re calm, affectionate dogs that don’t need much exercise - just leisurely walks and some playtime. But you will need to help them clean their ears to prevent infections.
Beagle
Ever wanted your own Snoopy? Beagles are friendly, curious dogs that don’t require much grooming thanks to their short coats. They have a fantastic sense of smell as well, and in fact are often used as detection dogs by law enforcement.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers are small, sweet dogs that are low-maintenance and easy to live with. Their coats don’t shed much and need only occasional brushing. Keep an eye on their health, and they could live with your family for up to 14 years.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are friendly, adaptable... and so, so cute. Their short coats require very little grooming, and they’re content with moderate exercise like daily walks. They’re playful without being hyper and get along well in smaller apartments or houses.
Boxer
It doesn’t take much to keep a boxer dog neat and clean, but bear in mind they need a lot of exercise. Really, this isn’t a suitable dog for apartment living – you need to be somewhere with a big yard, and you need to walk them a lot. But they don’t bark much, and they’re very gentle.
Broholmer
The Broholmer is a gentle giant from Denmark, bred as a guard dog, that’s more low-maintenance than you might expect at a glance. They’re not the most well-known dog breed in the world, but they make great pets.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons (also known as Griffon Bruxellois) are underrated dogs that don’t need a whole lot of exercise. Their coats come in smooth or rough varieties, both of which are fairly easy to manage. They’re affectionate and love being around people.
Bullmastiff
If you have the space for a bigger dog but don’t want a high-energy breed, Bullmastiffs are a great option. They’re large, but they’re also pretty low-energy. However, they were bred as guard dogs, so they may be difficult around strangers.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers (named after Charles II, not the current King Charles) are great with adults and kids alike. They’re small enough to be lap dogs and they're some of the most adorable animals around. Their silky coats require brushing a few times a week but nothing too demanding.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas don’t require much space or exercise, making them a great choice for busy people with smaller apartments. Their short coats need little grooming, unless you get a long-haired variety. Just bear in mind, because of their size, they can be fragile around young kids or larger pets.
Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Cresteds are unique-looking dogs with very little grooming needs, especially the “hairless” variety. Their low-shedding coats make them easy to care for, though the hairless type needs sunscreen or sweaters in certain weather.
Clumber Spaniel
Don’t be fooled by how big the Clumber Spaniel is. They’re gentle giants, and very good around children. Their coats are straight and low-shedding, needing only occasional brushing. Their exercise needs are also on the easy end of the spectrum.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, or “wiener dogs,” are small, fun-loving pups with beautiful smiles. They don’t need a ton of exercise - short walks and some indoor play usually keep them happy. They’re charming, loyal, and make excellent watchdogs without being overly demanding.
Drever
The Drever is a Swedish hunting breed known for its easygoing nature and low grooming needs. While this breed enjoys daily walks and sniffing around, they don’t demand intense exercise. They’re working dogs in Sweden, but can easily be a loyal and loving pet for you.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are perfect if you want a small, low-energy dog that mostly just lounges. They don’t need much exercise - just short daily walks and some playtime. Their short coat means you don't have to groom them much, and they rarely bark. They’re great for apartments or smaller homes!
Great Dane
Great Danes are giant German dogs with surprisingly low-maintenance needs. Despite their size ad their background as hunting dogs, they’re calm and don’t require overly intense exercise. Their short coats are easy to care for too. All in all, they’re, well, Great.
Greyhound
Despite their reputation as racing dogs, Greyhounds are actually couch potatoes at heart. They love lounging around and only need short bursts of exercise to keep them healthy. And their sleek coats shed very little and require almost no grooming.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are adorable toy dogs that are easy to care for. They fit neatly into a small apartment, are happy with moderate exercise, and enjoy being close to their families. Unsurprisingly, they make very good therapy and disability assistance dogs.
Italian Greyhound
These dogs love snuggling under blankets and being close to their humans. They’re gentle, quiet, and easygoing, making them perfect for apartments or smaller spaces. If you want a dog that’s elegant yet very easy to care for, an Italian Greyhound may be just what you’re looking for.
Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are companion dogs, and they’re also used often as therapy dogs. They’re thought to be a little like cats when it comes to temperament, so a bit more independent and aloof than your average dog. That kind of doggie attitude isn’t for everyone, but the Japanese Chin dogs definitely have their fans.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are one of the most popular breeds for a reason - they’re friendly, loyal and absolutely adorable. While they do shed, their coats are short and easy to maintain with basic brushing. Labs need daily exercise, true, but many families turn their walks into a bonding activity.
Maltese
Maltese dogs can be accepted into the home even you have an allergy, because they’re hypoallergenic. Their small size makes them great apartment pets, and they’re known for being affectionate companions. And despite their long fancy coats in show pictures, everyday grooming is actually pretty easy.
Papillon
Papillon dogs need a lot of brushing, but they have a really great temperament. They’re very smart, very loyal and very trainable – in fact, they’re considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They also don’t have many health concerns.
Pekingese
Pekingese are regal little lap dogs that don’t require a whole lot of exercise. Their long coats may look intimidating, but they don’t actually shed heavily, and keeping them trimmed makes grooming simple. Just ask the Chinese Imperial emperors, who loved them.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians have an ever-growing fanbase all around the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Their playful nature makes them fun to have around, yet they’re also perfectly happy curling up on your lap when you need to rest. Because of their size, they’re easy to take along wherever you go, and they quickly become devoted family members.
Poodle
Don’t be fooled by their fluffy coats and their reputation for being fussy - Toy and Miniature Poodles are actually very low-maintenance if you keep their hair trimmed short. They’re incredibly smart, easy to train, and only need moderate exercise… so they’re very popular as service dogs.
Pug
Pugs are silly, affectionate little clowns that don’t need much more than love, short walks, and a comfy place to nap. However, you do need to pay attention to their health issues – poor breeding practices have really done a number on the poor creatures.
Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers were bred for, guess what, catching rats. But that doesn’t mean they don’t much great companions. They’re still working dogs – they’re often used as police dogs – but they’re loyal and generally easy to care for.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Should you get a Rhodesian Ridgeback? It depends on what you can offer. Maintaining the dog’s coat doesn’t take much, but they’re a very athletic breed that requires a lot of exercise. If you can give that, and if your whole family knows the importance of dog walking, this might be the pet for you.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are fox-like dogs from Japan that are independent but make great pets. They’re clean by nature, often compared to cats in the way they groom themselves. They’re also incredibly Instagrammable – not that that should be much of a factor in pet ownership of course.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for being affectionate, but they’re easy to manage as well. Just keep their coats trimmed short and take them out for regular walks, and you’ll be rewarded with a social and loving pet that everyone will coo over.
Whippet
Whippets are like smaller Greyhounds - elegant, gentle, and very easy to care for. They need short daily walks or play sessions outside, but otherwise, they’re happy to curl up next to you and watch TV. Just remember, though, they were bred as hunting dogs so they may chase smaller animals.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies don’t need a ton of exercise, and while their silky coats look fancy and difficult, they can be trimmed easily. However, you do need to be aware of their health issues. A Yorkie’s digestive system isn’t great and they may vomit occasionally. Other than that, though, a Yorkie is a great beginner pet for young families.
