Can dogs really be low maintenance? Likewise, are certain breeds really high maintenance? Yes and yes – although a number of reasons may surprise you. Here are some helpful factors to consider, along with a list of general dog breeds that are the best low maintenance dogs to consider as your next best bud.
First, what makes a dog low maintenance?
Honestly, this question makes many experts chuckle! There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all, low-maintenance dog – that was the first reaction of Dr. Bruce F. Smith, professor at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. It can be a trick question, when considering many types of dog breeds.
But the more I think about it, the more Dr. Smith agrees that some dogs are definitely easier to care for than others. There is a lot of useful general information that can guide us about certain dog breeds.
But perhaps the most important key to finding the perfect puppy? Evaluate your own lifestyle to find the most compatible companion to fit into your daily routine.
What makes the best low-maintenance dog?
Thinking about your future fluffy friend is a great sign as it means that you are taking your commitment seriously. When you rate dogs for low (or high) maintenance, what you really think about is their care – how much time, energy, and effort can you honestly put into this relationship? .
Here are three criteria to keep in mind:
- Grooming needs, depending on the breed.
- Health issues, which can be very breed-specific. Dr. Smith recommends researching the breed you’re considering to identify known health problems, having the dog tested for genetic traits, and asking about the dog’s family history. Health issues may not be known when it comes to adoption, rescue and breeding dogs, but Dr. Smith says a vet exam can give the specialist insight into the heads. termites and possible reproductive traits.
- Energy levels are an important factor – for you and your future furry friend. Are you an active person who enjoys the outdoors and hope to have a walking, hiking or jogging companion? Or are you a happy family with a WFH lifestyle, looking for a puppy to fit in? Consider your lifestyle and look for a dog that will compliment – not stretch or limit – you.
Does low maintenance mean dogs never need daily exercise, play or walk?
Dr Smith said: Absolutely not. He runs through the minimal interactions adult dogs need, noting that a puppy’s needs are much higher:
- Bathroom breaks, at least three or four times, daily. Most dogs need to go outside first thing in the morning, when you get home from work, and at least before bed.
- At least one meal a day. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s specific requirements, but Dr. Smith says that using a high-quality manure can result in a much smaller stool volume – which means a special Other low maintenance right: less stool!
- Water is free to choose, meaning it’s always available to your dog. Water should be changed every 6 to 12 hours.
- Daily brushing averages 10 minutes per day.
- At least 30 minutes of exercise daily, which may include walking around the block, chasing a ball, or taking a walk at a dog park.
- And at least 30 minutes of socializing daily. Most dogs are happiest when living with their pack, including their humans. That means most dogs should live indoors – not kenneled or run outside.
All things considered, if these minimums seem too comfortable, your ideal dog might actually be a social, playful, and active dog on the high maintenance aspect.
What are high-maintenance dogs?
In general, Dr. Smith says high-maintenance dogs can be defined as high-energy dogs that look to their humans for lots of interaction. In other words, they demand attention.
Some varieties (or mixtures of these) that come to mind are:
These active, intelligent dogs love to have a job. Therefore, if you leave the house to go to work every day, chances are they will want to join you! Since they thrive on activity and stimulation, they won’t be happy to be confined indoors all day. These breeds need a job, and Dr. Smith says if they don’t, they’ll make one – even if it involves herding your belongings, your neighbor’s cat or children. !
Ok, what breeds are known for low maintenance and why?
- Small dogs. In general, smaller dogs with short coats are often the first dogs that come to mind, and Dr. Smith confirms that is often the case. Additionally, small breeds may require less living space, which means they are better suited to an apartment lifestyle.
- Poodles are one of the most popular low maintenance dog breeds because their hair sheds less than other breeds and they are highly trainable and intelligent. But Dr. Smith reminds potential Poodle parents that their puppies still need regular grooming and that larger Poodle breeds need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, or they just don’t seem to be. care is too low.
- Oodles – designer dogs of the Poodle breed – include Cavapoos, Bernadoodles and Cockapoos. One of the reasons they are so popular (aside from being cute) is that thanks to their Poodle parents, their fur sheds less, which can be beneficial for allergy sufferers. However, being part of a Poodle means that they have a combination of both energy and intelligence, which means that your individual Oodle, namely Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and Aussiedoodles, may be capable of maintaining maintain high rather than low.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels considered one of the friendliest and calmest dog breeds, and at the same time they are also small – low maintenance.
- vine are gentle dogs, quieter and less shedding than most. Less barking dogs can be a way to identify low maintenance!
- GreyhoundsIt may seem like a surprising example of a low-maintenance dog for their size, but their couch potato reputation has put them on this list, says Dr. Dr. Smith describes a typical adult Greyhound running like the wind for 30 minutes, eating and socializing for 30 minutes, then snoozing for the other 23 hours.
- The Greyhound and Italian Zebra may need less exercise than their Greyhound cousins, says Dr. Smith.
Now, this is a wildcard. Amy Kaunas, executive director of the Humane Society of Pennsylvania in the Harrisburg Area, encourages pet parents to consider adopting dogs at local shelters and animal shelters. While some of their varieties can be identified, others are a mystery. But her advice is not to focus on the breed, but to prioritize lifestyle and companionship.
Amy says that while her organization has a strict adoption process – which she admits, received some negative feedback – it ultimately results in fewer dogs returning to the shelter. more hidden. Instead, knowledgeable adoption counselors will guide you through good matchmaking between the pups and their parents.
Are small dogs lower maintenance than large dogs?
While many small dogs are actually lower-maintenance, there are exceptions to every rule. Below are a few examples.
Brachiocephalic (or short-nosed) dogs like French bulldog and local army Smith said they are often considered low-maintenance dogs because they are smaller and have short hair. However, he advises potential puppy parents to consult their veterinarians and breeders first, as their compressed facial structure can lead to lifelong health problems. .
Can training help a dog become low maintenance?
Personality and training both play a role in a dog’s level of maintenance. Calm, sociable breeds tend to be less anxious about separation when they are left alone for a period of time. And many dogs can be trained to handle longer periods of time alone.
Training is important for a number of reasons, says Dr. Smith:
- It makes the dog more responsive to the owner – and therefore more comfortable around.
- Training provides structured social interaction and reinforces who the pack leader is.
- And training can be used to solve specific problems.
Let’s be honest: Is a low maintenance dog right for everyone?
Dr. Smith says it’s completely possible to work full-time and have less need to take care of the dog at home. However, he reminds pet parents that a puppy can affect your ability to work overtime, then go for a drink, live an active social life, or travel. frequent. In these cases, a dog with low maintenance will likely need more attention than you give it to. And if you realize that, Amy says you might actually be in the market for a furry friend of a different kind – a cat!
In short, there are a lot of choices and factors when looking for a furry friend. A low-maintenance dog is key for many, while others are better suited to high-maintenance breeds. Ultimately, the most important sign of success is a rewarding relationship with your child. And one more factor that makes the deal sweet – Dr. Smith reminds us that people lead healthier lives, with lower blood pressure and longer lifespans, when a dog is by their side .
