What is a low maintenance dog? (don't say virtual dog, dead dog, etc.)?

Question

there is a spectrum. I have had border collies before (for life) but I am in smaller quarters now... I have also had a husky mix that needed to run 7+ hours a day.

don't say stuffed dog

ok, I also had cats that lived into their 20s.

I don't have a fenced yard. I do like to walk. I don't like to sand and repaint drywall.

Answer 1

Any dog can be low maintenance. Usually smaller shorthaired are the easiest because of the hair. Our dogs just go to the ver 2x a year and give them some med's for ticks. That and food...More info would be nice ....in exercising or coat maintenance..overall..

Answer 2

And I also recommend a retired racing greyhound as long as you can dedicate 4 20 minute walks a day it will provide sufficient exercise, they love to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day so suitable for a person who works outside of the home, they are as mentioned well mannered, used to being handled by people and have adapted well in most cases to being in a crate, an apartment is like a palace to them after a 3 x 4 foot crate. This site provides details on what they are like as pets and provides an extensive listing on places to adopt from
http://adopt-a-greyhound.org/

Answer 3

I second the greyhound suggestion. They can excercise themselves by running, or are satisfied by a daily 20 minute walk. They are crate trained, social around people and dogs, well mannered, shed little, and typically don't bark. While these traits are wonderful... it doesn't make greyhounds self sufficient by any means.

Of course, if you are looking for a low-maintenance pet... get a fish tank or a cat. But even then, you've either got a weekly water change or a litter box to clean.

Answer 4

I have a cockapoo. which is a cocker spaniel poodle mix. I know the name is kinda funny but the dog is great. My dog likes to walk but doesnt need to walk tons. They dont get very big( my dog weights only 30lbs.) They dont shedd to much either because of having poodle in them. I have had my dog for five years now and he is the best. I can pick him up, but hes not to small were your stepping on them.
I also have a golden retriever and if your looking for low maintence dont go that direction stay with a smaller dog like the cockapoo.

Answer 5

In terms of grooming, exercise, health care, etc., here are some breeds I would consider on the low end of the maintenance scale (mind you, all dogs need basic grooming/bathing, training, daily walks, etc.) :

Bassett Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Harrier, Foxhound, Dachshund (short hair).

Any working or herding breed requires too much exercise.

Sight hounds (grey hounds, whippets) require too much exercise.

Toy breeds require grooming and attention and are difficult to train.

Most sporting breeds (setters, retrievers) require too much exercise.

Sled dogs require a ton of exercise and grooming.

Pug-nosed breeds require a lot of bathing to keep the wrinkles clean.

So that pretty much leaves the short haired hounds for you. Good luck!

Answer 6

How about a toy or miniature poodle? They are smart (listed 2nd smartest breed behind the border collie!) so they train easily, etc and poodles are real people pleasers! They are small sooooo small dog, small poop to scoop and they really are just so content and happy to be sitting near you not making demands to play or run, etc. I've had both a miniature and a toy and they are precious, sweet dogs that any dog lover would enjoy.

Answer 7

All dogs are high maintenance....they require grooming (even short haired dogs), they need regular exercise (even small dogs need to be walked regularly), they need to see the vet, they need a great amount of attention, training, discipline and love. So, I guess I'm not sure what you mean by low maintenance. All dogs require a great deal of maintenance...that is if you are going to treat them with the love and respect they deserve as a member of the family.

Answer 8

It would be helpful if you would define your idea of “low maintenance” first.

Low maintenance as in, coat care? Low maintenance as in, exercise requirements? More detail is needed.

Still, you should know that there is really no such thing as a low maintenance dog.

Answer 9

Rescue a greyhound. They tend to be couch potatoes, just need a good run once a day or so. They tend to be very social, well trained etc. From most rescue groups you can adopt one for $100-$200 which includes all shots & altering.

Answer 10

Y do you want a low maintenance dog? Honestly low maintenance is a fish. Next step cat. But dogs take love and care as should all pets. Sorry!