Dogs That Require Little Care

Some dog breeds require minimal grooming, exercise and veterinary care.

All dogs require basic care. While many dogs must be kept busy to prevent destructive behavior, some breeds are perfectly happy relaxing. Low-maintenance breeds require minimal grooming and exercise. Plus, the dogs tend to learn basic obedience quickly. Certain breeds are prone to genetic defects leading to expensive veterinary treatments. People looking for pets that require minimal care may be interested in dog breeds that provide companionship without being too demanding.

Daily Exercise

Dogs with short legs are usually happier taking short walks.

Dogs need daily trips outdoors to relieve themselves. At most, a puppy can hold its bladder for eight hours. Adult dogs should be taken out after meals and before bed. For many dogs, a walk up the street or around the yard is all the exercise they need. These dogs don't mind chasing a ball, but they're unlikely to want to play for more than a few minutes. If you lack time for a long walk, check out breeds like Boston terriers, bulldogs, dachshunds, fox terriers, Italian greyhounds, toy poodles and Yorkshire terriers.

Grooming Needs

Short coats require minimal grooming.

How much time do you have to groom your dog? Every dog needs the occasional brushing. Dogs with longer fur need daily brushing to prevent mats. If you want to avoid taking your dog to the groomer every few weeks, avoid dogs with hair rather than fur. Hair grows steadily and requires regularly trimming. Look for dog breeds that have short coats that simply need brushing every few days. A few choices for dogs that need little grooming include Airedale terriers, basset hounds, Boston terriers, bulldogs, fox terriers, greyhounds, Italian greyhounds and mastiffs.

Obedience Training

Expect to train your puppy for 10 minutes per day.

An intelligent dog is not always the easiest to train. Many times, highly intelligent dogs have strong stubborn streaks. Every pet owner should be willing to commit at least 10 minutes per day to training. If you lack the time, hire a professional trainer. Poodles are one of the easiest dogs to train. They're incredibly loving and respond well to praise. If you want a dog that is easy to train, also consider Boston terriers, fox terriers, greyhounds and Italian greyhounds. If you adopt a former racing greyhound, expect training to be a little trickier because they have a strong chase instinct.

Veterinary Needs

Take time to see if genetic conditions affect the breed that interests you.

Every dog needs basic veterinary care. Vaccinations, yearly checkups and heartworm prevention are essential. Some breeds have genetic health issues that can lead to expensive veterinary bills down the road. If you're uncertain you can afford hefty bills for necessary veterinary care, don't overlook mutts. Crossbreeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds. If you want a purebred that's known for its healthy constitution, do your homework. The key to a healthy purebred dog is to purchase it from a reputable breeder who undertakes genetic testing before using a dog for breeding.

References

• Greyhound Crossroads: Greyhound Information
• Pet Guardian Angels of America: Dog Breed Characteristics
• Pet Education: Basic Dog & Puppy Training Rules; Race Foster, DVM
• New Animal Control: The Dog Breeds with the Greatest Propensity to be Obedience Trained

Resources

• Animal Planet Dog Breed Selector
• Dog Fancy Dog Breed Selector
• American Kennel Club