7 Low Maintenance Dog Breeds for Owners that are Too Busy or on a Budget
A furry family member is a serious responsibility. Unfortunately, many people only look at the benefits of canine companionship and ignore the efforts they must partake to keep their dogs performing their best. This is especially true for some canine breeds that demand a lot of work to maintain. For this very reason, many owners abandon their dogs — either because they cannot keep up with their dogs’ needs or that their dogs have turned into manic salivating beasts. Who’s at fault?
Is a Low Maintenance Breed Right for You?
You should first evaluate your capabilities and limitations as an owner before you bring a dog home. Here are some questions you need to answer honestly:
· Can you afford frequent vet visits and corresponding treatments?
· Are you willing to walk your dog even after a stressful day from work?
· Will you take your dog as you travel across state lines?
· Do you know how to prevent pet hair from usurping your house?
· Can you provide enough mental and physical stimulation to an ever-curious pooch?
· Do you wish to take your furry sidekick in fun outdoor activities such as camping and hiking?
· Are you willing to keep your dog even if your landlord asks you to leave the apartment?
If your answers are mostly no and yet you answered yes to the last question, then your hectic work schedule should not stop you from getting a canine companion of your own. Even Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama are good dog owners despite their lifestyles. The key is to find a dog that needs less exercise, grooming, health care, and training.
7 Dog Breeds that Are Easy to Care For
1. Miniature Dachshund
Doxies are loving dogs that make great buddies to couch potatoes. Their long bodies and short stubby legs may prevent them from seeking out bold adventures that most dogs love to do. So instead, they warm up their tooshies on their owner’s lap, and since they only weigh 11 pounds or less, they make a suitable lap dog.
Dachshunds are healthy in general, but as they get older, they may need frequent trips to the vet due to hereditary diseases. The Hot Dog Gang can also be quite stubborn at times, so you need to enforce proper training.
2. French Bulldog
Frenchies are cheerful, loafing companions. They respond well to training and are well behaved even when you are not around. As long as you provide them with dependable leadership and guidance, they stay away from mischief and are relatively content with treats.
While these compact dogs have tons of energy, they tend to lack endurance. Also, their unique facial structure predisposed them to brachycephalic syndrome and respiratory problems. Thus, moderate exercise is all these cuties need.
3. Chihuahua
Some celebrity dog owners want to dress their Chihuahuas expensive designer clothes or fancy costumes, but these are not necessary. However, a warm jacket will be enthusiastically received when it is chilly.
Chihuahuas are oblivious to their size and treating them like a baby will only inflate their ego even more. So, set boundaries and show your Chi who is Top Dog before he develops a Napoleon complex.
That aside, these pocket-sized lapdogs are easy to care for. While they do get bursts of energy, they rarely need to exercise. Walking down the hallway is already a form of exercise for them. Likewise, grooming needs are minimal unless you choose a long-haired Chihuahua.
4. Griffon Brussels
Also known as the “Chewbacca Dog,” these grumpy-looking pooches are delightful pets. They have moderate grooming needs. While their wiry coat may need some brushing, groomer trips are not necessary. Likewise, their exercise requirements are low. Griffon Brussels may have a feisty side, but with the structure inside the house, they can be gentle and well mannered.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are fun dogs to own. They are playful, curious, and they are reliable watchdogs to boot. These spunky dogs also do an excellent job at being a pest exterminator. After all, these dogs were initially bred for rodent control. Most importantly, they are a breeze to care for. Perhaps, as easy as taking care of a cat! They require minimal and brushing. Just give him fun toys to play with while he waits for you.
6. Greyhound
Perhaps you are wondering what this Usain Bolt of a dog doing on this list. Although Greyhounds are incredibly fast creatures, they are also downright couch potatoes. This dog will wait patiently for your arrival so he can go for a run when you are back.
7. Mastiff
Leaning towards a giant couch potato? Bullmastiffs are here to prove that low maintenance breeds aren’t always bantam in size. These dogs can weigh between 120 to 220 pounds, but their energy levels are relatively low.
Bullmastiffs love to spend as much quality time as they can with their family members. These slowpokes have a history of being guard dogs, so your garden-variety thieves had better not provoke this gentle giant.
The only downside is that this loving breed has a short life span. Most Mastiffs are considered seniors by the age of six and often experience orthopedic problems, which is common in large dogs.
Dogs to avoid if you’re busy
Smart Dogs
Any dog breed that is intelligent enough to be employed in police and military service is not the best choice for you. Highly intelligent dogs that become boredom-stricken can easily tear your house down. These dogs develop behavioral issues quite fast without adequate exercise and stimulation.
Puppies
Puppies are susceptible to diseases, and so, they need lots of attention and special care during their first year.
High-energy Dogs
You don’t need a canine dynamo for a pet if you don’t have an endless supply of toys and a vast playground. Imagine having a large playful Labrador cooped up inside an apartment. All that pent-up energy will be vented into the kitchen.
Points to Ponder
There is no such thing as a maintenance-free dog. Even if you are among the busiest people, you need to do the following:
Walk your dog
Dogs, regardless of breed, should not be cooped up all day inside the house. Dogs need daily walks even if it is just for a few minutes around the block. Your dog will look forward to getting a new battery of scents and sights. This will help prevent behavioral issues associated with boredom.
Give your dog purpose
Dogs are bad entrepreneurs, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can be one of the best employees in the world! So, assign your dog jobs. If you have a feisty Chihuahua, let him guard the house against garden-variety thieves. If you have a Greyhound, give him a big yard to patrol. Dogs love to please their owners. When you are happy, they are so glad, too.
Keep Mr. Scruff looking sleek
Bathe your dog regularly and don’t give grooming the brush off. Make sure his ears and nails are attended to as well. Use tick and flea preventives so your dog won’t contract them from his buddies.
Do not forget regular vet trips
Just like how an automobile needs regular inspections and have its oil and tires changed, your dog needs yearly inspections to ensure he remains bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as he ages.
Conclusion
What is the point of having a dog when you cannot take care of it in the first place? Dogs are not toys that you can quickly dispose of once you have grown tired or bored. Bringing a dog to your home indicates he is as much a member of the family as any member of the household. In other words, dog ownership means you are willing to go through the hassle of feeding, poop scooping, grooming, walking, and the list goes on. It is what they call a labor of love! If you can’t, you might as well get a pet rock.
References:
https://www.bustle.com/p/16-best-low-maintenance-dog-breeds-for-people-who-work-full-time-8703948
https://iheartdogs.com/10-of-the-most-low-maintenance-dog-breeds/
https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-breeds-for-busy-people-4145311
