Key takeaways
Some dogs are easy to train, and some dogs are known for their stubborn nature and love for chasing prey.
Choosing the breed that's right for you and your family is essential. It'll ensure a long and happy life for your pup and a stress-free home life for you.
In this guide, we'll compare the top 5 easiest dogs to care for before exploring the somewhat more tricky breeds!
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What makes a dog easy to take care of?
Grooming
Nail clipping
Teeth brushing
Brushing
Coat clipping
Exercise needs
Attention needs
Top 5 easiest dog breeds to take care of
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Grooming: These pups have a lovely, long, silky coat that needs taking care of. However, because of its texture, they're not prone to matting. This means a regular brush and the occasional bath are usually enough to keep their fur healthy.
Energy levels: These sociable pups are always up for an adventure or a play, but they aren't demanding. They'll enjoy curling up on the couch for a lazy day as well!
Exercise needs: 45 minutes to an hour of active time will usually be enough for a King Charles. However, you may end up with a particularly high-energy pup, in which case an hour everyday is needed.
Cavalier King Charles have an adaptable nature that makes them a versatile dog for many different owners. Whether you're a countryside dweller or a city lover, you can fit this gorgeous pup into your life.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers have a gorgeous silky long coat that's more similar to human hair than dog fur! While they will need regular coat clipping, brushing, and washing to keep it looking luscious, you can often leave it about six weeks or sometimes even longer before another trip to the groomers!
Energy levels: Every Yorky is different, but many owners describe these dogs as having bursts of energy and then long periods of being couch potatoes. As long as they are getting enough mental stimulation, as they're very intelligent, they'll be content! This means they're fantastic dogs for training and can be very playful.
Exercise needs: Because they are a smaller dog breed, you don't need to worry about hours and hours of exercise every day. In fact, many Yorkies would be content with around 20 minutes of exercise as long as they can have a good sniff and play!
3. Bichon Frise
Grooming: Their soft, white, fluffy coats will need regular brushing, but rest assured that they are relatively hypoallergenic, meaning you won't need to worry about shedding! To keep them comfortable and their coat neat, it's worth getting them clipped every month or so.
Energy levels: Bichons are fairly docile pups who'll enjoy a long snooze and a cuddle. They enjoy bursts of energy and will often get the 'zoomies,' cultivating their charming personalities and making their families laugh.
Exercise needs: A Bichon Frise will only need up to an hour of exercise every day. A 30-minute stroll around the block will suffice some days; others may want more of a play!
Their quirky personalities can light up any room, and their confidence and friendly nature make them adaptable to many different situations and experiences.
4. Whippet
Grooming: As we mentioned, a Whippet's grooming needs are very minimal. A weekly soft brush will be plenty for their silky, short coats, and that's about it!
Energy levels: While these dogs require lots of space to run, after they've satisfied the urge, they'll happily snooze most of the day away!
Exercise needs: This breed needs less exercise than you may have previously thought. An hour a day will be enough for them to stay happy and healthy, but it needs to be good quality exercise! This means plenty of off-leash running, chasing, and sniffing, as well as some games to keep them mentally stimulated.
5. Labrador Retriever
Grooming: While being short-haired, these pups will need plenty of brushing and bathing. Their coats are very thick, and it can take a lot of work to maintain their glossy, healthy shine.
Energy levels: This breed is a bundle of energy. Their intelligence, combined with their seemingly endless energy, means they'll need plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical. So, if you're looking for a simple cuddle buddy, a Labrador may not be the breed for you.
Exercise needs: Bred as a working dog, Labradors have an incredible physique that requires at least two hours of physical activity everyday. Without this, their muscles and joints can become stiff and painful.
Most high maintenance dog breeds
1.
Huskies: This is a highly-strung dog breed that requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They can be stubborn, making training very difficult, and they are very independent with a high prey drive. This can lead to running away, destroying their environment, and a lot of vocalization!
2.
Border Collies: This is one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. While this means they can be incredibly obedient and well-trained, it also means they need almost constant stimulation to avoid boredom.
3.
Rottweilers: While Rottweilers can make lovely companions, they are also big balls of energy with a lot of muscle! This means they need consistent training and a lot of attention and exercise.
4.
Jack Russell Terriers: Despite their small and practical size, Jack Russells can be very difficult to train. Their incredibly high prey drive and energy levels mean it'll be nearly impossible to stop them from running away and following a scent or chasing prey. They can also be very vocal, which can be difficult to avoid.
FAQs
What is the most low-maintenance dog?
One of the most low-maintenance dogs to own is a Yorkshire Terrier. They are adaptable, loving, and need little grooming or long walks. They'll happily curl up with you on the sofa or accompany you on your daily errands.
What is the calmest dog to own?
One of the calmest dogs to own is actually a Whippet. While you may think they need endless amounts of exercise, after a good run and walk they'll happily snooze the day away by your side.
What is the easiest dog breed to handle?
A very easy dog breed to handle is the Bichon Frise. They are great family dogs thanks to their calm and gentle nature, and they're fairly docile, meaning you don't have to worry about hours of exercise, entertainment, and attention.
What breed of dog is quiet and calm?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very quiet and calm breed of dog. They have a kind and loyal nature and will enjoy spending quality time with their owners, whether that's in the house or on a stroll.
What is the most well-behaved dog?
The Bichon Frise is a very well-behaved dog breed. They are calm and docile, meaning you don't have to spend hours in puppy training classes for them to be loyal and obedient.
What dogs can be left alone?
No dog can be left alone for long periods of time. They are naturally pack animals and will become anxious when alone. However, some breeds are more independent than others, like Greyhounds and Chow Chows, and can be left for a few hours at a time.