Best Low Maintenance Dogs

Maybe you've dreamed of owning a dog, but you feel you just can't keep up with all that's required in caring for one. Although all dogs need attention and care, some dogs are more low maintenance than other breeds. However, when you talk about low maintenance, there are several concerns that need addressing. For example, do you want a dog that's low maintenance in grooming? On the other hand, maybe you just want a dog that's easier to train. Here are few tips in choosing just the right low maintenance breed for your lifestyle...

Best Low Maintenance, Dogs for Grooming

Most shorthaired dogs fall into this category, as there's not as much need to comb and trim their coat, as with the longer haired breeds. Whereas longhaired breeds such as shih tzus and poodles require at least monthly trips to the groomer, shorthaired dogs such as boxers, beagles, basset hounds, etc. never need professional grooming. All you need to do is buy a grooming brush and periodically brush their coat. It's also much easier to find ticks in the fur of a shorthaired dog during the warmer months.

Slobber Maintenance,

If you hate cleaning up dog slobber, then do not adopt a St. Bernard, a Newfoundland, or a Mastiff, as you'll be spending a lot of time wiping up slobber. Other dogs known for slobbering include pugs and bulldogs, as they can't breathe well without their mouths open. And, as a boxer owner, I can add boxer to the list. If you're looking for a slobber less dog, check out sighthounds since they only open their mouths to eat.

Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Training

All dogs need to be trained, but some breeds are more trainable than others. If you don't want to invest a lot of time training a dog that "just doesn't get it" that quickly, then don't adopt some a low trainable breed such as a Scottish terrier, bull terrier, shih tzu, bulldog, afghan hound, Chihuahua, cow chow, Pekingese, or Afghan hound.

Instead, select a breed that's highly trainable such as a German shepherd, collie, English cocker spaniel, miniature schnauzer, poodle, border collie, Doberman pinscher, Shetland sheepdog, or German shorthaired pointer.

Best Dogs for Potty-training

You may prefer small dogs, but be forewarned they have more accidents. This is because their bladders are smaller and their muscles are weaker, making it harder for them not to empty their bladder all over the carpet. Other breeds that don't as well in potty training are cocker spaniels and Italian greyhounds.

On the other hand, larger breeds, such as boxers and golden retrievers rarely have an accident. Granted, they have to learn as puppies, but after only a couple of months of training, most boxers are entirely potty trained, as well as other large breed dogs.

Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Physical Activity

Although it's best to take any breed on regular walks to exercise his (or body), if you don't have that much time for daily walks, then adopt a beagle, Great Dane, or dachshund, as these breeds don't require as much physical activity as dogs such as more active dogs. The less physical activity a breed requires, the more it's suited for apartments rather than large fenced-in yards where they can get daily off-the leash exercise.

Shedding

Although most dogs have a reputation for shedding, there are breeds that only shed no more hair than a typical human does. For example, terriers don't shed much hair at all. Good examples include Schnauzers and Wheatons. What's more, poodles also don't shed, although they have a surplus of curly locks.

As a final caution, don't select a breed on your first shopping trip. Besides visiting several pet stores and breeding farms, talk with others who own the particular breed that you think would be best for you. Adopting a dog is a big step you'll want to be sure you're making the right choice before you take your new friend home.