What's the best low-maintenance, indoor dog breed?
78As a dog owner and trainer, of course I have to ask what you mean by "low maintenance"?
Do you mean low grooming maintenance? This is a big one with me, as dogs that need to go to the groomer's every month or need more than two or three baths a year (barring a close encounter with something yukky) aren't dogs I normally go for. Short-haired breeds, such as a beagle or a basset hound, are definitely good indoors and have little to no fur maintenance requirements.
Do you mean low slobber maintenance? I love big dogs, but would never get a Newfoundland, a Mastiff, or a St. Bernard because of the high drool production. My house is not pristine by any means, with three dogs and a toddler child, but I draw the line at dogs who produce copious amounts of drool. Especially when they shake, and leave ropes of slobber dripping from the ceiling.
Or do you mean low personality maintenance? There is no such thing as a low personality-maintenance dog. They all need attention, love, walks, and basic obedience training in order to keep doggy neuroses at bay. However, beagles, bassets, and Great Danes (also a lovely short-coated breed) are basically couch-potatoes, and do well indoors, even in small apartments.
That being said, some dog breeds are easier to train than others. Beagles are somewhat hard, because they're very independent-minded and have a nose like you wouldn't believe. Just try being more interesting than bug poop when you want a beagle to sit! Jack Russels and rat terriers are easy to train because they're extremely bright. They're also small enough to be good indoor companions, and have short coats.
Once you have your criteria for what you consider "low maintenance", may I suggest a quick visit to the American Kennel Club website? www.akc.org You will learn more about health issues, personality quirks, longevity (or lack thereof) grooming and exercise requirements, etc. for over a hundred breeds. Good luck!
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You're welcome! I've had lots of beagles over the years. They're sweet, funny, friendly, and just so gosh-darn cute!
And they're small enough that, worst case scenario, I can pick them up!
Livelonger - You have such good questions I can't help answering some of them! My favorite breeds for a small home or apartment would have to be the Mini Dachshund or the Shiba Inu. Doxies are small, about 8 or 9 lbs. and extremely lovable. Mine were very easy to train. Just this past year we bought 2 more dogs that are Shiba Inu's. That's a medium size breed dog (not too big - about 20 lbs) who's face looks just like a fox. Very smart breed but on the shy side until they get to know you. Then they won't leave you alone! The Shiba's have a double coat, so they must be brushed when they are going through their shedding period which is about every six months. My personal opinion is that it is easier to have 2 dogs than just one. They will keep one another company during the day if you work and once one dog learns something new, he/she is bound to teach the other dog. Housebreaking was much easier with 2 dogs, believe it or not. All of our dogs are crate trained and have their own beds to go to at night. A crate is a very important "tool" in housebreaking them. It also gives you piece of mind in knowing they aren't getting into trouble when you're not home.
I completely agree about crates. My dogs adore theirs!
I also agree about the multiple dog household. We rarely have less than three!
I have a chihuahua that I think is pretty ideal for a house pet. She is rarely away from my sight. She is extremely bright. I have had health issues and have to breathe at times with the assistance of a machine. If my machine has a malfunction, she tries to wake me, and failing that, she tries to find someone else in the house to come check me.
Freebyrd, why don't you make a hub on the Shiba Inu? I've never heard of such a dog. I have two miniature breeds....i have an Italian Grayhound (female) and a male Chihuahua. They are both high maintenance. My Italian Grayhound would tear up a sofa I had (I had to throw it out) when I would leave her alone in the house or when I would delay in coming home. Getting the Chihuahua bettered this behavior, but he will pee on any pad (including the bath mat) available. He poos everywhere. So I traded one bad thing for another.
Rhomylly, I love this hub! People are always looking for the "perfect dog," but it's just not out there! Let me just say, though, that Jack Russells may be easy to train because they are bright, but they are NOT easy to tame! They can be little terrors if you don't vastly over-exercise them. But I have a beagle mix pup, and everything you said about beagles applies (though he still has LOADS of puppy energy). Again, great hub!
Is there such a breed that will fit all the following criteria... I would be grateful for any help!
* Medium size
*Doesnt get seperation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time
* Doesnt shed alot
*Doesn't bark too much
Thank you!
if you want a dog that doesn't bark much i would suggest a basenji. but they do require running space and they aren't easy to find.
We've had a bassett hound pup for 4 months and he sheds more than the 3 cats we have, he shakes his head all the time and big globs of slober come out I also think he is part chimpmonk because it is amazing what kind of stuff he can hid in their and he stinks, yes, we've had him to the vet and was told that is the way they are. I am trying to convince my husband that this dog does not belong in a house.
the thing on beagles with low personalities is not true. i resently had a beagle and it was hyper and crazy. with beagles they love to run and play and do best outdoors.keep in mind though they love to dig!!!!!
Love the hub. This would be the first time owning a dog and these are the criterias I would love in a dog? Any suggestions from anyone?
- short hair, small dog (live in a townhouse condo assoc.), no patio to run only common areas, can not be a loud dog-neighbors would complain, ok to stay along for atleast 10 hrs a day (mond-fri)-we work and son is in school, don't want a dog that is hyper and destroys. My son had his heart set on a beagle but we heard they are loud and hyper, then looked at a "Parson's Russell Terrier" (wishbone dog look a like) and also heard it was high maintenance, needs lots of activities, destroys, etc. HELP!!! any recommendations from anyone. I am running out of ideas. Done some research on the net but can't make up my mind. We live in south Florida and it's extremely hot. Dog will stay indoors.Thanks for any suggestions. Signed: Troubled and looking for a dog
We had a german short hair, she was the best dog. She had no major health issues. Well manored, no slobbers, no barking, very smart. They DO need lots of exercise to keep them from having anxiety. Miss her immensly and would definately recomend if you have time everyday to walk, run or exercise with the dog. Also have 150 lb. Rot who is mellow and a real big baby. He sheds terribly and drools when drinking & eating or when he is too hot. He is well behaved and rarely barks. We adopted a Westie about 6 months ago. Very playful and loves toys. She does shed a little (has undercoat - so brushing helps alot). Barks some but mostly to communicate, she makes all kinds of noises (I think she is talking to me). She loves to hunt (anything... but especially bugs). Never had a Terrier before, but love the personality, affection, happy playfulness, not a couch potato.
I'd have to go with the papillon :P Theyre a single coated dog, thus don't need the grooming of long coated dogs and won't shed as much as a dog with a double layered goat.
They don't have slobber issues :P
They're small enough for an appartment but have intelegance and trainabiliy to rival any breed.
Don't have any major genetic issues, if you buy from a good breeder you can make sure (as much as anyone can) they will have good joints and eye sight.
And theyre extremely loyal and want nothing more then to sit with you or listen to your commands :P seriously most I know will follow at the ankle of their owners looking up!
Of course every breed has a bad side :P the papillons would be that if you don't train them they will train you!!
hi how are you
Retired racing greyhounds are usually a safe bet. Depending on the dog (as always) they tend to be fairly quiet, have short coats, they've run so much already most are just couch potatoes with a 10 minute spurt of energy. The best part is that you can adopt them when they've already gone through that awful puppy stage. Most adoption groups will help you pick out a personality that's right for your lifestyle or even let you foster until you find one you want to keep.
So what is bad about the Greyhound?, just to keep perspective:
They need to be trained that the crate and your house are one in the same, don't poop in the house. The tend to catch on quick.
They are sighthounds and will take off at 45mph if not leashed or fenced in.
If you get one that's not timid from abuse, it'll trust anybody. This is not a watchdog, though the larger males can certainly be a deterrent.
I adore Cairn Terriers, I love all dog breeds and have owned several different dog breeds, and I have always owned Cairn Terriers. My experience with this breed, they love familes & children, playful & energetic, independent at times & intelligent. Shedding is minimal, if any at all. They should be kept indoors & outdoors to run & play in a fenced area or with your supervision. I always keep crates for my dogs.
We have been promising our little ones, 8 and 5 that we would get a dog in after Christmas and are thinking about a Welsh Corgi. Any thoughts?
English Mastiff, i had one! he died a few days ago. But the best dog ever! comes in and becomes auto door mat, very protective, and such a sweet lovin babies! plus they have short hair and don't shed much
I've been looking at breeds for awhile now, and I really, really love the Shiba Inu. However, everything I read says that they will run, run, run if off the leash. Does anyone know if this is ALL Shiba Inus?
I would like to know that I can play "catch" with my dog, or taking it camping and not worry that I'll lose it because it will run away and not come back ...
I have a Shiba Inu. He's crazy smart. Never had issues with potty training - will literally hold it up to 12 hours if he has to (although that's only happened a couple of times due to family medical emergencies). He just will not "go" in the house. He's great with small spaces or large spaces. He actually prefers to be indoors - he's kinda prissy, does not like to get his feet wet or dirty. On the downside, he's a one companion dog. My husband his the "alpha" and he listens only to him. If he's not here, he'll listen to me, but it takes me basically "barking" back at him to do what I need. He's also very protective of his food, even though he's never had to share. So protective, that if you get too close, he may nip at your feet. I wouldn't recommend Shiba's to a household with children. Maybe that's just my experience.
Shih Tzu!!!thats all there is..a smaller dog little shedding, little barking,easy to train, great witt kids,recommend one to anyone. my family has been breeding these dogs for 10 years so i know a little bit bout them!! i also own three!
Just want to say one thing.
There is NO dog, and i man NO dog that should be left alone 10h/day.
If that is the case, dony buy one. If the kids are not old enough to take them out after school, or if you cant go home on your lunch break to take the dog out for a good walk you should not have a dog.
I am sorry if i am harsh. But imagine your self to not be able to go to the toilet for 10h? I would not like it.
I'm soon moving house and me; my dad and work colleague would like a dog to keep us company!! It has a very small garden and low fence, so we would need something that wouldn’t escape easily. We would all be able to walk the dog twice a day! The dog would need to be easy to train, low maintenance (as in, not much grooming/cleaning needed etc). My dad insists on a dog that isn’t 'hyper active' so no Collies or Spaniels sadly (and that annoyed me 'cause they would have been my first choice)! Preferably a larger/medium sized dog... nothing small and rat like, like a Chihuahua, Jack Russell or Shih-Tzu. We had in mind: German Sheppard, Whippet/Greyhound/Lurcher, or Labrador. Are these good choices? Could someone give me some advice on what other dogs would be good for our living situation? I would be very appreciative. Thank you.
I'm soon moving house and me; my dad and work colleague would like a dog to keep us company!! It has a very small garden and low fence, so we would need something that wouldn’t escape easily. We would all be able to walk the dog twice a day! The dog would need to be easy to train, low maintenance (as in, not much grooming/cleaning needed etc). My dad insists on a dog that isn’t 'hyper active' so no Collies or Spaniels sadly (and that annoyed me 'cause they would have been my first choice)! Preferably a larger/medium sized dog... nothing small and rat like, like a Chihuahua, Jack Russell or Shih-Tzu. We had in mind: German Sheppard, Whippet/Greyhound/Lurcher, or Labrador. Are these good choices? Could someone give me some advice on what other dogs would be good for our living situation? I would be very appreciative. Thank you.
Definatly the lab they are sooo kind and lovable and will play fetch for hours and would also stay by your side and watch tv with too great with kids but can be kinda big if that's a problem :)
I suggest a hairless chinese crested. I have one and she's the sweetest little dog. She has no hair save on her head, feet and tail and it takes nothing to bath her. She seldom barks unless I'm coming home from being out and am at the door. She loves to cuddle/snuggle and has the most unique personality of any dog I've ever been around. She loves to sleep but also is very playful and loves her toys. One thing I have noticed about her and other cresteds I've been around, they don't tend to lick you in the face like other dogs. lol
KRISSY - Get a Shar Pei! Honestly, I have had several breeds over the years and I have NEVER had a dog that is so tame, protective, playful and loyal! So well behaved, so smart! Honestly, look into it - you will not regret it. The only downfall (still cute though!) is that he does cry a little if he hears the morning alarm go off and there is no sign of us within 5 mins. Besides that, he is the best dog I have ever had.
With my pup, I didn't need to toilet train him - he learnt himself! I live in a townhouse and sometimes when he does want to run around he continually runs up and down the stairs.
BRILLIANT DOG! I have nothing bad to say - except for he can be a bit too affectionate sometimes!
Minitaure Schnauzers would be the best way to go. I have two. I have pet allergies and can't snuggle with both of mine with no problems. They don't shed which is great! But their hair will grow and grow you will have to groom them often, I take mine every 2-3 months for a full cut. They love to go out and play but also love to just lay in bed with me to relax. Just be careful leaving them outside alone, they like to dig and will get out of a fenced yard. They are under 20 lbs so you will not be able to use one of those "invisible fences". My Schnauzers have great personalities, both were easy to train, as they are pleasers, so reward them when they do as told. They are both crate trained and do not bark or have separation anxiety. My boy barks when he senses strangers close to our property though, not constant barking but one or two to let me know. I do make sure i give them attention as soon as I get home so they feel loved and missed.
Typo up top . . I CAN snuggled with both of my dogs and have no problems at all. They love kids as well. I have an 8yr old boy and my neices (3 and 5) also come play with them.
This question bugs me a little because, what is an "outside dog?" To me, an outside dog is one you probably shouldn't even consider getting if you're just going to toss it in your backyard. I feel it would have been more responsible of you to address this instead of supporting these folks' belief that 'some' dogs belong outside.
Can anyone shed more light on a Great Dane or a Shar-Pei?
Very good dog hub. I have a papillon myself. Very smart, energetic, and small. But hair is a small issue!
jack russells are require a lot of exercise... don't think they should be included in the list of "good indoor dogs"
please dont be fooled the best low matenice dog breed is them scary hairless ones
please dont be fooled the best low matenice dog breed is them scary hairless ones
Grate Dan
Funny somebody ask a simple question that seems so clear but gets a long explanation with no answers.
It’s like somebody asking the question, "What is a good computer for me to buy?"
You can assume from the question they don’t use a computer to much.
The answer above is like asking the person back:
Well, what do you do with the computer?
- Web and Email
- Graphic Design
- Development
- Database Management
- Hack
All but the first item, the user should know what they are looking for or would ask a more specific question.
Again from the question above "What's the best low-maintenance, indoor dog breed?" you can assume I am a typical America that would like a Dog but I don’t have much time or dedication to spend 2 hours a day grooming.
I went to a dog show and talked with the various breeders. Kay's comments about Greyhounds are exactly what I was told. A retired racing Greyhound is complacent and an excellent apt. dog. Take them out for a burst of running now and then and they're happy to spend their time at home lounging. They're quiet, content and great company.
Mini Schnauzers are great dogs. Almost no shedding and very smart. I had one years ago and she was on voice command. Took her to class for 8 weeks and she was great. When I get my next dog it will be a schnauzer. I currently have a Pom. Cutest dog ever but we live in the country so little for him to bark at. They are yappy. But I have almost grown children who are crazy about him. Not good with little kids. Also have an Australian Sheperd. Smart and easy to train. Loves me to death. But he is a velcro dog. I work from home and walk him twice a day off leash on our large farm. Comes in the house and stays on the tile. Would never have him if I had to leave him alone everyday. It would break his heart. Have arthritis and I call him my "treadmill". He makes me get up everyday and go walk. He's my best friend. But will get a schnauzer years from now when I have to slow down.
I have had and raised German Rottweilers. German Rotties are the.absolute.best. American Rotties habe springs.on their feet.
German Rotties are very intelligent, easy to potty train, loyal and will defend you to the end.
They do shed a bit and drool when too hot.
They think they are lap dogs. Love attention and love to give attention too!
I would not want any other dog. Mine have all died of old age. Looking to get another one! BUT starting with a puppy is best. They have to be introduced to your family and friends! Remember they are defenders. So they need to know who is allowed and who they can trust! Don't do the Shuntz hound training! They are defensive from birth and don't need to know they can do more. Train them properly and they will be fantastic!
Thanks for listening.
Ahh, I have a British Bulldog, and I love him more than my partner! xD hes a mega lazy dog, I did have two however a friend of mine have her now, they are amazing dogs, a little expensive at times but worth all the money in the world, there good with kids, playful and will always make you laugh, the only problem is that they do everything at there own pace
I just recently lost my companion of 12 years, a German Shepherd. His name was Bullet and he was soooo smart, so easy to train, very friendly; he was the best friend of every kid in the neighborhood. He never messed in the house, not even pee. He loved to play fetch, go for walks, swim in the river and ride in my jeep. I miss him alot. I haven't been able to think about another dog yet but anyone who is considering a dog companion you simply cannot go wrong with a GSD. Oh well you have to train them of course but they are so smart it's very easy to do.
Thanks for the article and I agree as well. Everyone has different views of "low maintenance" I had a friend who once said that he would always get a small dog because "They have small stomachs" so you would have to buy food less often. Haha
I have been doing some research trying to find the best dog for me. I like the idea of a small dog. The most important things for me are 1) Low Shedding 2) No Drool 3) Smart 4) Easily trainable Can anyone recommend a good breed? (First time dog owner as well, thought I should throw that out there.)
Thank you,
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livelonger Level 6 Commenter 4 years ago
This is fantastic advice, Rhomylly. Thank you! It sounds like beagles hit the spot on 2 measures (grooming & couch-potato friendly). I've heard they have really friendly personalities too.