40 breeds · updated Oct 2026

Best low-maintenance dog breeds

A low-maintenance dog is one whose coat takes little work: a quick brush, an occasional bath and not too much hair on the couch. If you do not want standing appointments with a groomer or a lint roller in every room, this is the list for you.

To qualify, a breed needs a low grooming rating and no more than moderate shedding. We then weigh grooming most heavily, with shedding and general health adding to the score, so easy-care and generally robust breeds rise to the top.

Coat care is only one slice of the workload, though. Every dog still needs daily exercise, training, attention and regular veterinary care. Dental disease is very common in dogs, so tooth brushing belongs in even the easiest dog's routine. The honest version of low maintenance is less time at the brush, not a dog that needs less of you overall.

  1. 1

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 40–70 lb (18–32 kg)

    The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is a muscular, affectionate and athletic bull-type terrier that weighs about 40 to 70 lb (18 to 32 kg). Well-bred, well-socialized AmStaffs are loyal family dogs…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  2. 2

    Greyhound

    Hound · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Greyhound is a tall, lean sighthound famous for speed, yet most retired racers are quiet, gentle couch dogs at 60–70 lb (27–32 kg). They need short bursts of exercise rather than long ones, a securely fenc…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  3. 3

    Whippet

    Hound · Medium · 25–40 lb (11–18 kg)

    The Whippet is a sleek, medium-sized sighthound that looks like a small Greyhound, standing 18 to 22 in (46 to 56 cm) and weighing 25 to 40 lb (11 to 18 kg). Whippets sprint at up to 35 mph (56 km/h) yet are c…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  4. 4

    American Pit Bull Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 30–60 lb (14–27 kg)

    The American Pit Bull Terrier is an athletic, people-focused terrier recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), not the American Kennel Club. It is strong, smart and eager to please, and needs experienced han…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  5. 5

    Basenji

    Hound · Small · 22–24 lb (10–11 kg)

    The Basenji is a small, athletic African hunting hound, about 16 to 17 in (41 to 43 cm) tall and 22 to 24 lb (10 to 11 kg), famous for not barking in the usual way. It is clean, clever and fiercely independent…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  6. 6

    Boston Terrier

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion weighing up to 25 lb (11 kg). It is friendly, funny and easy to groom, but its short face means it overheats easily and can have breathing and eye probl…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  7. 7

    Jack Russell Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 11–13 lb (5–6 kg)

    The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, tireless, white-based working terrier with a big personality, bred in England to hunt foxes. It is clever, funny and fiercely loyal, but it digs, chases and barks, and it n…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  8. 8

    Miniature Pinscher

    Toy · Toy · 8–10 lb (4–5 kg)

    The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny, high-energy toy dog that stands 10 to 12.5 in (25 to 32 cm) and weighs about 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg). Min Pins are bold, funny and devoted, but they bark a lot, chill easil…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  9. 9

    Rat Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 10–25 lb (5–11 kg)

    The Rat Terrier is a compact, smooth-coated American farm terrier that comes in two sizes: Miniature, 10 to 13 in (25 to 33 cm), and Standard, over 13 and up to 18 in (33 to 46 cm). Most weigh 10 to 25 lb (5 t…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  10. 10

    Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Hound · Large · 50–70 lb (23–32 kg)

    The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a lean, fast, tricolor American hunting hound that stands 20 to 27 in (51 to 69 cm) and weighs 50 to 70 lb (23 to 32 kg). It is friendly and mellow at home but loud and single-m…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  11. 11

    Vizsla

    Sporting · Medium · 44–60 lb (20–27 kg)

    The Vizsla is a lean, red-gold Hungarian gundog that bonds closely with its people and needs a great deal of exercise. It is affectionate and trainable, but it is a poor fit for homes that cannot offer daily a…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  12. 12

    Weimaraner

    Sporting · Large · 55–90 lb (25–41 kg)

    The Weimaraner is a sleek, high-energy gundog from Germany, bonded closely to its people and in need of a great deal of exercise and mental work. It rewards committed, active owners but can become destructive…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  13. 13

    Beagle

    Hound · Small · 20–30 lb (9–14 kg)

    The Beagle is a compact, merry scent hound that weighs up to about 30 lb (14 kg). Friendly with children and other dogs, it is easy to groom but hard to train off-leash, because a Beagle's nose and voice often…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  14. 14

    Border Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 11.5–15.5 lb (5–7 kg)

    The Border Terrier is a small, scruffy, good-natured working terrier, about 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) tall and 11.5 to 15.5 lb (5.2 to 7 kg). It is affectionate, good with kids and easy to groom, but its stron…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  15. 15

    Boxer

    Working · Large · 50–80 lb (23–36 kg)

    The Boxer is an exuberant, loyal and goofy working-group dog that stays playful well into adulthood. It is great with family and children, but it needs lots of exercise, copes badly with heat, and carries nota…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  16. 16

    Bull Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 50–70 lb (23–32 kg)

    The Bull Terrier is a muscular, clownish, deeply affectionate dog with a unique egg-shaped head. It is playful and devoted to its people but also strong, stubborn and often dog-selective, so it needs an experi…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  17. 17

    Cane Corso

    Working · Large · 88–110 lb (40–50 kg)

    The Cane Corso is a muscular Italian guardian breed that bonds deeply with its family and is wary of outsiders. It is a rewarding dog for an experienced, consistent owner, but its size, strength and protective…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  18. 18

    Doberman Pinscher

    Working · Large · 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)

    The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, intelligent and devoted guardian that bonds intensely with its family. It is highly trainable and surprisingly affectionate, but it needs firm, positive leadership, plenty of…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  19. 19

    Dogo Argentino

    Working · Large · 80–100 lb (36–45 kg)

    The Dogo Argentino is a muscular, all-white big-game hunting dog from Argentina that stands 24 to 26.5 in (61 to 67 cm) tall and weighs 80 to 100 lb (36 to 45 kg). It is courageous, loyal and very athletic, bu…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  20. 20

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    Sporting · Large · 45–70 lb (20–32 kg)

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is a tireless, versatile gundog that weighs about 45 to 70 lb (20 to 32 kg). Affectionate and clever, it is a superb partner for runners and hunters, but it needs hours of vigoro…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  21. 21

    Italian Greyhound

    Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Italian Greyhound is a slender, 13 to 15 in (33 to 38 cm) miniature sighthound that weighs just 7 to 14 lb (3 to 6 kg). It is a sweet, clingy lap dog that loves to sprint and curl up under blankets, but it…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  22. 22

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Working · Giant · 80–150 lb (36–68 kg)

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a massive Turkish livestock guardian that stands 27 to 29 in (69 to 74 cm) and weighs 80 to 150 lb (36 to 68 kg). It is loyal and calm with its family but wary of strangers and in…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  23. 23

    Australian Cattle Dog

    Herding · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, tough herding dog bred to move stubborn cattle across rough country. It is smart, loyal and tireless, and it needs a real job and a lot of exercise. In the right active…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  24. 24

    Brittany

    Sporting · Medium · 30–40 lb (14–18 kg)

    The Brittany is an upbeat, athletic French bird dog that weighs 30 to 40 lb (14 to 18 kg) and stands 17.5 to 20.5 in (44 to 52 cm). It is bright, gentle and very trainable, but it needs a lot of daily exercise…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  25. 25

    Bullmastiff

    Working · Giant · 100–130 lb (45–59 kg)

    The Bullmastiff is a massive, calm English guardian, 24 to 27 in (61 to 69 cm) tall and 100 to 130 lb (45 to 59 kg), bred from Mastiffs and Bulldogs. It is loyal and gentle with its family, and needs early tra…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  26. 26

    Great Dane

    Working · Giant · 110–175 lb (50–79 kg)

    The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds, standing at least 28 in (71 cm) at the shoulder and averaging 110–175 lb (50–79 kg). Despite the size, most are gentle, affectionate couch companions, but they…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  27. 27

    Papillon

    Toy · Toy · 5–10 lb (2–5 kg)

    The Papillon is a lively, long-lived toy spaniel with butterfly-shaped ears that weighs just 5 to 10 lb (2.3 to 4.5 kg). Paps are smart, friendly and surprisingly athletic, and they fit apartments well, but th…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  28. 28

    Rottweiler

    Working · Large · 80–135 lb (36–61 kg)

    The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident guardian breed that typically weighs 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg). Loyal and intelligent, it can be a calm, devoted family dog in experienced hands, but it needs early soc…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  29. 29

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, fox-tailed herding dog that stands 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) tall and weighs 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Cardigans are intelligent, loyal and a bit reserved with str…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  30. 30

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)

    The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, waterproof-coated duck dog from Maryland that weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). It is loyal and protective with its family, more independent than other retrievers, and…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  31. 31

    Chihuahua

    Toy · Toy · 3–6 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, with an AKC standard of no more than 6 lb (2.7 kg), and a long lifespan that PetMD puts at 14–16 years. It is bold, loyal and portable, but it can be wary of st…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  32. 32

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Sporting · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like gundog that weighs 35 to 50 lb (16 to 23 kg). Tollers are smart, affectionate and tireless, so they thrive with active owners w…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  33. 33

    Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Hound · Large · 70–85 lb (32–39 kg)

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, athletic hound with a signature ridge of reverse-growing hair, typically weighing 70 to 85 lb (32 to 39 kg). Ridgebacks are devoted and protective with family, but their…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  34. 34

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Terrier · Medium · 24–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular, affectionate terrier that stands 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) and weighs 24 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Staffords are devoted, playful companions with a reputation for pa…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  35. 35

    Chinese Shar-Pei

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–60 lb (20–27 kg)

    The Chinese Shar-Pei is a compact, wrinkled, scowling guardian that stands 18 to 20 in (46 to 51 cm) tall and weighs 45 to 60 lb (20 to 27 kg). It is loyal to its family and wary of everyone else, so it suits…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  36. 36

    Dachshund

    Hound · Small · 8–32 lb (4–15 kg)

    The Dachshund is a long-bodied, short-legged scent hound bred in Germany to hunt badgers. Bold, funny and loyal, it makes a lively small companion, but its long spine is vulnerable to disc disease, and its stu…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  37. 37

    Flat-Coated Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Flat-Coated Retriever is a cheerful, glossy black or liver retriever that weighs about 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) and tends to stay puppyish for years. It is a devoted, active family dog, but its short aver…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  38. 38

    French Bulldog

    Non-Sporting · Small · 16–28 lb (7–13 kg)

    The French Bulldog is a compact, bat-eared companion dog that weighs under 28 lb (13 kg). Frenchies are affectionate, easygoing and well suited to apartments, but their flat faces make breathing, heat and exer…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  39. 39

    Mastiff

    Working · Giant · 120–230 lb (54–104 kg)

    The Mastiff is a calm, dignified giant that typically weighs 120 to 230 lb (54 to 104 kg) and stands at least 27.5 in (70 cm) at the shoulder. Mastiffs are gentle, deeply loyal family dogs, but their size, dro…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health
  40. 40

    Irish Wolfhound

    Hound · Giant · 105–120 lb (48–54 kg)

    The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed the AKC recognizes, with males at least 32 in (81 cm) tall and 120 lb (54 kg), and a gentle, dignified nature to match. It makes a calm, loving housemate, but its giant…

    Grooming needs
    Shedding
    General health

How we ranked them

Breeds qualify with a grooming rating of 1 or 2 and a shedding rating of 3 or lower. We give double weight to a low grooming need, then add points for lower shedding and for a higher general health rating. Ratings come from our breed profiles and describe the typical dog of each breed, and every dog is an individual, so coats and health vary from dog to dog.

See how we research and rate breeds.

Before you choose

Do not skip teeth. VCA calls daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste the most effective way to control plaque, and our guide to brushing your dog's teeth walks through it step by step.

Keep a simple routine: a weekly brush, a quick paw check after muddy walks and regular nail trims. Short coats still shed, so a regular brush keeps hair under control.

Remember what “low maintenance” leaves out: exercise, training and company. A short-coated, high-energy dog may need more of your time than a fluffy couch dweller. Pair this list with our calm dogs for a low-effort routine overall, and keep your dog lean, because overweight dogs tend to live shorter lives. Our overweight guide shows what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Is low-maintenance the same as low-shedding?

No. This list allows breeds that shed moderately as long as grooming is easy. If you want as little hair around the house as possible, low-shedding breeds are a different group, and they often need more grooming.

Do low-maintenance dogs still need grooming?

Yes, but less. Plan on regular brushing, nail trims and tooth care for every dog, whatever its coat.

Which matters more, grooming or shedding?

It depends on what bothers you. Grooming is the time it takes to keep a coat healthy, while shedding is the hair you find around the house. Check both ratings on each profile.

Are low-maintenance dogs good for first-time owners?

Easy coats help, but temperament, energy and trainability matter more. Compare this list with our first-time owner list.

Sources

  1. VCA Animal Hospitals: Dental Disease in Dogs
  2. AKC: Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?

More breed lists

All lists