If you’re busy for a lot of your day like many of us are, you may feel like you don’t have the time or resources to add a dog into your life. Or maybe you have an apartment that has weight restrictions for pets. Regardless, there are many low maintenance medium sized dogs out there that could be perfect for you!
While high maintenance breeds like Afghan Hounds or Border Collies can be beautiful, sometimes they require too much work for the average person. But that shouldn’t stop a dog lover from looking for a good match, because there are plenty of other dogs that don’t require a lot of grooming or tons of exercise.
The 10 Low Maintenance Medium Sized Dogs
Just because a dog is low maintenance, doesn’t mean they have no maintenance. Being a dog parent is a big responsibility and you should only plan to adopt one if you’re committed to providing everything they need. Be prepared to have patience while they adapt to their new life, and it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have!
1. Beagle
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Weight: 20-30 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Beagles are small and friendly dogs that are great pals with children and have a unique howl-like bark. Their short coat means that they do not require a lot of grooming apart from an occasional bath.
As with all of the dogs to follow, Beagles will need their nails clipped regularly, ears checked and cleaned, and at least once a year vet appointments. If your Beagle looks to be shedding a lot, you can brush them 2-3 times a week.
Beagles are natural diggers and will need outdoor access, so a public park or a backyard is ideal for them. Since they do like to get their paws dirty, you may need to wipe them down after outdoor time.
2. Chow Chow
Average Lifespan: 8-12 years
Average Weight: 45-70 pounds
Coat: medium, rough
Chow Chows have much longer fur than a Beagle, so they’ll need brushed and you can expect shedding periods twice a year. Other than that, they do not require more than the basic check ups and grooming.
These dogs do not react well to heat, so they are usually indoor bound on summer days. This is perfect for people who are working or don’t have a backyard. They are pretty happy laying around all day and don’t need much exercise.
Chow Chows are pretty easy to house break so you shouldn’t have to worry about too many accidents. They are a little bit stubborn, and it could be harder to obedience train them, but be patient!
3. American Eskimo
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Weight: 25-35 pounds
Coat: medium, straight
American Eskimo dogs are usually perceived as a high maintenance dog, but this is not necessarily true. They do have long thick fur that may need to be brushed often and require daily exercise.
But other than that, they can be happily content indoors hanging out with their humans. They are generally easy to train and can learn their name fast. Of course, if they are not properly trained and socialized, you could have some problems on your hands.
You will need to put in the work to obedience train them and care for them while they are new to your house. Once they are adults is when their personality can become low maintenance.
4. Italian Greyhound
Average Lifespan: 14-15 years
Average Weight: 7-14 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Italian Greyhounds, also called “Iggys”, are very similar to the Beagle because they have a very short coat that does not require any brushing or excessive bathing. They will need their nails and ears checked and cleaned as necessary.
These dogs are small, and don’t need a lot of exercise. About 15-20 minutes a day is recommended, and that could either be an indoor play session or an outdoor walk.
Iggys may need a dental routine, but this depends on each specific dog. Their teeth and breath can get a little bit smelly, but a vet recommended treat or toothpaste can be implemented into their daily routine.
5. Basset Hound
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Weight: 40-65 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
When it comes to a lazy dog, Basset Hounds often come to mind. Their floppy ears seem to scream “comfort” and they can be seen spending most of their time lounging around and spending time with their owners.
Even when puppies, Basset Hounds will not run around and jump on you like crazy. They are very slow moving when walking, eating, and even drinking. This is what makes them one of the most notorious low maintenance medium sized dogs.
Even though they are slow, they still need regular exercise to avoid obesity. You’ll want to take them on walks, even if that walk is low intensity and taken at their stride.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Average Weight: 20-30 pounds
Coat: long, silky
Cocker Spaniels are high energy dogs, but not high maintenance. They are easily trainable like the American Eskimo and, once they learn all of their obedience training, they listen very well.
They have long fur which will require regular brushing, and maybe trimming. They’ll need regular vet appointments and nail cuttings, and definitely need their ears cleaned due to the excess hair they have on them.
They don’t need more than a half hour of exercise a day. They can be very cuddly lap dogs and will want to spend most of their time with you.
7. Basenji
Average Lifespan: 13-14 years
Average Weight: 22-24 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Basenjis are extremely low maintenance, often being compared to a cat. They tend to groom themselves, saving you the work and your nose the smell. They actually are not very fond of being wet, so them being self groomers saves you the hassle of trying to bathe them.
They do like to be outside and dig like Beagles, so you may need to wipe off their paws daily. They also have a short coat and shed very little.
They train rather well as long as you are patient and loving and do not respond well to excessive yelling or harsh punishments. They can be a little on the energetic side, but will calm down as they age.
8. Shiba Inu
Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Average Weight: 17-23 pounds
Coat: short, dense
Shiba Inus have a thicker coat that will need brushed at least once weekly. Much like Basenjis, they have a cat-like personality and are more laid back. They will still need exercise and are happy with a simple daily walk.
Shiba Inus are known for being one of the harder dogs to train, but if you have patience and keep up with it, you’ll be rewarded greatly. Once trained, it’s smooth sailing and you will not have many issues with them. Even though they can be very stubborn, they are extraordinary companions for people of all ages.
9. Bull Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Weight: 50-70 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
As with most of the short haired dogs, Bull Terriers do not need to be brushed on a regular basis. This makes them a top contender for low maintenance medium sized dogs.
Unfortunately, they are a little bit harder to train than the average dog. They do not respond well to other breeds, which can make socialization in the early stages complicated. If they do not receive proper socialization, it will be hard to control their aggression towards other animals, and maybe even people.
Don’t let this scare you off! They can be lovely companions, but you will have to be patient with them and try your best to work with them daily. They do not need a lot of exercise, a short walk will do.
10. Whippet
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Weight: 25-40 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Often confused with the Italian Greyhound, Whippets are low maintenance because of their short coat and cuddly personality. They are good for people with busy schedules, as they do not require too much attention and outdoor time.
You will have to check their ears, and especially their nails, as they are avid runners and can injure their paws running for long periods on overgrown nails.
These dogs do not enjoy the cold or being on hard surfaces, so as long as you provide them with a comfy place to lay, that is where they will spend most of their day. They will let you know when they want to go outside to run.