Best dogs
Low-maintenance dog breeds
Breeds with modest grooming, moderate shedding and manageable exercise needs.
No dog is truly no work, but some breeds ask for less than others. These need little grooming, shed moderately at most and have manageable exercise needs, which makes them easier to fit around a busy week.
The list
| # | Breed | Size | Typical weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greyhound | Large | 60 to 70 lb | 10 to 14 years |
| 2 | French Bulldog | Small | 20 to 28 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 3 | Mastiff | Large | 120 to 230 lb | 6 to 10 years |
| 4 | Bullmastiff | Large | 100 to 130 lb | 7 to 9 years |
| 5 | Xoloitzcuintli | Medium | 25 to 40 lb | 13 to 18 years |
| 6 | Boston Terrier | Small | 12 to 25 lb | 11 to 13 years |
| 7 | Whippet | Medium | 25 to 40 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 8 | Cirneco dell'Etna | Small | 22 to 26 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 9 | Sloughi | Medium | 35 to 50 lb | 12 to 16 years |
| 10 | Cane Corso | Large | 90 to 120 lb | 9 to 12 years |
| 11 | Great Dane | Large | 110 to 175 lb | 7 to 10 years |
| 12 | Boerboel | Large | 110 to 200 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 13 | Bracco Italiano | Large | 55 to 90 lb | 10 to 14 years |
| 14 | Black and Tan Coonhound | Large | 65 to 110 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 15 | Neapolitan Mastiff | Large | 110 to 150 lb | 7 to 9 years |
About the breeds
1. Greyhound
The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed, a tall, lean sighthound from Britain bred to chase game and race, and a quiet, gentle house dog. Read the Greyhound profile.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular, bat-eared companion from France and England, popular in cities for its easygoing nature and limited exercise needs. Read the French Bulldog profile.
3. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds, a massive but gentle English guardian with a calm manner and a short, easy coat. Read the Mastiff profile.
4. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, short-coated English guardian, developed to deter poachers, now a calm and loyal companion with a firm but affectionate nature. Read the Bullmastiff profile.
5. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient Mexican breed that comes hairless or coated in three sizes, valued as a calm, loyal watchdog and companion. Read the Xoloitzcuintli profile.
6. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact, short-nosed American companion with a tuxedo coat, known for its friendly, lively and sociable nature. Read the Boston Terrier profile.
7. Whippet
The Whippet is a slim, quiet sighthound from England, bred to race and chase rabbits, and a gentle house dog that sprints in short bursts. Read the Whippet profile.
8. Cirneco dell'Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a small, light, prick-eared hound from Sicily, bred to hunt rabbits on volcanic ground, with a mild nature and a lean, elegant look. Read the Cirneco dell'Etna profile.
9. Sloughi
The Sloughi is a lean, smooth-coated sighthound from North Africa, bred by Berber peoples to hunt hare and gazelle, and a reserved, sensitive companion. Read the Sloughi profile.
10. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff-type guardian with a muscular build and an alert, serious manner, suited to experienced owners. Read the Cane Corso profile.
11. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds, a gentle and dignified German giant with a short coat and a relatively short life. Read the Great Dane profile.
12. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a massive South African mastiff-type farm guardian, strong, confident and protective, that needs knowledgeable owners and room. Read the Boerboel profile.
13. Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is a large, solid Italian pointer with long drooping ears and a trotting gait, valued as a steady hunting dog and a calm companion. Read the Bracco Italiano profile.
14. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large American scent hound with rich tan markings, bred to trail raccoons, and a mild-mannered but loud companion. Read the Black and Tan Coonhound profile.
15. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant, wrinkled Italian guardian with loose skin and heavy drool, calm at home and deeply watchful of its household. Read the Neapolitan Mastiff profile.
How this list was made
Breeds rated 2 or lower for grooming, 3 or lower for shedding and 3 or lower for energy, ordered by grooming, then energy. The ratings come from the breed profiles on this site, which rate each breed as a whole. Individual dogs differ, so use the list to decide which profiles to read, then meet the breed before you choose.