Too many people decide that they wanted a cutesy, wootsie little dog to love and then spend a ton of time and money picking out a perfect pooch. Then these people proceed to ignore the dog after a couple of months when the novelty wears off and they realize that a dog is work.
I want to shake those people and scream: “A dog is not a lawn ornament or a household decoration!” In addition to the basics—water, food and shelter—a dog needs attention, affection, mental stimulation, grooming and physical activity.
So for those who insist on dog companionship but have no intention of taking 30-minute walks daily, spending weeks, or money, for training, or taking the dog to the groomers bi-weekly, I offer this list of low-maintenance dogs. (I know, some people really aren’t physically able to walk a dog everyday for whatever reason but would still like companionship. Ignore the “lazy” in the title and read on.)
Note: I am not in any way advocating that you neglect or ignore any dog. My point here is, please don’t adopt a high-energy Border Collie if you hate walking to the car or a high maintenance Shih Tzu if you barely brush your own hair. Bring home a dog that needs a tenth of the work for the same amount of love.
10. Bolognese
This breed was thought to have descended from dogs like the Bichon Frisé in southern Italy. The Bolognese became popular as a companion dog among royal courts and nobility of Spain, and other parts of Europe, up to the early 1800’s. This is a sturdy breed of Toy/Companion dogs without any particular genetic health problems. A Bolognese needs for:
Space – Minimal. A good apartment dog. This toy breed has a sturdy body and weighs 8 – 14 pounds, the size of a newborn.
Exercise – Low. A playful dog, but not highly active. Occasional walks are good.
Training – Low. This dog is smart and trainable. She may be reserved with strangers, but she gets along with kids and other animals.
Grooming – Moderate. This is a long hair breed with white hair. It mats up easily, but it doesn’t shed much and is actually considered hypoallergenic.
9. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is actually believed to have originated in China and brought to Japan as a gift from a Chinese emperor. It was a popular dog of Japanese royalty and was introduced in Europe in the 1800s. The Japanese Chin needs for:
Space – Low. This is a small dog not quite reaching a foot in height and weighing 8 to 11 pounds.
Training – Low. This is a smart, quiet, mild-mannered dog. The Chin gets along well with almost everyone, including strangers, other animals and children. They are also alert and sensitive to their surroundings.
Exercise – Low. This small dog is made for the lap. Plus, with its shorter muzzle, too much exercise could cause breathing and heat problems. Occasional short walks would do.
Grooming – Moderate. The Chin’s coat needs regular brushing/combing to maintain its appearance and avoid matting. And they do shed lightly year-round but are very clean and do not smell.
Cons – Difficult to housetrain during the first 4 months of life. Other health concerns include luxating patellas, heart problems, back problems, cataracts.
8. Greyhound
A racing dog on a list for 10 Best Dogs for Lazy Owners? A-ha, you learn something new all the time. Yes, they do sprint fast, but they are not high-energy dogs. In fact, Greyhounds have been referred as “Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.” Greyhounds have been around for some time, and can be traced to ancient Egypt and Greece and have often been used for hunting and herding throughout history. The Greyhound needs for:
Space – Low. Seriously. Yes, this is a larger dog (60 to 70 pounds as an adult and 2 1/2 feet high), but they can thrive in small spaces. Most Greyhounds are quiet, gentle animals, and actually make better “apartment dogs” than breeds that are smaller but more active.
Training – Low-ish. These dogs are rather obedient and get along well with strangers, school-aged children, and other dogs. You maybe should train or supervise them around smaller pet animals or very young children.
Exercise – Low to moderate. Yes, greyhounds are sprinters and they love running, but they do not require extensive exercise. A 20 to 30 minute walk many days will keep an adult Greyhound healthy.
Grooming – Low. She has a short, smooth coat and no undercoat. These are good dogs to have if you have allergies.
Cons – Some skin sensitivities and sensitive to extreme temperatures
7. Bullmastiff
Yes, a Bullmastiff, as in that super large dog, is pretty low maintenance. This powerful guard dog was developed in the mid-1800s as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. They were bred, not to attack intruders, but to stand in front of them or knock them down and hold them. For their size, they tend to be pretty low-energy dog. A Bullmastiff needs for:
Space – Low-ish. Because of its size (100 to 130 lbs, 21 to 27” in height), you do need enough space in the house just so the dog can move and lounge around. However, these are calm, low-key dogs and they actually do fine in apartments. And they do best when they live inside with the owner.
Training – Low. Some training is recommended just for walking the large dog so he doesn’t pull. This dog is very loyal to its family, even-tempered, calm and very tolerant of children. In fact, these dogs crave human attention and are quite affectionate.
Grooming – Low. It has a short, smooth coat that sheds little.
Exercise – Low to moderate. The Bullmastiff is a calm, low-energy dog—it’s even known to be a lazy dog, clearly OK with lying on the sofa. However, because he is such a large dog, obesity can be a concern. Occasional long walks are a good idea, but they can be leisurely, low-key walks.
Cons – Some tendencies for bloating, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Tendency to drool or slobber.
6. Pug
Originating in China, Pugs were probably used as royal gifts or for barter in China as well as Tibet and Japan, eventually making their way over to Europe. A Pug needs for:
Space – Low. This dog gets to about 18 pounds at the upper end of the scale (if not overfed!) and up to a foot in height. Perfect for apartment life.
Training – Low. Despite it pinched-looking face, Pug’s are typically affectionate dogs that enjoy children. They are also notoriously stubborn. Consider training if you seriously don’t want him on the couch, but he insists.
Grooming – Moderate. Here’s a drawback. While a relatively short-haired dog, Pugs tend to shed quite a bit. And, you do actually have to clean in those wrinkles occasionally to avoid irritation or infection.
Exercise – Way low. You really don’t want to exercise this dog too much. Because of the way the Pug’s head and face are built, they have very compact breathing passageways. This means they have trouble breathing if they overdo it and they have difficulty controlling their body temperature (dogs cool their temperature through panting). Definitely no strenuous exercise for the Pug and no outings where she might get really hot.
Cons – Snorer—don’t let her on the bed with you if you’re a light sleeper. Possible respiratory problems, hip dysplasia and encephalitis.
5. Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a type of working dog from Ireland, bred for hunting vermin, badger-baiting and hunting fox. The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs for:
Space – Low-ish. This terrier gets up to 35 pounds (about the weight of a 2-year-old) and up to 14 inches long. This dog works well in apartments and houses with small yards.
Training – Low to moderate. Clever and highly trainable dog, Glen of Imaals get along well with people and kids, but may be yippy and territorial with other dogs. They also might see other household pets as game if the terrier is not socialized to get along.
Exercise – Low-ish. These terriers have short legs compared to their body, so they aren’t really built for running, jumping or other strenuous activities. Some short walks are still good for them, but he won’t stress you out everyday about it. In fact, it is said the Glen of Imaal Terriers tend to make up their own exercise, so if you have a yard, that would be good for them, too. (But have a good fence because they like to dig.)
Grooming – Low to moderate. A Glen’s outer coat will grow to 3-4″ if left unattended and it will matt, but this breed does not shed much.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs were originally bred in the 1600s to hold bulls for butchers, and later used for fighting, or “bullbaiting”. When fighting was outlawed, breeders bred Bulldogs with gentler temperaments to soften the breed. A Bulldog needs for:
Space – Low. A small but muscular dog, weighing in at 40 – 50 pounds, apartment living is fine, but avoid this breed if you have back problems.
Training – Low. An affectionate and very loyal dog, Bulldogs get along well with people, kids and other house pets.
Grooming – Low. A short hair dog, but they do require wrinkle cleaning of the folds on their face.
Exercise – Not a particularly active breed. However, these dogs can easily become obese, so a little exercise is good. Low intensity exercise only, like casual walks is recommended. In fact, because of its short muzzle, heavy exercise and exercise in hot weather can be a health hazard.
3. Puggle
A Puggle is considered a recent crossbreed (sometimes known as a “designer dog”) that is a mix of a Pug and a Beagle. He or she may be an original mix or a second or third generation. Puggles are low maintenance dogs that make excellent house pets. A Puggle needs for:
Space – Low. Puggles are smaller dogs (15 – 30 lbs, up to 15” in height), good for apartment or house life.
Training – Low. Puggles are laid-back and cheerful. They are sturdy and playful, but also affectionate, lap dogs. They pretty much get along everyone including children, other dogs and other family pets. They are also very loyal and eager to please their owners.
Exercise – Lowish. These dogs do have a little energy to work off (the Beagle in them) so occasional walks or a romp in the yard is good. On the other side, Puggles tire quickly and like to kick back. Additionally, because of its shorter nasal cavity (inherited from the Pug), long or strenuous workouts are a big no-no. This can cause trouble breathing or controlling body temperature.
Grooming – Low to moderate. They are generally low maintenance, but they shed quite a bit, especially in the spring. They may also need wrinkle cleaning depending how much Pug they inherited.
Cons –Because of the shorter nasal cavity, Puggles are a little more susceptible to heat stroke.
2. Rat Terrier
Sometimes also known as an American hairless terrier, the Rat Terrier was bred to control, guess what, rats…and any other vermin or game they could catch. Originally bred in England, they were common farm dogs in the US in the early 1900s and Teddy Roosevelt hunted with them often. A Rat Terrier needs for:
Space – Low. The upper weight limit for this guy is 25 pounds and a foot tall or less. Practically shoebox size. There is also a Miniature Rat Terrier that is under one foot and under 10 pounds.
Training – Low. Rat Terriers are friendly dogs that get along well with everyone: strangers, children, dogs, cats. They are generally cheerful but they can be very sensitive to changes in their environment, like increased activity or its owner’s mood. If you want to train him, he is very smart.
Exercise – Low. They love lounging on the sofa or in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Some occasional exercise, walking or playing in the yard, will occupy them.
Grooming – Low. These dogs have a smooth coat with little shedding.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it was discovered in 1850. Its breeding origins are uncertain, but assumed to be descendants of dogs of Chinese or Spanish explorers. A Chihuahua needs for:
Space – Minimal. Pretty much an indoor dog, 2 – 6 pounds, up to 9 inches high, can fit in your purse.
Training – Low. However, if you have other animals or kids, consider another dog or you may have a nervous breakdown on your hands. Chihuahua are fiercely loyal to one person but are often considered high-strung.
Grooming – Low. Both the short-hair and long-hair types require minimal grooming.
Exercise – Minimal. An occasional walkie is nice. But do not let them become overweight as it brings on serious health problems for this small breed.
Cons – Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies such as epilepsy and seizure disorders, hypoglycemia, heart problems, or collapsed trachea.
Contributor: Tracy from Exercise My Dog</a
awww so cute :]
I like number 10 the best
You can find purebred dogs at the shelters and almost all breeds have some sort of Rescue. We got one of our Airedales from a shelter, loved the breed so much we got another one from a Rescue. As our vet pointed out, you never know the true history. Our Rescue dog was rescued from a pet store by one of the Rescue volunteers. He was 4 months old when we got him. He has hip problems. The X-rays didn’t say exactly what the problem is and we have no clue as to what caused the problem.
Also to help with the vet costs I recommend Pet Insurance. We have it on both of our dogs and it has been wonderful. I would research the different types of insurance and see what works best for your dog and budget.
Oh and food. We do give our dogs Pedigree. We used to give them Eukenuba and Iams. Both of these our younger dog had trouble digesting and the stench from his stinky dog farts OMG! He does not have the same problem with the “fast food” and they do not poop all the time. I know this is not always typical for all dogs, but it works for us and our noses.
I grew up a dog lover, and my absolute favorite breed is is the chihuahua. My aunt has a chihuahua named Chico, and he goes absolutley nuts with excitement every time he sees me. He gets enough exercise just by chasing a ball, playing tug ‘o war with a pull rope, and basically just running whenever someone calls him. He is well trained, as he is trained to come to you when called, get into his bed when told, and housebroken. When he first met me, he was hostile and protective of my aunt and cousins, bust since then, he has become so familiar with me that he gets sad whenever I leae a room. My neighbor’s grondmother also has a chihuahua named Bambi, who did manage to get obese. I’m surprised that one is still alive.
while i agree with most of the choices on this list you are so incredibly wrong about rat terriers. i have an 8 year old rat terrier named mikey, who is actually sitting right next to me. everything you said about rat terriers is so wrong.
first, my dog is more hyperactive than most puppies. our backyard is not incredibly big [though it's not small either] but it is definitely not big enough for mikey. all he wants to do is run. almost every day he has about 30 minute where is gets extremely hyper & runs around at breakneck speeds. this even occurs after walks. mikey seems to have limitless energy. i’ve only met a few dogs that can outrun him because he is unbelievably fast and agile.
mikey is very territorial and is usually not receptive to strangers. in fact, whenever a stranger comes over to our house we have to put a leash on to stop him from attacking them [though if we are away from home he does not mind strangers]. he’s been none to nip at people and once bit the ups woman in the butt. also, if i let mikey around a cat or any other small animal i have no doubt in my mind that he would try to kill it as quick as he could. he’s killed a few of my brother’s mice. but that should be expected considering his breed was intended to keep farms free of rats.
also, mikey should have received more training as a puppy [which unfortunately i did not give him because i got him when i was 13 & did not fully realize the responsibility of being a dog guardian]. mikey knows how to sit, come, lay down, shake, roll over & dance yet he will only listen to my commands if he feels like it. if he’s not in the mood or if there’s not proper compensation for the tricks [i.e. treats] then he will not do any tricks. i don’t know if i have ever met a more willful and stubborn dog than mikey.
in short, i would never ever recommend a rat terrier to someone who is not willing to spend hour walking, training & socializing it.
I am getting a dog soon, and definately appreciate the reccomendations….. however…. some of those dogs are just FUGLY
the Bolognese looks so cute!
Allergic to cats so a lap dog is my choice. My husband likes bulldogs but we have a miniature, long haired dachshund.
That pug in the pic looks identical to my own – long and lanky, unlike most of the breed. And, yes, she’s fairly low maintenance (and stubborn). But you have to remember that breed characteristics are often guidelines rather than rules. For instance, my corgi is not particularly smart despite her herding bloodlines. Incidently, I don’t consider that a negative as she is easily amused and rarely gets bored (and as a result, destructive).
Should also be noted that large dogs tend to have shorter life spans.
Nice to see Chihuahua’s at #1. I adore my Chihuahua’s and love the fact they don’t require a lot, but give so much in return.
I currently have a purebred Sheltie that I adopted via a person I know at work who was the original breeder of my dog, and sold the puppy to somebody who ended up going through a divorce. I ended up getting the Sheltie for free, as I was wanting another dog after my Great Dane died. Goliath is a 40 pound dog, which is huge for a sheltie, that enjoys chasing the cat, fetching the ball, kong toy, and stuffed duck, barking out the window at all and sundry, and shedding shedding shedding over every last thing in my house. The breeder is very responsible, is properly registered, and is knowledgeable about the breed’s pros and cons. Goli is very hyper at times, and is not a good “lazy dog” though he is adapting to my behavioural patterns (and the cat’s!) and did very well with training. I would *not* recommend a Sheltie for a first-time owner, as they require a good deal of work and training, and a fair bit of brushing. He’s good with kids, but has a tendency to want to round them up if they’re running around loose. If I ever have kids, I know I’ll want him handy.
I would actually recommend a Great Dane to people who are stable emotionally and physically. My Dane was a rescue from the local humane society. He was 8.5 years old, so I knew I’d not have long with him. He was 125 lbs and his head came up to my hip (I’m 6’3″). At full standing his head was over mine. Very well-behaved, clean, and obedient, he was one of the best dogs I’ve ever owned. We were even featured in the local paper. Sadly, he developed metastastic bone cancer in the hind legs, and by the time I had him diagnosed, it was already beginning to spread to his chest. I had him euthanized the day of the diagnosis, as his quality of life would have suffered greatly within weeks. I only had him for six months. Despite such a short time, he touched my life and the lives of many of my friends.
Of all the dogs listed here, I would probably pick a greyhound, but the nasty winters in Kansas would require a sweater.
I do not think any one should advise people to completely stay away from pet stores! There are very sweet dogs that are for sell that go to very good homes. My parents bought my maltese dog from a local Petstore (Petland) 11 years ago. My dog is the most sweetest, friendly, loyal, easy to train dog that I’ve ever seen. Surprisingly, we never even had problems with my dog chewing on shoes and such!!! Til this day he is one-of-a-kind, we love him..he is such a fun and good dog.
bulldogs snore slobber and shed and romp
pugs can get fold problems and infections
all dogs are not for lazy people, unless it is stuffed
Dominique : You are fortunate. Petland is one of he worst offenders of purchasing puppy-mill puppies. Many puppy mills are actually USDA sanctioned and inspected… but with so many thousand puppy mills and only about 12 inspectors, many fall thru the cracks.
When you purchase a puppy from a pet store, that pup may cost, say, 800$. the store only payed about 150-200$ for the dog, and in turn, the distributor payed the breeder around 50-100$ for the puppy. This is why puppy mill shave to have so many dog s breeding so many puppies constantly…
SO when you purchase a pet store puppy, you DO save that one puppy… but you put money right back into the system that exploits, neglects, and discards dogs and puppies, because the laws classify all animals as property and not as individual, living beings with basic needs.
yes, there are animal cruelty laws. But if a dog is tied in a back yard, with a piece of cardboard propped against the shed, an oil pan with water, and a few kibbles thrown on the ground, it is considered “shelter, food & water” by animal control officials? If an aggressive, poorly socialized rottweiler slams into the gate every time children at a nearby bus stop get off the bus and walk by, it can be called in as a potential complaint, but so long as the dog does not escape the yard and mauls a child nothing can be done to ensure the public, and dog’s, own safety?
Remember – to say you love dogs is not reserved for just your own dog! Dogs are a man-made subspecies, and they are entirely reliant upon us. Juts because your little maltese is a great dog, and you love him, does not allow you to turn a blind eye to the thousands upon thousands of dogs and puppies exploited and neglected every year by puppy millers who provide puppies to pet stores. it’s beyond the “aww” factor and crosses into an illicit trade that is prevalent in such states as Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
Be an educated pet owner. Love, and protect, all dogs. We may not be able to stop what other people do to their dogs, but we can show them the more appropriate, ethical way to acquire and appreciate our doggie friends.
I have a Border Collie and love her immensely. She’s very protective and very, very smart. Wouldn’t trade her for the world, but I love my cat just as much. I just love all animals period.
This is a great list but being lazy is different for people. I wouldn’t want a bulldog b/c I like to jog in the Mon-Fri morning but like to lay around and watch tv or read after work. Love to sleep in Saturday-Sunday mornings. A lot of big breeds are pretty lazy as well like the Great Dane. Because of their big body and small heart, they don’t require a LOT of exercise and mostly are couch potatoes. The Mastiff and the Rottweiler can enjoy sitting round the house watching the time go by.
The French Bulldog and the Boston terrier are perfect couch potatoes.
Basset hound dog is another one that sits around but might be TOO lazy for some people.
The rat terrier should not be on that list. I’ve seen a lot of those and they are restless. They are the definition of “terrier”.
I want a puggle so badly.
I SOOOOO WANT A GREYHOUND! They are the perfect dogs, and they look a little cute. I have proof that they are 45 mile per hour couch potatoes. I love them for every thing. They are my favorite dog for now. A Golden Retreiver would be lame.
Actually the chihuahua is not the smallest dog in the world. In Malta, there is a dog called “Kelb tal-But” (meaning Pocket Dog), which can basically fit on your palm. It’s smaller than a chihuahua. There’s a picture of one on a stamp here: http://www.collectorstarget.com/malta0109.html
Bubina: Hehe, I thought you meant a picture of one of those dogs ON a stamp (for size comparison), not literally printed on the stamp.
My parents have a Chihuahua/Corgi cross (sounds weird, but she’s gorgeous) and she’s the smartest little dog I’ve seen. In her younger years she was a bit on the over-protective side and disliked small children quite intensely, but she’s overcome that (mostly through being thoroughly ignored by all visitors to the house!). These days she saves the viciousness for killing brushtail possums and mice
Rat terriers are not always friendly. I owned one for 10 years and he was vicious to everyone except our family. They are smart and require little grooming,but can be high energy. I currently own 2 Italian Greyhounds and they make ideal pets. They are small 8-16 lbs and require little grooming. They rarely bark and have good dispositions towards humans and other animals. I also have a Corgi & a Great Dane. The Dane is low energy and requires moderate walking. The Corgi is smart,but has a lot of quirks and barks a lot. She is very friendly with humans,but not so good with other animals. Sometimes it is not just the breed that needs to be looked at but the individual animal- they’re all different.
Omigosh, that bulldog! I use to have four bulldogs, they are the sweetest and cutest things. I never met an unfriendly bulldog. (OR pitbull OR rottweiler). Oh that puggle, I just want to hug it forever!
Came across this website and am desperate for someone to try to give me insight …. about 3yrs ago I was given a long haired chihuaha(however you spell it) long story but instead of giving her to the humane society I decided to keep her …she was very malnutritioned-underweight and not taken care of , she was left in her crate for 8 hours a day and very unsocialble . When she came to me I was the only one she would respond to and would snap at my other dog and my two kids .. after about 8-9 months she began to trust them and she no longer behaves that way …she is somewhat territorial to me and will really only listen to me which causes a problem when I am at work … My husband and I have very odd schedules (shift work I change weekly) but we do out best to always keep them trained … my other dog is fine, we have had him since he was a puppy … My complaint is that she pees and poops everywhere!! I can’t even buy her beds anymore because she will pee in it and then sleep in it. It is driving me crazy …. I cannot have area rugs down, if the kids allow her in their room she will pee on their bed and blankets … I know she wasn’t trained properly but I am at my wits end with this …. I keep her crated when necesary but she will not listen when others tell her to go outside only when I do it. She will go and hide , I can see her scared alot and we have given her nothing but love, but I don’t know how to re-train her. To have to come home and find that she has used the bathroom everywhere is frustrating. I love her and refuse to find another home, but what can I do at this point?? I always thought dogs didn’t sleep where they used the bathroom and she will, its like she doesn’t know any better. I know she is going on 4yrs old ( I got her when she had just turned a yr.) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry to let you know that this picture you have for Japanese Chin is more likely the picture of a poorly bred Pekingese. Japanese Chin don’t come with a solid color coat. They are black and white, red and white, tan and white, or cream and white. You can check out a breed picture by looking at http://www.akc.org (American kennel Club)
Regi Goodhall
Peke N Chin Midwest
Hi, I recently found a stray dog and took it to the vet for a microchip scan. My vet said that while there is no chip, she believes the pup to be a six month old Besinge. I tried to research the breed online, but come up with nothing. Does anyone know what the hell a Besinge is?? I just want some info on tempermant and things that this site apparently offers to every breed EXCEPT for Besinge ha ha.
Thanks!!
Try googling basenji. Is that was the dog looks like? Maybe that can help with your search on that site.
*what not was
You honestly think a rat terrier does not need a lot of exercise! They are terriers! They need tons of exersice and if you do not give it to them you will find your house a mess when you get home from work. They get bored easily and will get into everything if you are not careful.
Heh. Puggles are platypus’ young.
1. I’m glad you have greyhounds on your list but seriously it needs to be higher on the list as they are LAZY… and cool.
2. Puggles are not a breed… they’re a bitza basically they are not officially recognised by any known organization… so they qualify as MUTT!!!! not a breed!!!!
3. Rat terriers… are crazy. they seriously get bored. and dig holes. all the time. and then bark.
It would be the laziest IF it was stuffed.
Oh and I couldn’t walk sally for twenty minutes if I tried (I walk down to the end of the road and back and she is crying out CARRY ME!!! me tired!!!)
(I own two greyhounds and work at a boarding kennel… so I know dogs…)
Rat terriers are easy if you keep everything they might want to chew way out of reach and have a big yard with an 8ft non-climbable fence. Mine can scale a chain-link of any height and will then run wildly down the street at 30 miles per hour. They were bred with whippets and Italian greyhounds and they’re incredibly fast. They do need exercise; they’re hunting/herding animals.
Mine is a fantastic pet but you should know that they’re sensitive, smart and more challenging than the article describes. They shed quite a bit, actually.
But they never, ever smell bad. Mine is sooo loyal and protective of me and my kids and has the brevity of a rottweiler. She never fails to alert me when there’s a stranger approaching. She’s very social with other dogs and people (after she’s properly introduced). She’s great with my youngest girl who was a toddler when we got our dog.
i totally agree when it comes to a chihuahua, a lazy person likes sleeping most of the time, you will be awakened all the time by a chihuahua who will usually bark at anything & anyone
I want 1, 3, 5, 9 and 10!!!!
i disagree whit everything exept the bull mastiff. i own alot of dogs, that are known as “the bully breeds”such as a rottweiler,mastiff,doberman,and pit bull.the never touched anyone in a bad way so if u are looking 4 a good family dog that is a good selection
Personally, I don’t think I will ever own another breed than a bulldog. I have an American Bulldog and he has THE BEST temperament. I know that each dog is different, but any strain of Mastiff/Molosser makes for such a calm dog. He def needs reg exercise but after a good long walk, he is calm and lovable. He has no breathing problems because he does not have a pushed in nose. He rarely barks. The only cons: drool and gas. *We recently switched foods and the gas is getting better
PS- You really shouldn’t own a dog unless you intend on giving it some kind of exercise.
94. blynn
Have you noticed your dogs eating habits? Perhaps he’s scarfing down the food, swallowing air as well as food. That was an issue with a lot of my foster dogs…a behavior that was hard to break since prior to coming home, they weren’t sure when they’d see as much food again. Change of diet is a good start. Another thing we tried at the foster program was larger chunks of food (I forget the brand but they were roughly charcoal size dry foods) that they had to chew first. There’s a food bowl with these plastic rods in the middle…again forgot the name, sorry… it forces the dog to maneuver around the obstructions and they have to take more time to eat. Hope your dog’s gas issue gets better!
we have a dachsund-minpin mix (we think- shes a rescue) and she’s amazing.
Recommend that cross-breed to anyone
Thanks for making this list. I am now on the search for finding myself a Puggle. Pretty sure that’s the cutest dog I’ve ever seen! Haha.
And I currently have 3 chihuahuas. And have had many, many others throughout the years (My mom loves them) and they are very low-maintenance, and very loyal dogs. BUT, the rumors are true, THEY ARE ANKLE BITERS! But that is mostly when they are young and can be trained out of it.
I happen to own 3 pugs, and in my opinion they are one of thee most wonderful dogs anybody can have. they love to be around you, and they are such clowns, they will make you laugh all the time ! some downers are they have breathing problems because of the shaped snout. so yes, they do snore ALOT. and easily run out of breathe when running and playing around. also, they need to be in a cool area. can’t be left outside all day, they can very very easily get a heatstoke. it’s just making sure you are a responcible pet owner, and they will be amazing pets.
i wondered how much a bolognese puppy cost and i would like to get one.
That Glen of Imaal picture is mine, of my dog.
You may not use it without crediting me. Please link it to my flickr page (from which you lifted the picture).
I read a list similar to this one that had a Dachshund on it so I got a Dachshund……..IF YOU WANT A CALM, QUIET, LAZY,LAP DOG…DO NOT GET A DACHSHUND. they are good guard dogs despite their size, though.
I have to disagree with the Rat Terrier being for lazy people. I have a Rat-Terrier/Beagle mix (AKA Raggle, but I call mine a Brat) and she is very high strung. Although I went through obedience training she still does not listen especially when she is focused on something. I wanted to small to medium size dog with some activity but this mix is way to active and does not know how to relax. She is always on guard and constantly follows me around. I might have to trade this dog in for a different, lower maintenance dog.
@Juggz I have 2 ferrets and they are amazing, i also wanted a ferret after watching Beastmaster! I hope you get the chance to own some fuzzies, they are just incredible. and again, they are NOT low maintenance. lol
انا ساكن في بيت جن في حارة القبع بريد الالكتروني هو 1230 انا بدي نوع الكلب (בישון פריזה ) انا ساهديه الى اختي في عيد ميلادها الجميل وشكرا على المقع
I’m surprised you’d put a chihuahua on this list. They are very hard to house-train. Otherwise YEAH, of course they are easy to care for since they are so tiny. But I thought training was part of your criteria for the list ?
#90 thanks for the rat terrier info, I’ve always thought they were so charming and adorable. The way you described yours in the first few sentences made me laugh out loud ! Sounds great too, despite the high energy,
I like da goggies. My goggy doesnt bite, but sometimes he does.
i have a white german shepherd,2 rottweilers and 2 english mastiffs personally i think they can kick any dogs ass my german shepherd is all muscle for 9 months and 85pounds his parents were both 150 so yeah both my rotties kick ass i seen it before against 2 pitbulls adn they r only 12 months old… but if i had to choose a dog from here a bullmastiff rocks my dad has 4 and they r big babies until i go there then one gets really mean against everyone so yeah my dogs rock all of these dogs off this list.
I recommend to anyone that will listen to get a pug, they are so loving. I adopted mine and I have not regretted getting her. My partner did not want a dog at all because we live in an apartment in a hot part of australia, but yet she loves it. Climbs all over the furniture and us and I’ve had her for nearly 4 yrs and have never EVER heard her bark, dead serious never. My partner has and he said it was so soft that he barely heard it. She is so easy to look after and loves laying in the air-conditioning eating a bone, and I definitely think if you are looking into getting a dog you should think bout a pug, just dont feed them to much I’ve seen some stupid ppl over feeding their pugs, Great site by the way love it.
I have a Japenese Chin, I have had him almost two years now and he is absolutly the most amazing dog ever. His name is Buddy. He has just here recently started becoming more vocal, we have had nice weather so I have had windows open and he occasionally barks. He is not very loud and does shed year around but is a fantastic dog. I have never had a problem with him bitting at people, even if you are playing he does not bite hard if he accidently gets ahold of your finger or something. He is very loving and follows me all over the house. His fur is either not quite as long as some of the other chins in some picture or not as fluffy. He is a fairly clean dog, I bathe him once monthly (there really is no need to any more often than that). He doesn’t really smell either. I could go on and on about how much I love him and how great of a dog he is!
Erin, you are 100% correct about rat terriers. Mine is 10 and is just now slowing down due to arthritis. They are high energy dogs – not as high energy as a lab, but they still need a good amount of exercise. They also have a VERY high prey drive and will chase (and strike) anything that runs. They are highly intelligent, but will use their powers for evil instead of good. They will learn things you don’t want them to know, like how to get into a locked trash can and roll your automatic car windows down. Mine once tricked my stepfather, who was in the middle of eating a steak, into thinking he had to be let out to go to the bathroom. My stepfather can’t move very fast (and the dog knows this) so when he got to the door, my dog ran over and snatched his unguarded steak and ran for it. They are comical little dogs, but they need a good amount of exercise. They will chase anything (squirrels, cats, small children) and will bite once they catch up. Mine HATES kids and will bite them for no reason. I have no idea why he’s like that, but he’s been doing it since he was seven weeks old. But yeah, definitely NOT a low energy dog. Also, they may have short hair but they shed like a mofo. All year long. This breed has sensitive skin too; mine has quite a few contact allergies.
Ratties come in different sizes too. Mine is 27lbs (yes, he’s chubby) and stands 17″ at the shoulder.
“…taking the dog to the groomers bi-weekly…”
However did dog owners of centuries gone find meet that all-important bi-weekly grooming requirement? Please, dogs aren’t human; and they aren’t fragile unless we make them so.
I’ve had my dog for 6 years from a local pet store in a small town. He’s supposedly a schnauzer poodle mix and hasn’t had any problems,I’ve heard that schnauzers are pretty healthy breeds and hes the laziest, sweetest dog i know but has his hyper moments.
btw he lives up to his name Buddy, hes always there for me.
I have dog***** imbedded in my persian rugs the whole time, i wanted my wife to get rid of the damn mut…..:( then i find out she thinks the dog ***** is a therapeutic smell to have in our dining room..yuckkk. I cant take much more of it and if she continues to eat the cat*****, then there is another divorce to add to the statistics i seen here somewhere. Her breath is grotesque:((( Help!!!!!!!!!
I seriously wish I could have a Greyhound, they’re just the awesomest, but they need more than just twenty-thirty minutes of walking a day, they need the possibility of running in a fenced in area every so often, and although there’s a huge area just outside my backyard, there’s too big a chance a bike is going to come by or that she’ll see a golf-ball flying over the golf-course and decides to chase it. And there’s nothing more grumpy than a golfer with a dog on his course, believe me.
I hate them. Glad I stole some of their balls. 
Good toys for my dog, too.
Since none of these dogs then completely fit what I need, does anyone know a dog breed which can do with a ten minute run in a small yard (for a big dog, for a rabbit, rather big) in the morning, can be alone for eight hours a day, and can then do with a twenty-thirty minutes walk in the afternoon? And I really mean walk, I hate jogging and rarely run unless I’m in a hurry. It also has to be good with strangers, as I have a really big family.
And please don’t warn me about puppy-mills, they can’t exist where I live, because it’s illegal to sell puppies in pet-stores and forbidden to sell them under the age of eight weeks.
Thank you.
Puppy mills don’t necessarily sell pups in shops – they simply offer puppies and some breeders can also sell the occasional “accidents” or not always register the puppies. At öleast around here they have to work in secrecy, even though it doesn’t always seem like they are.
Anyway,
every dog neesd excercise. As a puppy they demand multiple different types of movement and varying terrains to get healthy muscles and bones. As adults they need to move not just to stay healthy but to be active – it’s never good to teach a dog to be a coacb potato. (As it’s not good for humans either)
The occasional walk is never enough. They need to be able to run, climb, play and hopefully even have a puppy. A dogs activity should meet it’s breeding background. This also means that not all work is physical – they need to activate their noses and brains. It’s important for any dog.
If you ask me, a lazy person shouldn’t take a dog at all.
(I’m not saying you should do all sorts of stuff all of the time with a dog that is not built for working. I’m saying it’s better for the dog if they get enough activity in their life.)
Holy ***** my text above has a serious error. I’m thinking and writing different things. I didn’t mean to say they “hopefully even have have a puppy” – it is supposed to say “hobby”.