Top 10 Dogs for Lazy Owners
Published on December 21, 2007 - 80 Comments
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’s needs for:
Space - Minimal. A good apartment dog. This toy breed has a sturdy body and weighs up 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’s 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 can be traced to ancient Egypt and Greece and have often been used for hunting and herding throughout history. The Greyhound’s need 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” then 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-1800 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’s 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 quiet 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’s 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 to 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 a working dog from Ireland bred for hunting vermin, badger-baiting and hunting fox. The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s need 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 socialize 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’s needs for:
Space – Low. A small but muscular dog, weighing in at 40 – 50 pounds, apartment living is fine, but avoid if you 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 particular 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’s 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’s 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 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 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’s 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
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1. Juggz - December 21st, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I never realized how ugly some dogs were….
2. Ravyn - December 21st, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Juggz: HAHA…I hear ya on that.
If you want a real low maintenance pet…get a cat. Don’t need much room (They find their own little hidey-holes. They usually train real easy, as in here is where you potty. Only need to groom them if they are long haired. And no excersize required. Most make great companions and will lay with you.
3. Juggz - December 21st, 2007 at 3:38 pm
I know its not low maintenance but I have always wanted a ferret, well 2 actually ever since I saw Beastmaster for the first time they have always been my dream pet.
4. 20Fan20 - December 21st, 2007 at 3:40 pm
excellent list, as a dog owner these are the dogs for me!
We have a Chihuahua and a Chihuahua/Terrier mix.
Both dogs love the attention but are happiest just hanging out next to you. They are easy to keep in shape and keep healthy.
They can be yippie when under stress or not happy. Our Chihuahua is happy in her room and only comes out when she wants to be social. Note, she is not too tolerant of little kids.
Our mix is always out with us and is fine with kids.
Great dogs for those owners who may love dogs but don’t hold them on a pedastool equal to a child. No offense is meant by that last comment just acknowledging different types of owners.
5. 20Fan20 - December 21st, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Juggz, I had two ferrits a long time back. I did not enjoy them as pets. For some reason we got a pair and one would bite no matter how we tried to break them of the habit. Granted there is a pet for everyone and I had a friend who loved hers. I would not call these guys low maintenance.
And for the record I too saw beastmaster, mine never stole keys for me!
6. newsong - December 21st, 2007 at 4:05 pm
We have a Chihuahua named Carlos.
I really like the idea of a Puggle though, perhaps I’ll think about that for our next dog.
7. Juggz - December 21st, 2007 at 4:08 pm
If i had to pick one of these a bulldog would be at the top, but yah i still want ferrets more!
8. Nelia - December 21st, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I have been thinking about getting a beagle, because my fiance and I will probably end up living in apartments for at least a few more years. We wouldn’t want a golden retriever or huskie cooped up in a little place. I don’t normally find little dogs appealing, but the beagle seems about the right size. The puggle is awfully cute, but why deal with the potential inherited pug health problems when you can just get a very similar looking beagle? Beagles have some joint and eye problems, but I don’t think breeding with a pug would eliminate those…
9. SubliminalDeath666 - December 21st, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Dogs rule. Cats suck ass. End of story.
P.S. The “Puggle” is adorable! ^_^
10. Yarr - December 21st, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Nelia:
Beagles are a royal pain in the ass, especially if you live in an apartment. I had a roomate that had one a few years ago. I didn’t have the roomate long.
They are stubborn and don’t take kindly to housetraining (or any other training for that matter). They don’t bark. They bay. Loudly.
They are bred for hunting, and if they don’t have open space to run around in, they tend to get destructive.
They are very sweet, loving dogs and sre good with kids, but I wouldn’t have one in an apartment, they’re just too loud and messy.
11. angelina - December 21st, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Juggz: I love the Beastmaster! That takes me back. . . Forget the ferrets, I want one of those guys after they drop the leech in his ear . . .on a leash of course!
Oh yeah, good list, also!
12. MadBess - December 21st, 2007 at 4:57 pm
My friend has a bulldog and she is wonderful, but I don’t think they are low maintenance dogs. They have a lot of breathing problems and snore really loud. In fact bulldogs are used to make goblin noises in movies. They also have to be artificially inseminated if you are going to breed them because apparently “doggy style” can give them a heart attack. This is what my friend says anyway.
13. teacherman - December 21st, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Yes Pugs!
14. SubliminalDeath666 - December 21st, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Yarr: I agree cause I used to have a beagle but he died 2 years ago.
Anyways, we have a big yard so he really wasn’t such a pain in the ass and yes they are good with children, he was very caring and protective for my little sister. These dogs cannot be living in an apartment! BAD IDEA! Unless you’re insane and love annoying dogs. In the end, these unbearable dogs tend to give you a sad puppy face 
and then you feel bad cause you acted like such a dick, and then you approach them and give ‘em a hug and forgive them for ripping your favorite shirt into little pieces…………
P.S. Instead of barking they do like this fusion of a howl and a bark (a browl or a hark0, it’s wierd I know.
15. SubliminalDeath666 - December 21st, 2007 at 5:06 pm
hark** not hark0, that was a typo
16. Cyn - December 21st, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Sub..cats do not suck ass. they bite your ass. scratch up your sofa and eat your favorite sweaters. aside from that..they are truly lovable creatures!
lets not make this into a ‘dog vs. cat’ debate, k?
*sigh*
17. Juggz - December 21st, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Cyn: your sighing a lot today, have you had a bad day?
18. Ravyn - December 21st, 2007 at 5:17 pm
My cats are wonderful. But so are dogs. I have cats. If I were to ever get a dog, I would get a mini doberman. Those little things are cute but extremely hyper. They would fit fine with my kids on that aspect.
19. Cyn - December 21st, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Juggz…not really. apparently in ’sighing’ mode.
LOL
WTF that means.
20. TerranRich - December 21st, 2007 at 5:47 pm
An excellent and VERY useful list. If I were getting a dog, this list would help me tremendously. Great job!
21. LordCalvert - December 21st, 2007 at 5:49 pm
i have a shih tzu that’s anything but high maintenance. i get his hair cut about once a month and that eliminates the long hair/brushing problem. plus who wants one of those long haired show dog looking shih tzus anyways. that said, he’s the sweetest calmest laziest little fella around. he actually inspired my friend to get one. now he has 3.
22. dave - December 21st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Chihuahua not the smallest dog. Top place goes to the teacup Yorkie.
23. suzi - December 21st, 2007 at 5:58 pm
My daughter just got a Puggle. She’s adorable, and her training is coming along well.
However, from the Beagle side she has a thing called Cherry Eye, with a red bulb of eyelid popping up from the bottom of both eyes. It can be surgically fixed, but at risk to the dog and expensive.
Something to know ahead of time.
It kind of spoils the adorable look of the dog. We all still love her, but you get tired of hearing “OMG! What’s wrong with it’s eyes” and having to explain again and again. Good news is untreated it is not a problem for the god.
And we just love her.
24. suzi - December 21st, 2007 at 5:59 pm
How’s that for a typo? I meant dog, not god.
25. smac - December 21st, 2007 at 6:24 pm
That Bolognese is really cute.
26. Mav - December 21st, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I think… The Puggle has becoming my favorite Dog breed EVER!!!!
27. 20Fan20 - December 21st, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Suzi: no it does not seem to be a typo, I am pretty sure no god has a problem with some dogs eyeball!!!! LOL I could not resit.
28. GTA - December 21st, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I have a pug. She’s actually quite active. Always grabbing the leash wanting a walk
29. roxy - December 21st, 2007 at 9:15 pm
although this is a good list, it disturbs me. terribly. i am a veterinary technician. (which is an RN for animals) and it does not matter what breed of dog people have-they can all be neglected, abused, and discarded.
first off- the picture you have for a japanese chin is in fact a pekingese… this is a japanese chin…
http://www.pedigreedatabase.co.....e_chin.jpg
many of these breeds are completely plagued by congenital defects that can be costly to fix, or even regulate so the dog has some form of a normal existence.
every bulldog is born by c-section. the breed rarely lives past 9, has horrific breathing problems, is extremely flatulent, is prone to skin disorders and back injuries, as well as elbow displasia and eye problems. we actually call buulldogs ‘the rich person’s dog” because their basic care costs so much momey. oh-and they often need their rectums wiped after defecating because their tails are so cork-screwed they develop nasty infection by their anus, fun times with a dog.
a chihuahua is also plagued by genetic problems-open fontanels, luxating patellas, and a tendency towards over=protectiveness. (although i believe this is more due to poor socialization than poor breeding).
i volunteer with our local greyhound rescue. this breed is a delight! they have problems too-they are predisposed to bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and race-related injuries that bother them throughout life.
a puggle is not a breed! it is a mutt that combines the problems of the beagle and the pug!
pugs are cute, but have big problems with hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin problems. many have a great life despite these physical discomforts.
a bullmastiff is a strong-willed dog that requires an owner already familiar with dog behavior. they need an assertive, but fair, owner.
regardless of what dog you get, ALL DOGS NEED TRAINING! dogs are puppies for 3 years, at least. just because they are adult size by the time they are 1 or 2, they are still developing socially and mentally. kinda like most teenage humans-we don’t truly reach any modicum of social maturity until we are in our late 20 / early 30’s.
all dogs must know, and reliably execute, the commands Come! Sit! Down! Stay! Heel! and a release command, such as Mine! or Give!
i am more cautious around a chihuahua or italian greyhound than a rottweiler. the worst bite i ever received was by a rotti, but the most humbling (and injuring) bite was from a mini pin. too many people get the teensy dogs and think they are animated toys and disregard the fact they are still DOGS and deserve to be respected as such.
my suggestion/ go to your local pound, humane society, or shelter. adopt a dog slated for death. you’ll be doing you both a favor. many organization actually have counselors who will assist you in choosing the right dog, since they are familiar with each animal’s personality.
never buy from a pet store or dog kennel! stay away from backyard breeders! only professional breeder sand hobby breeders are good sources for dogs.
you see, backyard breeders often don’t know what they are doing, pet stores sell puppy-mill puppies, and professional/hobby breeders actually participate in dog sports and strive to improve the genetic vigor of their breeds by meticulous genetic screening to lessen the probability they will produce puppies with congenital defects. they want to improve the breed, not make $$$. (which is why a backyard breeder will sell a German Shepherd Dog for 500$ with papers, and a pro breeder will sell a show-quality dog at 1500$ and a pet quality one at 300$)
hope this helps. please educate yourselves before making a life-long commitment. dogs are sentient living beings that deserve our respect, time, and love. those emotions should not fade with time, age, or a lifestyle change.
roxy
p.s. i recently lost the love of my life, my Y Z. he was only 9 and had an aggressive cancer that took him away from me within 4 months of diagnosis. he was an Australian Cattle Dog. i shared every waking moment of my life with him, taking him to work, doing deliveries, teaching class. everyone should have that relationship-and it is completely built on trust. and becoming bi-lingual in dog.
30. sdggrant - December 21st, 2007 at 11:14 pm
God English Bulldogs are the best. My father used to breed them back when he was in the marine corps. There was only one things wrong with their description… Bulldogs are VERY HARD to train. Imagine a donkey, now put it in a dogs body. They are very loyal and kind-hearted, I’ve seen babies yank them around by the ear and the dogs only reaction was to lick its face, but, try to teach a bulldog to “sit” or “shake-hands”!!! It would probably be easier to teach him the alphabet. I’ve had many dogs my life, but my bulldog, Smedly, is probably the nicest dog out of all of them.
31. sdggrant - December 21st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Roxy, not ALL bulldogs are born by c-section, but the majority are. But yeah, they do have many breathing problems and skin issues, especially around the ears. For anyone who wants to buy a Bulldog, you should research the breeder first because many “dog farms” breed dogs that are closely related, which over a few generations can leads to more frequent imperfections which can hit you in the wallet for thousands of $$$.
32. Miss Destiny - December 22nd, 2007 at 12:11 am
I think the Puggle is pretty much the cutest thing I have ever seen. Someday when I live somewhere that allows pets I will look into owning one. I’ve never owned a dog and these seem like good breeds to start with! (My real dream doggie is a Husky or a Chow though!)
33. Einstein217 - December 22nd, 2007 at 12:37 am
I owned a Ridgeback and he spent 23 hours sleeping, 5 minutes eating and 55 minutes in the backyard. 110 pounds of canine sloth. Couldn’t ask for for a better dog for my lazy ass. My wife then bought a Jack Russell. That dog never slept. Most hyper breed I had ever seen.
My sister in law has two pugs. They require the most attention for a dg I’ve ever seen.
34. el duderino - December 22nd, 2007 at 12:54 am
So all the women I see carrying these wee beasts with their little matching sweaters are not neurotic, just lazy. That’s a relief.
35. Tyree - December 22nd, 2007 at 1:29 am
I absolutely love Bullmastiffs. They are pretty much the best dog ever. Lazy animals, though. XD
36. boo - December 22nd, 2007 at 1:32 am
my husband got a dog; i didnt want one. i hate her and him a little bit now. i hate my life.
37. sdggrant - December 22nd, 2007 at 1:42 am
Miss Destiny, I highly recommend that you dont get a husky or a chow as your first dog, they are very hard to control and tempermental. A puggle would be a good first choice though.
38. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:19 am
I have a 6-month old Doberman.
She’s awesome.
Anyone have any idea on what to do with 20+ lbs of dog shit every 3 days?
I’m serious.
39. kikiam - December 22nd, 2007 at 4:32 am
yarr: fertilizer?
love dogs!!!
40. Mikerodz - December 22nd, 2007 at 4:52 am
My dog is Samoyed. I honestly don’t know anything about this breed. The only thing I know is It gave our family so much love and happiness.
41. roxy - December 22nd, 2007 at 7:37 am
Yarr- what are you feeding that puppy fo her to be defecating so much??? a good quality dog food ( such as Science Diet, Nutro, or any organic food, such as Solid Gold, Innova, or Cornucopia will be much better utilized by your dog’s digestive system than, say, Pedigree. as a matter of fact, we call supermarket brand dog foods “fast food” for dogs.
remember that feces is just the waste that a dog can’t digest. i feed Solid Gold and my dogs poop once a day. their bodies just use all the nutrients and energy from their food, so there is little waste.
Boo- having a dog is like having a baby-t is a family decision. if you hate the dog, your relationship will be tainted and the dog will not respect you, which will lead to problems. eventually you will likely get rid of the animal.
roxy
42. Hitesh - December 22nd, 2007 at 8:16 am
Number 7 looks like he’s got a cocaine habit.
43. nellerbear - December 22nd, 2007 at 9:10 am
Yarr-Technically a dog should be defecating right after they wake up (after THEY wake up) and 20 minutes after eating (this is from the gastro-colon reflex). Also, do you just leave the food on the ground all day? You may want to put down a premeasured amount of food twice a day for lets say 10 minutes. If the dog doesn’t come, it doesn’t eat until the next time, you’ll quickly train the dog to eat when you want it to, and most importantly, NO PEOPLE FOOD!
44. Juggz - December 22nd, 2007 at 9:41 am
Roxy: according to your description of professional/hobby breeders, they sound like hitler for dogs trying to improve a race or something. just my 2 cents, but buy whatever the hell type of dog you want from wherever you want. pets shouldnt be expensive to buy. Most my life i lived with pets we got from the front of grocery stores where people were giving them away. they never had any problems medically and most lived long natural lives
45. kittym - December 22nd, 2007 at 9:47 am
Very nice list! I’m such a dog person, and I love learning about different breeds. I live with my brother (pathetic, I know), and we have two dogs: my dog, Barney, is half golden retriever half doofus, and the absolute love of my life. He’s lazy when I am, energetic when I am, and friendly with everyone. On the other hand, my brother’s dog, Lulu, is a jack russell, and is the most hyper-energenic dog I have ever met. The thing does. not. sleep. Drives me absolutely batty, but she’s cute and cuddly when you can get her to sit down for five minutes, so I forgive her.
Also, Lulu is Numero Uno Dog … can push Barney around like it’s nothing, even though Barney himself has chew toys larger than the furry little fiend. Just goes to show how lovable my big dopey boy really is!
46. nelia - December 22nd, 2007 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the beagle advice. I took care of one for my neighbors and he was a sweetheart. Very energetic, but I love playing with dogs and walking them to give us both exercise. He only bayed once and awhile though, and he was happy to sit on the couch with me when I didn’t feel like playing. So I guess he was a particularly well-behaved beagle. I’ll be cautious.
47. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 10:50 am
Guys, I feed her twice a day with expensive food I get from the vet. Measured cups, no grazing. She doesn’t go often, but at 6 months old she’s already 45 lbs and when she goes it’s a Pringles can. She’s fine. I had just cleaned the yard before I posted that, so…
48. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 10:57 am
Nelia-
Don’t get me wrong, beagles are fun and very sweet. They just have a tendency to be stubborn, and for apartment living, might not be the best choice. Ultimately, your dog is what you make him, so just be careful. Be really selective with your breeder. Stay far away from pet stores; and be prepared to give the puppy more time and attention than you think is possible.
Our dobie is the most lovable little pain in the butt I have ever known!
49. Kelsi - December 22nd, 2007 at 11:49 am
I’m glad Roxy posted that first comment…the way this list could be read, you know, lazy people just shouldn’t get a dog! You should have said low-maintenence perhaps instead. And she’s right, a lot of the smaller dogs or unusual looking dogs have a lot of health problems. Dogs look like dogs for a reason… =P Anyway, still and interesting list.
50. Rosa - December 22nd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Tee-hee, I have a chihuahua named Homer who weighs about 2 lbs,and true to this list, he just about has a heart attack every time someone gets closer than 5 feet from me, except with my dad, he can’t even step into the same room without Homer going crazy.
51. Bacon - December 22nd, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Some family friends had two Chihuahuas and they were complete opposites. One was named Dolly, and she was the sweetest dog you ever met.
The other was Tiggy, and he did not care much for anyone. He bit every human he could find. Thankfully though, he got hit by a car.
52. sdggrant - December 22nd, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Not to be totally racist, But if you live in southern california, Yarr, you can usually find some illegal who will do it for like 30 a week. One of my comunity gardners (he an illegal) stops by my house 3 times a week and picks up the dog doo-doo. I pay him $30 a week and then we drink a beer or two and talk for a few minutes, and he is happier then hell to do it. Down here in Orange County, there is always a crowd of illegals infront of Home Depot or Lowes, and my buddy usually picks one up here and there to clean out his back yard (4 german shepards) and the worker is usually happy to make a few bucks without back-breaking labor.
Before anybody jumps down my neck, I didn’t mean that to be disrespectful. I’ve had the same gardeners for 5 years, and I would consider us friends, not good friends, but friends.
53. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I don’t mind picking it up. I have a kick-ass scooper that looks like the head of a T-Rex and makes short work of it. It’s just what to do with it when I’m done…
I’m too old to fling it at pedestrians from a moving car. When you’re 15 that’s mischeif. When you’re 32 it’s just disturbing.
I thought about tossing it over my neighbor’s fence for a laugh, but that idea got nixed by my better half. Something about how we have to live next to these people and don’t want to have enemies… Blah Blah Blah.
I even though about mailing some to our mayor to let him know how much I appreciate the job he’s doing, but I thought they might take it the wrong way and I don’t want to go to jail.
So I just put it in the trash can and let the truck take it on Friday. Not the most entertaining method, but it is efficient.
54. roxy - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Juggs- i have always enjoyed your comments and am often brought to deep thought or even a hard-core laugh by your comments.
you are correct about the “hitler” reference. but lets review some facts;
all dog breeds where created by selective breeding for a certain task. some breeds, such as the Saluki, Husky, and Tibetan Mastiff are breeds that where influenced heavily by their geographic isolation. (meaning that the only
other dogs to breed with where dogs that had evolved to perform, and survive, int their harsh environments.)
at some point int time, most notably the Victorian period, only the very rich or well-to-do could afford a pure-bred dog. this was deemed as a status-symbol and was encouraged by people who felt that “blue-bloods” and other people born into wealth had more intrinsic value to society than lowly commoners. (which we all know now to be rubbish)
like all things, what the rich have is coveted by the poor, and it was the same with dogs. (and presently shark-fin soup) so when a person was able to acquire a pure-bred dog, and the prestige associated with that dog, they had a higher feeling of worth. these people joined other people that where not so well educated in maintaining the dog’s natural abilities or instincts, and began to breed for a specific look. many breeds have been completely crippled by the ignorant breeding practices of common-people. not deliberately, of course, but simply because they valued appearance over true working ability and had little knowledge of the importance of genetic vigor.
the history of the pure-bred dog is vibrant, colorful, and quite interesting. i love and adore all dogs, although there are some breeds i would not personally own. i love mixed-breeds too, because a dog’s personality is far more valuable to me than their appearence. although i am partial to herding, or pastoral, dog breeds.
so many breeds are so plagued by genetic problems that only though the diligent, premeditated,and informed proper breeding practices conducted by professionals can rid our favorite breeds of these genetic problems.
in the wild, a wolf with hip dyslpasia simply couldn’t keep up with the pack and would die. A dingo with a malabsorption disorder would die before it reached the age of sexual maturity. Thereby, these animals would not be likely to propagate the doomed genes that cause these conditions.
a German Shepherd Dog who has a beautiful coat and conformation, but a congenital digestive disorder, may be bred and propagate the condition to a whole new generation. which could lead to a short, painful life span of future dogs, and the emotional, and financial burdens that effect the owners of a dog with a genetic disorder.
pet stores almost exclusively sell puppies from mass-producing places, such as puppy-mills or backyard breeders. think about it-what person, dedicated and who truly loves their breed and is advocate for proper pet ownership, would
a.) sell their puppies to a store 5 states away
b.) ship their infant puppies, at 8 weeks of age or younger, on a flight
c.) and then no longer be concerned where those puppies end up?
keep in mind, that over 1/3 of all dogs in shelters are pure-breds.
our society is too “throw-away” and what do we expect from a culture where 50% of all marriages end in divorce, over 7 million people declare bankruptcy every year, and there is no such thing as job security?
just my 4 cents!
p.s. i still appreciate all you comments and hope you research the history of dogs more thoroughly… try ” A Dog’s History of America: How Our Best Friend Explored, Conquered, and Settled a Continent” by Mark Derr, “The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People by James Serpell, and “Dogs in Antiquity: Anubis to Cerberus the Origins of the Domestic Dog” by Douglas J. Brewer.
me thinks these are all available on Amazon.com
roxy
55. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:05 pm
But, if any of you are in the market for some fresh dog poop, I got plenty for ya!
56. Yarr - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Oops, Roxy’s comment hit between 2 of mine. Doesn’t make as much sense this way.
Anyway, I have some tips for those of you who might be looking into getting a dog.
1. Choose responsibly. Read and research the breed beforehand. Know the breed’s general temperment and how that fits into your life. Rottweilers are not recommended for people with *small* children, for example. (My dobie pretty much fits every descriptor I read about her breed.)
2. Make sure you have some cash. In the first 6-9 months, you will need to take your puppy to the vet once a month for vaccinations, deworming, checkups, etc. Vets aren’t cheap. If you’re broke, maybe you need to wait to get a puppy.
3. Even if your dog is one of the ‘lazy owner’ breeds listed above, you will still need to spend a LOT of time with your puppy to train and socialize her. A low-energy adult dog might be the result, but all puppies are going to get into EVERYTHING all the time!
4. Do not get a puppy on a whim. They are living things that will depend on you for everything. It’s not a toy that you can just put on the shelf when you’re tired of it. Think about it.
5. Your carpet WILL get stained. Your yard WILL have landmines. Some of your things WILL get chewed. If you can’t deal with it, don’t.
57. suzi - December 22nd, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Yarr, I completely agree with your comments.
Both of the dogs here are rescues. People are way too quick to give up at the first spot of trouble. I cringe when certain people I know get a new puppy, because I know they will get rid of it within a year.
We got our Aussie (Australian Shepherd) when she literally fell out of a truck driving ahead of my husband on a highway. Her 2 sibs were not so lucky, she was just shook up and traumatised.
We would not have chosen this ddog ourselves. They are a lot of work and shed like nobody’s business. But after savingit’s life, and taking the injured puppies to a vet to spare their pain, my honey was too bonded to give her up.
It took 3 YEARS to get her calm and obedient. It’s helped that we moved to acreage where she has more territory to keep her ever watchful eye on.
We love her so much, but everything the books said about Aussies was true times 3.
58. wowzer - December 23rd, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I’m sure that most Japanese Chin’s fall into the categories mentioned above, but from my experience (I’ve known three people with them)they are pretty much the most troublesome things around when it comes to small dogs in relation to excersize (except for perhaps the besinge. Did I spell that right?) All three of them were practically neurotic and hyperactive even though their owners took them out often.
P.S I like dogs. Sweet list.
59. Cathysferret - December 24th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Juggz: IMO, ferrets are the best pets EVAR!! I have been a ferret person for about 12 years now… all of them have been sweet and none ever bit me unless they were playbiting. My sweet Arnie passed away at the beginning of this year because of insulinoma… he started having seizures, but I had 7 great years with him (that’s pretty good for ferrets… they don’t live long).
Because Arnie passed, I was able to get Sara… my feisty blaze (she has a white stripe on her head)
If you really want ferrets (I definitely recommend), I must warn:
1. They have to have expensive ferret food or they will get sick.
2. Vet bills… Sara costs $500 after I got her by chewing on tealight candles and getting toxic metal in her system. She almost died. Arnie got insulinoma and had to have steroids twice daily for the rest of his life. Another one of mine, Sammi, got adrenal gland disease and we paid for surgery($750) which she didn’t recover from. (I don’t recommend the surgery, btw)
3. They get into everything!!!!! Sara can get in every drawer in the bedroom and also push them out and climb on top of the dressers! She also got on the kitchen counter, my computer desk, in the couch, behind the fridge, under the stove, etc. (See why I call her feisty?) You must ferret-proof the WHOLE house!
Although I give you warnings… they are the sweetest, best pets I have ever had. They love to play, bounce around and chase you. They all have their own personalities and give you tons and tons of laughs daily. I’ve never had a cat or dog that is as much fun as my ferrets!
I also recommend saving a ferret from a shelter. There are soooo many ferrets in shelters that need a home and Marshall ferrets just keep pumping out those baby ferrets!
Hope I gave you some good info on the ferret life!
60. Sarah - December 24th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
awww so cute :]
I like number 10 the best
61. JWJWBEAN - December 24th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
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.
62. Smashpro1 - December 25th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
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.
63. erin - December 29th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
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.
64. Jorgegrl - January 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I am getting a dog soon, and definately appreciate the reccomendations….. however…. some of those dogs are just FUGLY
65. joanne - January 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
the Bolognese looks so cute!
66. Lyn - January 22nd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Allergic to cats so a lap dog is my choice. My husband likes bulldogs but we have a miniature, long haired dachshund.
67. rp - February 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
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.
68. CuteK9 - March 1st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
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.
69. Josh - May 19th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
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.
70. Dominique - May 19th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
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.
71. beff - May 26th, 2008 at 3:16 am
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
72. ringtailroxy - May 26th, 2008 at 9:03 am
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.
73. JazJ - May 27th, 2008 at 2:53 am
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.
74. deviljin - June 11th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
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”.
75. WarningDontReadThis - June 26th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I want a puggle so badly.
76. GREYHOUND LOVA - July 18th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
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.
77. Bubina - July 20th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
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
78. Tempyra - July 26th, 2008 at 1:23 am
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
79. katrina - August 17th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
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.