Welcoming a dog into your home as a first-time owner is an exciting journey, but choosing a breed that suits your lifestyle can be daunting if you’re unsure where to start. This guide explores the top easy dog breeds generally known to be low-maintenance, friendly, and easy to train.
Our curated list covers breeds perfect for new dog owners, ensuring you find a companion that seamlessly fits your home, personality, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a larger, playful family dog or a calm, easy-going smaller breed, this article highlights the easiest dogs to own to make an informed choice.
Why Choosing the Right Breed Matters
Selecting the right dog breed is crucial because each breed has unique characteristics that can significantly impact daily life. Some dogs are highly active and require lots of exercise, while others are more relaxed and low-maintenance, making them the easiest dog breeds to own and care for. Additionally, grooming requirements, temperament, and adaptability vary widely among breeds, so choosing one that aligns with your lifestyle ensures a happier experience for you and your pet.
Are dog allergies a concern for you? Some dogs do not shed hair and are often recommended for people with allergies. Consider the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers to improve your allergic reactions or symptoms.
Top 15 Easiest Dog Breeds to Own
Finding the right dog breed for your lifestyle is essential, especially if you're a first-time owner. This list of the top easy dog breeds offers various options to suit different living situations, whether you're highly active or enjoy a more laid-back pace. This list of the top easiest dogs to look after will help you find the right fit for your lifestyle, whether you prefer active and energetic or relaxed and calming. Read our blog on all you need to know about mixed-breed dogs for more insights.
The following top list of dog breeds in the UK are known for their adaptability, trainability, and friendly temperament, making them excellent companions for new pet owners.
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Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and loyal nature, making them one of the easiest dogs to own. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, they excel in training sessions and adapt well to active and relaxed home environments. Their gentle temperament can make them an ideal companion for families with children and single owners. While Golden Retrievers require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, their adaptability and social nature make them one of the most low-maintenance choices for active families.
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Labrador Retriever
Labradors are social, gentle, and tend to be excellent with children, so they’re often recommended as one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They’re quick learners, and their eagerness to please makes them adaptable to various environments, from city apartments to rural homes. With a moderate exercise requirement, Labradors are versatile companions, ideal for households that can commit to daily walks or playtime. Labradors thrive on companionship, and their friendly demeanour suits families looking for a pet that gets along with everyone.
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Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frisé is a cheerful and adaptable dog that fits well into various home environments. Bichons are easy to train and low-maintenance in terms of temperament, as they’re known for their friendly and adaptable personalities. Although they require regular grooming, they are otherwise one of the easiest dogs to look after, making them an excellent choice for new pet owners.
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Poodle (Miniature or Toy)
Miniature and Toy Poodles are highly intelligent, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They thrive on social interaction and are adaptable, doing well in various settings, from apartments to larger homes. Though they require regular grooming, their quick learning and adaptability make them a popular, easy dog breed for first-time owners who want a trainable and friendly companion.
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Beagle
Beagles are generally friendly, social, and great with children, making them one of the easiest dogs to own for families. They have a curious nature and enjoy exploring, so they do well with regular exercise. Beagles are otherwise easy to care for, and their adaptability makes them a good fit for city and rural living. Known for their strong sense of smell, Beagles are naturally curious, adding adventure to family activities. They’re great for active households looking for an easy dog breed that brings energy and fun.
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Maltese
Maltese dogs are gentle, affectionate, and comfortable in most home environments. While they need regular grooming, their minimal exercise requirements make them ideal for owners with busy schedules. Maltese are known for their adaptability, fitting well into single and family homes, where they enjoy companionship. As one of the easiest dog breeds for novice pet owners, Maltese dogs offer loyalty and affection without needing extensive exercise or outdoor time.
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Greyhound
Despite their racing history, Greyhounds are surprisingly laid-back and enjoy lounging around the house. They require only moderate exercise and are easy to groom, which makes them one of the easiest dogs to look after. Greyhounds are adaptable and thrive in various living environments. They have gentle personalities and bond well with their families, making them a fantastic option for those who want a giant dog with low-maintenance needs. Despite their large size, Greyhounds are surprisingly easy dog breeds.
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Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are considered one of the easier breeds to look after due to their small size, low grooming needs, and adaptability. They are light, easily portable and require minimal space, making them ideal for apartment living. Their short coats require little maintenance beyond occasional brushing, and even long-haired varieties are manageable with regular grooming. Chihuahuas have moderate exercise needs, easily met with short walks and indoor play. They are highly loyal and bond closely with their owners, often thriving as lap dogs. While they benefit from socialisation and basic training to curb their sometimes-bold behaviour, their intelligence makes training relatively simple.
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Basenji
Basenjis are generally independent and intelligent dogs, known for their unique trait of being "barkless." They are usually quick learners but may require consistent training due to their strong-willed nature. Basenjis enjoy moderate exercise, such as daily walks or playtime in a secure area. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in both apartments and larger homes. Health-wise, Basenjis are typically robust but should be monitored for hip and eye conditions common to the breed.
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Border Terrier
Border Terriers are usually friendly and highly trainable, making them excellent companions for active families. They are generally loyal and friendly dogs, thriving with regular outdoor adventures and indoor relaxation. Their moderate exercise needs make them an excellent fit for families who enjoy daily walks or playtime. Border Terriers are typically healthy and adaptable to various living environments, with regular grooming being their primary maintenance need.
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Havanese
Havanese dogs are typically affectionate and intelligent, often excelling in training with positive reinforcement. They are usually gentle and playful, making them suitable for families with children or other pets. Havanese have moderate exercise needs, such as short walks and interactive play sessions. Their adaptable temperament makes them a great fit for both apartments and houses. Health-wise, they are usually healthy dogs but require regular grooming to maintain their coats.
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Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are generally sleek, intelligent, and alert dogs known for their energetic personalities. They are usually easy to train, responding well to consistent and positive reinforcement. Manchester Terriers have moderate exercise needs and thrive in active households. Their adaptability allows them to do well in both city and rural settings. Health-wise, they are generally robust and require minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance.
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Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers, or "Min Pins," are generally confident and energetic, with an alert and playful temperament. They are usually intelligent and quick to learn, making them one of the easier small breeds to train. Min Pins enjoy regular walks and interactive playtime to burn off their energy. They are adaptable to various living environments and are usually healthy with minimal grooming needs, but regular checkups for joint health are recommended.
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Papillon
Papillons are generally cheerful, friendly, and highly trainable. They are usually active and social, getting along well with children and other pets. Papillons have moderate exercise needs, such as daily walks and playtime, making them a good fit for active families. Their adaptable temperament allows them to thrive in both small apartments and larger homes. Health-wise, Papillons are usually healthy dogs, though they benefit from regular dental care and you must take care with regular grooming.
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Whippet
Whippets are naturally gentle and calm dogs known for their athletic build and friendly disposition. They are usually easy to train and bond well with their families. Whippets have moderate exercise needs, enjoying walks and occasional runs. They adapt to various living situations and are comfortable in apartments and larger homes. Whippets are generally healthy but should be monitored for skin and joint health due to their lean build.
What is the easiest breed of dog to take care of?
Due to their small size and mild temperament, the Dachsund is considered one of the easiest breeds of dog to take care of. While there is no such thing as a no maintenance dog, some breeds will require less walking, grooming, and feeding than others. These factors can all be taken into consideration when discussing the easiest breed of dog to take care of.
What is the most low maintenance dog?
Dog breeds that are often considered low maintenance include Beagles, Border Terriers, and Dachsunds. It is important to understand that all dogs will require walking, feeding, and grooming, but for some breeds the extent of these routines may be less difficult, and therefore they are considered low maintenance.
Key takeaways
In this guide, we explored the easiest dog breeds for new pet owners, highlighted low-maintenance breeds, and explained why finding the right match is essential. Take your time to choose a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and needs, and consider visiting your local dog rescue centre. Specially trained staff can help you match with a dog needing a loving home that suits your needs.
Are you thinking about moving beyond pet ownership? If you’ve found these easy dog breeds helpful in making a choice, discover what it takes to become a responsible breeder with our guide on How to Become a Breeder. This step-by-step resource covers everything from caring for dogs to ethical breeding practices, helping you turn your passion for dogs into a rewarding experience.
