The truth is that all dog breeds need special maintenance, care and emotional support and you should take these factors into consideration when you decide to adopt a pet. But one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind when adopting a pet is your time and lifestyle because there are some breeds that need more than your love and affection.

For instance, the Australian Shepherd is an energetic and intelligent breed that needs constant games to train its mind and consume its energy. Thus, if you have a lot of affection to offer, but you do not have enough time to train it daily then this dog breed may not be the best option for you or for them.

Therefore, here is a list of some low-maintenance dogs that do not need extra care, exercise and do not have special needs. These dog breeds are independent and all they need is your love. But if you want to introduce an animal to your family, you have to train it a bit until it is comfortable.

According to  Bernadine Cruz, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in California, “Nurture and not nature tends to impact a dog’s personality and ‘laid-backness’. This is a long-term, healthy human/animal bond. To do it correctly, you can’t expect that you can only interact with your dog on your time.”

So, read on for more info!

Newfoundland

Well, as you probably know, the Newfoundland is a sweet dog who loves children. This dog breed is really friendly with everyone and protective of its family. Many people say that the Newfoundland dog can be an amazing babysitter so unsurprisingly this dog is also known as the nanny dog. “The best example of this breed and its demeanor is the dog Nana in the story of Peter Pan,” says Dr. Cruz.

These adorable dogs are one of the most intelligent animals and they are also easy to train. So, they are the perfect pets for busy people who do not have enough time to train or play with them. A daily walk for 30 mins is recommended to prevent weight problems. Moreover, they need weekly brushing because they have a rich and beautiful fur that need to be groomed.

Greyhound

These dogs are very friendly with other people and animals. “Greyhounds are the cats of the dog world: somewhat aloof and independent,” says Dr. Cruz. They are loyal and affectionate with its family, especially with kids and even though they act positively in front of strangers, they will let you know when someone is in your household.

The lovely Greyhounds can be the best partner for jogging or other activities that involves physical exercise and they can also be independent and sit on the couch all day. Even if they can accompany you for jogging, they do not need extra exercise, because a daily walk outdoors for 30 minutes is more than enough for them.

They love to sleep all day and you do not have to groom it often. Despite its size, this dog breed can live happily in apartments or small houses as well.

Italian greyhound

The Italian greyhounds are very intelligent and have an impressive athletic look. They are perfect for families with kids because they are really loving and affectionate with everyone. They are also very shy around strangers.

Italian greyhounds can be easy to train and they require low maintenance costs. They do not have to be groomed often and can live in small houses or apartments. “The Italian greyhound can lounge all day and then race around the dog park with great abandon,” says Dr. Cruz.

Even if these dogs are independent and can live on their own, they need a lot of attention and love, because otherwise, they will become shy and difficult to train.

Spaniel

Whether we talk about Cavalier King Charles, English Springer Spaniel, or Cocker, these dog breeds are a pleasure to own because they are extremely loving, intelligent and gentle. Of course, they are the perfect pets for families with children. They can fit perfectly into an apartment or a small house.

The Spaniels were known as hunting dogs and they were trained for this purpose in the past, but at present, they are pets for people who do not have enough time to play or train them or have children.

They react positively in front of strangers and other animals. Moreover, the Spaniel doesn’t need frequent walks or grooming. But to prevent some ear infections, occasional trips to the canine cosmetic salon are required.

Bloodhound

People who own a Bloodhound are really lucky because this dog breed is gentle, affectionate, loving, smart and, of course, lazy. The impressive Bloodhound loves to sleep all day and loves its family endlessly. “[Bloodhounds] enjoy the company of others and lounging around,” says Dr. Cruz.

These dogs are very independent by nature and even though they are lazy, they become energetic when they smell something because they are curious. The Bloodhounds are really relaxed when they walk and love to explore the things that surround them. So, they are the best for families who do not want to run all day long.

Maltese

The Maltese dog breed is one of the most intelligent and devoted animals. If you live in an apartment or own a small house, this dog breed is all you need, especially if you have children. These dogs are easy to train and learn new things quickly.

“They are great watchdogs, therapy dogs, and competitors in sports such as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking,” says Laura Peltz, DVM, a veterinarian with Royal Canin USA. “But even with all their energy, they only require occasional exercise.”

The Maltese dog needs weekly brushing to prevent hair matting. They are very protective of their family and they will do anything to make them happy. Moreover, this dog breed doesn’t require frequent and long walks.

Dachshund

The Dachshund dog breed is one of the most popular dogs in the United States of America, they are loved because of their beautiful and interesting personalities. They are ideal for families who live in an apartment or small houses and they are very intelligent, courageous and independent.

“Dachshunds are known for their ever-alert expression and friendly, vivacious personality,” explains Dr. Peltz. “Smart and vigilant, the Dachshund is bred to be an independent hunter.” These low-maintenance dogs are fans of indoor games, perfect for the family that isn’t all that outdoorsy. Still, Doxies do love to sniff and explore, so adding a little extra time outside around potty breaks is ideal to meet exercise requirements. “Keeping them at a healthy weight is very important to [their] overall health,” said the doctor.

Poodle

The most common personality traits of poodles are intelligence, love, loyalty, affection and devotion. “Regardless of size, the poodle is people-oriented and enjoys learning new things. They are very smart, eager, and remarkably versatile,” says Dr. Peltz.

They require low maintenance costs because even though they are energetic and curious, they love to do what you want to do.

Pomeranian

“Pomeranians are lively, inquisitive, and have been known as the ideal companion,” says Dr. Peltz. “They are one of the most popular toy breeds with their vivacious personality and big-dog demeanor.”

This dog breed is easy to train and can get along well with other animals and children.

“Frequent brushing is necessary to maintain their beautiful coat, and a regular trip to the groomer is recommended,” says Dr. Peltz.