Best Low-Maintenance Dogs
Our expert-curated list of the best low-maintenance dogs in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best low-maintenance dogs evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Beagle
The Beagle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Dachshund
The Dachshund earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this small-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 16–32 lbs and lives 12–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Mexico, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 3–6 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $500–$1500
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 12–25 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Greyhound
The Greyhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 60–70 lbs and lives 10–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from England, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 100–130 lbs and lives 7–9 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 7–9 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Italy, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Belgium, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 8–10 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Pug
The Pug earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 14–18 lbs and lives 13–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 13–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from United States, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 75–85 lbs and lives 10–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000