What's the best low-maintenance, indoor dog breed?
86As a dog owner and trainer, of course I have to ask what you mean by "low maintenance"?
Do you mean low grooming maintenance? This is a big one with me, as dogs that need to go to the groomer's every month or need more than two or three baths a year (barring a close encounter with something yukky) aren't dogs I normally go for. Short-haired breeds, such as a beagle or a basset hound, are definitely good indoors and have little to no fur maintenance requirements.
Do you mean low slobber maintenance? I love big dogs, but would never get a Newfoundland, a Mastiff, or a St. Bernard because of the high drool production. My house is not pristine by any means, with three dogs and a toddler child, but I draw the line at dogs who produce copious amounts of drool. Especially when they shake, and leave ropes of slobber dripping from the ceiling.
Or do you mean low personality maintenance? There is no such thing as a low personality-maintenance dog. They all need attention, love, walks, and basic obedience training in order to keep doggy neuroses at bay. However, beagles, bassets, and Great Danes (also a lovely short-coated breed) are basically couch-potatoes, and do well indoors, even in small apartments.
That being said, some dog breeds are easier to train than others. Beagles are somewhat hard, because they're very independent-minded and have a nose like you wouldn't believe. Just try being more interesting than bug poop when you want a beagle to sit! Jack Russels and rat terriers are easy to train because they're extremely bright. They're also small enough to be good indoor companions, and have short coats.
Once you have your criteria for what you consider "low maintenance", may I suggest a quick visit to the American Kennel Club website? www.akc.org You will learn more about health issues, personality quirks, longevity (or lack thereof) grooming and exercise requirements, etc. for over a hundred breeds. Good luck!
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
You're welcome! I've had lots of beagles over the years. They're sweet, funny, friendly, and just so gosh-darn cute!
And they're small enough that, worst case scenario, I can pick them up!
Livelonger - You have such good questions I can't help answering some of them! My favorite breeds for a small home or apartment would have to be the Mini Dachshund or the Shiba Inu. Doxies are small, about 8 or 9 lbs. and extremely lovable. Mine were very easy to train. Just this past year we bought 2 more dogs that are Shiba Inu's. That's a medium size breed dog (not too big - about 20 lbs) who's face looks just like a fox. Very smart breed but on the shy side until they get to know you. Then they won't leave you alone! The Shiba's have a double coat, so they must be brushed when they are going through their shedding period which is about every six months. My personal opinion is that it is easier to have 2 dogs than just one. They will keep one another company during the day if you work and once one dog learns something new, he/she is bound to teach the other dog. Housebreaking was much easier with 2 dogs, believe it or not. All of our dogs are crate trained and have their own beds to go to at night. A crate is a very important "tool" in housebreaking them. It also gives you piece of mind in knowing they aren't getting into trouble when you're not home.
I completely agree about crates. My dogs adore theirs!
I also agree about the multiple dog household. We rarely have less than three!
I have a chihuahua that I think is pretty ideal for a house pet. She is rarely away from my sight. She is extremely bright. I have had health issues and have to breathe at times with the assistance of a machine. If my machine has a malfunction, she tries to wake me, and failing that, she tries to find someone else in the house to come check me.
Freebyrd, why don't you make a hub on the Shiba Inu? I've never heard of such a dog. I have two miniature breeds....i have an Italian Grayhound (female) and a male Chihuahua. They are both high maintenance. My Italian Grayhound would tear up a sofa I had (I had to throw it out) when I would leave her alone in the house or when I would delay in coming home. Getting the Chihuahua bettered this behavior, but he will pee on any pad (including the bath mat) available. He poos everywhere. So I traded one bad thing for another.
Rhomylly, I love this hub! People are always looking for the "perfect dog," but it's just not out there! Let me just say, though, that Jack Russells may be easy to train because they are bright, but they are NOT easy to tame! They can be little terrors if you don't vastly over-exercise them. But I have a beagle mix pup, and everything you said about beagles applies (though he still has LOADS of puppy energy). Again, great hub!
Is there such a breed that will fit all the following criteria... I would be grateful for any help!
* Medium size
*Doesnt get seperation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time
* Doesnt shed alot
*Doesn't bark too much
Thank you!
if you want a dog that doesn't bark much i would suggest a basenji. but they do require running space and they aren't easy to find.
We've had a bassett hound pup for 4 months and he sheds more than the 3 cats we have, he shakes his head all the time and big globs of slober come out I also think he is part chimpmonk because it is amazing what kind of stuff he can hid in their and he stinks, yes, we've had him to the vet and was told that is the way they are. I am trying to convince my husband that this dog does not belong in a house.
the thing on beagles with low personalities is not true. i resently had a beagle and it was hyper and crazy. with beagles they love to run and play and do best outdoors.keep in mind though they love to dig!!!!!
Love the hub. This would be the first time owning a dog and these are the criterias I would love in a dog? Any suggestions from anyone?
- short hair, small dog (live in a townhouse condo assoc.), no patio to run only common areas, can not be a loud dog-neighbors would complain, ok to stay along for atleast 10 hrs a day (mond-fri)-we work and son is in school, don't want a dog that is hyper and destroys. My son had his heart set on a beagle but we heard they are loud and hyper, then looked at a "Parson's Russell Terrier" (wishbone dog look a like) and also heard it was high maintenance, needs lots of activities, destroys, etc. HELP!!! any recommendations from anyone. I am running out of ideas. Done some research on the net but can't make up my mind. We live in south Florida and it's extremely hot. Dog will stay indoors.Thanks for any suggestions. Signed: Troubled and looking for a dog
We had a german short hair, she was the best dog. She had no major health issues. Well manored, no slobbers, no barking, very smart. They DO need lots of exercise to keep them from having anxiety. Miss her immensly and would definately recomend if you have time everyday to walk, run or exercise with the dog. Also have 150 lb. Rot who is mellow and a real big baby. He sheds terribly and drools when drinking & eating or when he is too hot. He is well behaved and rarely barks. We adopted a Westie about 6 months ago. Very playful and loves toys. She does shed a little (has undercoat - so brushing helps alot). Barks some but mostly to communicate, she makes all kinds of noises (I think she is talking to me). She loves to hunt (anything... but especially bugs). Never had a Terrier before, but love the personality, affection, happy playfulness, not a couch potato.
I'd have to go with the papillon :P Theyre a single coated dog, thus don't need the grooming of long coated dogs and won't shed as much as a dog with a double layered goat.
They don't have slobber issues :P
They're small enough for an appartment but have intelegance and trainabiliy to rival any breed.
Don't have any major genetic issues, if you buy from a good breeder you can make sure (as much as anyone can) they will have good joints and eye sight.
And theyre extremely loyal and want nothing more then to sit with you or listen to your commands :P seriously most I know will follow at the ankle of their owners looking up!
Of course every breed has a bad side :P the papillons would be that if you don't train them they will train you!!
hi how are you
Retired racing greyhounds are usually a safe bet. Depending on the dog (as always) they tend to be fairly quiet, have short coats, they've run so much already most are just couch potatoes with a 10 minute spurt of energy. The best part is that you can adopt them when they've already gone through that awful puppy stage. Most adoption groups will help you pick out a personality that's right for your lifestyle or even let you foster until you find one you want to keep.
So what is bad about the Greyhound?, just to keep perspective:
They need to be trained that the crate and your house are one in the same, don't poop in the house. The tend to catch on quick.
They are sighthounds and will take off at 45mph if not leashed or fenced in.
If you get one that's not timid from abuse, it'll trust anybody. This is not a watchdog, though the larger males can certainly be a deterrent.
I adore Cairn Terriers, I love all dog breeds and have owned several different dog breeds, and I have always owned Cairn Terriers. My experience with this breed, they love familes & children, playful & energetic, independent at times & intelligent. Shedding is minimal, if any at all. They should be kept indoors & outdoors to run & play in a fenced area or with your supervision. I always keep crates for my dogs.
We have been promising our little ones, 8 and 5 that we would get a dog in after Christmas and are thinking about a Welsh Corgi. Any thoughts?
|
The Power of Positive Dog Training
Price: $10.80
List Price: $18.99 |
|
101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
Price: $11.90
List Price: $18.99 |
|
Dog Training For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets))
Price: $9.92
List Price: $21.99 |
|
Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
Price: $7.95
List Price: $13.95 |
|
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
Price: $13.18
List Price: $25.99 |
|
How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners (Revised & Updated Edition)
Price: $10.89
List Price: $25.99 |
|
ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training
Price: $0.95
List Price: $16.99 |
|
The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility
Price: $11.83
List Price: $18.95 |
livelonger says:
2 years ago
This is fantastic advice, Rhomylly. Thank you! It sounds like beagles hit the spot on 2 measures (grooming & couch-potato friendly). I've heard they have really friendly personalities too.