Becoming a dog parent is a heartwarming journey, but it’s not always a walk in the park.  

If you're considering adopting a dog but unsure if your lifestyle is a match, there’s good news: not all dogs are high maintenance!  

While some breeds need hours of exercise and stimulation, others are happiest snuggled up with you on the sofa. 

If you’re ready to open your heart and provide the care your dog deserves, there’s a low-maintenance breed that could fit beautifully into your life. 

7 things to consider before adopting a dog 

1. Space requirements 

Not all dogs need a big house and a sprawling garden – an apartment could be the perfect size for many pups. We’re not just talking about toy breeds either. Believe it or not, the majestic Great Dane is very apartment-friendly! 

🐕‍🦺 Read more: 10 best dog breeds for apartments (with real tips from Lyka’s community) →

2. Physical and mental stimulation  

Every dog needs regular exercise and enrichment to stay healthy and happy. Consider your daily routine. Can you commit to walks and playtime, rain or shine? Without proper exercise and mental activities, dogs may develop habits like barking or chewing. 

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Why your dog's brain health and stimulation is important →

3. Training 

Puppies are cute but training them is hard work and requires a lot of patience. If the puppy stage feels overwhelming, consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter. They might still need some training, but their personalities are more developed, making it easier to find a good fit. 

4. The right nutrition 

Like us, dogs need a nourishing diet to keep them healthy. Ultra-processed food, like kibble, may be convenient for you, but it’s not necessarily the healthiest food for your dog.  

If you want to weigh up your options, we’ve done the hard work for you by comparing different diets. 

🐕‍🦺 Read more:
Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better? →
Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better? →
Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better? →
Fresh vs home cooking for your dog: which is better? →

5. Common health concerns 

Familiarise yourself with your breed’s common health concerns so you know what to look out for. Prevention is always better than a cure, the easiest way to prevent illness is through a holistic approach to healthcare: nutrition, exercise, grooming, and routine vet checks are all part of dog parenting. 

🐕‍🦺 Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →

6. Grooming 

A dog with a low-shedding coat may be ideal if you don’t want to brush your dog or vacuum every day. Poodles or Doodles (Poodle hybrids) shed very little and are often regarded as hypoallergenic, but their coats still need to be trimmed regularly.  

Every dog should have a grooming routine including bathing, nail clipping, tooth brushing and ear cleaning to keep them healthy.  

7. Preparation as a first-time dog parent 

If you’re new to owning a dog, a low maintenance pup is ideal. Some breeds tend to be more stubborn than others, so look for a gentle, easy-going, trainable pup that’s eager to please. 

 

Top 10 low-maintenance dog breeds 

1. Dachshund 

Affectionately known as the “sausage dog,” Dachshunds are charming and full of personality. These pups are spirited but low energy: a daily walk and some playtime indoors will usually keep them happy. They’re also a small breed, making them ideal for apartments. Dachshunds usually have a short coat, but the long-haired variety may require occasional grooming. 

Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their elongated spine. Try to avoid too many stairs and discourage them from jumping on the furniture. If the Dachshund breed is for you, dog ramps might be worth the investment to prevent injury.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Dachshund breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

Dachshund breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Playful, stubborn, fearless 
Size: Small  
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30-60 minutes of low-intensity exercise per day 
Grooming needs: Low to moderate (depending on hair type) 
Trainability: High but requires firm and consistent boundaries 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

"My mini dachshund Charlie is my inseparable companion (literally), bringing me lots of laughs through his larger-than-life personality and endless affection with his velvety charm."
— Alex, Charlie's human

2. Greyhound 

Greyhounds might surprise you – despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are couch potatoes at heart! These gentle giants enjoy short bursts of exercise followed by hours of relaxation. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and their calm, affectionate nature makes them a wonderful choice for families or singles. 

Oral care is important for Greyhounds as they can be prone to developing gum disease. Brushing their teeth regularly and dental chews like Pig Twigs or Busy Beefies can help to minimise plaque build-up.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →

Greyhound breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Gentle, friendly, affectionate 
Size: Medium to large 
Energy levels: Low 
Exercise needs: 30-45 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Low 
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

“Greyhounds are great in apartments and they rarely bark, so they make the perfect neighbours. Keep them mentally stimulated with puzzles and play at home.”
– Gwyn, Peppa's human

3. French Bulldog 

French Bulldogs are playful, loving, and low maintenance. Their small size and low exercise needs make them perfect for apartment living. They’re also easy to groom, with a short coat that only requires occasional brushing. 

As a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies can inherit conditions from their parents like brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BOAS). Their shortened noses and airways make it harder for them to breathe and cool down, especially in hot weather.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: French Bulldog breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

French Bulldog breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Playful, affectionate, stubborn 
Size: Medium 
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 45-60 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Low 
Trainability: Moderate 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

"My Frenchies are the perfect companions because they're super affectionate and pocket-sized (no extreme pulling on the lead or heavy lifting into the back of the car!). They're very friendly with all of my friends and family's pets, which means we never have any socialising troubles.
— Jaz, Wilma and Lulu's human

4. Chihuahua 

Chihuahuas are a toy breed, making them portable and space-efficient, and they only need short daily walk to stay healthy. These little dogs are fiercely loyal and can be very vocal – start training early to curb any unwanted behaviours. Grooming needs depend on whether the Chihuahua has a short or long coat, but overall, they’re easy to care for. 

Chihuahuas can develop conditions like hip dysplasia: a genetic developmental condition where the ball and socket joint isn’t secure. You can support joint health with anti-inflammatory agents like omega-3 from fish oil, or oily fish.   

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Australia’s most popular small dog breeds (and how to choose the best breed for you) →

Chihuahua breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Alert, strong-willed, affectionate 
Size: Toy 
Energy levels: Moderate - High 
Exercise needs: 30-60 minutes per day (divided across 2+ walks) 
Grooming needs: Low - moderate (depending on coat type and length) 
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

5. Brussels Griffon 

These little charmers are affectionate and love to be around their humans. They don’t need much exercise, and their small size makes them highly suitable for apartments. Grooming needs can vary depending on whether they have a smooth or rough coat, but Brussels Griffons are considered easy to care for.  

Brussels Griffons can experience painful joint conditions, so maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Lyka’s real food meals are custom-portioned to meet your pup’s requirements and help them to maintain an ideal weight. 

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Decoding dog weight: is your dog in perfect shape? →

Brussels Griffons breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Funny, affectionate, spirited 
Size: Toy 
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30-60 minutes per day (low-intensity) 
Grooming needs: Low - moderate (depending on coat type and length) 
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

“Brussels Griffons are big personalities wrapped in tiny packages and their favourite place to be is right by your side – or more likely, on your lap! Griffons are bursting with energy and love to play. Regular walks and plenty of playtime are key to keeping them happy and content indoors!”  
– April, Peter’s human 

6. Maltese Shih Tzu (Maltese + Shih Tzu hybrid) 

A mix of two beloved breeds, the Maltese Shih Tzu combines the best of both worlds. These pups are small, friendly, and adaptable, making them perfect for families or singles. While their long coat is low-shedding, it does require regular grooming to keep it tangle-free. 

This breed can be predisposed to luxating patellas (dislocated kneecaps) that can lead to painful arthritis if left unchecked. You can’t change a dog’s genetics, but you can support healthy joints with a diet containing natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like turmeric, found in Lyka’s Turkey Bowl.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Maltese Shih Tzu breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

Maltese Shih Tzu breed takeaways:

Temperament: Confident, affectionate, friendly 
Size: Small 
Energy levels: Low - Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Moderate  
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

7. Mastiff 

Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle demeanour. Believe it or not, they’re low-energy and don’t need much exercise beyond a daily walk. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they’re happiest lounging around the house with their family. They’re intelligent and trainable but they can have an independent streak – consistency and positive reinforcement are key with this big breed.  

Mastiffs can suffer from allergies, triggering itchy skin. Lyka meals are formulated without common allergens, like wheat, corn, soy, and egg. They’re limited protein, making it easier for you to avoid problematic ingredients.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos) →

Mastiff breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Loyal, loving, patient 
Size: Large 
Energy levels: Low 
Exercise needs: 60 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Moderate  
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

8. Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle hybrid) 

The Cavoodle is a delightful, low-maintenance dog and Australia’s most popular breed. They’re friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. Thanks to their Poodle genes, their coats are low shedding, but they do need regular grooming to stay neat and tidy.  

Cavoodles can be prone to skin conditions and allergies. Provide your pup with a diet that’s rich in skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, and beta-carotene from carrots, like Lyka. Specially formulated oatmeal dog shampoo can also help to soothe itchy skin.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

Cavoodle breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Friendly, playful, intelligent 
Size: Small – Medium (depending on the Poodle genes) 
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30 - 60 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Moderate  
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

"My cavoodle, Jeff, is the ultimate companion! He's playful, loves a walk and a cuddle. He's hypoallergenic and doesn't shed, which is a bonus.”
– Fiona, Jeff’s human

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

These sweet-natured dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle temperament. With long silky ears and big dark eyes, they’re hard to resist. Cavaliers are easy to train and adapt well to various living situations. A daily walk and some playtime will keep them happy. Their long and luscious coat requires moderate grooming to keep it looking its best, but it’s a small price to pay. 

Introduce them to grooming routines from an early age, so they’re used to the sensations of being handled, brushed, and cleaned. Always use positive reinforcement with treats and praise to reward good behaviour – it’s the gold standard in dog training.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know →

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, eager to please 
Size: Small 
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30 - 60 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Moderate  
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

 

10. Whippet 

Similar to Greyhounds, Whippets are laid-back and love a good nap. They enjoy short bursts of exercise but are content to relax for most of the day. Their short coats are easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for those who want a relatively fuss-free pup. Smaller than a Greyhound, they’re ideal for cosier living spaces.  

As a deep-chested breed, Whippets can be prone to gastric dilation-volvulus (bloat). Too much gas in the stomach can make it expand and twist – a serious condition requiring veterinary care. It’s always wise to exercise dogs at least an hour before or after food, to help prevent bloat.  

Many dog food diets are high in legumes that can cause gassiness, especially grain-free food. Choose a diet that’s high in quality animal protein rather than plant proteins (peas and beans) to support healthy digestion, like Lyka.  

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Is grain-free good for dogs? →

Whippet breed takeaways: 

Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, quiet 
Size: Medium 
Energy levels: Moderate 
Exercise needs: 30 - 60 minutes per day 
Grooming needs: Low 
Trainability: High 
Apartment-friendly: Yes 

Lyka: real food for a really good start in life 

When you’re ready to take the plunge into becoming a pup parent, we’re here to support you on your journey. Choosing the right dog is the first step. The next is to help them to have a long, healthy, and happy life by your side. Lyka meals are designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists for optimum nutrition to nourish them from the inside out.  

Give your new best friend the best start in life with Lyka real food meals.