It’s no secret—dog ownership isn’t a walk in the park. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, yet you think your schedule may not accommodate a dog’s active lifestyle, we have some great news! Not all dog breeds are high-energy.

As long as you are ready to give your new pup all of the love and attention it deserves, there is a low maintenance breed out there for you!

Yes, there are low-maintenance dog breeds for busy people. If you want to just decompress after a long day at work instead of go for a run with your pup, there are many breeds you can choose that would love to snuggle with you on the couch!

Here are a few.

Best low maintenance dog breeds

1. Bullmastiff

If you want a large dog (they can weigh up to 130 pounds or more!) that doesn’t require miles of daily running—the Bullmastiff is for you! Yes, they do have a bit of energy, as does every dog, but they might be the best dog breed for somebody who’s too busy for a high-energy large dog, like a Husky, for example. Daily walks or a good game of fetch will be enough to keep your Bullmastiff satisfied.

And who doesn’t want an extra-large cuddle buddy?

2. Chihuahua

Looking for a really tiny dog? The Chihuahua is worth considering. Yes, they are known for having more energy than other breeds, but they don’t require a ton of exercise. And Chihuahuas will always be SUPER excited to see you. Just take them for a quick walk and give them some attention, and they’ll chill out with you in no time.

While the Chihuahua can adjust pretty well between hyper and relaxed, their main downside is their temperament. If you’re determined to provide your future dog with excellent and consistent training, consider the Chihuahua a particularly good match.

3. French Bulldog

Have you ever noticed that Frenchies look super happy? Like all the time? Maybe it’s because they’re so easy to care for. Yes, they have spats of high energy like other small-to-medium breeds, but a walk or a game of fetch later and they’re snoozing on the couch (pretty loudly, we might add).

Frenchies also respond well to basic training, and they love people. If you’re looking for a perfect home companion that doubles as a great travel partner, the French Bulldog might be your best bet.

4. Dachshund

The Dachshund, or the Wiener Dog as it’s most affectionately known, is one of the cuddliest breeds out there. If you choose a long-haired Dachshund, however, they will require more grooming than their short-haired counterparts.

Because of their short-yet-long stature, they actually benefit from having a limited amount of exercise—too much movement can trigger or exacerbate spinal issues. Otherwise, Dachshunds normally remain in good health and do exceptionally well with basic training—they can be a bit stubborn!

A low-maintenance dog is still a dog with needs and wants—just like you!

Busy people will get along best with a dog that has minimal needs, but don’t forget that every dog requires your time and effort, no matter the breed.

We know choosing a dog breed isn’t easy. But now that you have a list of dogs that might be compatible with your lifestyle, here are a few dog breeds you should avoid if you don’t have extra time and energy on your hands.

5 breeds that are less suited to a busy schedule

1. Hungarian Vizsla

Hungarian Vizslas have vivacious personalities and clever minds. Their affectionate nature has earned them the nickname “Velcro Vizslas” — these sensitive souls are prone to separation anxiety. If you can’t dedicate 1-2 hours per day to exercise or don’t have a consistent routine, these energetic companions are not the low maintenance dogs you’re searching for.

2. Husky

Yes, they are beautiful dogs, but if you live in the scorching Australian heat or you aren’t going to spend hours of your day wearing them out, it isn’t a good idea to have a Husky companion. They were bred to be sled dogs, which means they’re bred to have extremely high endurance. It takes a lot to calm a Husky down. (Plus, have you heard their howls? Might not be ideal for small-space apartment living!)

3. Beagle

Beagles are among the most curious dog breeds. Leave a Beagle to roam around the house for a few hours and you might find a few ruined shoes, ripped furniture, and torn up pillows. They make great companions, but you might be surprised by what they can do if they don’t get lots of daily exercise.

4. Toy Poodle

Don’t be fooled by their teddy bear appearance: Toy Poodles require a lot of engagement and mental stimulation, as much as they enjoy whiling away an afternoon cuddled up on the sofa! Poodles are highly intelligent and love to please — when it comes to low maintenance small dogs, Toy Poodles don’t always fit the bill.

5. Russell Terrier

It seems like one Russell Terrier has more energy than every dog owner in the world combined. These pups are best for people who spend most of their time outdoors and who are able to spend every moment with their pup.

Once you’ve found the perfect breed, you can rest easy knowing that choosing the right food won’t take the same amount of effort.

No need to experiment with tons of different dog food brands to create the perfect life for your new pup—leave their diet to Lyka. It will save you time out of your already-busy schedule, and you can confidently know that you’re giving your dog the best food you can. With their vet-approved minimally-processed whole foods recipes, Lyka’s got you and your pup covered!