Choosing a Dog breed that requires little grooming.
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dogs requiring little grooming:-

All dog breeds, whether they are longhaired or shorthaired, big or small, need to be groomed to look their best.

Every single dog will need brushing, bathing, have their nails trimmed and their teeth checking.

The grooming requirements will vary from breed to breed, some will require daily brushing and combing, others less often. It is not just the coat type that dictates how often, outside exercise and walks in wet and muddy enviroments will obviously result in a dog that needs brushing or even bathing.

Although some kind of grooming will always be required their are many different dog breeds (see below) that require very little
Remember:- the act of grooming can be a soothing and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

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There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.


  • How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

  • What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
    Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
    Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
    Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
    Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems

  • How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
    Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
    Little or no grooming may be a factor.
    Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

  • Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

  • Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

  • Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?


Some suggestions for Dog Breeds you might consider that requires little grooming.

Dog Breed
 

Basset Hound
Bassets adapt well to town or country life. Quite the charmer, the Basset loves children and is a good watchdog, making it a deservingly popular pet.

Beagle -
Medium sized happy and lively dogs, alert with a tolerant nature, can show an independent streak and a desire to follow scents. A lovely dog with a gentle nature.

Boxers.
Dogs that are quiet, intelligent, playful and fun to be around, they are a great choice for a family with children.Easy to train they are dedicated and easily becomr devoted to a family whilst sometimes being reserved around strangers.

Border Terrier
Great dog for families with active children sweet natured and playful

Boston Terriers -
Small impressive looking dogs who often prefer the company of their owners to other dogs. Not demanding with a gentle demeanour. They are gentle and friendly dogs who are easily housetrained.

Mastiff
A true gentle giant, while they are powerful and courageous they are also calm, gentle and protective.
Very loyal and enjoying the company of humans especially families they make great family pets. \Good with children especially if socialised early.

Corgi
There are two types of corgi- Cardigan which has a full tail, Pembroke born without a tail.
Otherwise bt are pretty much the same---small tenacious dogs, intelligent and easy to train, good with children and other animals
A very hardy breed.

Chihuahua -
Alert, spirited, bold little dog that is also friendly and affectionate.Devoted to owners and usually good with children and other pets Chihuahuas have strong personalities and tend to bond with one adult. Their tiny size makes them easy to handle.

Dachshund
Available as long or short haired varieties, Small but active little dogs. Friendly with family and other pets but can become a "one man dog". Playful, friendly, brave and fearless.

Dalmatian
Distinctive "spotty dog". Friendly, elegant,exhuberant and outgoing popular dog.
Exhuberant, friendly and outgoing dogs. Affectionate and devoted with owners, child friendly if socialised early.

Doberman Pinscher
Large, athletic dog, very robust and fearless making them excellent gaurd dogs. Easily trained they are very intelligentl and are oyal and affectionate towards their owners but they do need early socialisation which makes them good with childre and other pets

English Springer Spaniel
A great all-round family dog . Affectionate, friendly, active and enthusiastic, Highly intelligent and easy to train. Good with other animals and children, forms close bond with the whole family and if they get plenty of exercise are prepared to snooze at home if left alone.

Great Dane
Exhuberant, outgoing dogs that can sometimes be stubborn and independent. Moderately easy to train (but easy to housetrain). Likes to be part of the family and if exercised properly will often be quiet at home, Generally make good guard dog possibly due to appearance rather than aggression..

Greyhound
Loyal, affectionate, calm dogs with a wonderful even temper. Loves human company and belonging to a family, despite appearances loves to relax at home.after walks. Loves children and are generally very affectionate.

Labrador Retriever -
A kind natured dog not aggressive, intelligent and easy to train learning commands very quickly.
Reliable, trustworthy, calm, friendly, gentle and confident. A very popular dog that is very eager to please you and is always ready to have fun.

Schnauzer (Standard) -
Medium sized dogs that are sociable and playful although they can be very protective and have strong guarding instincts. Their coat requires professional clipping..

Pointer (German Shorthaired)
Lively exhuberant dogs full of energy and enthusiasm Enjoys lots of exercise and games. Intelligent, easy to train learning new commands easily. Good family dog, great with children and other pets

Poodle (Miniature) -
The miniature poodle is lively, amiable, playful, eager to please, responsive and obedient making it one of the most popular varieties of dog. Quite sensitive, tending to be devoted to one person, may be reserved with strangers. It is good with children, other pets and dogs. Some tend to bark a lot.

Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which mighy require regular grooming.

Weimaraner
Freindly,obedient, alert and active dog with a protective and exhuberant nature.
Likes to develop close bonds with their owners.
Loyal, intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train.
Great with children

Whippet
A sleek, handsome and very fast sight hound which makes an excellent family pet. Gentle, affectionate, friendly, and easy-going, very good with children but can be difficult to control on walks.

Wire Hair Fox Terrier
Very terrier like, quick, alert and feisty. Freindly, extrovert, curious and often quite stubborn. Moderately easy to train, good with kids and great watchdogs but can be aggressive with other dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier -
Small but feisty, tenacious and courageous.
Popular dogs that are intelligent and easy to train, learning commands quickly .They love human companionship without being too clingy Good with children and strangers
Very affectionate and loyal. Their long coat can be trimmed to a shorter length for ease of maintenance. They do not shed and are good low-allergy dogs.
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