If you’re ready to own a dog for the first time, it takes a lot of commitment and responsibility. They require care, exercise, love, and training – no matter what breed they may be. It’s understandable that we all have our own definition of being “busy”. Owning a dog can be a lot on top of your other responsibilities, but in the end, they’re worth it since it has been proven numerous times how they can help reduce stress!
If you want to own a dog despite the busy lifestyle, there are low-maintenance dog breeds available that can cater to whatever lifestyle you may have. Compared to more high-maintenance breeds that need more attention and care (i.e grooming, exercise, etc), low maintenance dog breeds can easily be fitted into any schedule. They tend to be more chill and laid back, require less time for exercise, less active, sheds minimally, are easier to train, are less complicated when it comes to grooming, and can just be content to lie down on the sofa and sleep.
However, it’s also important to note that not all low maintenance have all these qualities, since they are all different from one another. In the end, they still require care, attention, love, and training to be able to fit into your lifestyle and home.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the top low maintenance dog breeds in Singapore for first time owners and busy people!
What to Consider When Choosing a Low Maintenance Dog Breed?
For first time pet owners, one of the most important things to consider before choosing a dog to take home are the basic care necessities that your dog needs to properly take care of it. Again, owning a dog is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly, so there are still requirements for every pet owner before they choose a dog. Create a checklist and check if these are applicable to you and what to consider:
- Accessible vet clinics in your area for checkups and emergencies
- Grooming salons near you that can help maintain your dog’s appearance
- Ability to adjust or make time to walk your pet daily
- Do you have someone with you to help take care of your dog in case of emergency or when you need to leave for work?
- Do you have enough money to maintain their feeding, grooming, training, and medical needs?
Aside from this, you can also check for two of the common factors that can determine what makes up a low-maintenance dog breed which is generally their temperament and grooming needs.
Best 5 Low Maintenance Dog Breeds for First Time Owners or Busy People
Daschund

Daschunds were originally bred as hunter dogs, but over time, they became one of the most favourite breeds for first time owners in households. Bred with a great temperament, affectionate personality, and adorable features, they are small breeds that are easy to love and care for. They get along well with kids or babies as well as other pets. They are considered to be low maintenance because they do not shed as much, are obedient in training, and are easy to groom.
Find out more about them and adopt one of your own here.
Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz are another type of medium breed that are playful dogs that adapt well to their surroundings. Despite the quite active level of energy of this dog, once they get their daily exercise done, they can be content to chill and help you de-stress when you play with them in between or after work. They love to cuddle up to their owners, are easy to train, are also very friendly. Their naturally loving and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for many pet owners!
Find out more about them and adopt one of your own here.
Pomapoo

A designer breed that’s a cross between a Pomeranian and Poodle, a Pomapoo is also the perfect candidate for first time owners to consider taking home! They’re also loved by children and older people because of how outgoing and friendly they are. They’re the type of breed that isn’t that active but as long as they get their daily exercise, they’re good to go. If you want to play, they’re up for it, or if you just want a chill and quiet day in, they can just lie down beside you and relax. Pomapoos are great since they are low shedders, but some of them may require more grooming to help maintain their coats.
Find out more about them and adopt one of your own here.
Toy Poodle

Another one of the popular breeds in Singapore for first-time owners is the tiny and adorable Toy Poodle! Known to be aristocratic and elegant dogs, Toy Poodles are loyal and intelligent dogs that are fast learners. They tend to enjoy being played with and given attention. They may require more maintenance in terms of grooming compared to the other breeds on this list, but they don’t shed which makes them a top pick for first time or experienced pet owners.
Find out more about them and adopt one of your own here.
Maltipoo

Another crossbreed of a Toy Poodle is the Maltipoo! One of the low maintenance dog breeds for first time owners that continues to rise in popularity. They’re a Maltese-Miniature/ToyPoodle mix dog breed that can easily fit into any kind of household no matter the size since they adapt well to any place or person. Their typically wavy coats are easy to maintain but require grooming, but they don’t shed as much. They are also very smart and attentive, which makes them easier to train and teach new tricks. In addition, they also love to cuddle and get along well with other dogs and children!
Find out more about them and adopt one of your own here.