Welcoming a dog or cat into our homes is a big commitment. You'll need to make sure your lifestyle fits their individual needs – even with breeds considered to be lower maintenance.
But what does 'low-maintenance' really mean when it comes to our pets? Whether you're looking for a cool cat or a placid pooch, we'll take a look at some of the more laid-back breeds.
Are any pets truly low maintenance?
Let's be honest – no-maintenance pets are a myth. All pets require time, care, and financial commitment. So you'll need to think carefully before deciding to bring one home.
The first thing you'll want to consider is whether your pet of choice matches with your lifestyle. If you're regularly in the office, you might not be able to give your pet the time or attention it needs.
Making a dog or cat part of your family is a huge commitment. You'll want to carefully consider whether your living situation is suitable for a furry friend and if you're able to meet all their needs. So whether you've got a laid-back bulldog or a relaxed ragdoll, you'll want to make sure you've got everything they need.
What are the best low-maintenance dog breeds for busy families?
For busy families, there are several low-maintenance breeds you may want to consider:
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Greyhound: Despite their racing background, greyhounds are surprisingly low-key. They're generally happy with a couple of short walks per day, and are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
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French Bulldog: Frenchies are a popular choice due to their low grooming needs and compact size. They don't need huge amounts of space or extensive exercise. But they're also susceptible to health issues related to their breathing. Their shortened snouts can restrict airflow, which can put them at risk of heatstroke in higher temperatures.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These floppy-eared pooches are another nationwide favourite. They're known to be gentle and affectionate, and whilst they do require regular brushing, they're fairly low-shedding. But they can be prone to mitral valve disease (MVD), a common heart condition in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, where the mitral valve weakens. This can lead to heart murmurs and even heart failure.
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Dachshund: Sausage dogs are another low-maintenance breed. Due to their small size, they don't need huge amounts of exercise. They can be prone to several health issues due to their long backs and short legs. One major disease is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which causes back pain, reduced mobility, and potentially paralysis.
It's important to note that while some dogs need less exercise than others, it's still important to take them on regular walks. Most dogs need at least 1 walk per day, but some breeds, like Border Collies or Huskies, will need a lot more exercise.
With the right socialisation and introduction, many dog breeds are good with children. Breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are often top of the list due to their friendly, tolerant, and gentle nature. Other breeds like Beagles, King Charles spaniels, and Poodles are also frequently recommended.
It's crucial to remember that individual temperament and proper training are more important than breed alone. Gradually introduce supervised, positive interactions, ensuring the dog feels safe and comfortable. Teach children to respect the dog's boundaries and how to interact safely and gently.
What are the easiest dogs to look after?
There are several dog breeds that are considered easier to look after. This makes them good choices for first-time owners:
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: As we've already mentioned, these dogs are known for being gentle and affectionate. They're also very trainable too.
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Chihuahuas: These pint-sized furballs are a popular choice due to their small size and low-maintenance grooming. They can be prone to separation anxiety, though.
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Dachshunds: Small and affectionate, but they can be prone to back problems. It's important to carefully manage their weight.
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Pugs: Pugs are another small breed that don't require heaps of exercise. They're well-loved due to their big personalities but can be prone to breathing issues.
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French Bulldogs: Due to their small size, Frenchies can be well suited to apartment living.
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Basset Hounds: They're known for their laid-back personalities.
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Italian Greyhounds: Italian greyhounds are relatively low-shedding and need minimal grooming. They're gentle dogs who love a good run but are also happy lounging around.
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Toy Poodles: Intelligent and playful, their small size also makes them ideal for apartment living. They're considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding, curly coat. But they may need regular grooming to maintain their curls.
It's important to note that all dogs are different, with individual characters and personalities. To ensure happy harmony with your dog, it's important to start training early.
It's also crucial to do your research before bringing your new friend home. You'll want to make sure you've dog-proofed your home before they come sniffing around. Remove hazards like electrical cords, poisonous plants, and anything else they might mistake for a chew toy.
What are the top low-maintenance cat breeds?
Several cat breeds are known for being fairly low-maintenance:
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British Shorthair: Known for their easygoing nature and minimal grooming requirements, British Shorthairs are a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed and low-maintenance cat.
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Russian Blue: These cats are often described as independent and self-sufficient, with sleek, short coats that require minimal grooming.
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American Shorthair: These cats are generally healthy and friendly and have short, easy-to-care-for coats, making them a good fit for various households.
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Scottish Fold: While they come in short- and long-haired varieties, the short-haired Scottish Folds are known for their calm demeanour and minimal grooming needs.
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Ragdoll: Ragdoll cats get their name for their tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, like a ragdoll toy. They're laid-back and affectionate, making them a popular choice for those seeking a gentle companion.
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Maine coon: While they have a long coat, Maine Coons are generally low-shedding, and their coats are relatively easy to maintain with regular brushing.
Some cat breeds, like Ragdolls, Persians, and British Shorthairs, are known for being adaptable and content with indoor living. Whilst other breeds, like Maine Coons and Bengals, can have a stronger pull towards adventure. They might be best suited to outdoor or semi-outdoor environments.
If you've got more than one furry friend living under one roof, it might be worth researching your cat breed's compatibility with other pets. If you've got young children, you'll also want to make sure your moggy is a good fit for them. Below are some breeds known for being good choices for households with kids (and other animals):
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Maine Coon
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Ragdoll
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Birman
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Burmese
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Abyssinian
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Exotic Shorthair
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Sphynx
Every cat is different, though, even within breeds. It's important to properly introduce your cat to other household pets and children.
What is the cheapest cat breed to own in the UK?
The cheapest cat breed to own in the UK, both in terms of initial cost and overall expenses, is typically the Domestic Shorthair.
These mixed-breed felines are generally the most affordable to buy from a breeder or rescue centre. They're also known to have more robust health, meaning cheaper vet and insurance costs.
Own a fancy feline? Pedigree cats tend to be a lot pricier, with both a higher upfront cost and more expensive insurance premiums. This is because they're more at risk of breed-specific genetic health problems.
Other reasonably priced cat breeds include:
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Cornish Rex
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Siamese
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Himalayan
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Oriental Shorthairs
When buying or adopting a cat, you'll need to consider the expenses other than just the original cost. Think cat insurance, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, food, litter, and toy expenses.
Some cats may require specialised diets due to allergies or other health conditions, which can also be more expensive.
Why pet insurance matters even for low-maintenance pets
Even for low-maintenance pets, pet insurance still matters. Any feline or pooch can get poorly unexpectedly, so it's worth it to get them covered.
Our pets are family. So knowing your pet is financially covered against unexpected costs can give you peace of mind.
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