Low Maintenance Large Dogs (10 Examples)

No matter the breed, all dogs require a certain level of responsibility from their humans. But some dogs need more care and attention than others.

Believe it or not, there are bigger breeds that require less fussing over than their smaller counterparts. So what factors make a dog easier to care for and which breeds are actually low-maintenance large dogs?

What Makes A Dog Low Maintenance?

Several characteristics are taken into account for a dog to be considered low maintenance. Here are some of the most important ones:

Exercise Needs

Some dogs are naturally energetic and require plenty of opportunities to exercise. In contrast, low-maintenance dogs will benefit from a walk or two per day but are not prone to destructive behavior without it.

These dogs are able to switch off and are happy enough to relax and snuggle at home.

Training Needs

Some dogs are stubborn and independent-minded. In contrast, some dogs don’t require much leadership and guidance to learn how to behave well and interact with other people and animals.

Additionally, low-maintenance dogs don’t require as much mental stimulation to thrive.

Grooming Needs

Low-maintenance dogs don’t require daily attention in terms of grooming. Typically, they don’t shed too much and they don’t need to be bathed or brushed too frequently.

Furthermore, you won’t need to fuss over their ears to ensure they don’t get any infections. Nevertheless, you will still need to pay close attention to their oral health and keep their nails trimmed, just like any other breed.

Health

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain diseases. If you want a low-maintenance dog, you’ll want to check for one that’s generally healthy and isn’t likely to require lots of veterinary care later on.

It’s important to remember, however, that your dog’s general health and well-being still mostly depends on the quality of care you provide them.

Neediness

Some breeds thrive on social interaction. These dogs are typically clingy and require plenty of attention. Additionally, they are more likely to develop separation anxiety.

In contrast, low-maintenance dogs enjoy your company while you’re around but can also play independently and thrive while they’re alone.

10 Low Maintenance Large Dog Breeds

If you’re looking for a hefty, huggable dog that won’t require all of your attention, here are some of the best low-maintenance large dog breeds to consider:

1) American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is not yet fully recognized by the American Kennel Club as its own breed. Nevertheless, these dogs are already incredibly popular.

As far as large dogs go, they are still quite compact, which helps them adapt to all sorts of living environments. They also don’t shed profusely, drool excessively, or bark unnecessarily.

In terms of grooming, the American Bulldog’s smooth and short coat is easy to maintain. And although they can be athletic dogs, they don’t require daily vigorous exercise. Additionally, they’re relatively easy to train and socialize.

2) Boerboel

At first glance, the Boerboel might seem like a vicious dog but they’re actually calm, affectionate, and gentle with children. They are open to and playful with strangers but can still be quite protective of their home and family.

Although the Boerboel is a working breed, they are not too energetic and do not need intensive daily activity.

Their eagerness to please also makes them easy to train but it is essential to socialize them properly during puppyhood. Additionally, their short coats are easy to keep clean and shiny.

3) Greyhound

Greyhound racing has given these dogs a reputation for speed and agility, but they are actually calm-natured dogs.

True, they are capable of impressive bursts of energy but they are happy to lounge around at home and spend the day sleeping. In fact, they tend to be quite lazy.

The Greyhound’s coat is also as low maintenance as they go. Their smooth, short coats are not much to fuss over. All it takes is a weekly rub down with a damp cloth and a bath every month or so.

They are also highly adaptable but would thrive best when given access to space they can run and play in.

4) Mastiff

The Mastiff is a remarkably large dog, so it’s difficult to believe they are easy to maintain. But if you have enough space for their muscular bodies that can grow as heavy as 230 pounds, it isn’t too difficult to care for them.

These dogs don’t have too much energy to burn on a daily basis and aren’t very vocal, either.

Mastiffs also have short coats that are easy to maintain. They do, however, drool quite a bit so you need to be prepared for some slobber.

Even so, they are a delight to own thanks to their affectionate and gentle nature that is still balanced out with a healthy level of protectiveness over their family.

5) Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large dog with copious amounts of hair. Admittedly, their medium-length hair and double coats can be a challenge but they actually don’t shed much outside of the shedding seasons and they don’t need much more than a thorough brushing once a week or so.

They do, however, drool quite a bit and it would be a good idea to have a towel at hand all the time when you live with these dogs.

Nevertheless, Newfoundlands are big softies.  They are affectionate with their humans and especially patient with young children. They are also sociable even with strangers and they don’t need much exercise to burn off their energy.

6) Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario is still classified under AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, which means the breed is still in the process of establishing its breed standards.

Nevertheless, they are generally considered a large but low maintenance dog because it doesn’t take much to keep them properly groomed and they are relatively low-energy dogs.

An important characteristic to note about the Presa Canario is that they tend to prefer the company of their humans.

It takes a while for them to warm up to strangers and are often overprotective of their home and family. They can also be aloof to other dogs and will need proper introductions to get along.

7) Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a mild-mannered dog that tends to be affectionate with their humans. They get along easily with young kids and other dogs.

Additionally, they can be athletic but don’t really have too much energy they need to burn on a daily basis. They do, however, need some training and mental stimulation to keep from developing unwanted behaviors.

In terms of grooming, it doesn’t take much to keep the Redbone Coonhound’s short coat looking clean and shiny.

However, it is important to pay close attention to their ears, which are long and droopy. It is essential to keep them dry as these dogs can be prone to ear infections.

8) Rottweiler

Rottweilers are big, burly, and intimidating dogs but they are actually sweet-natured and are especially affectionate to their humans.

Although they do need plenty of mental stimulation to thrive, they don’t require too much physical exercise. Additionally, they are easy to train and highly adaptable dogs.

In terms of grooming, the Rottweiler’s smooth and short coat is as low maintenance as they come. They shed but not too profusely and they only need a thorough brushing every few weeks or so. These dogs are also not very vocal, so you don’t need to worry about excessive barking.

9) Saint Bernard

Not every household will have the space for a Saint Bernard but these are actually highly adaptable dogs. They are also incredibly affectionate and, just as the movies portray, they tend to be very good with young children.

They are, however, also very protective dogs so it’s essential to train and guide them to use their protective instincts safely.

The Saint Bernard has a thick double coat composed of both smooth and rough, short-length hair. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of fur to deal with during the shedding seasons, but they don’t really take much effort to keep properly groomed.

10) Sloughi

The Sloughi may not be a popular breed but their graceful manner and reserved nature make them easy to care for. They are also affectionate but will need proper training and socialization to interact safely with other animals and young kids.

As a working hound, the Sloughi has plenty of energy but can thrive on a walk or two per day. They also don’t need much in terms of mental stimulation and are happy to switch off at home especially since they are not very protective.

Final Thoughts

Any of these ten breeds will be an excellent choice if you’re looking for low-maintenance but large dogs. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that, though they need less work than other breeds, they will still require (and deserve) plenty of love, care, and attention from their humans.

Don’t take on the responsibility if you aren’t ready to offer what it takes for a dog to be happy.