Life gets busy, but that does not mean you have to give up on owning a dog. Some breeds are happy with short walks, lots of naps, and a cozy spot on the couch.
Picking the right breed matters because a bored, restless dog can become unhappy and even destructive. Here are the breeds that fit a packed schedule, plus two that need far more time than most people can give.
Greyhound: The 45 MPH Couch Potato
Here is a funny twist. The fastest dog breed on Earth spends most of its day snoozing.
Greyhounds can hit 45 miles per hour, yet they often sleep up to 18 hours a day.
A short daily walk and a quick sprint in a fenced yard keep them content. Their short coat barely needs brushing.
Many retired racing greyhounds need homes, so adopting one is a kind choice for busy people.
Shih Tzu: Royalty in a Small Package
Chinese emperors once kept Shih Tzus as palace pets, and these little dogs still act like they own the place. Their idea of exercise is a stroll around the block.
Indoor play is often enough on rainy days. One thing to know: that long coat tangles fast.
Ask a groomer for a short puppy cut. It saves you daily brushing and keeps your royal friend looking neat.
Pekingese: The Proud Little Lion
Legend says the Pekingese came from a lion who fell in love with a monkey. True or not, this dog carries itself with big-cat pride.
Pekes are independent and do not need you watching them every second. They are fine relaxing while you work.
Keep walks short and cool, since their flat faces make heat tough. Weekly brushing handles that thick mane.
Basset Hound: Master of the Slow Lane
Picture a dog that moves like it is always on vacation. That is the Basset Hound, with droopy ears and an even droopier energy level.
A relaxed sniff-filled walk each day makes them very happy. Their noses are second only to the Bloodhound, so let them explore smells.
Watch their diet, though. These easygoing pups gain weight quickly if snacks get out of hand.
French Bulldog: The Apartment Favorite
Frenchies became the most popular breed in America for good reason. They rarely bark, they fit in small spaces, and they love a lazy evening.
About 20 minutes of walking or play each day covers their needs. Skip intense exercise, because their short snouts make breathing hard.
Those famous bat ears and silly snorts bring plenty of laughs after a long workday.
English Bulldog: Built for Lounging
Stubborn, sweet, and seriously sleepy, the English Bulldog may be the ultimate lounge buddy. Many owners joke that getting one to walk takes more effort than the walk itself.
Short trips outside are plenty. Hot weather is risky, so keep them cool.
Plan a minute or two each day to wipe their face wrinkles. That small habit prevents skin problems.
Chihuahua: Tiny Dog, Tiny Needs
Weighing as little as three pounds, a Chihuahua gets a decent workout just chasing you around the kitchen. That makes them handy for people with packed calendars.
They love burrowing in blankets and warm laps. A smooth coat means almost zero grooming.
Fun fact: the breed is named after a state in Mexico. Early training helps tame their bold, sassy attitude.
Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman
Dressed in a natural tuxedo coat, the Boston Terrier earned the nickname American Gentleman. Behind the fancy look is a cheerful, fun-loving pup.
Quick games of fetch in the hallway burn off their energy. A short walk adds the rest.
They learn fast and want to please, so training goes smoothly. Their short coat needs only a quick weekly brush.
Maltese: A Cuddly Cloud of Charm
Ancient Greeks and Romans adored the Maltese, and people still can not resist that snowy white fluff. These pups ask for very little exercise.
A short walk and some indoor play keep them cheerful. They shed hardly at all, which is a bonus for busy cleaners.
Keep the coat trimmed short to make grooming fast. Gentle face wipes stop tear stains.
Pug: The Clown Who Loves Naps
Pugs have one main goal in life: be near you. Whether you are cooking, reading, or answering emails, a pug will happily snore nearby.
Their motto in Latin is multum in parvo, meaning a lot in a little. Two short walks a day suit them well.
Measure their food carefully. Pugs beg like champions and pack on pounds easily.
Whippet: Quick Bursts, Long Rests
Think of the Whippet as a smaller cousin of the Greyhound with the same love of sleep. They zoom for a few minutes, then crash for hours.
A daily walk plus a short run in a safe area keeps them fit. Indoors, they are calm and quiet.
Their thin coat means they get chilly, so a dog sweater helps in winter.
Miniature Pinscher: Big Spirit, Small Space
Nicknamed the King of Toys, the Miniature Pinscher struts around like a tiny show horse. Despite the attitude, its needs are simple.
Short walks and indoor toys keep it busy. Its sleek coat stays clean with a quick rub from a damp cloth.
Min Pins are clever escape artists. Check fences and doors, because they will slip out if given a chance.
Poor Match: Border Collie
Many experts call the Border Collie the smartest dog breed in the world. Sadly, that brain becomes a problem when nobody is home.
Bred to herd sheep all day, these dogs need hours of running and puzzles. Without enough activity, they may chew furniture or chase cars.
If your schedule is already full, this breed will likely feel frustrated and lonely.
Poor Match: German Shorthaired Pointer
Imagine a dog that could run alongside your bike for miles and still want more. That is the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Hunters developed this breed to work in fields all day. It needs at least an hour or two of hard exercise daily.
A quick walk will not cut it. Bored pointers often bark, dig, and get into trouble, so busy owners should pass.