10 Independent Dog Breeds for Busy Owners

The Dachshund is a small dog with short legs and a long body. People also call them "sausage dogs" because of their shape. These dogs are loving and make great friends for couch time. They need only moderate exercise and basic training. Long-haired Dachshunds need more brushing than short-haired ones. They can be stubborn sometimes, but they are loyal to their families.

Beagles are medium-sized dogs that love to have fun and play. They are friendly dogs that get along well with children and other pets. Beagles are smart and can learn rules with positive training. They need daily exercise but are happy with walks and playtime. These dogs shed some hair, but weekly brushing keeps them looking good and healthy.

French Bulldogs are small, cheerful dogs that love to relax with their owners. They have lots of energy but get tired quickly, so they do not need long exercise sessions. These dogs are smart and learn basic commands easily when given structure. They have short hair that needs little grooming. However, they can have breathing problems because of their flat faces.

Boston Terriers are friendly dogs that love being around people. They are smart, funny, and can learn tricks easily. These dogs are active and need about one hour of exercise each day. Their short coat makes grooming very easy. Just brush them once a week. Boston Terriers get along well with everyone and make great city pets for apartments.

Shih Tzus are small, adorable dogs that love getting attention from their owners. They have moderate energy and need daily walks, but nothing too intense. These dogs are smart but can be stubborn, so training is important. They have long hair that sheds very little, but they need weekly brushing and regular trims to keep their coat neat and healthy.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, loving dogs that look like puppies forever. They weigh between 13-18 pounds and are easy to handle and train. These dogs love to cuddle with humans or other dogs, making them perfect couch companions. They need regular brushing and occasional grooming visits. Cavaliers are calm, sweet, and adapt well to different living situations and family types.

Chihuahuas are very small dogs that weigh only 2-6 pounds. They are perfect lap dogs that do not need much exercise space. These tiny dogs can have bursts of energy but generally do not need lots of physical activity. Short-haired Chihuahuas need minimal grooming, while long-haired ones need more brushing. They can be bossy, so training and boundaries are important from the start.

Maltese dogs are small, beautiful dogs with long, silky white coats. They are gentle, smart, and make wonderful lap dogs for relaxing. These dogs are hypoallergenic, which means they are good for people with allergies. Maltese dogs need regular brushing to prevent tangles, but many owners keep their coats cut short. They are easy to train and adapt well to different lifestyles.

If you prefer bigger dogs, Bullmastiffs are perfect gentle giants that weigh 100-130 pounds. They are actually calm and lazy, so they can live happily in smaller homes. These dogs do not need much space to run around. Daily walks are enough exercise for them. They have short coats that need only weekly brushing. Bullmastiffs are loyal and protective but also love being couch potatoes with their families.

Pugs are small, friendly dogs with flat faces and wrinkled skin. They are playful and sweet, making them wonderful companions for families and children. Pugs love to relax and are happy to join you for movie nights on the couch. They need daily exercise but nothing too intense. Their short coat makes grooming easy - just brush them weekly and keep their skin folds clean and dry.