15 Easy Dog Breeds That Are An Absolute Delight To Own (And 5 That Secretly Love Chaos!) 

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

woman holding up a golden retriever in a forest
Anastasiia Vyshnevska/Pexels

Bringing a dog into your home is such an exciting and rewarding experience. But let’s be real—some breeds are just easier to handle than others, making them perfect for first-time owners or anyone with a busy lifestyle. Whether you’re after a chill lap dog or a fun-loving pup that’s still easy to manage, some breeds just make life simpler. From minimal grooming to super adaptable personalities, these dogs make pet ownership a total breeze. With the right breed, having a furry best friend feels effortless and so worth it.

1. Labrador Retriever 

Adult woman petting her Labrador retriever in the park
freepik/Freepik

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular, easygoing breeds. They’re super friendly, obedient, and amazing family pets, getting along great with kids and animals. Plus, they don’t need crazy amounts of exercise—just a daily walk and playtime keep them happy. Their short coat? Low maintenance, just an occasional brush and they’re good to go. Labs are incredibly trainable, eager to please, and fit into almost any lifestyle. Honestly, their intelligence and loving personality make them the ultimate companion.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with kids
freepik/Freepik

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, affectionate buddy, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are where it’s at. These small but sturdy pups absolutely love human companionship and easily adjust to different lifestyles. Whether you’re super active or more of a couch potato, they’re happy either way. Moreover, their silky coat only needs regular brushing to stay looking nice. They’re perfect for apartment living, great with families, and make fantastic companions for seniors. Simply put, they’re one of the sweetest and most adaptable breeds out there.

3. French Bulldog 

French bulldog
freepik/Freepik

French Bulldogs are compact, playful, and downright adorable. Their laid-back attitude makes them ideal for apartment living, since they really don’t need much more than a short walk here and there. Grooming? Easy—just a quick brush occasionally and they’re set. Another bonus? They barely bark, which makes them perfect for city life. Frenchies thrive on human interaction and love being the center of attention. Their mix of affection, low-energy vibes, and playful charm makes them an awesome, loving pet for any household.

4. Beagle 

beagle and owner
Kampus Production/Pexels

Beagles are little balls of energy wrapped in pure friendliness. They’re super social, making them great for families, singles, and just about anyone who loves an affectionate dog. But here’s the best part—they don’t need tons of exercise, just a daily walk and some playtime to stay happy. Furthermore, their short coat is super low-maintenance, only needing occasional brushing. Beagles are smart and easy to train, and on top of that, they have an incredible sense of smell. If you love outdoor adventures, they’ll be your perfect adventure buddy.

5. Bichon Frise

A white Bichon Frise
Katya Wolf/Pexels

If you want a dog that’s basically a little ball of happiness, Bichon Frises are the way to go. They’re affectionate, cheerful, and super easy to care for. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, which means they barely shed—perfect for allergy sufferers! They’re small, friendly, and eager to please, which makes training a total breeze. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, they adapt easily and only need moderate exercise, like short walks and a bit of playtime. Their playful and loving nature makes them pure joy to have around.

6. Pug

Pug with woman
prostooleh/Freepik

Pugs are affectionate, playful, and charming. Their small size and easygoing nature make them great for apartments and houses. They require minimal grooming thanks to their short coat and need moderate exercise to stay happy. More importantly, they thrive on companionship and love lounging with their owners. Pugs are famous for their silly antics and loving personalities, making them both entertaining and affectionate. Their adaptability and loyalty make them a perfect fit for any household, bringing nonstop joy and companionship.

7. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever travel
freepik/Freepik

Golden Retrievers are intelligent, loyal, and loving. They’re easy to train because they’re eager to please and naturally gentle. While they need some brushing to keep their thick coat in check, their care is manageable. Moreover, they love outdoor activities but are just as happy chilling with family. Their friendly, adaptable nature makes them a fantastic choice for families, individuals, and first-time dog owners. Their warm, affectionate personality ensures they fit in anywhere.

8. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Helena Lopes/Unsplash

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate pups with a calm and loving personality. Best of all, even though their long coat needs regular grooming, they hardly shed—making them perfect for allergy sufferers. They’re super adaptable and do great in different living situations, including apartments. And, they don’t need a ton of exercise—short walks and playtime are more than enough. Their affectionate nature helps them form deep bonds with their owners. All in all, they bring warmth, happiness, and endless joy to any home they become part of.

9. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier
marymarkevich/Freepik

Boston Terriers are compact, lively, and affectionate little dogs. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they only need moderate exercise. They’re highly intelligent, making training a breeze. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for apartment living. Boston Terriers are known for their playful nature and strong family bonds. Because of this, they’re amazing pets for anyone seeking a well-mannered, affectionate companion. Their intelligence and playfulness ensure they bring happiness to any home.

10. Dachshund

Dachshund with woman
freepik/Freepik

Dachshunds are small but bold and full of personality. Whether smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired, their coat is low-maintenance and requires moderate grooming. They’re moderately active, enjoying short walks and playtime without needing excessive exercise. Additionally, their affectionate, loyal nature makes them wonderful companions for singles, families, and seniors alike. With their playful spirit and devotion, Dachshunds bring joy and excitement. At the end of the day, they’re a delightful breed that makes any home feel complete.

11. Maltese

Maltese dog with woman
teksomolika/Freepik

Maltese dogs are small, loving, and super easy to care for. Their smooth, shiny coat needs regular grooming, but luckily, they shed very little—perfect for allergy sufferers. Plus, they fit right into apartment life and only need moderate exercise, like short walks and indoor play. Maltese dogs absolutely love being around people and soak up attention like a sponge. Not to mention, their smart and friendly personality makes training a total breeze. With their loyalty and sweet nature, they’re an absolute joy to have around.

12. Cocker Spaniel

Senior with Cocker Spaniel
freepik/Freepik

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and easy to train, making them great for families. They have a naturally friendly personality and form strong bonds with owners. While their coat needs regular grooming, it’s manageable with routine care. They love moderate exercise, whether daily walks, backyard fun, or playful activities. Since they’re so loving, they get along great with kids, pets, and visitors. Their social nature helps them thrive in interactive households, making them one of the best all-around breeds for companionship.

13. Havanese

Havanese
Dennis Bautista/Pexels

Havanese dogs are small, affectionate, and adaptable, perfect for families, singles, and seniors. Their silky coat needs grooming but barely sheds—great for allergy sufferers. These pups thrive on human interaction, forming deep, loving bonds with families. They need moderate exercise, like short walks, indoor play, and engaging activities. Most importantly, their playful, cheerful vibe makes them a constant source of happiness and joy. No doubt, Havanese dogs bring love, warmth, and companionship to any home.

14. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound
Ron Lach/Pexels

Italian Greyhounds are sleek, affectionate, and low-maintenance, making them ideal for an easygoing owner. Their short coat is a dream—minimal grooming required! They enjoy short bursts of exercise but also love lounging, ideal for apartment living. Their gentle, affectionate personality helps them form deep bonds with owners. Not to mention, Italian Greyhounds are known for elegance and loyalty, giving them a sophisticated yet lovable charm. Their companionship is both comforting and rewarding.

15. Papillon

Papillon with kid
master1305/Freepik

Papillons are small, intelligent, and energetic, making them the ultimate sidekick for active people. And let’s be real—their long, flowing ears give them such a unique, adorable look! While their coat needs moderate grooming, they’re easy to train since they’re eager to please. Their compact size and adaptable nature fit any living situation. More importantly, their playful, affectionate personality guarantees endless joy. Papillons form deep connections with owners, making them truly special.

5 Dog Breeds That Secretly Love Chaos!

Dalmatian
RebeccasPictures/Pixabay

Some dogs live for snuggles, but others wake up every day with one mission: create as much chaos as possible. Whether it’s zooming through the house, stealing socks, or knocking over furniture, these breeds thrive on mischief. Their energy knows no limits, and if you’re not keeping them busy, they’ll find a way to entertain themselves—usually at your expense. If you’re ready for a whirlwind of personality (and don’t mind some destruction), these five breeds will keep life exciting, unpredictable, and full of laughs.

1. Siberian Husky – The Escape Artist

Siberian husky
Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

Huskies may be gorgeous, but don’t let their wolf-like looks fool you—they’re full-time chaos machines. Not only do they love howling at absolutely nothing, but they’re also master escape artists. Leave the door open for two seconds? They’re gone. A fenced yard? Good luck—they’ll dig under it or climb over just to see what’s on the other side. And let’s not forget their talent for destroying furniture when bored. Huskies crave adventure, and if you don’t provide it, they’ll create their own… at your house’s expense.

2. Jack Russell Terrier – The Tiny Tornado

Jack Russell Terrier
serezniy/123rf

Jack Russells may be small, but they bring big energy—sometimes too much of it. If they’re not zooming across the room at full speed, they’re busy chewing through your favorite shoes, digging up your backyard, or launching themselves off the couch like a squirrel on caffeine. Plus, they have zero chill, which means they’ll find ways to entertain themselves (usually at your expense). If you don’t give them enough exercise, expect full-blown destruction. These tiny tornadoes are fun, but they come with a lot of built-in chaos.

3. Belgian Malinois – The Workaholic Wrecking Ball

Belgian Malinois
Marchalluc/Pixabay

Belgian Malinois are basically the overachievers of the dog world, but when they’re bored? Total disaster. Since they’re bred for intense jobs like police work and search-and-rescue, they have an endless supply of energy that needs an outlet. Without a job to do, they’ll take matters into their own paws—whether that means rearranging your furniture, chewing through drywall, or chasing anything that moves. Malinois aren’t for the faint of heart. If you can’t keep up, they’ll turn your house into their own personal obstacle course.

4. Dalmatian – The Spotted Menace

dalmatian
Helena lope/ pexels

Dalmatians may be famous for their striking looks, but behind those spots is a pure chaos gremlin. Not only do they have insane amounts of energy, but they also have a mischievous streak a mile wide. They love running in circles for no reason, stealing random objects just for fun, and pretending they didn’t just knock over your coffee. Plus, they’re ridiculously smart, which means they’ll find new ways to cause trouble daily. If you’re not ready for constant action, a Dalmatian will quickly turn your life upside down.

5. Border Collie – The Genius Prankster

Border Collie
wirestock/Freepik

Border Collies aren’t just smart—they’re too smart, and that’s exactly why they thrive on chaos. When they’re not herding everything in sight (kids, other pets, even you), they’re plotting their next prank. Stealing socks? Check. Learning how to open doors? Done. Outsmarting you at every turn? Absolutely. These dogs need constant stimulation, or they’ll create their own entertainment—which usually involves turning your home into a disaster zone. A bored Border Collie is a menace, but at least they’ll keep you on your toes!

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