Shelley Mamott, Staff Writer

There are many different breeds of dogs that will suit various types of owners. Here is a list of choices for those people who enjoy the love and companionship of a pet but either desire or require a lower maintenance dog.

10. Bolognese

The Bolognese has a sturdy body and weighs 8-14 pounds, approximately the size of a newborn which makes for a good apartment dog. This dog was thought to have descended from the Bichon Frisé in southern Italy. The Bolognese became popular as a companion dog among royal courts and nobility in parts of Europe. It is a smart, trainable and playful dog that is not highly active but loves the occasional walk. This dog gets along well with children and other animals but can be reserved with strangers. Considered hypoallergenic, this breed does not shed much but being long haired, requires a certain amount of grooming.

9. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a small dog about a foot in height and weighing 8-11 pounds. It is believed to have originated in China and brought to Japan as a gift from a Chinese emperor. A popular dog of Japanese royalty and was introduced in Europe in the 1800s. This is a smart, quiet, mild-mannered dog.The Chin gets along well with almost everyone, including strangers, other animals and children. This small dog is made for the lap and occasional short walks will do. They do shed lightly and their coat needs regular brushing to maintain its appearance and avoid matting.

8. Greyhound

It is a big surprise to see the Greyhound on this list. Yes, they do sprint fast, but they are not high energy dogs. Greyhounds have been referred to as, “forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.” Greyhounds can be traced to ancient Egypt and Greece and have often been used for hunting and herding throughout history. They are a larger dog but actually make for a good apartment dog. Greyhounds are sprinters and love running, but they do not require extensive exercise. A 20 to 30 minute walk will keep an adult healthy. Obedient, they get along well with strangers, school-aged children, and other dogs. They may need training and supervision with smaller pets or very young children. A good dog to own if you suffer from allergies.

7. Bullmastiff

Even considering the large size of a Bullmastiff, they tend to be pretty low maintenance. A devoted guard dog, the Bullmastiff is docile unless provoked. This breed will not attack, but they will catch intruders and knock them onto the ground. They do not bite and they are not aggressive unless directly threatened. They tend to be calm dogs with low energy. Even known to be a lazy dog, clearly okay lazing on the sofa. Obesity may be a concern so occasional long walks are ideal even if they are slow and leisurely. This dog is very loyal to its family, even-tempered, and can be quite affectionate.

6. Pug

Originating in China, Pugs were probably used as royal gifts in China as well as Tibet and Japan, eventually making their way over to Europe. The Pug gets to about 18 pounds and up to about a foot in height, perfect for an apartment. Pugs are affectionate dogs that enjoy children but are also notoriously stubborn. Pugs tend to shed quite a bit and those wrinkles require occasional cleaning to avoid irritation. Pugs have very compact breathing passageways which means they will have trouble breathing if they overdo it with exercise. And because of their short passageways, beware of snoring!

5. Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a type of working dog from Ireland, bred for hunting. Getting up to 35 pounds and about 14 inches long, this dog works well in apartments and houses with small yards. Glen of Imaals get along well with people and kids, but may be territorial with other dogs. Given their short legs they aren’t really built for running, jumping or other strenuous activities, still some short walks are good for them. These dogs tend to make up their own exercise, so a yard would be good for them. They do not shed too much but if left unattended their coat will matt.

4. Bulldog

The Bulldog was originally bred in the 1600s to hold bulls for butchers, and later used for fighting. When fighting was outlawed, breeders bred Bulldogs with gentler temperaments to soften the breed. The Bulldog is a small but muscular dog, weighing 40-50 pounds and do well with apartment living. Bulldogs get along well with people, kids and other pets. They are very loyal and affectionate. These dogs can easily become obese, so a little exercise such as a casual walk is recommended. Be aware that heavy exercise or exercise in hot weather can be a health hazard due to it’s short muzzle.

3. Puggle

A Puggle is a mix of a Pug and a Beagle and may be original, second or third generation. Puggles are small, low maintenance dogs that make excellent pets, good for either an apartment or a house. Puggles are laid back, cheerful, playful and very affectionate lap dogs who are loyal and eager to please. They get along well with children, family pets and other dogs. Because of some energy they need to burn off, walks or a romp in the yard is good for them. Puggles tire quickly and because of its shorter nasal cavity from the Pug, long or strenuous workouts can cause trouble breathing or controlling body temperature.

2. Rat Terrier

Originally bred in England, they were common farm dogs in the US in the early 1900s and Teddy Roosevelt hunted with them often. Practically shoe box size, the Rat Terrier is about 25 pounds and a foot tall or less. A very smart dog, they are very cheerful and get along with everyone. They love lounging on the sofa or in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Some occasional exercise, walking or playing in the yard, will occupy them. They have a very smooth coat with very little shedding.

1. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Its breeding origins are uncertain. Known as an indoor dog weighing only 2-4 pounds and measuring up to 9 inches high. Considered high strung, Chihuahuas are usually fiercely loyal to one person. An occasional walk is good, but do not let them become overweight as it may bring on health problems for this small breed.