What dog needs the least training?

7 Dog Breeds With Minimal Grooming Needs

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths and brushing are essential to promoting skin and coat health, but certain breeds are very low- maintenance in the grooming department. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out these breeds!

1. Beagle

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The Beagle is a small scenthound originally bred for hunting hares. They’re known and loved for their docile temperaments, intelligence, and stubbornness. They make excellent companions for adults and children of all ages. Their medium-length coats do shed, but Beagles require little grooming outside of weekly brushings. This makes them very low-maintenance dogs which, combined with their merry disposition, has made them extremely popular companions.

2. Boxer

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The Boxer is a medium-sized working breed from Germany. They are very playful, energetic dogs that need adequate exercise to remain manageable companions. They are powerful dogs that are steadfastly loyal to their families, and they are also very friendly and social with those they know. They are a people-oriented breed and make a great choice for active families with children. Boxers have very short, thin coats that require very little more than an occasional bath.

3. Doberman Pinscher

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Another powerful working breed, the Doberman Pinscher is renowned as a loyal guardian for their family. They are active and intelligent dogs and, although wary of strangers, make goofy, clownish companions for their owners. Dobermans are energetic dogs that need a job to do, and regular training will help ensure that they blend with their families seamlessly. They have very short coats that do shed, but these require little more than weekly brushing.

4. Great Dane

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The Great Dane is well-known for its incredible size. These giant dogs come from Germany, where they were used as hunting and guarding dogs. Today, they are seen as gentle giants, known for their goofy personalities and desire to interact with people. Despite their size, Great Danes are exceptionally affectionate and do very well with children of all ages. Their short coats require very minimal grooming, such as weekly brushing.

5. Weimaraner

©Field Dog Imagery

The Weimaraner, a large gun dog, is still popular with hunters today. Their short coats help make them extremely low-maintenance, as they require almost no grooming. They are very active dogs that need ample exercise to be suitable pets, making them a good choice for active families with children.

6. Vizsla

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A Hungarian pointer, the Vizsla is a popular hunting and companion dog, loved for its endurance and willingness to please. They are intelligent, energetic, and fun-loving, making a great choice for active families. They are also known for lacking the typical dog smell that many breeds begin to have without adequate grooming.

7. Italian Greyhound

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The smallest of the Sighthounds, the Italian Greyhound is a popular companion breed. They are very affectionate and enjoy being lap dogs, but they are not recommended for families with young children. Their short, thin coats require almost no grooming at all — sometimes, monthly baths irritate the skin and coat. Many owners find that wiping their dogs down with a damp cloth is more than adequate. This makes this small dog a very low-maintenance pet.

What dog needs the least training?

In this article, we’ll take a look at: HIDE SHOW

• What Should You Consider When Choosing a Mobility Service Dog Breed?
  • Size of the Dog
  • Dog’s Fur
  • Dog’s Odor
  • Lifespan
  • Age
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Standard Poodle
  • Newfoundland
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Rottweiler
  • St. Bernard
  • Mastiff
  • Great Dane

  Service dogs are helpful for many people with a disability as they can be trained to provide different tasks both physically and emotionally related. Choosing the most suitable service dog breed can be a really challenging task, as there are many factors that need to be considered- the size of the dog, does he/she shed a lot, what are the particular needs of the handler, what is their lifestyle, do they live in a house or in an apartment. etc.

  Some of the most difficult tasks that a service dog may need to perform are balance and mobility-related tasks, as they require a strong physique and a stable temperament. You may want to know more about the factors that you need to pay attention to when choosing a mobility service dog breed.

  What Should You Consider When Choosing a Mobility Service Dog Breed?

  Size of the Dog

  If a dog is supposed to be trained to pull a wheelchair, you need to check the size that he/she can reach as an adult dog. Generally, a minimum size of 22” (56 cm) and a minimum weight of 55lbs (25kg) is considered suitable for a dog that will be trained to pull a child or a small woman. If the weight of the individual exceeds 130lbs (59kg), the size of the dog should be at least 60lbs (27-28kg).

  If a dog will be trained to assist an individual as walking support, the animal should be at least 23” (59cm) high. This height is considered suitable for women of average size. It is important to mention that the height of the dog depends on the harness type as well. If the harness is made of soft material, the dog should be at least 28”- 30” (71cm – 76cm), so that his/her handler can lean on his/her body easily. If the harness is made of a hard material and is equipped with a robust handle, the dog’s size may be smaller- about 23” (59cm).

  Dog’s Fur

  The care for the dog’s fur is crucial when choosing a suitable breed for a service dog. You need to keep in mind that the fur of some breeds may require regular maintenance or even visiting a grooming studio. The process may cost you a lot of money and you may need to invest a lot of time as well. Other breeds are easy to maintain, as they do not shed (a lot), they are short-coated, or brushing once a week will be enough for them to keep their coat tidy.

  Moreover, some people may be allergic to dog’s hair which makes this factor even more important when choosing a suitable mobility service dog breed. Of course, there are people who are not allergic to dog’s fur but just can not get used to it when it sticks to their furniture or other surfaces in their house.

  Dog’s Odor

  Since some dog breeds have a specific odor, especially when they get wet, you may need to consider which breed you would feel most comfortable with. Since the representatives of the Retrievers tend to have an odor, that may be a problem for some handlers or their family members.

  Lifespan

  How long is the average lifespan of a certain breed, is very important to consider when choosing a service dog. Some breeds like Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff are known as breeds with the shortest lifespan- 7-8 years. Other breeds like Maltese, Beagle, Australian Shepherd, and Shih Tzu are considered breeds with the longest lifespan- about 15 years. Unfortunately, some breeds like Maltese are expected to suffer from certain genetic diseases which may shorten their lifespan.

  Age

  The age of the dog is another factor, that needs to be considered. The minimum age for a service dog is about 6 months and the age of 10 years is considered retirement age. You need to choose the proper age of the dog that will be most suitable for your needs and the tasks that he/she will perform.

  You already know some of the most important things that you need to take into consideration if you have decided to get a service dog, especially for performing physical tasks. In the second part of the article, we will list 10 breeds that are deemed the most suitable ones for mobility tasks.

  Most Suitable Breeds as Mobility Service Dogs

  It is no surprise that the Labrador Retrievers take first place.

  Labrador Retriever

  These dogs impress with their intellect, loyalty, and stable temperament. They are easy-going and training them to perform different tasks won’t be difficult. They are reliable and always ready to help. Their strength and physical durability make these dogs really suitable as mobility service dogs. They are able to pull a wheelchair or to be used as balance support. However, the tasks that they are able to perform are diverse and can not be limited to mobility tasks only. The Labrador Retrievers are energetic but not hyper-active and physical tasks suit their temperament very well. The representatives of this breed have strong social and obedience skills, which help them behave properly while in public.

  Golden Retriever

  Similar to the Labrador Retrievers, the Golden Retrievers are one of the most suitable breeds as a service dog, especially for fulfilling mobility tasks. This breed is perfect as guide dogs for people with visual impairments or as balance support dogs for individuals with mobility impairments. These canines can be trained to pull a wheelchair or to retrieve different objects to their handler if they are unable to get these themselves. Very intelligent and adaptive these dogs are affectionate, loyal, and compassionate. The Golden Retrievers enjoy being engaged in different activities, as they are energetic. They get along with adults as well as with children. Due to their friendly and easy-going personality Golden Retrievers, as well as Labrador Retrievers are usually welcomed in public spaces and enjoy people’s positive attitude.

  If you have decided to get one of the breeds mentioned above, you need to keep in mind that Retrievers tend to shed and may have a specific odor when they get wet.

  German Shepherd

  The representatives of this breed are very popular due to their great obedience and training skills. These dogs usually have a really strong bond with their owners and they tend to enjoy different challenges. Extremely suitable as police dogs, working dogs, and mobility service dogs, you will not regret if you get a German Shepherd . Physically strong and durable, these canines can fulfill even more demanding tasks. We have to note that you should train them properly in order to keep them well-behaved and controlled. The proper training is really important for these dogs, as they have strong protective instincts, whose expression may lead to aggression towards strangers. You need to have a strong personality and sometimes you may need to behave authoritatively in order to control a dog of this breed.

  Standard Poodle

  As we explained in some of our previous articles Poodles are not just dogs with fancy haircuts. They are intelligent and loyal dogs with good obedience skills. Because of their size (when related to standard Poodles) these dogs are a very appropriate choice when it comes to physical tasks. Their personality is friendly and enthusiastic and they get along with different people or situations. Poodles are able to adapt fast to environmental changes and are easy to train. Due to their physical and mental advantages Poodles are very suitable as mobility assistance dogs.

  Newfoundland

  The Newfoundlands are considered one of the largest dog breeds. These canines are perfect as mobility service dogs for taller persons with mobile impairments. The male representatives of this breed can reach up to 150lbs (68kg) in weight and 28inch (71cm) in height. However, despite their large size, these dogs are very affectionate. This breed is suitable both for physical and emotional support tasks as they make their handlers feel safe and balanced, they are intelligent, and can sense any changes in their owner’s behavior.

  Bernese Mountain Dog

  These lovely furry dogs can make almost every person feel comfortable, safe, and loved. They are large, gentle, very fluffy, and can be of great help to individuals who have to deal with balance or mobile disabilities. You do not have to worry about the size of these canines while in public, as they are well-behaved and very intelligent. The male representatives of this breed can reach up to 115lbs (52kg) in weight and 27” (69cm) in height.

  Rottweiler

  Dogs of this breed are known as guard dogs who tend to be aggressive. Actually, these canines are gentle and very loyal. Despite their reputation, they are friendly and reliable and are easy to train. These dogs are very attached to their owners and are ready to protect them when necessary. Owners of Rottweilers may need to provide proper training in order to control the overprotective behavior of their beloved dog partners. Due to their large size (male representatives can reach a weight of up to 134lbs – 61kg and height of up to 27”- 69cm) the Rottweilers are one of the most suitable breeds as service dogs for people who need to use wheelchairs or have balance issues.

  St. Bernard

  The representatives of this breed are really large and strong dogs who have a great reputation as mountain rescue dogs, as they were originally bred for rescue work on the Italian-Swiss border. The male dogs can reach up to 180lbs (82kg) in weight and 30” (76cm) in height. Due to their strong physique and thick fur they can provide perfect assistance to people with mobile disabilities. Despite their large size, St. Bernards are gentle, calm, and easy-going with children. However, you need to supervise these dogs if you have children, as they can accidentally hurt them because of their size. As already mentioned above they are calm and not aggressive, but they just can not manage their size.

  Mastiff

  What is the first thing that you associate with these dogs? Their size, right? The Mastiffs are one of the strongest and largest dog breeds. They are perfect as guard dogs as well as mobility assistance dogs, especially for taller persons. If you need help and support you can lean on these dogs. Although they are very large, they tend to be gentle. Adult male representatives of this breed can reach up to 200lbs (90kg) in weight and 30” in height (76cm).

  Great Dane

  Strong, affectionate, and eager to please their owners- these dogs can provide great mobility assistance. These canines love to be around their handlers and to support them. You can rely on these dogs in every situation you have to deal with.

  What if My Dog is Untrainable?

  First off, there is no such thing as an untrainable dog. “But,” you argue, “If there were such a thing, surely my dog would fit into that category!” You can believe what you want, but all dogs are trainable; it just depends on how you go about it and how much time and energy you’re willing to invest.

  

  Some dogs are inherently easy to train. They typically fall into the herding or guardian dog breed categories, so if you’re looking for a dog that’s relatively easy to train, here are some good breeds to choose from:

  Herding Dogs	Guardian Dogs	Other
  German Shepherds	Doberman Pinscher	Golden Retriever
  Welsh Corgi	Rottweiler	Labrador Retriever
  Australian Shepherd	German Shepherds	Poodles
  Australian Cattle Dog	Papillon
  Border Collie	Pumi
  Shetland Sheepdog

  One consistent trait across extremely trainable dogs is that they like to have a job, whether it be guarding people, herding cows, or retrieving something their master shot while on a hunting trip.

  Purchasing a purebred dog has its benefits, but if you adopted or inherited a dog, you likely have some kind of mutt. With all of the mixed genes, sometimes dogs end up resistant to training, which can be incredibly frustrating for both parties. Add stubborn or dominant personality traits into the mix, and you might feel justified saying that your dog is untrainable. But don’t give up hope yet! We’ve put together a few pointers to help you train your “untrainable” dog.

  Table of Contents

  • Hold a Family Council
  • Be Consistent
  • Find a Treat He Likes
  • Revisit the Past
  • Go Slow
  • Be Patient and Positive
  • Add in a Lot of Exercise
  • Consider a Professional

  Hold a Family Council

  If there are multiple people in your family, varied training styles can be inadvertently confusing your dog. Before you even start the training process again, sit with down with your family members and decide the signal and the sounds you’re going to make for each trick. Getting everyone on the same page is probably the biggest hurdle in the beginning.

  Be Consistent

  Being consistent is a phrase that you will hear over and over from professional dog trainers and “doggy blogs” alike, so we will say it again here: you have to be consistent. Your dog is looking to you to lead, and he needs consistency in order to learn. It makes him feel more comfortable with his roles, and when he knows what’s going to happen, he’s more likely to comply.

  Find a Treat He Likes

  It truly is impressive what a dog will do for a Cheerio-sized piece of cheese. Whether you use cheese, processed snacks, peanut butter, or something else, offer your treat often and for everything your dog does right (at least in the beginning). If the snack is high in calories, cut it up into small pieces, or offer various treats to switch things up. You’ll likely have to try a lot of different treats to find some that he really enjoys, but it can make a night-and-day difference having a treat he loves versus one he’s just meh about.

  Revisit the Past

  One of the best ways to start training again is to the revisit the past – particularly the past successes. You might have to think hard to find something that your pup has been successful with, but once you narrow it down, focus on that one task. Use a clicker to mark the action and reward with a treat every time. Your purpose here is to remind your dog that he is successful and that training can be a positive experience.

  Go Slow

  Don’t start your training sessions in the backyard or at the park – that’s the first piece of advice. When you’re starting to train a stubborn dog, go slow by controlling as many aspects of the environment as possible. Keep lighting consistent, turn off the TV, work in the same area of the house, and start with some kind of daily routine. And, of course, reward, reward, reward! Once your dog is getting the hang of things, starting adding in one level of stimuli at a time. Maybe turn on the TV or the radio during your training or move to another area of the house. The key is to go slowly and make sure that your dog has things down before adding anything else to his routine.

  Be Patient and Positive

  It is so tempting to punish your dog when you feel exhausted with the training process before you’ve even started, but try to be patient and positive. Your dog will respond better to consistent, positive reinforcement than physical punishment or being yelled at. And for the love of all that is fluffy and cute, don’t punish him when he comes to you after taking his sweet time out in the yard. You may feel frustrated that he didn’t come right away, but as soon as he gets to the door, give him praise, pats, and treats to reinforce that coming in is a good thing. If you’re consistent, you’ll likely find him coming inside a little quicker each day.

  Add in a Lot of Exercise

  Sometimes dogs have a lot of pent up energy or boredom, so they’re challenging to train. To counteract their energy, be sure to schedule in extra exercise every day. A dog that has his physical exertion needs met is more likely to cooperate with you during your training sessions.

  Consider a Professional

  Sometimes you just need help, and there is no shame in choosing professional dog training for your hard-to-train pup. Every dog needs a little bit of dog behavior training, and a professional dog trainer knows the tricks for training your dog and you so that you both can be successful. In fact, sometimes professional dog obedience training is the best way to go so that you and your dog don’t end up frustrated and at loggerheads. Contact Coddled Critters to find out how we can get your pooch the training that he needs.