What is the significance of a dog for a person? For most people, she is a wonderful friend and an excellent companion. Usually, small and beautiful dogs of decorative breeds are chosen to live in a city apartment, although there are exceptions.
Why are small breed dogs mostly kept in apartments? They are simpler in content. And the joy they bring is no less, and sometimes even more, than their larger counterparts.
So, how do you choose which is better?
You should not think that only small dogs such as lap dogs or the already mentioned pugs should be kept in apartments. Greyhounds and Great Danes, despite their size, thrive as homebodies. But important: only in company with the owner! And you need to take long walks in the fresh air with dogs of absolutely any breed.
And yet, when choosing a pet, you should not make the breed the main criterion for selection. You need to choose your four-legged friend with your heart . Who knows, maybe a dog found on the street will bring more joy than its purebred brothers.
Questions to ask yourself to decide which breed to choose:
- What character should a dog have?
- What is the owner's character?
- What is the family's financial situation?
- How much free space is in the apartment?
The following factors should also be considered:
- Vaccinations . You can't do without them. There are no dogs that do not need to be vaccinated to eliminate the risk of infecting people.
- Walk . Dogs must be walked. At least 2, and preferably 3 times a day. Moreover, one of the exits must be long-term.
- Training . Whatever the animal is, small, medium or large, smooth-haired or long-haired, they all require training and learning at least basic skills.
- The importance of safety goes without saying. Untrained, uncontrollable dogs, in whose company people fear for their lives, are not suitable for keeping in an apartment.
Let's move on to the list of suitable breeds that can be kept in an apartment.
The best enclosures for dogs and puppies in an apartment: how to make them yourself cheaply and with high quality?
Top 5 home
Yorkshire Terrier
The weight of this pet is only about 5 kilograms. They are very willful, so they are more difficult to train than other small breeds. They are moderately curious, active, inquisitive and sociable. By nature they are hunters.
A terrier can bring joy to all family members, because he is so cute! With proper care, such dogs can be called hypoallergenic. By the way, after he has been washed, the dog needs to be given hairdressing services - dry his fur and comb it. From time to time you need to cut it.
The structure of this dog's fur is similar to human hair, so it is suitable for allergy sufferers.
Popular Yorkies have good health. They live on average 14-16 years. Often their age reaches 20.
Chihuahua
This is the smallest dog in the world. These pets are suitable for active owners. They are inherently loyal, active and cheerful. But they treat strangers very badly and are jealous of their owner.
The main differences of this small breed are endurance, courage and loyalty. They live on average 15 years, but up to 20 are not uncommon.
Affenpinscher
You could say. that they are model pets. They behave well and also adapt to the characteristics of their owners. They have a very pretty appearance, but this does not negate their willingness to protect their owner and their hunting disposition.
French Bulldog
They are cheerful in temperament and have a sharp mind. They love children and have a very kind disposition. These dogs are suitable for almost everyone. They will support you in difficult times, and on the contrary, they will cheer you up if they see that the owner is in a great mood.
Jack Russell Terrier
This dog has high jumping ability. It is not suitable for inactive people and the elderly. You need to raise her like this: you shouldn’t spoil her too much, because... This dog chews on a lot of things.
How to choose a dog for an apartment
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dog as a pet. Please pay attention to the following points:
- choose the size taking into account the area of the premises, for example, for small studios you should not give preference to large dogs;
- evaluate your own temperament and lifestyle - some breeds need regular physical exercise and activity;
- the time you are willing to devote to your pet;
- the presence of small children in the family;
- allergies to wool in family members;
- the dog's tendency to bark;
- cleanliness of the breed representatives.
Even before choosing a puppy, it is worth calculating whether you can provide your pet with everything necessary. Keeping a dog requires financial expenses - expenses for food, veterinary support, treats, toys, and ammunition.
Calm
Pug
Do you spend a lot of time outside the home, most often at work? The Pug is a great breed for these types of people. But they are very happy to show attention to them, and will respond to the owner with very strong love. They are not discouraged in the absence of the owner, and sincerely rejoice at his return.
These dogs also love to be trained. These dogs are ideal for living with older people .
Plus, they look like plush toys come to life! But in fact, they are wonderful, affectionate friends who, moreover, are friends without any self-interest.
But do not forget that dogs of these breeds have problems with the cardiovascular and digestive systems, they do not tolerate heat well, and prefer peace and long sleep to active rest and long walks. They also actively snore and suffer from flatulence.
Mastino-Neapolitan
Welsh Corgi
This is a wonderful, compact dog even for a one-room apartment. Corgis get along well with children and other animals and are suitable for inexperienced owners : they quickly remember commands and do not fight.
They do not require any special care: they need to be combed a couple of times a week, bathed once a month.
Pekingese
Basset Hound
He is very smart and curious, flexible, sociable and loyal. Most often he gets along well with other pets. He can cheerfully climb into the car, play with everyone at a picnic, and then lazily sit with his family in front of the TV.
Who to choose: a boy or a girl dog?
Large breeds
Large dog breeds for apartments are more difficult to train and maintain than small or medium-sized ones. Large dogs require certain conditions: long walking, active physical activity, high food costs.
Golden retriever
For its high intelligence, balance and obedience, the Golden Retriever is included in the list of the best dog breeds for keeping in an apartment.
For their intelligence and intelligence, retrievers are included in the ranking of the smartest dogs and occupy 4th place there. They are able to independently assess the situation and make decisions, which is why they have come to the rescue more than once in difficult situations. For example, a retriever without the owner's command is capable of rushing to save a drowning person.
This is the best dog for a family and a single person, and is also chosen as a guide dog. It is difficult to find a dog breeder who has spoken negatively about the retriever’s character. The pet is completely human-oriented, friendly, and sensitive to the mood of the owner. He is ready to be friends with other household inhabitants and will never be the first to bully strangers.
The retriever does not single out one owner; it can be trained by all family members. Handles long car trips well. Owners note that retrievers are the calmest dog breeds for apartments. They will never disturb their household if they are busy.
Pros:
- easy to train;
- loves children;
- friendly character;
- smart.
Minuses:
- sheds;
- eats a lot;
- sometimes picks up food from the ground;
- cannot stand long periods of loneliness.
Height – 56-61 cm
Weight – 25-41 kg
Life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Collie
Many owners believe that the best breed of dog for an apartment is a collie.
You can take it to an apartment with children and be sure that they will be supervised. Collies never show aggression and are very calm. She adores children and is ready to protect them from strangers and play with them for hours. He becomes very attached to his family and never shows any desire to run away. The Collie is an ideal companion that adapts to the lifestyle of its owner and family. This breed is recommended as a first breed for novice dog breeders who still doubt which dog is best to have in an apartment.
Pros:
- loving, cheerful, affectionate;
- beautiful;
- intelligent appearance;
- smart, patient, devoted;
- a born nanny for children;
- clean.
Minuses:
- a lot of wool;
- without timely socialization, she becomes cowardly;
- needs frequent walks.
Weight – 20-34
Height – 56-61
Life expectancy is 16 years.
Airedale
The kind and brave heart of the Airedale Terrier has won over many people who believe that it is an ideal dog for an apartment.
However, this pet is not for the lazy and always busy. He demands attention. It is also better for tough and nervous people to choose a different breed for themselves. The Airedale Terrier is very intelligent and is capable of performing tasks that other breeds cannot understand. The big dog is not aggressive, but will always stand up for its owner. Aggression and cowardice are signs of breed disqualification.
The Airedale Terrier is patient with children, but he does not like it when they encroach on his toys. This is more of a dog for a family with an adult child (over 10 years old). With proper upbringing, he can be left alone without affecting his psyche. Socialization is very important. If you raise an Airedale Terrier “on the couch,” you will grow up to be a cowardly or, conversely, cocky dog.
It is important to start training at a young age. The puppy is sincerely happy to learn something new, but it must be done in a playful way, otherwise it will quickly get boring.
Pros:
- smart, sociable, playful;
- loyal and fearless.
Minuses:
- does not tolerate rudeness and is greatly offended by it;
- shows stubbornness.
Weight – 20-29 kg
Height – 56-61 cm
Life expectancy is 12-14 years.
The healthiest
According to breeders, dogs can only become healthy with a very caring and sincerely loving owner. But there are some breeds that have very good health.
Australian Cattle Dog
They live a very long time. Of course, for dogs and in the hands of a caring owner. Approximately 12-13 years or even more. If the size of the apartment allows, she will become an excellent friend for a very long time.
Bichon Frize
This breed is valued by dog breeders for its attractive appearance and friendly character. But these dogs require thorough care. Their average life expectancy is 12-16 years. But when pets live up to 18 years, this does not surprise anyone.
English Springer Spaniel
These pets are very affectionate and active, and do not tolerate separation from their owner very well. Life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Continental Toy Spaniel
They also have an average life expectancy of 15 years, but there have been cases of longer life. This breed is characterized by playfulness, mobility and good health.
Japanese Chin
Their average lifespan is about 14 years. They have a very unique muzzle structure and small dimensions, which makes them suitable for residents of even small apartments.
For children under 7 years old
A dog always means additional troubles and expenses. Therefore, you need to think about whether you have enough strength and resources not only for a small child, but also for a pet. Their communication will have to be constantly monitored.
Miniature decorative breeds are not suitable for children. Small dogs are often nervous and jealous, and are easily injured. Larger friendly pets are good:
- lapdog;
- pug;
- poodles (small and large);
- Welsh Corgi;
- Labrador;
- Golden retriever;
- German Shepherd;
- Bernese Mountain Dog.
While a child is 1, 2 or even 3 years old, it is difficult to explain to him how to properly communicate with a dog. Children from 4–5 years old can already learn the rules of handling four-legged animals:
- do not grab the tail, ears, muzzle;
- do not bother while eating and sleeping;
- do not touch suddenly from the back;
- pet and play taking into account the dog’s wishes;
- do not frighten, do not tease;
- do not shout;
- don't hit.
At 6–7 years old, a child is quite capable of helping to feed and care for a pet. Walk your pet under adult supervision if you are able to keep it on a leash.
Smart
Papillons
Of the dogs of this type, the smartest and kindest, and also the most odorless , are Papillons. They became popular during the time of Henry III. And gradually they earned the status of lap dogs of kings and queens.
They won the hearts of royalty not only with their pretty appearance, but also with their devotion and high intelligence.
Golden retriever
These dogs are very beautiful and affectionate towards their owners and other pets, with whom they get along well. They are trusting and friendly.
Dachshund
This breed can be described as brave, even-tempered, energetic four-legged friends. A number of owners say that these dogs even have a sense of humor and expressive facial expressions.
Of the obvious disadvantages of this breed: very loud barking . Therefore, it would be better to visit quiet places with her, for example, walk with her in nature. She is easy to train. Possible drawback: She doesn't like strangers.
Poodle
In addition to being strong, active and very stylish, poodles are well socialized. They are very easy to teach new skills and even some of them imitate their owners.
Basenji
Many dog breeders say that the Basenji is a cat in the body of a dog, because dogs of this breed love cleanliness, but hate water, love to watch others from high places and are very curious!
It is of average height 40 - 43 cm and weighs up to 12 kg. They communicate well with children. Short hair does not require complicated care: it is enough to comb the animal once a week and bathe it every month.
These little nimble dogs need a lot of physical exercise and warm clothes for the winter, plus this dog is difficult to “manage” due to its proud and stubborn disposition, so beginners should not buy it.
Due to the structure of the throat, Basenjis cannot bark, but they can communicate in other ways: howl, squeal, grumble and even meow!
Collie
These Scottish Shepherds have no aggression at all. But they closely monitor their “flock” (even if they are people). Collies try to avoid conflicts, but always protect their pack. He gets along very well with children - he considers them his pack.
Very long walks and high activity are required. Therefore, this breed is not suitable for busy people and/or those who live in a small apartment.
There are also kind and affectionate breeds that are problematic to keep in the main part of the apartments. This Newfoundland . They require a large space, so both they and the owners will only be comfortable in a private house or large apartment. It is better not to have them in small apartments.
Briefly about the main thing
- Smooth-haired dog breeds are easy to care for; there are no tangles left on the body, and shedding occurs to a lesser extent.
- All smooth-haired dogs can be divided into three groups according to size: small, medium and large.
- When choosing a dog to keep, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the breed, your needs and living conditions.
- Many smooth-haired dogs need clothing when walking in winter; street keeping is not recommended due to the lack of a pronounced undercoat.
What is the best breed of smooth-haired dog? Share your opinion in the comments to the article.
Which don't bark
There are few of these among indoor “types” of dogs, but there are still:
- Basenji . These dogs don't actually bark, instead they... purr or howl if they're allowed to. True, this rumbling can also be very annoying. It is advisable to keep this pet in a relatively large apartment.
- Bichon Frize
- Or Chinese Shar Pei . His puppies are very attached to their owner. And it usually barks either during play, or when the owner is in real danger.
- English bulldog. Despite the terrifying expression on their faces, these dogs are actually very cute. And, of course, they will not irritate their owners by barking.
- Irish Setter.
- Cane Corso.
- Chinese Crested.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- Other breeds are not particularly suitable for apartments. a Bullmastiff, St. Bernard, Mountain Dog, Afghan Hound, Akita Inu, Deerhound in a private house or in an apartment of a sufficiently large area.
But these doggies will delight you with their vocal abilities:
- Beagle,
- Border Collie,
- Brussels griffin,
- Weimaraner,
- West Terrier,
- Drathaar,
- Jack Russell Terrier,
- York,
- miniature pinscher,
- American Cocker Spaniel,
- Collie,
- Kurzhaar,
- Maltese,
- Pekingese,
- Pomeranian Spitz,
- Poodle,
- Russian toy terrier,
- Samoyed husky,
- Dachshund,
- Fox terrier,
- Miniature Schnauzer,
- Chihuahua,
- Shih Tzu.
General selection rules
When choosing a breed for urban conditions, you should consider the following factors:
- Dog size.
Small and medium-sized breeds get along better in an apartment. Bowls and a bed can be placed literally two meters from each other. And big dogs need a vast “territory”.- Temperament.
Active pets need a lot of space to play. They are also very noisy, which can annoy neighbors. Such dogs get along in multi-storey buildings only when they receive intense physical activity. Otherwise, dogs will become real destroyers. It is better to have calm, balanced breeds.- Tendency to shed.
Dogs with thick undercoat shed the most: huskies, shepherd dogs, spitz dogs. But short-haired breeds also cause trouble. If long hair is easy to collect from floors and furniture, then small, hard hairs dig into the coverings and are not easy to get rid of.- "Slobberiness."
Some breeds are prone to excessive drooling: bulldogs, boxers, bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands. If you keep them in an apartment, drool will be everywhere - not only on the floor, but also on the furniture, bedspreads, and walls. You will literally have to walk after such dogs with a rag.
Small breeds are not always better suited for apartment living. For example, spaniels are too active, they make a lot of noise, and you need to exercise them for a long time. Whereas mastiffs would prefer to lie on a bed all day.
They also take into account the lifestyle of the owners, the presence of children and other pets.
It is advisable that the dog is not left alone for a long time. If the owner only has a couple of free hours in the evening, it is better to refuse to buy a puppy. Otherwise, the animal will develop behavioral problems. A small child is incompatible with small dogs - he can injure the pet.
Also, most popular dogs (dachshunds, pit bulls, terriers) were originally bred for hunting. Therefore, they can chase the owner’s and other people’s cats, birds, and rodents. Taking into account the general rules for choosing a puppy, we can identify the most suitable breeds for living in an apartment.
We recommend reading: Should you get a dog? 10 important aspects to make the right decision.
For children 7–14 years old
At this age, children are already more conscious. The entire list of 30 breeds will do here. It all depends on your capabilities, preferences, lifestyle and character of the child.
Every child and every family will find a pet to their liking. For an active child of 8, 10 or 12 years old, a spaniel, beagle, collie and other temperamental breeds are good. A pug or an English bulldog will be a friend to a calm child. For children who are interested in agility classes, poodles and shelties are suitable.
For children 15 years and older
Giving a dog for a teenager's birthday is a great idea. But only if the child himself wants and is ready to spend a lot of time working with the dog.
Imposing a pet on a child to teach him responsibility is a bad idea. Responsibility is fostered through the example of parents and the desire of the child to communicate with the animal.
It is also worth assessing how the pet fits into the teenager’s plans in the next 10–15 years, which is approximately how long a dog will live. Even if the child has a great desire to take care of the dog, but there is no time, it is better to wait for better times.
Safety
Any dog can pose a danger to a child. Even the smallest one. Therefore, you should carefully approach the purchase of a pet: look for conscientious breeders, choose a pet with a stable psyche.
Plus, the pet will have to be trained and socialized. After all, even a purebred puppy needs training so that its behavior is manageable.
The smallest
Decorative dogs are suitable for small apartments. The smallest animals are those with a weight of 2-5 kg and a height of 28-35 cm.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world. As adults, they weigh no more than 3.5 kg, and the recorded minimum for this breed is 450 g.
Despite their modest size, Chihuahuas are real badasses. They easily attack even a pit bull, so it is recommended to walk them in public places only on a leash.
Features of caring for a Chihuahua depend on the length of the coat. Long-haired individuals are bathed once every 1-2 months, and short-haired individuals - once every 3-4 months.
Yorkshire Terrier
The average weight of a Yorkie is 1.35-3.2 kg. This energetic pet is very friendly and sociable. He happily gives his love to all household members, including other four-legged animals.
Yorkies are picky eaters and often suffer from allergies. When feeding them, it is important to avoid sudden changes in diet and monitor the reaction to all new foods.
Pomeranian Spitz
Fluffy “bells” have excellent guard qualities and a very loud voice. Despite their dominant character and courage, their maximum weight is only 3.5 kg.
To care for your orange's coat, you need an impressive arsenal of tools and a lot of free time. For this reason, many Spitz owners prefer the services of a groomer.
Gender question: boy or girl
It is believed that females are more flexible and affectionate than males. Although much depends on the character of the particular animal.
What difficulties may arise during walks? If unchecked, the cable will run after a bitch in heat or start a fight with other dogs. A pack of fighting males will gather around a female dog during the heat period: adults should walk the dog at this time.
If you plan to have a child walk with your pet, the animal can be spayed or neutered. This will reduce the risk of conflicts with other dogs.
