Small dog breeds have long earned popularity among city residents. In addition to their compact size, they are valued for their affection for their owner and high level of intelligence. It is noteworthy that the cognitive abilities of miniature creatures are not lower, and sometimes much higher, than their larger relatives.
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Today, depending on height and weight, there are three groups of such pets:
- Small - up to 10 kg, height at the withers 40-45 cm.
- Dwarf - up to 5 kg, height at the withers up to 35 cm.
- Toi - up to 2 kg, height at the withers up to 28 cm.
Determining the intellectual level of a breed is not an easy task. For this purpose, experts have developed a number of tests. Eg:
- Checking the speed of avoiding various obstacles.
- Animal understanding of human gestures.
- The dog's brain's ability to quantify objects.
It is noteworthy that during the tests, scientists discovered an interesting pattern. Thus, smart pets are good at passing a variety of obstacles and show the highest test results in all kinds of industries. In general, the intelligence of pets has a structure similar to that of humans.
We present to your attention a review of the 12 smartest dog breeds among small breeds, according to the editors of our site.
Rating:
- Toy Terrier
- Maltese
- Papillon
- Sheltie
- Miniature Poodle
- Schipperke
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- French Bulldog
- Dachshund
- Keeshond
- Miniature Schnauzer
Large dogs for apartments
These are large dogs with tall stature, developed muscles and large body weight. The height at the withers can exceed 60 cm, and the weight can exceed 26 kg. Such dogs are recommended for apartments with a large area, which is necessary for a comfortable life.
Akita Inu
This is a proud dog that does not tolerate other pets in the same apartment. They have a muscular body and long plush fur. Heavy shedding occurs twice a year and requires care. Akita Inu needs serious education, serious training, special nutrition and private walks. The cost starts from 50,000 ₽.
Alabai
This is a typical guard dog, bred to protect the owner's property. Living in an apartment requires a large amount of physical activity every day. Despite its reputation, the Central Asian Shepherd never shows aggression unless necessary. The dog has a complex character and requires proper training from puppyhood. Cost from 10,000 ₽.
Alaskan Malamute
Externally, the dogs resemble large huskies. They are skittish animals that are difficult to train due to their independent nature and natural intelligence. Malamutes cannot bark and also love to dig. Without a serious load, maintaining an apartment can be destructive. Price from 20,000 ₽.
American Bulldog
One of the best companions among large breeds, he is capable of experiencing boundless love for his owner. The Bulldog has a harmonious physique and well-developed muscles, but often suffers from allergies. When properly raised, he gets along well with children and other pets. Regular exercise and long walks are required. You can buy from 50,000 ₽.
Afghan Hound
The breed belongs to the greyhound group and is distinguished by its long and silky coat. Today they are kept as a decorative pet due to their beautiful appearance. Afghan Hounds are difficult to train, tend to be jealous, and love to hunt small animals. Unlike other dogs, they have a low pain threshold and caution is required when walking. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Belgian Shepherd
The dog is an ideal watchman; in case of danger, it barks loudly. All representatives of the breed are active, so they need regular exercise and long walks. The Belgian Shepherd is easy to keep in an apartment and is suitable for a family with a child. Cost from 25,000 ₽.
German boxer
The dog combines an easy-going character and a bright temperament. Despite their developed muscles and jaws, they enjoy playing with children and other animals. They love communication with their owners and get along easily even in a small apartment. Due to its balanced character and ease of training, this is an excellent choice for a novice owner. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Dogue de Bordeaux
It belongs to the giant breed, the weight of the male must exceed 50 kg. Despite its terrifying appearance, the Great Dane treats family members with great love. It gets along with other animals, but for children its size can cause injury. Disadvantages: difficult training, need for socialization and uncleanliness. A puppy can be purchased from 30,000 ₽.
Weimaraner
An excellent companion even for novice owners. This is the largest pointer, despite its size, the dog loves active games and running. They have a unique coat that feels like velvet to the touch. They are easy to train and do not show aggression towards other animals and people. They are easy to keep even in a small apartment. The average price is 40,000 ₽.
Dalmatian
Despite their reputation, these dogs are difficult to train and maintain. They require a lot of physical and mental stress, without which short-haired Dalmatians begin to waste away. If raised incorrectly, they become uncontrollable and aggressive. Puppies often have problems; up to 12% of all dogs of this breed are born deaf. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Doberman
It is considered one of the most versatile breeds. They combine strength, loyalty and natural intelligence. The dog needs regular activity, proper education with the complete exclusion of aggression. They have a balanced psyche and cleanliness, suitable for a family with a child and living in an apartment. Price from 15,000 ₽.
Golden retriever
A family dog that demonstrates success in hunting. Recommended for active people, as long walks are required. They have high intelligence and intelligence, and are trainable. Due to its popularity, there has been an increase in the number of chronic diseases. Price from 10,000 ₽.
Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest dogs among all breeds. Despite their terrifying appearance, they are almost incapable of aggression or protection - they are a soft, peace-loving dog. More often than not, wolfhounds have a phlegmatic character and limitless patience. They are easy to train and love small children, but are not recommended for small apartments. You can buy from 60,000 ₽.
Labrador Retriever
For many years it has been included in the ranking of the most popular family dogs. The Labrador has a balanced character, intelligence and ability to learn. They are suitable for apartment living, but require frequent and long walks. Disadvantage: tendency to obesity, allergies are common. Price from 10,000 ₽.
German Shepherd
A versatile dog, originally bred for service work. She gets along with people of any age and is trainable and trainable. Needs human company and regular physical activity. Due to uncontrolled breeding today, almost all German Shepherds have joint problems and their life expectancy has decreased. Price from 10,000 ₽.
German dog
This is a real aristocrat among dogs. The animal is of impressive size, so it is highly not recommended for small apartments. Great Danes are calm and balanced, rarely showing aggression. They are easy to care for, but require large investments in food. Disadvantage: life expectancy is up to 7 years, poor health. Cost from 35,000 ₽.
Newfoundland
In Russia, these dogs are known as “diver” because of their love of swimming and the presence of webbed paws. This is a large and kind animal, suitable as a companion. They need moderate exercise and feel comfortable in a city apartment. Long hair needs grooming. A puppy can be purchased for 20,000 ₽.
Rottweiler
They are classified as guard dogs, but Rottweilers are often kept as companions. They do not tolerate violence towards themselves well and need proper education. They get along well with pets and get along with children. They do not tolerate high temperatures well; in summer, the place for the dog can be moved to the balcony. Price from 15,000 ₽.
Saint Bernard
A large and balanced dog that is suitable for raising in a family. Saint Bernard gets along with any animals and birds and loves to play. These giants have excellent knowledge of the terrain, so they are often taken with you on trips. Pros: lack of noise, playfulness and cleanliness. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Airedale
The largest of all terriers, they have a recognizable, coarse, saddle-colored coat. This is a socially dependent breed; loneliness leads to the destruction of the apartment and howling. The dog requires a lot of activity, as well as proper training from puppyhood. They are easy to train and have developed intelligence. Males can experience aggression towards other dogs, and the hunting instinct is strongly expressed. Price from 15,000 ₽.
Small dogs for apartments
Dwarf and decorative dogs weighing from 2 to 10 kg and up to 45 cm tall are suitable for keeping in a small apartment. They do not require long walks or a lot of food. Despite its compact size, the animal needs proper education and training.
Affenpinscher
A distinctive feature of the breed is its bearded muzzle, which resembles the head of a primate. They are not demanding of space and quickly learn commands. Affenpinschers do not tolerate loneliness well and can be aggressive towards other animals. The price of a puppy is from 30,000 ₽.
Bichon Frize
The breed is suitable for allergy sufferers, the fur is odorless and does not shed. Bichons are long-lived, with proper care they can live up to 15 years. They learn commands quickly, but can exhibit moody and cowardly behavior. Not recommended for busy people, as the dog needs communication. Prices from 25,000 ₽.
Border Terrier
An English hunting dog breed that is used today as a companion. Males can reach 7 kg, maximum height – 40 cm. The coat is hard and does not shed. Border Terriers are smart and get along well with children. Disadvantage: aggressiveness towards other animals. Prices from 35,000 ₽.
Boston Terrier
A decorative breed of dog with a flattened muzzle and spotted coat color. Maximum weight is 10 kg, height at the withers is up to 38 cm. Boston Terriers are known for their amazing politeness, for which they received the nickname “American gentleman”. They can express territorial instinct in the apartment, aggression - proper upbringing is required. Cost from 40,000 ₽.
Brussels griffin
This clumsy bearded man becomes a real member of the family. The main character traits are sociability and activity. The breed is suitable for families with children and other animals. They quickly learn commands, but have the disadvantage of a pronounced protective instinct. Average weight - 5 kg, height at withers - 18 cm. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Welsh Terrier
The breed is a miniature copy of the Airedale Terrier, their average weight is only 9.5 kg. They have a hard black coat and need trimming. They get along well in a small apartment, but need regular activity. Disadvantages: tendency to dig, hot temper. The cost of a Welsh Terrier is from 10,000 ₽.
Jack Russell Terrier
Dogs are recommended only for those who lead an active lifestyle - they need frequent exercise. Despite their compact size, they exhibit unique endurance and mobility. They are easy to learn commands and do not require complex care. Cost from 15,000 ₽.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have become popular due to their decorative nature, obedience and miniature size. They have fur similar to human hair and require high-quality care. Suitable for small apartments and families with children. Disadvantages: tendency to allergies, aggression towards other animals. You can buy from 15,000 ₽.
Chinese Crested Dog
Within the breed, there are long-haired and short-haired varieties. They are excellent companions who love children. The wool is odorless and does not shed, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. The main disadvantage is the constant need to communicate with a person, and possible stubbornness during training. The price of purebred puppies is from 20,000 ₽.
Italian Greyhound
With a weight of up to 5 kg and a height of up to 38 cm, they are capable of reaching very high speeds when running. The dog becomes strongly attached to its owner and can exhibit cat-like habits. They are highly dependent on comfort, and due to the lack of fur, they are sensitive to cold. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Maltese
The Maltese is a decorative and emotional dog with snow-white fur that does not shed. They are excellent companions and are suitable for small apartments. They show high intelligence, but are not always willing to learn. Disadvantages - they do not tolerate loneliness well, they like to bark even over trifles. Price from 35,000 ₽.
Pug
One of the best options for a city apartment. The friendly pug does not need regular activity, quickly adapts to the owner's lifestyle and is suitable for inexperienced owners. Disadvantages: tendency to obesity, need to monitor temperature. The price varies from 8,000 to 35,000 rubles.
Norwich Terrier
The breed was bred for hunting, today they are used only as a companion. The dog is very sociable and loves to be the center of attention and play with its owner. Norwich Terriers have good health and can live up to 16 years. Despite their cute appearance, they are extremely difficult to train and do not get along well with small children. Cost from 50,000 ₽.
Papillon
The hallmark of this breed is its long ears covered with hair, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. They are very energetic and need long walks. They can get along with other animals in the apartment, but do not tolerate loneliness well. They are in 8th place in the ranking of the smartest dogs on the Koren scale. Price from 20,000 ₽.
Pekingese
One of the oldest breeds, they are recognizable externally due to their flattened muzzle, short legs and fluffy fur. This is a good choice for sedentary people - regular physical activity is not required. Pekingese have suffered from commercial breeding and often suffer from diseases. Disadvantages: intolerance of physical contact, sensitivity to heat. You can buy a puppy for 10,000 rubles.
Pomeranian Spitz
They are wonderful companions and are suitable for families with children. They get along well in an urban environment and do not need serious physical activity. When properly raised, the Spitz shows unquestioning loyalty, but can react to strangers by barking. The downside is that they are stubborn and require grooming. Prices from 20,000 ₽.
Russian toy terrier
Depending on the type, short-haired and long-haired toy terriers are distinguished. Ideal for keeping in small apartments. Dogs do not show aggression, but are good watchdogs. They are very excitable and do not tolerate any pressure. They have a unique memory and get along with small children. Price from 10,000 ₽.
Miniature Schnauzer
Behind the spectacular appearance of this dog lies a serious character. They are used in the service for their fearlessness and vigilance, and their ability to learn. Miniature Schnauzers make good companions, but do not get along well with other animals. There are 4 colors (black, white, silver, pepper and salt), regardless of the shade, trimming is required. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Chihuahua
One of the most popular breeds in the world, valued for its obedience and decorativeness. They get along with pets, children and learn quickly. They will experience a strong attachment to their owner, but may experience outbursts of jealousy. Cons: poor health and unstable psyche. You can buy a puppy for 10,000 rubles.
Shih Tzu
A dog with a long, satiny, medium-length coat that is one of the best companions among small breeds. Shih Tzus have a stable psyche, love long walks and rarely suffer from chronic diseases. They do not bark and do not dislike strangers. Suitable for inexperienced owners and families with children. Cost from 15,000 ₽.
Briefly about the main thing
- You need to choose a dog for an apartment based on the size, area of the room and personal preferences.
- Best small breeds: Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound.
- Medium-sized dogs: Basenji, husky, Samoyed, poodle, pit bull.
- Large dogs can also be kept in the apartment. Examples: Newfoundland, Labrador, Doberman, Boxer, German Shepherd.
What breeds do you think are suitable for an apartment? Share your opinion in the comments.
Medium dogs for apartments
A large group of breeds, which includes dogs weighing from 12.5 to 25 kg, height from 40 to 60 cm at the withers. They are universal - suitable for apartments, houses, and do not require expensive maintenance and care.
Australian Shepherd
A recognizable feature of this breed is its medium-length marbled coat. Aussies are highly trainable and highly intelligent. They get along well with children and other animals and are not prone to aggression. Suitable for keeping in an apartment, but need some exercise. Disadvantages - possible manifestation of a dominant character, difficult care of the coat. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
American Cocker Spaniel
An active and energetic dog, suitable for living in an apartment. The Cocker Spaniel has a soft, silky coat that requires grooming. They quickly learn new skills and need constant intellectual stimulation. They are sensitive to the mood of the owner and cannot stand loneliness. Price from 25,000 ₽.
English bulldog
A powerful and stocky dog with exceptional laziness. They do not like walks and can be stubborn when going outside. The aviary is not suitable for a lazy English bulldog; it is recommended to keep it only in a city apartment. Disadvantages: many chronic diseases, tendency to obesity. You can buy a puppy for 40,000 ₽.
Basenji
Unique characteristics of the Smooth-Coated Basenji include an inability to bark, a curled tail, and a wrinkled forehead, especially when excited. This is a social animal that needs to communicate with humans. They have exceptional intelligence and the ability to make independent decisions, but do not tolerate cold or walks in winter. Show class puppies from 30,000 ₽.
Bassend hound
Despite being a hound, the Bassend Hound has a stocky build and short legs. The dog combines intelligence and stubbornness, which requires a special approach to education. Due to their love for comfort, they are suitable for a city apartment. Disadvantages - long life span, large amount of saliva and susceptibility to disease. Prices from 35,000 ₽.
Border Collie
Considered the smartest breed in the world, it is often used in official work. They learn quickly and are suitable even for novice owners. Living in an apartment requires a large amount of physical activity. Border collies are unpretentious and rarely suffer from diseases. The price varies depending on the class - 20,000-70,000 ₽.
Bull Terrier
When choosing this breed, you should evaluate your training skills. The Bull Terrier combines a good disposition and a fighting instinct. Externally, dogs are easily identified by their snow-white short hair and a muzzle that resembles a rat. Despite their reputation, they get along well with children and do not tolerate loneliness well. The average price is 40,000 ₽.
Irish Terrier
The fastest terrier in its group. Has a balanced physique, hypoallergenic copper-colored coat. Dogs are versatile, bred for hunting, sport and as companions. Requires a huge amount of physical activity and regular trimming. The Irish Terrier adapts to any apartment, but does not get along well with other animals. You can buy from 15,000 ₽.
Karelo-Finnish Laika
This is a cunning and independent animal bred for hunting. Inexpensive huskies have a lot of energy and require physical activity. They become forever attached to their owner, but trust must be earned. Disadvantages: love of barking, excessive self-sufficiency. You can buy a puppy for 10,000 rubles.
Corgi
The breed is easily identified by its short legs and protruding ears. Despite their peculiar exterior, they love to run and enjoy walks. This is a versatile breed, ideal for keeping in an apartment. Corgis are divided into Cardigan and Pembroke and differ in appearance. Price from 50,000 ₽.
Miniature Schnauzer
The middle breed of the group, the distinctive features of which are square body proportions, long eyebrows and a beard, formed from coarse wool. They have a tendency to dominate, which is important to stop when they are still puppies. Dogs require regular exercise and the ability to hunt. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Pitbull
The dog combines activity and phenomenal endurance; they almost never get tired. Pit bulls require early socialization and constant attention from the owner, but can be aggressive towards other animals. When kept in an apartment, you should immediately wean your pet from chewing objects. Puppies can be purchased from 15,000 ₽.
Poodle
One of the smartest and most obedient dogs with an extraordinary mind. They can be used for any purpose, but in urban environments, poodles need long walks. They are not aggressive and become companions and nannies. Wool in the form of many springs requires careful care. Prices from 30,000 ₽.
Russian hunting spaniel
Despite their pronounced hunting skills, spaniels easily adapt to life in the city and apartment. They are distinguished by their flexible character and devotion. Disadvantages: uncontrollable appetite, need for exercise. Cost from 10,000 ₽.
Samoyed
The dog combines beautiful appearance, intelligence and agreeableness. They become real family members and get along with other pets. The breed was not affected by selection, so they remained in good health. Samoyeds do not tolerate loneliness and rude treatment. You can buy from 25,000 ₽.
Shiba Inu
This is a charming animal with a typical Asian exterior and plush fur. They have high intelligence and fearlessness; they recognize only one person as their master. Puppies need early socialization, otherwise there will be problems with education. Shiba Inus do not get along well with children and avoid physical contact. The cost is 35,000 ₽.
Siberian Husky
This ancient breed is easily recognized by its unusual mask-like muzzle color. Dogs need a lot of exercise, otherwise they begin to show destructive activity. Suitable for living in an apartment, but begin to wither without walks. Wool does not cause allergies. Price from 20,000 ₽.
Staffordshire Terrier
Dogs do not have developed instincts for hunting and protection, but physical activity is required. Males can express aggression towards other animals; an obedience course is required from childhood. When properly raised, they express boundless devotion and love to all family members. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Chow chow
They are easily recognized by their luxurious mane at the withers, blue tongue and frowning gaze. The breed is not recommended for beginners, as the dogs can be stubborn and aggressive. Despite their large size, Chow Chows easily get along even in a cramped apartment. A puppy can be purchased from 30,000 ₽.
Shar Pei
An Asian dog breed known for its folded skin. Their short coat is a strong allergen and requires regular washing and drying. Shar Peis do not like long walks and get along well in an urban environment. They are not recommended for first-time owners; early socialization is required to help avoid aggression. The average life expectancy is only 8-10 years. Price from 30,000 ₽.
