They say that money cannot buy true love. But this is not entirely true. By buying a dog, you are acquiring not just a friend, but a creature infinitely in love with you, ready to faithfully follow on your heels, watch for the slightest changes in mood and be always there. Most dogs have these qualities, but not all breeds can be called successful for keeping in a small living space.
What kind of dog is better to have in an apartment? What criteria should you use to choose a pet? And what pitfalls are typical for popular “apartment” breeds? FAN journalist looked into these issues and compiled the top dogs for an apartment - from small to large breeds.
Rating of small dog breeds
When compiling the review, the VyborExperta.ru team used descriptions and reviews from owners of small breed dogs. Owner feedback was also used to identify leading characteristics that played a role in animal selection.
The main qualities of the pet that dog owners indicated were the following:
- Activity level;
- Attitude towards children;
- How trainable;
- The ability to be alone.
The reviews formed the basis for determining the merits and demerits of the nominees.
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic dogs include breeds without undercoat and hairless . You can see from the photos that they are quite cute.
American hairless terrier
For children over 10 years old, if they are ready to actively spend time with their pet for 2-3 hours a day. They are easy to train, very active and playful .
American Water Spaniel
For active family members over 10 years old. Needs long walks and constant human contact. Does not tolerate loneliness well . Absolutely non-aggressive, rarely barks.
Poodle
Smart, active, interested in interacting with people. He remembers commands easily and loves training. We are tolerant of babies and teenagers, and are best able to establish contact with a child over 8 years old.
Bullets
Easy to train, cheerful animals. They enjoy interacting with all close people. They love to play with them and take care of them. Suitable for families with babies .
Komondor
Peace-loving, needs a confident and calm owner .
If you want him to listen to your child, it is better to get a pet when your son or daughter is over 15 years old. The Komondor needs daily active games and physical activity. Each dog has an individual character, so puppies from the same litter do not always have all the main character traits of the breed. Among English bulldogs there are also restless dogs who are ready to play for hours, and some Siberian huskies still show protective qualities. Training, good attitude, and caring for a four-legged pet can give a person a well-mannered friend.
How to choose a breed of small dogs
When choosing a pet, it is necessary to take into account many points, since breeds differ greatly from each other. The only thing they have in common is their small size.
Size and weight
The division into three groups is conventionally used:
- Height at withers up to 28 cm, weight up to 2 kg;
- Height 28 – 35 cm, weight 2 – 5 kg;
- At the withers 35 – 45 cm, weight 5 – 10 kg.
Character
Small dogs should not be viewed solely as cuties. Each breed has certain character traits and these characteristics must be taken into account. So, dwarf pugs are real phlegmatic people who can spend the whole day lying on a comfortable sofa, but Pomeranians need to move a lot to feel happy.
Features of care
If short-haired pets do not need special coat care, then with long-haired pets it is not so simple.
Dogs with long hair need to be bathed and brushed daily. If the breed allows it, then trim it regularly.
Trainability
When choosing, it is advisable to take into account the breed’s intelligence level, as well as its ability to learn. Sometimes it is not enough to simply socialize an animal: in order for a pet to be obedient, it must also be taught various commands.
Choosing a companion according to preference
When choosing a pet, you need to consider your lifestyle:
- A person who likes to spend time actively needs to choose a dog who prefers to move a lot.
- If it is important for the owner to train the dog and take part in various sports competitions, then you need to select the appropriate breeds.
Health Features
Dwarf breeds are decorative. Therefore, it is important to understand that they are predisposed to various congenital diseases.
Only veterinarians can detect many problems; for this reason, you must be prepared for regular visits to the clinic and medical examinations.
You can also choose a pet with a minimum set of genetic abnormalities. But in this case, you may not match the desired breed.
Features of wool
An equally important factor is the allergenicity of wool. If you have an obvious allergy, you should immediately abandon breeds with severe shedding. Regular grooming will help solve the problem.
Wool can emit a very unpleasant specific odor, which can become a serious problem in a small apartment.
Which ones are suitable for an apartment?
Small or medium-sized dogs are suitable for an apartment. For maintenance it is necessary to create conditions:
- arrangement of a place for a bed;
- regular exterior maintenance;
- space for games based on the size of the dog;
- proportionate physical activity.
You need to choose a place for a walk, adjust the daily routine for exercising with the dog. Pay attention to the place, time, and “dog” company - the key to proper socialization.
Which breed of small dogs is best?
When choosing a pet, you need to consider your own preferences. It wouldn't hurt to read reviews about your future dog.
The VyborExperta.ru team recommends taking a closer look at the following nominees in today’s rating:
- Chihuahua is small (up to 15 cm at the withers), smooth-haired, intelligent, devoted to its owner, gets along well with children;
- Ratlik - smart, good opportunist, unobtrusive - knows how to find something to do - friendly with children and cats;
- A toy poodle is funny, friendly, intelligent, and can understand speech addressed to him;
- Bichon Frize - looks like a little bear cub, shedding goes almost unnoticed, reliable watchdogs.
Small dogs are infinitely loyal to their owner and many of them are ready to rush to defense, despite their miniature size and the size of the enemy.
Briefly about the main thing
- Regardless of the breed, a pet with a calm behavior is distinguished by health and care.
- Among the large representatives, the most self-possessed are considered to be “mountain” dogs, whose purpose is to be close to people. Italian mastiffs who adore family have proven themselves to be excellent breeds.
- Medium-sized dogs with luxurious fur and highly developed intelligence will understand commands and serve humans. Many of them have a developed instinct of a hunter, a driver, which requires activity.
- Small dogs are more convenient to keep, but among them there are representatives who bark loudly and are nervous. For adults, “Japanese” or “Chinese” are convenient. The real fun is poodles that perform simple tricks and commands.
- Raising a calm dog is the owner’s responsibility. You need to know the basic characteristics, be able to handle the animal, be attentive and understand.
Features of caring for long hair of pets
Long-haired pets require special care, and it should not be one-time care when the owner remembers his ward, but include a whole range of daily activities. Procedures should become a habit and be carried out religiously.
Standard care for long dog hair consists of the following manipulations:
- Combing. Brush the dog daily to prevent the fur from becoming tangled and mats forming. In this case, a simple thin-toothed brush with rounded and blunt teeth is used. Scratch especially carefully under the armpits, behind the ears and on the stomach.
- A haircut. It is recommended to trim your animal's hair before the summer season. Periodically (every six months) the hair on the paw pads, in the ears, around the anus and genitals is shortened. Hair falling over the eyes is shortened or tied into a bun.
- Bathing. Water treatments are carried out at least once every 10–15 days, using special shampoos for long-haired dogs (8in1 Tea Tree oil Shampoo, AVZ Elite Professional, Iv San Bernard Traditional Line Green Apple, etc.). Before bathing, you need to comb your dog thoroughly, otherwise the wet fur will become very tangled.
On sale you can find special balms, conditioners and rinses for long dog hair, which facilitate subsequent detangling and combing (Groom Professional Coat Repair, 8 in 1 Perfect Coat Moisturisng Conditioner Pink Lilac, Doctor VIC spray-conditioner, etc.).
Video: home care for long, thin hair
Kleinspitz and miniature spitz
According to the ICF standard, these are 2 subgroups of the same breed of German Spitz. Visually they are similar, differing in small details and sizes:
- The height of the Kleinspitz is 23–29 cm; another name for the subspecies is the small German Spitz.
Kleinspitz.
- Miniature Spitz grow up to 18 - 22 cm, they are better known as Pomeranians.
Zwergspitz.
The Spitz double coat consists of a long, loose topcoat and a short, cottony undercoat. Colors: red, white, black, silver-gray with dark tips, chocolate. Spitz are loyal, intelligent pets with a developed guard instinct.
Read on topic: Varieties of Spitz.
Czech Terrier
The dogs were bred by a breeder from the Czech Republic F. Horak for burrow hunting, crossing two breeds of small terriers: Scottish and Sealyham. Selection began in 1949, and in 1963 the new breed was recognized by the International Film Festival. The result of Horak's work was squat, elongated dogs up to 30 cm high with triangular hanging ears.
The coat is long, wavy and soft. The head is decorated with thick eyebrows, a mustache, and a beard. Show dogs need a haircut: the hair is shortened to 1 - 2 cm on the back, neck, and sides to emphasize the contours of the body. The lower body and limbs are left at natural length, and the coat hangs down like a long skirt. The fringes on the head are neatly trimmed.
There are 2 colors in the breed: gray-blue and milky coffee, sometimes with light, reddish markings. Czech Terriers have not lost their hunting instincts; at home they are friendly and gentle.
Maltese
The ancestors of the Maltese supposedly lived on the island of Malta more than 2 thousand years ago. These are small white dogs with an elongated body and long, smooth hair. It grows to the floor, often exceeds the height and covers the body and limbs with a continuous mantle. The hair does not fluff, does not curl, there is no undercoat.
The height of Maltese dogs is 20 – 25 cm, body weight is 3.5 kg. But the breed produces dwarf dogs. Mini Maltese grow up to 17 - 20 cm, weigh 1.5 - 2 times less than standard ones. In addition to white, pale orange and ivory are also available. The Maltese is called the most intelligent and responsive among decorative dogs.
Chinese Crested Powder Puff
Among Chinese Cresteds there are 2 types: partially hairless dogs and powderpuff. The first hair grows in islands: on the head, at the bottom of the limbs, at the tip of the tail. Downy ones are covered with long, soft, light wool like a veil, which is why they are called powder puff - powder puff. The height of dogs is no more than 33 cm.
Each breed of long-haired small dogs has developed its own type of coat. Soft and thin hair tends to get tangled faster and needs to be combed constantly. Silky, hard or elastic, it looks neat longer.
Dear readers! Your additions will make the review much more interesting and informative. Share your opinion in the comments.
King Charles Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These are close, but different breeds, although they often do not see the differences between them. The history of King Charles can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Initially, dogs were adapted for hunting small wild animals, then they became favorites of English kings.
King Charles Spaniel.
Following the fashion for small, flat-faced dogs, King Charleses were crossed with Pekingese and Pugs, so their appearance changed greatly. Height decreased to 29 cm. The skull acquired a dome-shaped shape. The muzzle became flat, the stop became short, and the nose became upturned.
In the 20th century, dog handlers decided to revive the original appearance of spaniels in the paintings of Renaissance artists. This is how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were born. They are slightly larger than their relatives, with a flat skull and an elongated nose.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The coat of both dogs is long, smooth or slightly wavy. The colors are the same: black and tan, bright red, pearl white with red and chestnut spots, tricolor.
Shih Tzu
The breed first appeared in Tibet, but developed first in China, and from the late 30s of the last century in Great Britain. Externally, Shih Tzus resemble Lhasa Apso, the main differences being a shortened muzzle and a slightly upturned nose. Maximum height – 27 cm.
The long, dense coat flows to the floor, grows longer, and covers the drooping, large ears. On the bridge of the nose it is directed upwards. The hair is straight, sometimes slightly wavy, but without fluffiness.
A long mustache and beard grow on its muzzle. Shih Tzus carry themselves majestically, raising their heads high and carrying their tails proudly over their backs. Dogs live 13 – 16 years, with proper care – up to 18 – 20.
Pekingese
Until the middle of the 19th century, the breed was known only in China. There, small long-haired dogs with flattened faces were idolized, housed in temples and palaces, and a whole staff of servants was hired to care for them. After worldwide recognition, a single standard was developed for all Pekingese. Advertisements for the sale of puppies often mention “imperial”, “sleeve”, “short-haired”, “mini” Pekingese, but cynologists do not divide Pekingese into subspecies.
The average height of a Pekingese is 20 cm, the maximum is 25 cm, weight is no more than 5 kg. The outer hair is straight, long, and moderately hard. The undercoat is soft and dense. Any colors are allowed except white and liver. Pekingese behave with dignity, sometimes a little aloof.
Biro Terrier
In 2004, puppies with brown markings were born in two Biewer York kennels as a result of a random gene mutation. Breeders Birgitta Resner and Robert Kra started breeding non-standard dogs. The wards were called “biro”, adding the first syllables of their names.
The average height of Biro Terriers is 22 cm, weight is 3 kg. They are distinguished from Yorkies and Biewers by their coat color: white with chocolate spots and golden inclusions. The breed is not registered in any canine federation, but is popular. Enthusiasts open clubs, develop standards, and hold speciality exhibitions.
Madagascar Bichon
These are small white long-haired dogs from the lapdog group. The breed came to Europe from Madagascar shortly before world recognition in 1970. The second name is Coton de Tulear.
Madagascar lapdogs are miniature fluffy dogs, 23–25 cm tall, with large floppy ears. The main decoration is long, light, very soft wool, similar in texture to cotton. The hair is straight or slightly wavy. The color is allowed to have a light gray or fawn tint on the ears.
Skye Terrier
A breed from Scotland, bred on the Isle of Skye for hunting small burrowing animals. These are squat, short-legged dogs with an elongated body. The height of Skyterriers is no more than 26 cm. It is 2 times less than the length of the body, and the distance from the tip of the nose to the top of the tail reaches a meter.
The coat is long and straight, without curls. Strands fall from the forehead, cover the eyes, but do not interfere with the view. Ears erect or hanging forward are surrounded by fringe. Colors: black, fawn, gray, beige with dark tips. Skye Terriers are famous for their loyalty to one owner. In the Scottish city of Edinburgh there is a monument and fountain in honor of the Skye terrier Bobby. After the death of the owner, the dog guarded the grave for 14 years until he died in 1872.
