The most problem-free dogs for an apartment: top 10 small, medium and large breeds for home keeping

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.

Which one is better to get?

So before you decide what kind of dog to get in a small apartment, think about whether there will be enough space and space for activity.

In order not to cause disruption of reflexes and social behavior, one person should train, give commands, scold and praise. If there are many owners, it is quite possible that the dog will not recognize any of them.

It is also worth remembering that a dog also has character and a sense of pride, it will treat you the way you treat it , so don’t be surprised if even friendly breeds respond to your rude word or gesture with aggression.

Small domestic breeds with photos

So, let's look at the main contenders for living in your apartment. But remember that the main criteria for which breed to choose are your sympathy and responsibility! By the way, the advantage of these breeds is that they can be kept in enclosures !

Smooth-haired

English bulldog

Animals have a massive body constitution, stocky, muscle mass is greater than the statistical average. Their geographical homeland is Great Britain, where they are called “English gentlemen” for their calm behavior, cleanliness and high intelligence. These beauties began to appear in the CIS at the end of the 19th century.

At first glance, the pet seems slow, heavy, and clumsy. In fact, dogs have a quick reaction and sufficient physical strength, they are able to protect themselves and their owner. They are reserved and cold-blooded, they can show their dominance towards other dogs non-verbally, without engaging in a fight.

Average height – 35 cm, weight – 20 kg. Females are much smaller than males in size . They get along well with children and do not bite unless they are attacked. They don’t bother going outside, although they don’t refuse to walk, they’re easy to potty train and train, and there are no problems with contact with other breeds. Accepts other pets in a compromising manner.

Boston Terrier

A small, small-sized, smooth-haired breed. Pet companions that are great for a big city and a small apartment. These pets are friendly in nature and have an athletic build. They were first bred in the 19th century in the USA; Boston Terriers gained popularity outside this country.

Height is approximately 30 cm, weight – 6-7 kg. The appearance of Boston Terriers is in many ways similar to their closest ancestors - English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs. They get along well with children and pets, do not rush at cats, and make contact with other dogs .

Shorthair

Jack Russell Terrier

A hunting breed that can handle rodents, foxes, and even wolves! In the subcortex of each individual there is a desire to compete and hunt. If training is improper or lacking, it may not recognize the owner and members of his family. Nevertheless, adults are very friendly, it all depends on the harmony between the owner and the pet .

Welsh Corgi

Cute dog with a short body and a big head. Appearance vaguely resembles a fox. The face is kind, reminiscent of a cartoon character. The breed was bred for decorative purposes, so the individuals are absolutely harmless.

Compact size: height 25 cm, weight up to 15 kg. He loves to play with children, learns new commands very easily, and does not show aggression towards his owner or other breeds . Obedient and diligent. The main disadvantage is the price. The Corgi is one of the most expensive breeds in the world, and you will be very lucky if you get one as a gift.

Fox terrier

A beautiful miniature dog of white, beige, red or dark color. Not aggressive, moderately active. He is friendly towards surrounding animals, but prefers communication with his own kind.

He is skeptical towards strangers , therefore, when accepting him into the family, you need to pay more attention to him during the adaptation period, so as not to harm his personality development. He adapts very sensitively to the mood and does not impose himself if he sees that the owner is not in a good mood.

Calm

Dwarf Shar Pei

Quiet and calm, a breed that stands out for its stubbornness, perseverance and loving nature. This breed loves structure and discipline. She will need an experienced owner who knows how to train and give commands.

The dog has very short hair and wrinkled skin. The children simply adore her, and she loves to play with them . This is a very small breed - 30 cm at the withers and up to 20 kg in weight. The speed is moderate, the character is calm. Prefers slow walks to fast sprints.

Due to their large mass, they have difficulty withstanding heat. They very fiercely protect their personal space and territory. They don’t like training, but with the right skills they will make contact. Doesn't get along with cats or other people's dogs .

Pug

Calm, quiet decorative breed. Absolutely safe for children and pets. Doesn't learn commands well and has a neutral attitude towards cats and other pets. He prefers a homely environment, and more specifically his own personal corner, but at the same time it is quite possible to have one in a small apartment.

Can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping . If you are a homebody, this is definitely your choice.

Smart

German Spitz

Available in small, medium and large. The small one weighs 8-10 kg, the height at the withers is 23-28 cm. The medium weighs 10.5-11.5 kg, the height at the withers is 29-36 cm. The large Spitz weighs 17.5-18.5 kg, the height is withers 40 cm. These varieties differ only in size, but otherwise are completely similar to each other.

Their coat requires constant care, but it is advisable to accustom them to this procedure from an early age , as they can be quite stubborn. Males are distinguished by their distrust of strangers and do not really like other dogs in their environment. Their color can be very diverse. Good watchmen. Characteristic:

- learning ability: 2/10; -grooming: 10/10; -activity: 7/10; -attitude towards children: 6/10; -security qualities: 8/10; -aggressiveness: 4/10; -health: 9/10.

Chihuahua

This little miracle is a real daredevil. She can endlessly run around the apartment, jump, play. It feels like they never run out of energy. Although they may occasionally bite, their teeth pose no harm to humans. They are more likely to fear other animals than to conflict.

Loves children, but is very difficult to teach. It tolerates any temperature conditions and is trained to discipline in the same way as most other breeds. He is very attached to his owner and his family, which is why he often barks at other dogs, but does not fight

American Toy Fox Terrier

It was developed around the 1930s. in the USA, by repainting small smooth fox terriers of the best selection, and at the final stage, English toy terriers (Manchester, British) and Mexican Chihuahuas took part in the formation of the breed.

The Toy Fox Terrier is an athletically built dog with correct proportions, with all its athletic appearance it speaks to itself as an adult, intelligent, healthy pet. In some countries, these dogs are trained to help people with disabilities. It learns commands quite easily, obeys its owner, does not attack people, and loves to play with children .

Average height – 40-50 cm, weight up to 12 kg. Adapts to any climatic conditions.

Dachshund

Dachshunds may be the smallest of the hound dogs, but they are without a doubt one of the most cunning, dexterous and intelligent. The first thing that catches your eye is the dog’s constitution – a long body, with a small head and long ears. She usually accompanies sociable, friendly, helpful people.

One of the most common breeds in Russia and the CIS countries. Friendly and loyal to children, does not conflict with other pets, including cats . Loves to play and learn new commands, gets used to the tray in a matter of weeks.

Miniature Bull Terrier

An intelligent, small-sized breed and, by the way, the short-haired mini bull terrier is very clean and requires minimal grooming. Weight is 11-15 kg, height at the withers is 25-35 cm. Their character is very strong, but a huge plus of this breed is that they are smart. They are very jealous and not always obedient, although they are extremely sociable and do not like to be alone.

They need to constantly communicate with a person, only under this condition they remain calm. Grooming short hair does not require special attention. A cheerful companion and a good watchman, but requires a “steady hand”, early education and adaptation to society. Patient with children, but aggressive towards other dogs and can bite if teased. Distrustful of strangers. Prone to skin diseases.

- learning ability: 2/10; -grooming: 1/10; -activity: 9/10; -attitude towards children: 7/10; -security qualities: 10/10; -aggressiveness: 5/10; -health: 8/10.

For children

The best unpretentious

Schipperke (schipperke)

This is a hunting breed, very miniature and neat. A formidable killer of rats and mice. The breed originated in Belgium, although the German Spitz is related. Translated from the Flemish dialect, Schipperke means “shepherd boy”.

This breed was presented for the first time in Brussels. They protected ships and barges from thieves and robbers, for which they fell in love with the residents of the city.

Representatives of the breed are full of energy and strength. Character – mostly cheerful, positive, active. The dog is devoted to its owner and his family and strictly guards its territory. Does not tolerate strangers and cats, has a compromise attitude towards other dogs .

Lancashire Heeler

Despite its small size, it has high speed, agility, and endurance. This breed combines the qualities of a hunter, guard, and interlocutor well. This breed gets along well with children and other animals. Loves cats. Behavior is very active, energy is in full swing. The pet is always smiling.

The breed was developed from the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. The dimensions are small - height at the withers 35 cm, weight 11 kg. The speed and ease of training depends only on the owner. The dog is very obedient and flexible.

Which one is better to get?

But not only small breed dogs are suitable for keeping in apartments. And breeds such as poodle, golden retriever, collie, sheltie will also become excellent friends for all family members, including children. Only some breeds are difficult to keep in a city apartment .

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.

Let's move on to the list of suitable breeds that can be kept in an apartment.

Care and maintenance

Dog breeds with a calm character need careful attention. In order for your dog to remain friendly, you must follow the following basic principles of keeping it:

• regular hair and nail care;
• proper nutrition;
• live communication with the dog, encouraging correct behavior and success;
• regular walks;
• preventive examination by a veterinarian;
• learning new skills, training.

Pets fill our lives with new bright colors and give true devotion and love. By becoming a full-fledged member of the family, they teach people to behave like human beings. With proper care, attitude and respect for your pet, you will receive a lot of positive emotions and optimism.

Additionally, check out the video about the calmest and most apartment-friendly dog ​​breeds:

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.

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.

Dachshund

Excellent working hunting dogs, dachshunds have taken an honorable place in the hearts and homes of people: they are smart, loyal, spontaneous and energetic, have an amazing, spectacular appearance and are always ready to protect their owner and his home from threats.

Dachshund. Photo: Kit Dachshunds are quite unpretentious, the difficulty of grooming depends on the type of their coat: short, hard or long.

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.

Rating of the best dogs for an apartment

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.

Is it possible?

You make the final choice yourself, so no one has the right to forbid you to adopt a Rottweiler, pit bull or hound. It is only important to note that in this case you cannot do without the help of a dog handler. All of the listed breeds have a complex character and are not ready to accept everyone as their owner.

Despite possible difficulties, timely socialization and competent upbringing of a puppy work wonders. “Difficult breeds” also become loyal and devoted friends, but require stricter control and mandatory obedience courses at a kennel club.

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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.

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.

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.

Security

There are known cases of using a dog as a house guard. But many dog ​​lovers live in a metropolis and want to know which breed will be the best guard? After all, if with a private house it is clear that it is better to use a large dog for protection, then what kind of animal is better to place in an apartment?

A great option is a boxer . He treats children well.

Lhasa Apsos are renowned for their extremely sensitive hearing, making them excellent house guards. Apso are vigilant and distrustful of strangers. True, these animals do not favor children either and, on occasion, can bite in response to a prank.

This is a very intelligent and firm animal that will never let a burglar through and will not allow any strangers to rob the apartment.

Poodle

Poodles have a reputation for being very intelligent and affectionate dogs, making them extremely popular as apartment pets. They also have a wide selection of colors and sizes: from a toy poodle (height only 25 cm) to a large poodle (60 cm at the withers).

Poodle. Photo; Living in Monrovia These dogs are not prone to heavy shedding and do not have a specific odor, but require periodic grooming and bathing.