Human beings need company and who is the best option than their best friends, right? This blog is a guide to making a choice when it comes to pets for your apartment.
Nobody will disagree with the fact that dogs are the best thing that can happen to a human being. Talk about loyalty? They know how to be the most loyal being on this planet and for this, they have been cast as protagonists of many blockbuster movies all over the world. The sense of joy a person gets when they return home to these furry and fluffy faces and wagging tails is not something that can be described in words. So, why are you waiting for this fluffy bundle of joy to come home? Don’t know which kind of dog might be the perfect companion for your small apartment? Not to worry because this blog will guide you through just that.
- Basenji
These dogs are known to shed less and are hypo-allergen so, it is good news if you are allergic and living in a small space. Their size ranges from small to medium and thanks to their unique vocal cord, they are mostly referred to as ‘barkless’ which means no more barking at the mailman. Although you can hear other types of noises they make like howling, yelping, and croaking. As they often hunted with other dogs in early times, they are good at socializing with other dogs but they are not very affectionate with strangers. They are very clever, a bit aloof, affectionate, and self-contained dogs known for their high level of curiosity and free spirit. As they used to be a part of a pack, leaving them alone for a long time is not advisable.
- Affenpinscher
This breed is a feisty one that is full of energy and serious characteristics when given time to get comfortable with its surroundings. If you do not have small children or toddlers but still want to engage with a small bundle of energy then this breed is for you. If you are an extrovert and travels the world and likes to meet new people then this breed is a must as it is portable and easy to travel with and its socializing skills are impeccable too. This ball of energy is comfortable and relaxed in small spaces but that does not mean it does not need to be outside. Occasional walks or a tour of the dog park should be included in your busy schedule for your fur baby if you want to keep it healthy and happy. Training them from an early age in a regular manner can lead to a very well-behaved Affenpinscher.
- American Eskimo
This dog breed is a good choice for apartment owners who have kids as this breed is great with kids and can manage in a small space with different activities indoor to keep themselves healthy and joyful. They are very intelligent and excel in brain activities so; training from the very start can lead to something spellbinding. And a lack of training can lead to it outsmarting you every time! The breed thrives in family activities. Unlike Basenji, this breed is not at all ‘barkless’ as they happily like to announce if a stranger visits your home. A bit of distraction techniques and training will help in this matter. As said before, they are pretty smart; smart enough to fool you so it is better to train them from a young age.
- American Hairless Terrier
From its name, it is clear that there won’t be any shedding at all which is great news if you have a small space and are allergic. This breed comes from a group that is protective of their pack leader and makes great watchdogs. They are highly energetic and eager to socialize so routine visits to the dog park and walks can keep them mentally happy and physically fit. Due to their small stature, heavy exercise is not needed, only regular walks with some extra fun activities of 30 minutes can go a long way for this breed. When it comes to being noisy, this breed tends to score low in this category so you can sleep peacefully at night.
- Australian Terrier
This upbeat cute bundle of joy is known as ‘Bossy’, and the reason is they tend to get very protective of their favorite person. This breed is good if you are proactive as they have high energy levels and do not like to get bored. Keeping this in mind, engaging them in different indoor games is a good way to release their pent-up energy and keep them away from chewing and ripping furniture. Although they love to be a part of a family it is still not advisable to leave them alone with small children and toddlers. Along with this, their small size does not require them to exercise heavily to stay fit and joyful. They are very adaptable and a good fit for small apartments.
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
No matter what the size of your apartment is, this dog breed can manage it all if none of the apartment’s residents have allergies. In Brittany and France, they were originally used as hunting dogs. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living and their lovely, joyful, and affectionate nature makes them a perfect family dog. Some things to keep in mind before you get one yourself is that if your apartment is a bit warm then cutting their hair is recommended and daily walks with some extra games in the mix are good for their health.
- Basset Hound
This breed is a bit larger than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and is the perfect hybrid between laidback, relaxed, and active. They shed a bit more so regular brushing of the coat is a must if you do not want fur to build up on your furniture. These dogs are known for their impeccable sense of smell which leads to them getting distracted easily. Although they are small in size but it is good to remember that they are big dogs with small legs, which means they are quite heavy. If you have stairs then, this fact should be kept in mind for the future. They are known for their laidback personality and are often called lazy for this but do not be full as they can also be very active and playful. They do not tend to be noisy but leaving them alone for long periods of time can lead to anxiety which can make them bark.
- Bedlington Terrier
Due to its appearance, this dog will definitely become the talk of the town and your household at the same time. The lamb-like appearance means it needs grooming on a regular basis. Their small to medium size is an indication that they do not need heavy exercise but sometimes they can endure a long period of healthy activity. They are very affectionate, intelligent, and great with kids and are a good fit for apartment living. Regular walks and light activities are essential for this breed to stay healthy. They are eager to meet new people so early socialization is a good way to go.
- Beagle
One of the most popular choices for apartment dogs is Beagles. Their small stature is one of the few reasons. This cute ball of goofiness is easygoing with other animals as well as humans. They are great with kids and can be very active if they want to be. Their adorable big floppy ears and big eyes will definitely melt your heart with one glance. Most of the time they tend to be lazy and the constant flopping on the couch after a small walk is proof of that. This breed hates being alone and can become noisy if kept that way. So, if you tend to travel a lot and do not stay out of your apartment often then if there is enough space in the living area, it is advisable to get the beagle a companion, that is another dog to keep each other engaged.
- Bolognese
Unlike most dogs that suffer from anxiety, this breed has a unique ability to stay alone for a longer period of time and their calm nature does not lead to chewing everything they can get their paws on. The small ball of fluff is of mild and easygoing nature makes them a great fit for an apartment living while being a part of a family. Although everything is great but it is not always sunshine and rainbows when it comes to training this breed as they can be manipulative and stubborn. Your house might turn messy in the early days of the training sessions, but with resilience and patience, you can have the best buddy for life.
- Boston Terrier
This breed does not grow more than 18 inches which makes them quite small and portable. They are clown at heart and goofy at times. They do not shed or shed very little and are friendly with children and the elderly which makes them a good companion in an apartment with a small space. Also, they do not tend to bark so, that means, you won’t need to cover your ears every time someone visits your house. Even though they are small in stature, they burst with energy which can be infectious and can make you run around the house behind it. This breed tends to overheat so keeping them indoors or in a little beat cold temperature is advisable for them to feel comfortable.
- Biewer Terrier
If you are looking for a fun, energetic, and playful companion then this breed is definitely for you. Their small size is good for small apartment spaces and they do not need a huge backyard to run around, another reason why they are great for apartments. This breed is highly adaptable and their mellow, easy-going nature makes them feel satisfied with short walks. That means, less work for you as they are not at all high maintenance. They can become a bit vocal with strangers in the house so meeting other dogs and socializing from an early age can help with that. Although they do not shed much but regular brushing of their coat is required to ensure tangle-free fur.
- Border Terrier
This breed falls into the category of active breeds so if you are an active person of has an active family then this breed is good to be your best companion. They are small, energetic, extremely determined, friendly, and loving. As they are caked with heavy doses of energy, daily light exercise and walks are recommended or else they might turn destructive to release their pent-up energy. They are social creatures and like to be a part of a group so, leaving them alone for long hours is not advisable as they can again turn destructive and frustrated.
- Brussels Griffon
This small ball of fluffiness is lively, affectionate, and suitable to live in small spaces due to their small stature. Their personality holds a dash of goofiness and a whole lot of sense of humor. They tend to be very sensitive and high-strung and can bond very closely with one of the members of the family which makes them a great companion if you work from home. They do need proper training in spite of their love for socialization as they tend to become fear-biters if they are trained roughly. So, a little bit of TLC that is tender loving, and caring accompanied by patience can turn this goofball into the greatest companion a man can have.
- Bulldog
One of the most popular dogs to have as a companion while living in an apartment is a bulldog. They are great with kids due to their gentle and protective nature. Their easy-going and calm personality accompanied by their small size makes them a great fit for apartment living. Although their appearance may not come along as jolly and playful but they are goofy at heart and love to cuddle and get belly rubs. They tend to get lazy and gain weight easily so it is recommended to get this kind of breed daily exercise of roughly 30 minutes; supervision of their food intake is also advisable.
- Chinese Shar Pei
The appearance of this breed is quite similar to baby hippos but unlike hippos, these are quite easy to carry around in your lap. The wrinkly and bristle coat do not shed all over the apartment and the small size makes it a good fit for apartment living. They socialize well with adults and older children but so well with small kids and toddlers due to their aloof and independent nature which leads them to do their own thing that children might not understand and invade their personal space. They tend to be very loyal and devoted family dogs. Although they are good at socializing but that only happens around the people they already know, this breed stays aloof when it comes to socializing with strangers. This breed is basically a bit lazy but loves to tag along with their hooman around the apartment which means you don’t have to get up every morning for daily walks. Occasional walks are loved and appreciated by this breed. Their trainability is high which means you can and should spend time teaching them tricks which will pay off at the end.
- Coton de Tulear
The name sounds like something related to cotton right? Well, that is because it looks like a cotton ball, hence, the name. This breed loves to be a part of a family or a gathering which means they love to socialize and thrive on human companions. You do not need to give them much space as they like to be close to their owners and walk around the apartment behind them. They are very affectionate and love to cuddle with their favorite person. From the looks, it might seem they shed a lot but that actually is not the case, although regular grooming is essential to keep the silky white sheen healthy.
- Dachshund
This breed is known for its long body and stubbed legs and is also called ‘Weiner dogs’ due to their appearance. Although small, this breed is packed with energy, and their lively, playful, and clever nature makes them a great companion, especially in an apartment. They tend to be extremely loyal and bond very tightly with one member of the family and can get jealous easily if they do not get enough attention from their loved ones. They often turn destructive if not kept under supervision as they were bred to burrow, so, chewing and burrowing come naturally to them. Due to their small size, they are best suited for grownups and young adults and they do not handle teasing well and tend to get a bit snappy. Thanks to their small stature, they do not need heavy exercise and can be satisfied with walks for half a mile. This breed comes in three coat varieties, such as: shorthaired, longhaired, and wirehaired.
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Do not be fooled by their friendly expression as they are very good watchdogs with cuddly coats. The owner needs to keep a few things in mind while considering getting this breed as their companion. Things like, routinely cleaning the apartment as this breed tends to shed heavily. They should train them with quiet commands to avoid angry neighbors. A properly constructed daily exercise plan is good for this breed as they tend to get hyperactive if they do not get to release their energy. Their impeccable capability to adapt to different spaces is also another reason for them to be a good fit for apartment living.
- Schipperke
If you or your neighbors do not mind a watchdog that will always let you know if somebody strange lurks around the corner then this breed is the way to go. Due to their appearance, they are also nicknamed ‘little black devils’. This breed is originally a patrol dog and is great at catching rats and other vermin. If you are someone who does not have a dull moment in their life and is always engaged in some work, then this breed might be a great companion as the first choice if you want something to get done. Training them from an early age can lead to a forever well-behaved companion. One thing to keep in mind is to set aside a 30-minute exercise routine a day to burn off the excess energy.
