Do you dream of having a dog but you live in a city or in an apartment and you wonder if adopting a doggie is reasonable in these conditions? The answer is yes, provided you devote enough time to your future companion and offer him regular outings.
The choice of breed is also crucial since some support indoor life more or less well. If it is not completely excluded to have a large dog when living in an apartment, we will however advise turning to smaller breeds, which will need less space and exercise.
Having a dog is not an easy decision to make. Unless you are living in the countryside with a big house or a farm, choosing a dog breed to live with for the next 10 to 15 years depends on the size of your house. This is not the issue if you are living on the farm or on a ranch, but if you are living in the city or in an apartment, lack of planning could be a major problem.
Assuming you are alone and living in the city, the following 8 small dog breeds can perfectly fit inside your tiny home.
- The Chihuahua
Despite being the smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua has a strong personality. It is the perfect companion if you are looking for a dog who does not need a lot of exercises but with whom you can create a privileged bond: “pocket dog” par excellence, he will accompany you in all your activities and your outings. , provided you get used to it from an early age.
It is also very important to socialize it, because if its small size has the advantage of not having to take it out (it can do its business in a litter!), It can quickly become associable if it is never confronted with the outside world and its dominant temperament can prove difficult to correct … It remains nevertheless the ideal apartment dog, very affectionate and devoted to its master.
- The Jack Russell
It’s a fashionable little dog! Of the “Terrier” family, Jack Russell is the most popular and for good reason: his playful character and intelligence are his best assets. It needs little space but must be taken out regularly so that it expends its boundless energy. So if you have a green space near your home, you can easily adopt one of these little balls of nerves.
Cuddly and friendly, Jack Russell is really full of qualities for those who will know how to educate him in a fair but firm way and on condition that he devotes enough time and attention. Like all terriers, they love to run, play ball and learn tricks. It is therefore the ideal companion for urban sportspeople and children, who are its greatest accomplices.
- The Poodle
Alert and mischievous, the poodle is known for not losing its hair … A quality that can be invaluable for a house dog! In return, its coat requires regular grooming and care. Of all sizes (miniature to large) and colors (white, black, red, apricot …) there are poodles for all tastes.
In addition, considered to be one of the most intelligent races, he is able to learn many tricks such as going to look for objects or people in the house, to look beautiful, etc. Like most small dogs, the poodle needs a lot of attention and wants to participate in family activities. But he also knows how to be calm and gentle, which makes him an excellent companion for the elderly living alone.
- The Bichon
Close to the poodle physically, this cheerful and lively little dog adapts to all lifestyles. Immaculate white in color, it requires regular brushing and washing. There are two varieties of Bichon, the Bichon Frize and the Bichon Maltese, which has a long, drooping coat. Very attached to his master, he does not tolerate loneliness and can be sensitive if you are often absent. It is therefore important to educate him to be alone from time to time and to devote him privileged moments of cuddling and play.
For this reason, he is a very good company with his family, especially with children, provided they are not abrupt with him. He is in good health, but his eyes and teeth need to be watched. Energetic, he will be happy to accompany you on an outing.
- Yorkshire
He’s the king of couch dogs! Attentive and particularly affectionate, he can be difficult when it comes to education: endowed with a strong character, it is crucial to be firm with him from the start to prevent him from becoming too intrusive. Despite his small size, he has a great need for exercise because he is very dynamic.
If you have the opportunity to take him to the countryside or to large green spaces, he will be the happiest of dogs although he is attached to his little comfort too. The Yorkshire likes to have his “own little corner” with his toys, a soft cushion, and why not a doghouse for more privacy! Children love it but you have to be careful not to treat it like a stuffed animal, under its harmless appearances, it is a real electric battery.
- The Cavalier King Charles
This small English dog is popular in many countries. He adapts very well to city life and an apartment because he has an easy character and asks only to spend time with his master. Very loyal and cheerful, the Cavalier King Charles is a ball of cuddles that has long been the favorite of the nobility. He likes to be held in the arms and on the knees, is very clean and easy to train.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to offer him frequent outings so that his lively temper does not turn into an explosive cocktail! He needs weekly brushing, which he will happily do, and his ears and eyes should be checked regularly, which sometimes tend to weep. Finally, he is a very playful and obedient dog who has the merit of barking.
- The Cocker
Medium in size, the English Cocker Spaniel can live in an apartment but it needs sufficient exercise. Physical activity is also necessary for the proper regulation of his weight because he is very greedy! It is a “pot of glue” dog who will always be on the heels of his master and will demand a lot of attention from him.
He may not endure loneliness if he is not used to it very early on. Playful and demonstrative, the Cocker Spaniel is always up for a walk but it can also be homey and wise when needed. It is recommended to be firm with him, as he is very stubborn and often tries to achieve his ends by playing with his wet cocker spaniel eyes! Be careful not to crack and give great importance to his education.
- The Dachshund
The Dachshund is also stubborn and can be dominant. However, he has many qualities, such as his intelligence, his determination, and his fiber with children. He is obedient provided he has been educated in a rigorous and consistent manner. He has a moderate need for exercise, although he knows how to be energetic in his spare time and is also a good watchdog.
There are three kinds of dachshund: short-haired, long or wire-haired, and presents various colors such as red or black and tan. Robust health, the dachshund does not require particular maintenance except to be walked regularly and brushed if it has long hair. Loneliness can be a problem for him and it is absolutely necessary to socialize him outside the family because he has an exclusive character.
Does the list help you decide? If not and you have a bigger house, go with bigger dog breeds like Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and the like.,
