Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to your small home? Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Dogs can bring so much joy and companionship into our lives, but not all breeds are suited for small living spaces. In urban areas, where many reside in apartments, lifestyle considerations extend to housing choices when adopting a dog. Dogs require adequate space for physical and cognitive development.
Must Have Characteristics for Dogs in Small Homes
Before knowing about the dog breeds, you need to know what characteristics the dog needs to have if you have a small home. The first thing the dog must have is a small size. It’s not very difficult to know that a small-sized dog requires a small space. The next characteristic the dog should have is a low energy level. If the dog is calm and less active, then your small home is not a problem for the dog, and you won’t be disturbed by the actions of the dog. Also, the dog needs to bark less as it will stay home all day and should not disturb your neighbors. Friendly, calm, and adaptable dogs tend to do better in smaller living environments. You need to make sure that the dog also requires less grooming so that there is no extra dedicated space for the dog.
Keeping these factors in mind, our team has listed the top 10 dog breeds which are very suitable for small houses or apartments.
Top 10 Dog Breeds for Small Homes and Apartments
1.Dachshund
One of the finest breeds on the planet. They are also known as “wiener dogs” and have a unique long body and short legs. They are incredibly devoted to humans, making them a breed you would undoubtedly enjoy owning. Additionally, they are renowned for being excellent watchdogs. Dachshunds aren’t made for long-distance running, jumping, or intense swimming, but besides that, these energetic hounds are up for any adventure. They’re clever and watchful, with a bark that’s big for their size. Dachshunds aren’t made for long-distance running, jumping, or intense swimming, but besides that, these energetic hounds are up for any adventure. They’re clever and watchful, with a bark that’s big for their size. Dachshunds aren’t made for long-distance running, jumping, or intense swimming, but besides that, these energetic hounds are up for any adventure. They’re clever and watchful, with a bark that’s big for their size.
2.Chihuahua
The tiniest and most adorable breed. Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have big personalities that bring joy to their owners’ lives and homes. They’re smart and great at canine sports. Plus, they’re top-notch watchdogs because of their bold personalities. They have a bold and spirited attitude. Chihuahuas are characterized by their rounded ‘apple’ head, erect ears, and expressive, luminous eyes. Their coats come in various colors and patterns, ranging from long to short. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas exhibit loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Chihuahuas weigh between 2-6 pounds and stand about 6-9 inches tall. Chihuahuas are very good barkers, so training may be necessary to manage this behavior. Chihuahuas come in both short and long-haired varieties, but both types are relatively low-maintenance. Personally, I like this dog very much, and you can see many memes of this dog for its funny nature.
3.French Bulldog
They are a small breed suitable for flats or apartments. Frenchies typically weigh between 16-28 pounds and stand about 11-12 inches tall. They are small, sturdy dogs with a distinctive bat-like ear shape and a short snout. The head is broad and square, adorned with deep wrinkles above the extremely short nose. Beneath the sleek, shiny coat, the body is compact and robust. Their expressive eyes and distinctive ears can melt your heart. With low energy levels, they don’t demand much exercise and are recognized for their friendly and loving dispositions. Moreover, they’re ideal for owners seeking a dog that doesn’t bark excessively and is relatively quiet. This dog breed also grows up very fast compared to other dogs, so it can be a good choice for you. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance.
4.Pug
Pugs are another excellent choice for small homes. Pugs are known for their wrinkly short-muzzled faces, curly tails, and delightful personalities. This small breed of dog mainly originated from China. It was bred for companionship. They are friendly and have an outgoing personality. They are low-energy canines, needing minimal exercise, and are ideal for owners seeking affectionate companions that enjoy cuddling. Pugs come in three colors: silver, apricot-fawn with a black face mask, or all black. Their large, round heads, big sparkling eyes, and wrinkled brows give them a variety of human-like expressions such as surprise, happiness, and curiosity, which have charmed owners for centuries. Pug owners often say their breed is the perfect house dog. Additionally, they are relatively straightforward to train. Pugs usually weigh between 14-18 pounds and stand about 10-13 inches tall. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they do shed and need regular brushing. Just know that they are heavy snorers and have a tendency to wheeze and snort, which can be quite amusing but also irritating if you are trying to sleep. Also, they should not be exercised in hot weather or be in the sun for too long because they have a tendency to have heat strokes.
5.Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, a compact breed, are celebrated for their playful and amiable dispositions. This is a relatively new breed of dog originating from the United States. They were selectively bred to become family pets and show dogs. They are low-energy companions, needing minimal exercise, and are easily trainable. The stylish ‘tuxedo’ coat of this breed can be white paired with either black, brindle, or seal (dark brown). They have a square head, a short muzzle, and large, round eyes that can sparkle with kindness, curiosity, or mischief. Moreover, they excel with children and serve as superb additions to family households. Boston Terriers weigh between 12-25 pounds and stand about 15-17 inches tall. They are not excessive barkers but may bark to alert you to visitors. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them easy to care for. Their immune system is comparatively stronger than the other breeds mentioned here, and they don’t get sick easily.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lovely and affectionate dogs that love to be involved in everything. They are very popular in North America and Europe as companion dogs. Pomeranians have a thick double coat that often extends over their chest and shoulders. They come in nearly two dozen colors, with orange or red being the most common. These dogs are alert and smart, making them easy to train. They also serve well as watchdogs and cheerful companions for families with children who understand the difference between a real dog and a toy. This dog breed is the cutest, calmest, and most gentle. They can be a bit noisy at times, but the best part is they’re really friendly with kids. Pomeranians weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand about 6-7 inches tall. Their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding.
7.Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a small breed known for their long, silky hair and affectionate personalities. They have dark big eyes, and they will look at you with a sweet expression. They are low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise and are great for owners who want a dog that loves to cuddle. They don’t play a lot, which makes them perfect for small homes. Shih Tzus are small, sturdy dogs with a luxurious coat and a charming personality. Their long coat requires regular grooming and brushing, but they can also be kept in a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance. They do require regular grooming, but their low-shedding coat makes them a good choice for owners with allergies. Before buying one, you need to know that they don’t like to be attended to or forced to eat or take a bath.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular choice for first-time dog owners. For its compact size, it is best for those who live in apartments or those who love to travel. They are small dogs recognized for their lengthy, silky fur and loving personalities. They’re not very active, so they don’t need much exercise, and they’re perfect for owners who enjoy cuddling with their pets. They weigh between 13-18 pounds and stand about 12-13 inches tall. The sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark. Another is the silky, richly colored coat that can be one of four distinct varieties. Although they need regular grooming, their coat doesn’t shed much, which is great for owners with allergies. They love to be pampered and groomed.
9. Italian Greyhound
Greyhounds might not seem like the first pick for flats or apartments, but they’re actually quite fitting for smaller spaces. Despite being known for racing, they’re actually low-energy and prefer lounging around. Plus, they’re quiet and don’t bark a lot. Many people have misconceptions that they need a lot of space to live, but it’s not true at all. They don’t even mind if the house doesn’t have a yard. Italian Greyhounds weigh between 7-14 pounds. They typically stand between 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, showcasing the graceful, curved lines typical of coursing hounds. Their notable features include their long, slender legs. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle, and good with children and other pets. They shed less than any other dogs. Their short coat is easy to maintain with minimal grooming required.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, cute, and fluffy dog breed originating from Cuba. They were originally bred as lap dogs and they make an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They have a long silky coat that comes in a lot of varieties of colors. They are very intelligent and learn quickly. Key characteristics of the Havanese breed include their curled-over tail and beautiful silky coat, available in various colors. Some owners prefer to style their coat in cords, like a Puli, while others opt for a shorter clip to make grooming easier. With their small yet robust bodies, adaptable temperament, and sociable demeanor, they’re well-suited for city living. Havanese weigh between 7-13 pounds and stand about 8.5-11.5 inches tall. They are generally quiet but may bark to alert you to strangers. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, but they can also be kept in a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.
Tips for Raising a Dog in a Small Home
No matter what breed you choose from the above, you need to know some general tips for raising a dog in your apartment. Try to take your dog for daily walks outside as animals can’t stay in a locked room all day. Also, provide them with opportunities to play. Try to train them professionally so that they can stay disciplined in your home. Expose your dog to other people, pets, and environments, this will make them well-adjusted and friendly. Also, try to buy pet toys for your dog to keep them cheerful. Keep up with your dog’s grooming needs to ensure they stay clean and comfortable.
