Apartment living isn’t the ideal place to own a large dog, and many people love small dogs because they’re affectionate and don’t require much space. But it can be difficult to choose the right dog if you live in a small space!
After all, there are so many dog breeds for small space apartments to choose from, and most of them have varying sizes and personalities. If you are considering adopting or purchasing one of the smallest dog breeds, take the time to learn more about them before choosing the perfect pup to call your own! Here are our top dog breeds for small apartments!
(1) Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is among one of those great dog breeds for small apartments considered a ‘toy’ breed. While it has many similar qualities to other toy breeds, there are a few unique differences that set it apart from its counterparts. Here are some of them –
#A: They shed less than most dogs: One reason why people love having a Shih Tzu as their pet is that they don’t have to clean up as much hair as with other breeds. That being said, you will still need to brush and comb your pup regularly in order to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles.
#B: They aren’t super active: This can be either a good or bad thing depending on what kind of lifestyle you lead. If you live alone or with others who do not have time to exercise your dog every day, then an energetic pooch may not be for you. On the other hand, if you like taking walks or jogging around town with your canine companion by your side, then Shih Tzu might just be right for you.
#C: They are relatively easy to train: This is one of the most obvious reasons why Shih Tzu is one of the best dog breeds for small flats. Just like any other dog, training your Shih Tzu should begin early on. Although they can be stubborn at times, they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as treats and praise.
#D: They get along well with children: A lot of parents prefer getting a small dog for their kids because these animals tend to be more gentle when playing with smaller humans compared to larger breeds.
(2) Yorkshire Terrier
This breed is of average size, with females measuring in at 10 inches or less and males at 12 inches or less. Yorkshire Terriers are feisty little dogs. They’re happy, affectionate, and active—ideal qualities in an apartment dog! Unlike other great dog breeds for small apartments on our list, they don’t need a ton of outdoor time.
In fact, they usually have separation anxiety if left alone too long. But that doesn’t mean you can never take them outside; just make sure you get them out there regularly so they don’t get cabin fever. If you live in an apartment building with a doorman, your Yorkshires will be happy to spend most of their time inside.
However, if you live in an open-floor plan building (like many apartments), your terrier may want to explore outdoors more often than you prefer.
(3) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for your small apartment and also an easy-to-manage breed that’s very friendly with other dogs, cats and people. They’re quite playful, but they get along well with others – even kids. They are generally healthy, although some can suffer from heart problems.
The height of a male is about 17 to 18 inches and about 16 to 17 inches for females. Their weight ranges between 12 and 15 pounds. This breed has a long life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. If you have an outdoor area or balcony where your pet can go outside, then it would be ideal for you to choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as your pet.
You may not be able to take them on walks outside in bad weather, though.
(4) Westie
West Highland White Terriers are one of the ideal dog breeds for small space apartments. Originally bred in Scotland, these intelligent dogs are incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners. They’re also excellent watchdogs that will alert you to potential intruders with a series of loud barks. In fact, they were originally called whistlers because of how much noise they made!
The Westie is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercises every day. You should expect to take them on long walks or play fetch for at least half an hour each day. If your apartment has a yard, you might want to consider getting one of these energetic pups instead.
If not, be prepared to take your Westie out several times a day so he doesn’t get bored and start chewing up your shoes!
(5) Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an adorable, cheerful, affectionate and one of the best dog breeds for small flats. With his long white coat and curled tail, he’s a real crowd-pleaser. A member of the non-shedding group, he requires very little grooming but does shed seasonally.
He’s good with children (especially other pets) and loves to be part of any action in your home or on your couch. Although he can get along with dogs outside his family, it’s recommended that you socialize with him at a young age so he doesn’t grow up fearful of them.
Overall, he’s perfect if you live in an apartment or don’t want to spend too much time walking your dog every day.
(6) Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny lap dog that weighs around 7 pounds which is one of the great dog breeds for small apartments on our list. Though they are often thought of as indoor dogs, they do very well outdoors too and do not need to be in an apartment all day. They make great companions and enjoy being with their families.
However, because of their size, they can easily get injured so it is important to be mindful when taking them out to walk. A fenced-in backyard would also be a great way for them to run around without you worrying about them getting injured. If you have other pets or children at home, I would recommend having them professionally trained before bringing Maltese into your home.
This breed does not like to play rough and will try to avoid any confrontations if possible. Because of their size, I wouldn’t recommend leaving them alone for long periods of time either.
If you work from home or only have one or two people living in your house then they will make perfect companions during your downtime.
(7) Pomeranian
The smallest breed as well as the best dog breeds for your small apartment – “Pomeranians” are not just loyal, they’re cute. Their size makes them a perfect option if you live in a small space but want a companion to share it with.
They love to play and need attention from their owners, making them an ideal choice if you have time for a pet. They shed quite often and can be yappy when left alone too long.
However, these traits shouldn’t be too much of an issue since most owners don’t leave their Pom alone too often due to its small size.