Which dog is better to have in the apartment: 10+ options
Choosing a dog for housing is a responsible decision that depends on many factors: the size of the home, the lifestyle of the owner, the presence of children and the time to care for the pet. The ideal apartment dog is an animal with a calm temperament, moderate physical activity needs, and the ability to adapt to confined spaces. For more information, see the Izvestia article.
Small breeds
Miniature dogs are the best choice for small apartments. They do not take up much space, do not require long walks and can easily accompany the owner on trips. Small breeds only need 15-30 minutes of walking 2-3 times a day.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are famous for their excellent memory and high intelligence. With a height of up to 23 cm and a weight of up to 3 kg, they practically do not shed and belong to low-allergenic breeds. These dogs have a stable mentality, are clean and feel perfectly at home in the apartment. Due to their compact size, they can be taken with you literally everywhere.
Chihuahua
Officially recognized as the smallest breed in the world: height 15-30 cm, weight 1.5–3 kg. Chihuahuas do not need training, they take up a minimum of space, but they can be easily excitable and do not always get along well with children or other animals. It is important to engage in parenting from early childhood, otherwise the pet may show aggression towards strangers.
The Pug
They are fun and playful companions with compact dimensions that do not require long walks — about an hour a day is enough for them. Pugs are friendly and sociable with people of all ages, great for families with children or the elderly. Among the features: they snore and do not tolerate heat well due to the brachycephalic structure of the muzzle.
French Bulldog
One of the best options for a city apartment: calm, do not require long walks, tolerate loneliness well and do not bark for no reason. Size 24-36 cm, weight 8-15 kg. These dogs are playful, love to be the center of attention and are suitable for both large families and single people. Cons: excessive salivation, snoring, and a tendency to breathing problems.
Pomeranian Pomeranian
An active and intelligent dog weighing up to 3 kg, which is easy to learn and friendly to children. Pomeranians become very attached to their master and find it difficult to bear separation. One of the features is that they require regular grooming and can bark a lot.
Shih Tzu
Affectionate and friendly dogs who don't like being alone and love spending time with their owners. They easily adapt to apartment conditions and do not require intense physical exertion. Wool requires regular care, which becomes an additional way to strengthen the bond with the pet.
Bichon frise
A small decorative dog with long silky hair in curls. The breed is considered hypoallergenic because the animals do not shed and do not have a specific dog smell. Bichons are beautiful, easy to train, and great for people with allergies.
Medium breeds
Medium-sized dogs (height 40-60 cm, weight 11-25 kg) represent the "golden mean": they are hardier than small ornamental breeds, but at the same time their maintenance is cheaper than that of large dogs. Medium breeds require 30-60 minutes of walking 2-3 times a day.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are ideal from the point of view of unpretentiousness: they are non-aggressive, intelligent, have a balanced character and learn quickly. Size 25-30 cm, weight 9-12 kg. Care is minimal: you can bathe only twice a year, and it is enough to wipe the wool with a damp cloth. The only thing is that they are prone to overeating and weight gain, so it is important to monitor nutrition and ensure regular physical activity.
The poodle
An intelligent and elegant dog that loves to follow commands and ranks second in the world among the smartest breeds. Poodles do not shed, as they do not have an undercoat, which makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. There are various sizes: from toy poodle (up to 28 cm) to large (45-60 cm). One of the features is complex grooming and the need for long active walks.
The Beagle
Funny dogs with an independent character who are easily trained by different teams and are very attached to humans. Beagles are smart and completely non-aggressive. However, this is a hunting breed with strong instincts, so they need a lot of movement — they are not averse to chasing cats or other prey on the street. Suitable for an apartment, provided that sufficient walking is provided.
The Cocker Spaniel
Friendly and energetic dogs that easily become part of the family. The American Cocker Spaniel is 35-38 cm tall and weighs 10-15 kg. Spaniels are not fussy about food and do not require long walks — half an hour in the morning and evening is enough. They are not prone to dominance and are very docile, which makes them an excellent choice for inexperienced dog breeders.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small decorative dogs with an affectionate and friendly nature. Size 30-33 cm, weight 5.4–8 kg. Cavaliers are well suited for housing, get along with children and do not require intense physical exertion. An excellent choice for novice dog breeders and families with children.
Sheltie
A miniature version of a collie with a height of 33-38 cm and a weight of 6-9 kg. These dogs have the same intelligence and dedication as their larger relatives. Shelties are great for family life, affectionate and attentive to their owners, happy to learn and follow commands.
The English Bulldog
Loves comfort and tranquility — if you're looking for a pet that you don't have to walk a lot with, a bulldog is a great choice. Height 31-39 cm, weight 18-25 kg. Bulldogs are friendly and get along well with children, although they can be a little stubborn. They are comfortable in small apartments due to their calm temperament.
How to keep a big dog in an apartment
A large dog is an animal weighing over 26 kg and over 60 cm tall: Rottweiler, Labrador, Shepherd, retriever. Keeping large dogs in an apartment is possible, but requires a special approach and serious responsibility of the owner.
Requirements for walking
The main condition for a large dog in an apartment is regular and long walks. Labradors, Shepherds, and Retrievers need at least 2 hours of active walking per day (one hour each in the morning and evening). Lack of movement leads to obesity, joint problems, and behavioral disorders.
Walking should include not only walking, but also:
active games and obstacle running;
swimming in open waters (especially for retrievers);
training sessions at special venues;
mental stress and training.
Organization of space
For a large dog in an apartment, it is necessary to allocate its own place to rest — a spacious sunbed or bedding away from windows, doorways and heating devices. There should be enough space for the dog to stretch out comfortably.
It is better to place the feeding area in the hallway or in the kitchen with free access at any time of the day. Bowls on a stand of the appropriate height are recommended for large breeds.
Features of the content
Professional training is extremely important for large breeds in urban environments — it helps to form adequate behavior when meeting strangers and in public places. German Shepherds, for example, need not only physical exercise, but also mental stimulation.
After each walk, the pet needs to wash its paws. Large dogs often shed more than small ones, which requires regular cleaning and more frequent combing. They should not be bathed too often — you can use dry shampoo or spray for grooming.
The diet should be of high quality and balanced with a high protein content. It is important not to overfeed the dog, otherwise it may develop obesity and, as a result, problems with joints and bones.
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