The 16 Best Dogs for the apartment

Pets are not only boundless fun and a source of positive emotions, but also the hard work of caring for and raising a pet. Accordingly, the choice of a pet should be balanced and can’t be based only on human “I want” – sometimes potential owners often underestimate the scale of future care, and dogs turn out to be an unbearable “toy. EXPERTOLOGY experts found out what kinds of dogs are best suited for a city apartment and made a rating of breeds with brief descriptions of their habits and the care they need to provide.

How to choose a dog

It’s difficult to give definite recommendations on the choice of breed of pet, but a few nuances should be highlighted:

1. Size of dogone of the determining factors – the smaller the animal, the more comfortable he/she feels in the apartment. It’s hard for big dogs in a small one- or even two-bedroom apartment, they need a territory for movement (house, enclosure).
2. Length of coat and tendency to shedAlso important: although dogs are less allergenic than cats, long-haired individuals and dogs with undercoats shed more often. But that doesn’t mean it’s any easier with short hair: it falls out too, but it’s much harder to collect from the carpet.
3. Activity and temperamentOften defined by breed. Active dogs need space to play and extra attention from their owners, you need to take into account the architectural features of the building (audibility between apartments on the ground and on the floor), so as not to spoil relations with the neighbors. Very much want a four-legged friend, but no free time? A dog with a calm temperament is a must.
4. SalivationDifferent breeds vary from none to copious: Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Boxers and some others secrete saliva almost constantly, you must be prepared for its presence on all surfaces accessible to the dog, including carpets, beds, furniture, shoes. Note: the ranking includes dogs of “non-sniffing” breeds.
5. It cannot be said that a small dog is necessarily easier to maintain and care for than a medium- or large-sized individual. Also, temperament and character should not be confused: while the first parameter is determined by the breed at a genetic level, the second depends mainly on the upbringing. So even a calm dog can become aggressive and dangerous with the wrong approach from the owner.

Rating of best dogs for the apartment

The smallest dogs for the apartment

Such dogs are often smaller than cats, which is good for their owners: they don’t need much space, they have minimum fur, they eat little and can be picked up, especially during walks.

Yorkshire Terrier

Rating: 4.9

In the first place was the Yorkshire Terrier (England) or simply the Yorkie, which grows up to 20 cm. Recently it’s the most sold and sought-after breed of miniature dog: with its long coat it hardly sheds, it eats comparatively little, is physically moderately active and does not require long walks. The main feature of the breed – smooth hair, similar in structure to the human hair, it does not retain allergens, so Yorkies are often kept by allergic people.

Terriers have quiet temperament, they are docile, friendly to their owners and friends, obedient and trainable, but you shouldn’t bring them up to 7 years old with children – there is a big risk to accidentally damage the fragile dog.

temperament peculiarity – the so-called “Napoleon syndrome”, that is, the Yorkshire Terrier can attack animals larger than itself with barking.

Taking care of a long coat is the main difficulty in keeping a yorkie: it needs to be brushed every day, you’ll also have to bathe the dog often, clean the ears and eyes, dress it in cold weather before going for a walk. Attention should be paid to your dog’s diet: While a balanced dry food is fine, a “natural” diet requires precision – any deviation will affect his appearance, or rather the quality of his coat.

Advantages

• Calm temperament;
• Can be carried around;
• Easy to train and train;
• A “hypoallergenic” dog;

Disadvantages

• Complicated care;
• Typical problems of the yorkie are tooth decay and dislocations due to the fragility of the skeleton;
• “Napoleon effect”;

Shih Tzu

Rating: 4.8

Second place mini-dogs are the long-haired shih tzu, bred in Tibet. Larger than a Yorkie, they can grow up to 27 cm and weigh 8 kg. The hair of dogs is the longest relative to the size of the body, requires proper care: combing, clipping, even styling before shows, bathing the dog enough 1 or 2 times a month. Simplify procedures with a short haircut. To shedding shih tzu are not prone to, the hair fall out in small quantities, it is enough to comb them in time with a brush with a short tooth. Brushing their eyes and claws and sanitizing their mouth once a week with tooth powder.

Temperament of the breed representatives is peaceful, dogs are smart, get on well with the owner and the people he knows, calmly tolerate the processes of care. They get along with children, because playfulness is one of the Shih Tzu’s character traits.

Behind love to people there is a problem: dogs are very bored in the absence of the owner, they can whine all day long, but almost do not bark with the exception of some individuals who show their voice at an early age.

The peculiarity of the breed – the possibility of domestication without walking, dogs are well accustomed to the litter box, and do not need to communicate with representatives of “companions”.

Advantages

• A small long-haired dog with a peaceful disposition;
• Does not bark when the owner is away;
• Can live without walks;
• Does not require frequent bathing;

Disadvantages

• The problem with dogs is tartar and gum inflammation, requiring regular oral cavity sanitation;
• Long hair needs to be scratched every day, it is not always easy.

Chihuahua

Rating: 4.8

The Mexican Chihuahua dog breed is very popular with lovers of small, medium-sized, barking pets. The dog is very compact, its weight is up to 3 kg, often less than 2 kg, so you can take it everywhere with you, sitting it in a pocket, in a bag or behind a sinus.

Temperament of the Chihuahua is peace-loving: they get on well with people, but the strong guarding instincts are shown when there is a danger to the owner or home – “enemies” will be stunned by the calls and the loud barking with an attempt to bite! To prevent such situations on false pretenses it is necessary to start training in time, which dogs obey without much effort: the response to the name, the simplest commands will teach the dog to be disciplined.

Chihuahuas are good with children, but they should not be kept together with small children due to the risk of injury to the animal, which is caused by the small size and the fragile skeleton. It’s not necessary to take the dogs for a walk every day: they go to the litter box, and to realize activity it’s enough to run around the apartment.

The care of a pet is simple: once a week and a half to bathe the badly soiled coat, after that to treat with conditioner and comb, and twice a month to cut the claws and brush the ears. Will need clothes and shoes for winter walks.

Advantages

• Medium sized coat, easy care;
• Can be taken with you because of its compact size;
• Peaceful character with guarding instinct (rather, alarming);

Flaws

• Mole syndrome – the dog burrows under carpets, in beds, etc. d.
• Can become willful and out of control if not educated and trained.

Russian Toyterer

Rating: 4.7

Fourth place in the rating of the breed of domestic breeders Russian Toy Terrier (modern variant: Russian Toy). It is a small dog with a height in stride from 20 to 28 cm, and its weight does not exceed 3 kg.

Russian Toy has two coat options: short throughout the body and combined with long on the edges of the large ears and paws, different colors. The dog is harmoniously built and active.

Temperament of the Russian Toy Terrier is meek and peaceful, which often causes stress due to harsh sounds and some situations, but in general the dog is non-tough, non-aggressive, requires training from an early age. Due to the size and characteristics of the nature of the toy is not suitable for families with small children.

Taking care of a dog is really easy: you don’t need to walk every day – the dog goes to the litter box, it is enough to bathe the baby, comb and trim the nails. Terrier shedding is seasonal, so there are no problems with hair on the carpet during the year. Dogs are unpretentious when feeding, but like all the others they are well kept on a balanced diet.

Advantages

• Small size – easy to take with you;
• Trainable;
• Playful character;
• Uncomplicated care, especially for short-haired terriers;

Disadvantages

• In cold weather, clothes are needed for walks;
• Prone to stress at an early age and with improper training.

Pomeranian Spitz

Rating: 4.6

Long-haired dog bred in Germany, ranked fifth in the miniature pet breeds category. It grows small – about 22 cm and 3.5 kg, but looks much larger due to the thick and long hair, visually giving volume to the dog. On the one hand, it is beautiful, on the other hand – uncomfortable: a Pomeranian hardly tolerates the heat, and it is very difficult to care for the hair from bathing to combing.

Temperament in the Spitz is ambiguous: the dog is intelligent, trainable, but obedience is often a problem because of the tendency of individuals to dominate even a person. Pomeranians love to bark for any reason or no reason, they are aggressive towards other dogs and strangers.

Care for the Pomeranian Spitz should be organized comprehensively: daily combing with breaking up the tangles, checking the skin for cleanliness, cleaning the eyes and ears once a week (more often only if necessary), clipping the nails.

Advantages

• Aesthetic Exterior;
• Playfulness;
• With good training peaceful nature;

Disadvantages

• Willfulness of individuals, tendency to dominance;
• Difficult to care for the long and thick wool.

The best small dogs for the apartment

This rating category includes slightly larger dog breeds. Such pets are suitable for a family with children, provided that the character is favorable.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Rating: 5.0

The stocky and powerful corgi of the sheepdog family has always been in demand since the breed was bred in Wales in the 10th century from the Swedish Walhund or Icelandic dog. Animals have spread in many countries and were originally used as helpers of shepherds, today it is a decorative pet, very peaceful, contact and intelligent, easily finds a common language with adults and children, with animals of other species. Corgis are intelligent and trainable – learn commands very quickly.

The Welsh Corgi Pembroke is a medium-sized breed with a thick undercoat that needs to be brushed often. Colors can be different, a characteristic feature – the markings of a lighter shade on the back in the form of a saddle. The tail of individuals may be cropped at puppyhood, supporters of natural beauty neglect this procedure, which does not prevent the animal to remain within the standard.

Grooming a short-legged corgi should be daily, but the process is not tedious: after a walk, wash the paws and belly if necessary, brush the undercoat 2-3 times a week, trim the claws and clean the eyes. A dog’s weakness is nutrition: Corgis tend to overeat, so their feeding regimen must be calibrated in time and quantity.

Advantages

• Extremely friendly dog;
• Easy care;
• Tolerance to training;

Disadvantages

• Paws and belly must be washed after each walk on the ground.

Sharpay

Rating: 4.9

Second place in the rating: One of the oldest breeds of dog, bred in China hundreds of years before our era, the Shar-Pei. Can be easily recognized by its blue-black tongue and deep skin folds, especially on the muzzle. Short hair without undercoat in colors from gray to deep brown, it almost does not shed, from the care requires only periodic bathing the dog.

Despite a fighting, hunting and guarding background, the Shar Pei is a very peaceful dog. They are inactive, sociable and calm, copying the behavior and temperament of the owner, so they are ideal for living with the elderly and lonely people, get along well with children. Please note: Despite being a peace-loving dog they show active guarding qualities, but they do not vote often without a reason.

Taking care of a Shar-Pei involves periodic bathing and clawing, but otherwise the dog is clean and does not make the owners worry. Unpretentious in food.

The disadvantage of the breed – the tendency to hereditary diseases, so even with the most correct and careful care live on average 10-12 years, very rarely cross the threshold of 14 years.

Advantages

• Peaceful character;
• Suitable for single people and the elderly;
• Short hair and easy care;
• Does not require vigorous physical activity;
• Guarding qualities;

Disadvantages

• Prone to hereditary diseases and short life span.

Basenji

Rating: 4.8

The Basenji is called a cat in a dog’s body. This comparison is caused by similar habits – the beagle likes to climb hills, one of the few in the family that does not like water, while being clean, very curious and willful. Small size basenji with height up to 43 cm and weight up to 12 kg allows him to feel comfortable in a small city apartment.

Character of the dogs is friendly and playful, they get along well with children and adults, other animals in the territory are accepted only if they live together since childhood. They need training and education, being as proud and stubborn as cats, they can make their own decisions, often against the owner’s will. Beginner dog handlers may not be able to handle the Basenji.

The breed representatives care is simple: wash paws after a walk if necessary, brush once a week, bathe once a month. In general Basenjis are clean, they take care of themselves and avoid mud, shun puddles. They need intensive exercise, adjustment of the amount of food, warm clothes for the cold season.

Advantages

• Clean dog;
• Easy care;
• Short hair;
• The breed is friendly, but willful;

Disadvantages

• Requires an experienced approach and education.

Beagle

Rating: 4.8

A small dog bred in the middle of the XV century in Great Britain, excellent for keeping in an urban apartment. The Beagle is short-haired with two or three colors, but needs frequent combing – their hair shedding is active, so it is enough to bathe the dog once a month.

The Beagle was originally bred for hunting and herding, which required them to be hardy and active all day long. This need remains today – the dog needs physical activity and long regular walks. But you should not forget about safety – when the dog feels an interesting target, it can get carried away and run away with the leash at a decent speed. The Beagle is the perfect companion for joggers.

Temperament of the breed is not always malleable, they are freedom-loving and often capricious, so with education can be difficult. In this matter it is important to keep calm, restraint and pragmatism, with an aggressive approach and the use of the whip the Beagle becomes aggressive, which was originally not characteristic of him.

It is important to carefully monitor nutrition: dogs of the breed are characterized by a high appetite, which can lead to obesity. The beagle’s health problems include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, eye problems with age and ear infections due to poor ventilation.

Advantages

• High activity level;
• Relatively easy care;
• Security qualities;
• Friendliness and compatibility with small children;

Disadvantages

• The tendency to obesity;
• Willful and stubborn character;
• The need for regular, long walks;

French Bulldog

Rating: 4.7

Experts gave the fifth place in the rating of small dogs the French Bulldog, recognizable by its thick and powerful build, short muzzle with a split nose and skin in the fold. Ears and tail of puppies are cropped in childhood. The hair of beagles is short and dense, only tiger, white-tiger, pale, white-pale, (spotted) colors, all others are considered a marriage. The pet should be bathed once or twice a week.

The Bulldog was actually bred in Great Britain to bait bulls, but the exterior of the dog was quickly appreciated by members of the French society and packs more often appear with them at events, aggressiveness was gradually bred by fans of the breed and now pets are purchased as active and cheerful four-legged friends. Thanks to its small size and height up to 33 cm the bulldog feels perfectly well in a city apartment, but it still needs walks. Smart and trainable dogs suitable for the whole family, they require extra attention from owners, show guarding qualities and do not tolerate competition in the form of other pets.

Of health problems, the French bulldog is characterized by diseases of the eyes, respiratory organs, including snoring.

Advantages

• Active animals;
• Can be trained;
• Exceptionally loyal dog for the whole family;
• Protective qualities;
• Cheerful disposition and playfulness;

Disadvantages

• Bulldog snores;
• Thorough care of the muzzle (eyes, nose) is necessary.

Pug

Rating: 4.6

One of the oldest breeds of decorative dogs bred in ancient China, which survives to this day in virtually unchanged form. Pugs have a dense build and weigh up to 32 cm in height and need to control their weight with good nutrition – their weight should be less than 8 g. In case of small size dogs leave short hair all over the apartment, as if the house is inhabited by a big dog – so active their shedding is, to avoid the problem frequent brushing is needed. Such coats do not provide sufficient thermoregulation and animals suffer hard burns, unlike in cold seasons.

Character is malleable, the pug is well-trained, naturally calm and non-aggressive, but adjusts to the owner’s way of life. Doggy is ideal for a family with children.

Most pugs are light in color with a dark, flat muzzle with folds that need to be cared for. Attention needs eyes and poorly ventilated ears, paws after walk. Breathing problems and the snoring characteristic of dogs with flat, creased muzzles occur with age.

Advantages

• A calm and non-aggressive dog;
• Playful temperament;
• Suitable for a family with children;

Disadvantages

• Obesity, eye and respiratory problems;
• Requires frequent brushing.

Pekingese

Rating: 4.5

The dog of the Chinese emperors, the Pekingese (from the word “sacred”) saw the light of day two thousand years ago and was intended for the imperial court; today it is available to all dog breeders, ranking seventh.

Pugs look unmistakable: they are about 25cm tall with a flat muzzle, long bushy coat and big floppy ears. An upturned nose and sparkling eyes make the Pekingese look cute, but its apparent charm hides a stubborn disposition and difficulty to train, which are the typical characteristics of aristocratic breeds. Dogs don’t like active physical activity, they are not very playful and go for short walks. Pekingese will suit those who are able to keep a cool head while training, it is better not to buy for families with children.

Thick, long coats need care: frequently scratched (the dog sheds periodically), trimmed. Flat muzzle needs brushing, can cause breathing problems over time.

Advantages

• Does not need long walks;
• Not fussy about food and not prone to obesity;
• Relatively calm temperament;

Disadvantages

• Frequent brushing and grooming;
• Not suitable for families with children or other animals;
• Due to its thick coat, it cannot stand the heat;
• Willfulness and disobedience as signs of a regal aristocrat;

The dwarf poodle

Rating: 4.5

At the bottom of the eighth rating of small dogs for the apartment is one of the most intelligent breeds in the world – the Pygmy Poodle. Its height reaches 35 cm at the weight of 6 kg and its distinctive feature – curly or thick wool of black, white, apricot, brown, gray (silvery) color that needs timely care. Poodles can have their hair done – the dog sits obediently and enjoys the process.

The dwarf poodle is an intelligent dog, easy to train, playful and very active, it needs a walk, adapts to the owners mood and even to the rhythm of life, is jealous of other animals and sometimes of the household members. Good with children, suitable for families and single people, but not for seniors. Is cautious with strangers, but as a guard does not show itself: barks, but in fear. By the way, during active games, barking is also inevitable, as well as on other occasions, so the apartment should have good soundproofing.

Care due to the peculiarities of the coat: grooming, bathing, haircuts must be regular, after walks have to wash paws and take out leaves and debris from curls. The weak point of the breed – diseases of the ears, eyes, as well as a large bouquet of “breed” ailments from deafness to osteochondrosis. The pygmy poodle is one of the most painful ornamental dogs.

Advantages

• Playful dog;
• Friendliness;
• Good to learn and train;

Disadvantages

• The need for careful grooming of the coat;
• Frequent and loud barking;
• A wide range of “breed” ailments;

The best medium sized dogs for the apartment

The category includes medium-sized dogs that are suitable for small apartments.

Labrador Retriever

Rating: 4.9

This hunting dog breed was bred in Canada in the mid-nineteenth century. Measuring up to 56 centimetres in height and 40 kilograms in weight, with a fine, long coat and large, floppy ears, the Labrador is unmistakable as any other dog. Color monotonous from light pale and golden to deep black or chocolate – the standard allows for different colors. By the way, the Labrador molts not actively, but requires combing for prevention.

Retrievers are very good-natured dogs, true companions and true friends for adults, children, the elderly and lonely people. Labradors are affectionate and can be trusted to look after children. No aggression or anger, despite the hunting purpose of these dogs – the need for long walks and physical activity (games, running) remained from him.

Of the problems of the breed – a tendency to overeating, so the diet must be carefully monitored.

Advantages

• Exceptionally kind and affectionate dog;
• Compatible with children and even other pets;
• Long coat does not require complex care and little shedding;

Disadvantages

• Daily walks for several hours are necessary.

Poodle

Rating: 4.8

The medium-sized poodle for the apartment is a good option, one of the most common today. Like the younger sibling discussed earlier, likes to play and be active, but will not impose, adapting to the rhythm of the owner’s life. Must be walked with a poodle, but may bark at unfamiliar people he doesn’t like in the street out of fear.

Taking care of a curly or corded coat is complicated – debris and loose hair are constantly entangled in the hair, tangles are formed. Must be scratched frequently and shampooed periodically. In order to prevent the dog from becoming fat, nutrition must be carefully controlled. Bouquet of diseases in the medium-sized poodle is typical of the breed, as in the younger fellow.

It is worth noting that the dog is easy to train, very smart and with proper training will be an excellent companion for anyone over the age of 7.

Advantages

• Aesthetically pleasing dog;
• Susceptibility to training;
• Lack of aggression;
• A friendly and playful disposition;

Disadvantages

• Difficult hair care;
• The breed’s extensive list of diseases;
• A tendency to barking;

Collie

Rating: 4.7

The Scottish shepherd dog of the sheepdog family ranks third in the rating category of average dogs for apartments. The breed has absolutely no aggression gene, so the animal is completely safe for the household and others, but it will watch “their” everywhere, it can be trusted to look after a child. Dogs are intelligent and quick-witted, they need to be active and go for long walks, they like agility (a dog sport that involves overcoming obstacles without physical contact with the owner).

Collies have long coats; short-haired and thick undercoats are rare, but the latter are more suitable for keeping in an aviary. In any case prophylactic combing with timely cutting out of tangles is necessary. No more special care for the dog.

Of the health problems of collies, experts note only genetic mutations, due to which some individuals do not tolerate a number of drugs. These are identified by mandatory genetic tests to prevent further breeding.

Advantages

• Complete absence of the aggression gene;
• Suitable for socializing and entertaining small children;
• Intelligence and guarding his pack (family);
• Peacefulness and dog friendliness;

Disadvantages

• Genetic diseases of collie breeds in some individuals;
• Wool requires periodic combing;
• Long walks and exercise are required;