We break down the best small dog breeds for apartment living and why they suit the lifestyle.
More and more people are adopting dogs than ever before. Puppy fever has struck! You might be familiar with some of the signs:
- Does your heart seem to race when you see someone walking their dog in the park or down the street?
- Do you get excited when scrolling through social media and you come across a cute, adorable, or hilarious puppy video?
- Do you constantly have the urge to pet other people’s dogs when you’re out and about?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then chances are, you’ve also been hit with puppy dog heart eyes. Luckily, there are a number of apartment dog breeds that are suited to a small space.
Becoming a pet parent
We all know that being a pet parent isn’t something to take lightly. It’s a serious responsibility, and an expensive one at that (don’t even get us started on vet bills – cue pet insurance, and then there’s finding the right dog food, which ensures they get nutrients, good / balanced diet and provide them with longevity.)
You want to ideally have enough space for your dog to run around freely and have fun. But what happens when you live in an apartment? Does that mean you can’t have a dog? Of course not!
Although all dogs need regular exercise, there are tons of breeds that can thrive in an apartment. As long as you still take your dog for regular walks, most dog breeds (the more relaxed breeds) are happy to live in an apartment.
Expert tip: Regardless of your dog’s breed, any dog can easily become irritated and bored when constantly confined in a small space. This can lead to some undesirable and emotional behaviours. This is why you need to make sure you exercise your dog and keep him or her entertained with toys or games for mental stimulation.
Adopt, don’t shop!
There are hundreds and thousands of beautiful little pooches looking for their forever homes at your local shelters. Before spending a pretty penny on a pedigree, why not pop into a shelter near you and chat to them about what dogs they have that would do well living in an apartment?
The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
While there is a lot to take into consideration before you decide to become a pet parent, the size of your home doesn’t always have to hold you back. We have put together a list of some good dog breeds for apartments.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas pack a lot of punch into such a teeny tiny body. They are feisty, energetic, loyal and oh so cute! This breed requires daily walks and lots of playtimes, but thanks to their petite size, an apartment can become their ideal home.
Don’t forget that some Chihuahuas can be a little vocal, which means they are great for security, but it might get a little annoying for your neighbours. So just keep that in mind. And besides, there’s nothing some training can’t fix.
2. Maltese
These playful little dogs are a delight to have around. They do require some basic daily exercise, which can range from a little walk or playtime – whatever suits the two of you. This breed is also a little less vocal compared to other small breeds. Maltese dogs love to sit on your lap and shower you with love and attention.
3. French Bulldog
These little guys are well known for their calm natures and loving personalities. They don’t require too much exercise and don’t bark a lot either (the perfect apartment combo!). They do, however, require close contact with their humans and can easily develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds were basically designed to live in an apartment. Their little bodies mean that they do not like to walk long distances or partake in strenuous activities, so they can easily get in some exercise and playtime from doing a few laps in the lounge. But don’t forget to take them to the park as often as possible for them to get outside and be in nature.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re anything like us, then you have probably been obsessed with this breed ever since you watched Lady and the Tramp as a kid. Their floppy ears and sweet nature will have you falling in love in no time. These dogs tend to take on the personality traits of their owners.
Some final thoughts
As mentioned, becoming a pet parent is a major responsibility. So, make sure you know what you are getting into and are fully prepared to take on the role.
You should also consider investing in pet insurance for your new fur baby to make sure their health is taken care of. If you’d like to learn more about why pet insurance is important, you can click the link to read our blog post that goes into more detail.
Yours in not-so-average pet advice,
The petinsurance.co.za Team