What kind of dog is better to have in an apartment

Important points when choosing a dog for an apartment

When looking for a four-legged companion to live together in an apartment, most people adhere to the generally accepted opinion that size should be the decisive factor in choosing. The dimensions of the dog are certainly important, but the temperament, physiology, and character traits of the breed to which it belongs are no less important. A German Shepherd, for example, in a spacious apartment can not be immediately noticed, which cannot be said about a restless dachshund busily scurrying from room to room with the intention of doing something “useful”.

Some dogs from the indoor-decorative group, the name of which, in fact, contains their purpose, sometimes require more careful care than medium and large dogs that feel quite comfortable in a city apartment. Do not forget that representatives of dwarf breeds can be easily injured.

pet size

Many dog ​​lovers are skeptical about small breeds, considering only respectable dogs to be a worthy company. Owners of spacious city apartments, where each household has enough personal space, are certainly not constrained by a pet of medium or large size. Living space will allow you to share square meters even with a very impressive dog, which solves the most important household issue regarding providing him with a personal place.

It should be a cozy, not cramped corner with a bed, where the dog could retire without fear that her peace will be disturbed. The couch cannot be equipped in the aisle, in a draft or near the battery, near cabinets or beds, where someone will certainly stumble upon a peacefully sleeping pet. It is clear that in small-sized Soviet-style apartments, the choice of a suitable resting place for a large dog is extremely limited. What can we say about the possibilities of such an animal to warm up, play, and simply move from one room to another without disturbing anyone. You can forget about a comfortable life in such conditions.

Miniature dogs need less spacious housing. Even in a small apartment, they will have enough space to run, play, play pranks, splashing out their energy. For these kids, it is also necessary to arrange their own relaxation area, although they usually prefer a sofa, armchair or knees of the owners to it.

When deciding on the size of the future pet, it is worth considering the features of the microdistrict in which you live. Representatives of medium and large breeds of dogs usually need long walks. The dog will be happy if a large park or forest plantation is found near the house, where the owner could safely let him off the leash. With a room dog, it is quite possible to take a walk in the yard or the nearest square. In addition, many older people who find it difficult to regularly take their pet outside successfully teach babies to the tray.

The nature and temperament of the dog

Even a well-trained, well-mannered pet retains the behaviors inherent in the breed to which it belongs. Service and fighting dogs are easier to adapt to the conditions of a limited space than representatives of hunting breeds. The former are less active and, as a rule, have a reserved character. And the latter need to release their seething energy, and if they are not provided with physical activity, they are able to turn the entire apartment into a playground, especially when the owners are not at home.

It is important to ask how noisy a future companion can be. Representatives of a number of breeds tend to loudly notify the entire entrance of the return of the owner, others will ceaselessly whine drearily, left alone. Such vocal performances are unlikely to earn the applause of neighbors, and it is quite difficult to wean pets from singing. To make some noise is loved by most indoor-decorative dogs, as well as terriers, especially small ones.

Physiological nuances

In the conditions of an apartment, especially a small one, the physiological characteristics of the breed can be a decisive factor when choosing a dog. So, not everyone will like to relax to the accompaniment of the snoring of a sleeping dog nearby. This feature is inherent in short-faced dogs – pugs, Pekingese, as well as bulldogs and boxers, who, moreover, often suffer from flatulence.

For some breeds, an indestructible smell of dog is characteristic. Its intensity can be reduced with proper care of the dog’s coat, but it will not be possible to completely eliminate this characteristic feature. People who are not ready to put up with such a “fragrant nuance” in an apartment should pay attention to the almost odorless Bichons, Pekingese, Chihuahuas, poodles, Bedlington Terriers, Dalmatians, and rare hairless dogs.

For dogs with pronounced cheeks (hanging lips), increased salivation is characteristic, so it is better for squeamish citizens not to choose a bulldog, boxer, sharpei, St. Bernard as a pet.

Room-decorative and other small breeds of dogs for an apartment

This category includes dogs whose height at the withers does not exceed 40 cm.

Yorkshire Terrier

This dog is rightfully considered one of the best four-legged companions, ideal for apartment keeping. The dog has a serious character inherited from its larger relatives. He is completely fearless, smart, active. Yorkies have the most tender feelings for households, while they consider themselves the owners of the home. They are characterized by cleanliness, the absence of a dog smell. These beauties practically do not shed, and they are quite easy to accustom to the tray.

Chihuahua

The smallest dogs on the planet are divided into long-haired and short-haired. Compared to other dwarf breeds, Chihuahuas are quite calm and balanced. However, this crumb is very easy to anger in the event of a real or imaginary threat to his adored master. The most tender feelings for the owner of the Chihuahua are accompanied by excessive jealousy. The dog constantly needs manifestations of the master’s love, care, attention, loneliness is unbearable for her. In the apartment for a fragile pet, safe conditions must be created.

French Bulldog

Loyal, affectionate, calm and brave at the same time, this miniature heir to fighting dogs does not need special care and long walks, but requires training. French Bulldogs are very smart, they do not bark over trifles, but they will warn the owner about the danger. It should be borne in mind that these dogs do not tolerate heat at all, so you need to equip a room in the apartment where it would be cool in a stuffy summer. Neat and squeamish people should not start a representative of this breed, or at least not allow him to reign in the bedroom: French bulldogs are prone to flatulence, often snore, drool.

Maltese dog (maltese)

A charming long-haired representative of one of the oldest European breeds, she is a friendly and affectionate creature with a rather accommodating character. However, when they try to educate lapdogs, they begin to act up. These dogs are characterized by excessive suspicion of strangers – at the sight of a stranger, they usually burst into hysterical barking. Maltese are sociable, inquisitive, able to easily adapt to the nature of the owner. They love to eat delicious food, and it is not possible to train them to follow commands without a tasty reward. The silky straight coat of the Maltese lapdog is practically devoid of undercoat. Dogs almost never shed, but it is advisable to comb them daily.

Russian toy terrier

Even in the most spacious apartment, this touching baby manages to fill the entire living space with itself. Toy Terriers are incredibly energetic, perky and playful. Anything can excite these dogs, but it is not easy to calm them down. Those who have chosen such a breed will often have to “enjoy” the barking bark of the animal. This disadvantage is eliminated by the incredibly positive energy of the toy terrier, which can improve the mood of any household member. The virtues of the breed also include courage, ingenuity and exceptional memory.

Welsh Corgi Pembroke

Extremely active and devoted pets of the British royal family are the heirs of shepherd dogs. Instincts make themselves felt, and even in the apartment, Corgis always try to get into a “strategic position” that allows them to keep all household members under control. If someone from the younger generation of his “herd” moves erratically, the corgi may well lightly bite the intruder on the leg or heel. This is not dangerous, but it is better to wean the dog from such a habit immediately. Welsh Corgis have authoritative vocals – they bark no less loudly than their larger relatives. The owners have to put up not only with the expressive barking of their pet, but also with the fact that he expresses his thoughts and demands with whining, grunting, sniffing and mumbling. The “talkativeness” characteristic of the Corgi is leveled by such virtues as cheerfulness, fearlessness, endurance, playfulness, love for children and, of course, a charming appearance with a smiling muzzle.

Pekingese

Smart, fearless and somewhat arrogant Pekingese are one of the most popular representatives of indoor breeds. The main difference between this dog and most miniature relatives is a pronounced sense of self-worth. Pekingese are independent, independent, do not pretend to constant attention from their owners and easily endure loneliness. They will not disturb the peace of their owners with obsessive pestering and barking for no reason, so older people often choose them as companions. Pekingese treat their owners with love and respect, always feel their mood and behave accordingly. Former favorites of Chinese emperors will not make a mess in the apartment, spoil the furniture and spin underfoot. They are not very active and can do without regular walks. However, this is fraught with puddles on the floor – fluffy aristocrats do not favor a tray.

Medium dog breeds for an apartment

This group includes pets whose height at the withers is 40-56 cm.

small poodle

A smart and cheerful dog – medium in size in a noble family of poodles. The sociable small poodles are very playful, they love sports games. At the same time, they are very amiable and can easily adapt to the character of the owner with laziness or the lifestyle of an elderly person. Poodles should not be left alone in an apartment for a long time, as loneliness makes them feel anxious. Small poodles do not shed, but their curly and thick coat needs daily combing, otherwise tangles will form on it.

English bulldog

This balanced, accommodating and courageous dog will feel great in an apartment, becoming a real find for a homebody owner. The English bulldog will always prefer the cozy walls of his home and spending time on the couch to exercise, especially a long one. It is quite enough for him to take a short walk once a day near the house. The dog will be deeply attached to his master, without hesitation he will rush to protect him in case of danger, forgetting about his laziness and demonstrating excellent fighting qualities. It is better not to start an English bulldog in a one-room apartment, since it is desirable for him to allocate a separate corner for relaxation. Due to their physiological characteristics, these dogs often make grunting and gurgling sounds, snore at night and suffer from flatulence. In addition, they are characterized by profuse salivation.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

More compact and socialized than regular bull terriers, Staffordshires feel quite comfortable even in small apartments. They become wonderful companions for people with a strong character who love sports and have time for jogging, playing, and training together. Representatives of this breed shed moderately and practically do not smell. The virtues of dogs include intelligence, devotion to the owner, courage. They are very sociable, but this quality does not allow them to cope with loneliness. Leaving them alone for a long time is highly undesirable – this can lead to a pogrom in the apartment. People who decide to get a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will have to give up other pets, as the dog will most likely bully them.

Sharpe

With their compact size, lack of exercise requirements and large spaces, this breed makes good companions for experienced dog lovers. Despite the fact that Shar-Peis look good-natured and goofy, they have a serious character. Stocky dogs have an independent disposition, and only an authoritative owner can properly educate them. Well-trained dogs demonstrate nobility, calmness, devotion to the family. They never fuss and do not announce the apartment with loud barking for no apparent reason. However, for families with unintelligent kids, this breed is not suitable. At the same time, Shar-Pei get along well with older children.

Bedlington terrier

A devoted and cheerful Bedlington, similar to a sheep and a poodle at the same time, in a city apartment will not clearly show the hunting instincts inherent in all terriers. But released from the leash for a walk, he will not fail to demonstrate them, chasing the first cat that appeared on the horizon or plowing a flower bed in the yard, despite the demanding commands of the owner. In addition, a dog that has received a will can easily arrange a fight with a relative if he angers him with something. Within the walls of the house, this dog transforms into an obedient, respectable, intelligent pet. The Bedlington Terrier is not in the habit of annoying household members, although it is very attached to the owners and hard to endure their absence. If you leave the dog alone for a long time, his sharp teeth will certainly leave their mark on the furniture and master’s shoes. Bedlingtons hardly shed, but their thick wool-like coat needs to be brushed regularly.

Mittelschnauzer

This breed is the middle of the three types of schnauzers. Like their closest relatives, mittels are not able to lie on the couch in front of the TV for hours with the owner. They need movement, so they will feel comfortable only in a spacious apartment where you can make at least small dashes. Standard Schnauzers will become worthy companions only to those owners who are ready to provide them with long walks and physical activity. These dogs are emotional, sociable, do not like to be left without the attention of the owner. At the same time, they are able to curb their ardor if they feel that he is not in the mood. The hard, wiry coat of the standard schnauzer does not shed actively during molting and is almost devoid of a specific smell. However, it tends to get very dirty – mainly in the “beard” area and between the fingers. From the dirt adhering to these areas, the animal must be rid of regularly.

Whippet

The elegant dog belongs to the group of greyhounds and is the fastest among small-sized breeds. At the same time, the whippet, unlike its closest relatives, feels great even in a small city apartment. He reveals his sprinting talents during walks and outings in nature, but the pet can be released from the leash only after he learns to strictly comply with the requirement to return. You will also have to get used to the fact that it is extremely difficult to force a whippet who is doing exercise to walk side by side – the dog will constantly pull the leash and drag the owner along with him. In home walls, the dog does not show hunting instincts, preferring to follow the household with its tail everywhere, trying to be useful. Whippet is extremely loving and affectionate, and this graceful and gentle creature with a fine mental organization should not be denied reciprocity.

Large and very large dog breeds for an apartment

Large and very large breeds include dogs whose height at the withers is, respectively, from 56 cm and from 60 cm.

Labrador retriever

This breed of dog was originally bred to assist humans during hunting. But over time, Labradors have earned fame as the most popular companion pets for a wide range of people. Dogs are distinguished by their excellent character and lack of aggression. They are cheerful, playful, but not fussy, not noisy. Dogs are able to feel comfortable in a spacious city apartment. The Labrador does not need any special care, the only necessary requirement for the owner is to provide his pet with long walks and decent physical activity.

Golden retriever

Golden Retrievers, often referred to simply as Goldens, are as popular as Labrador Retrievers, with whom they share a common ancestry. But it is believed that this breed is easier to keep in a city apartment, since its representatives require less physical activity. However, like Labradors, small-sized housing is not suitable for Goldens. These dogs are not as simple-hearted as their close relatives, they are more restrained, reasonable and a little touchy. The sociability of golden retrievers does not allow them to calmly endure loneliness. A dog locked in four walls can make a mess in the apartment, so it’s better not to get goldens for eternally busy people. It should also be borne in mind that during the molting period, the pet will need to be combed out twice a day, otherwise its fallen “curls” will be found at every turn.

Airedale

For independent and “household” Airedales – the largest representatives of the terrier family – it is extremely important to have their own corner in the house. In a secluded place, the dog could not only rest, but also store his goods – toys, as well as appropriated petty property of the owners. In a small apartment, he definitely won’t have enough space, but the dog’s spacious city housing will be fine. Cheerful, “reckless”, quick-witted and extremely inventive in their antics, Airedale Terriers become real friends of cheerful, cheerful people with a well-developed sense of humor. These dogs are completely fearless, always ready to defend their owner and home. You need to walk them at least twice a day, giving them the opportunity to revile themselves in the wild. At the same time, the pet must learn the “Come to me!” command well, otherwise its trail may catch cold.

Irish Setter

Affectionate good-natured, handsome and everyone’s favorite, the Irish Setter has long been a companion of urban residents, although it belongs to a breed that was bred as a purely hunting one. These dogs, with their generous, peaceful nature, can easily adapt to life in an apartment. But those wishing to acquire such a pet should take into account that caring for him will take time and patience. Short-term walking of a hyperactive setter will not satisfy. Walking will have to devote at least an hour and a half twice a day. At the same time, long-term regular exercise does not deplete the dog’s energy supply, he will still trot around the apartment behind the owner, pouring out his love on him and demanding reciprocity in the form of caresses and hugs. The spectacular chestnut coat of the Irish Setter also needs constant care. It needs to be thoroughly combed daily in a special way, and you will have to bathe your pet at least once every 10 days. Fortunately for the owners, the setter almost does not shed, it does not have a pronounced specific smell.

Boxer

These stately, powerful dogs, able to adapt to any conditions, it is quite possible to keep in a city apartment. It is only necessary to properly educate the pet and create opportunities for the implementation of its natural physical activity. Boxers need to walk for a long time, at least twice a day. It is also important to periodically give them the opportunity to run in open space. But boxers are unpretentious in care: their short, smooth coat does not need regular combing, and it is enough to bathe dogs 1-2 times a year. The character of boxers is quite balanced, but sensitive. In the circle of household members, they feel like full-fledged members of the family, touching children, ready to get along with cats. Boxers like it when the house is noisy and cheerful, but if the usual family atmosphere is disturbed, for example, by the appearance of a stranger, their complacency immediately disappears, and the apartment is resounded with terrifying barking.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a versatile dog, one of the smartest among its relatives. She will feel comfortable even in a medium-sized city apartment, if she is provided with personal space. It is necessary to equip a cozy corner with soft bedding, for example, with a mattress bed, where the dog would not be disturbed when he is resting or sleeping. A well-trained German Shepherd is a loyal, calm, obedient animal with a stable psyche. Her devotion to the owners knows no bounds, and she takes care of the kids no worse than their parents. These dogs are very sociable, but tactful, obsession is not inherent in them. Like most dogs, German Shepherds get bored alone, but they usually humbly wait for their owners, without making chaos in the house. “Germans” need long walks and solid physical activity. The owners will also have to regularly care for the pet’s hard coat, which is characterized by a specific smell.

Irish Wolfhound

Surprisingly, this imposing giant of the canine world is quite suitable for living in a city apartment, if its owner is the owner of a spacious living space, ready to walk the ward for a long time at least twice a day. A calm, unflappable, friendly dog ​​fully justifies the proverb composed in his homeland: “The Irish wolfhound is a lion on the hunt, and a sheep is in the house.” Such a pet is distinguished by independence, independence, lack of aggression. The Irish wolfhound initially treats strangers kindly. Even if a stranger arouses suspicion in him, the wolfhound will not attack, prudently preferring to scare him away with a menacing roar. Of course, there will be no trace of such restraint of the dog if someone shows aggression towards its owner. Dogs are extremely attached to all household members, they yearn alone, expressing their emotions with barking and whining. In an apartment, an Irish wolfhound should have its own place with a soft couch, where no one bothers him to lie quietly, because he himself shows amazing tact towards people.