Do you want a dog as a furry best friend but live in an apartment or a small house? Good news, then! To get a dog, you don't need a big house with a lot of fenced-in outside space, but owning one isn't easy either. Dogs are a lot of fun and make terrific companions, but they also come with a lot of responsibility and dedication.
IIt's recommended that you think about your lifestyle and which breed would be ideal for you before deciding on a dog. Are you the type of dog owner who leads an active lifestyle and can devote time to exercising and playing with your pet? Are you sociable and affectionate? Do you or anyone in your neighbourhood (or your housemate) suffer from allergies? Do you, like your neighbours, like a peaceful environment? Do you like to spend the majority of your days at home? These are just a few of the questions to think about when looking for a dog, especially if you live in an apartment, townhouse or a small house.
Check out some of our picks for the best dogs for small accomodation
Greyhound
If you believe you are the type of owner who rarely has the time to go out and exercise every day, this breed is for you. Though noted for its speed and predatory drive (chasing anything that moves swiftly), this gentle giant is truly a couch potato at heart. They don't need much exercise and could sleep all day if they chose to. Greyhounds are also noted for not barking excessively, which is ideal if your neighbours prefer a calm and quiet environment.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is best suited to owners that are affectionate and spend most of their time at home. Cavaliers are friendly, lively dogs who enjoy being near to their people, therefore the smaller the area, the better in their opinion. This breed is easy to teach, low maintenance and has a laid-back personality. Twenty minutes of daily activity will keep them happy.
Basset Hound
If you live an active lifestyle, enjoy socialising, and are serious about owning and caring for a dog, then the Basset Hound is the breed for you because Basset Hounds are cheerful dogs who enjoy socialising with both animals and humans. They require one lengthy walk in the morning and a shorter stroll in the evening, as well as daily playtime. If their mental and physical demands are not satisfied, this breed can bark, and they continually shred and need to be brushed on a regular basis.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are wonderful to have if you or a family member have allergies. This breed loses little to no hair, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. It is a fantastic inside dog because of its petite stature; though they are fairly active indoors, they can manage without a yard. They are usually satisfied with a daily walk and lots of cuddles.
Poodle
Poodles enjoy company and are an excellent choice for people who plan to spend a lot of time with their pet. This type enjoys playing outside and is a highly clever breed that is easy to train. They're also helpful for allergy sufferers because they lose very little hair but still need a lot of maintenance.
When choosing a dog to raise in an apartment or tiny living area, examine your lifestyle first, then the breed that would best fit you. Consider the dog breed carefully to improve your chances of choosing the right one. Also, if you're renting an apartment, check with your landlord to see if there are any rules prohibiting you from keeping a dog.