If you are considering bringing a new dog home to your family, you may wonder which one is perfect if you have a small space. Here, our vets in Snellville share some of the best small dogs for apartment living and what to consider when making your choice.
Points To Consider When Choosing the Best Small Dog for an Apartment
Care Needs: What are the specific care requirements of that pup you have your eye on? Do they have specific grooming needs or known health risks? Who will walk it? Consider your new pet and who will be responsible for training and daily care.
Size: If you have young, rambunctious kids who love to run and play, you’ll want to carefully consider whether a small dog is for you. Some breeds may be more fragile, while large dogs can feel more confident due to their stature (although they may require regular grooming and walks and need a large yard).
Temperament: Dogs can be jovial and playful, calm and laid-back, or anywhere between - just like people. Ensure your new pet has a temperament that matches your brood’s.
Energy: You’ll find some dogs are incredibly physically active and need lots of stimulation - they love spending their days running at top speed in the yard and playing with their owners, while others are more content to lie next to you while you read. Decide among the family whether you’re looking for a running buddy or a more cuddly canine. If you live in a smaller space, you may want to read up on the best small dogs for apartment living.
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a dog, let’s look at a few of our favorite small dogs for families who live in an apartment or small home.
Some of the Best Small Dogs for Apartment Living
Here, we share some of our top picks for small dogs who are perfect for apartment living:
Yorkipoo
This breed is an intelligent and playful mix of Yorkshire Terrier and toy or miniature Poodle. Yorkipoos are hypoallergenic and energetic. This breed is perfect for a family that doesn't mind the occasional barking.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers weigh less than 25 pounds and are absolutely filled with personality. This delightful breed craves companionship and loves to be with the family. While some are high-spirited, others can be very gentle and sweet. Carefully observing the puppy at play before adopting can help you find the right Boston Terrier puppy for your family.
Pug
Pugs are relaxed and peaceful dogs who are well-suited to apartment living with a small family. Like humans, this sturdy breed loves to eat and sleep and may need a little encouragement to get out and exercise. If your family loves to curl up on the couch together to watch movies, a pug might be the ideal breed for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to cuddle and snuggle with their family but requires a fair amount of exercise to remain contented. A home with a fenced yard is ideal for this little sporting breed since chasing squirrels, chipmunks, and butterflies is a favorite pastime of these lovely characters. Cavaliers need companionship and can be quite social and thoroughly enjoy spending time with kids and other dogs.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a playful, loving bundle of fun! Low-shedding and long-lived, your kids will adore this little character. This breed of dog will become attached to you and would prefer not to be left home alone for long periods of time. If you must leave them, then you may want to consider dog boarding for the day. The Bichon Frise is the ideal small dog breed for fun-loving families.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the sporting group. It is good with older children and even-tempered. These dogs adore romping around with the kids or playing with other dogs in the garden. Cocker Spaniels can adapt well to apartment life but crave companionship and don't do well if left alone for long periods.
The Mutt
While a mutt is not a specific breed, they can make wonderful companions.
There are thousands of rescue dogs and mutts - of all different sizes and breeds - just waiting for a loving forever home. Visit your local animal shelter or puppy rescue agency to see if any available dogs tug at your heartstrings. With patience and determination, you could rescue a puppy and find the ideal small dog for your family.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.