You are at the point of your life when you are ready to adopt a furry companion. We are so happy for you! The only thing stopping you from it is the thought of your small house or apartment. You are wondering, can I provide a great life to my puppy if my living space is so tiny? We have good news for you. Many dog breeds don’t require a lot of room to keep them healthy and happy. This article will give you suggestions on the best dog breeds that are a good choice if you live in a small house or apartment.
1. Miniature Pinscher
This agile, small-sized dog breed would be a great companion for a person who keeps an active lifestyle. Miniature Pinschers are known for having lots of energy, being playful, and curious to explore. They are very affectionate towards their families and fun to be around. They need a proper amount of mental stimulation to keep their brilliant brains in good shape. Therefore, these energetic dogs will be a perfect match for a person who can provide them with both physical activities as well as brain games. Since they are small size dogs, a cozy living space won’t be an issue.
2. Maltese
Maltese is a sweet-looking, small size dog who is always ready to please. Because of their long hair, they require regular grooming. Still, if you are looking for a dog that you could dedicate a lot of your care and attention to, Maltese will be an ideal life companion for you. The Maltese dogs are usually family-friendly. Due to their lively personality, they can brighten up your day in seconds! They are people pleasers what makes them relatively easy to train, especially in positive reinforcement methods when tasty treats are involved.
The Maltese is an ancient breed that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. They were originally bred as lapdogs and were favored by aristocrats and royalty. Due to their small size and affectionate nature, they make great therapy dogs and are often used to visit hospitals and retirement homes.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world. Therefore, even a tiny living space won’t be a problem to provide a happy life to this pup. Even though they are small, their personalities are enormous. They are primarily charming and well-balanced but can be sassy from time to time. Chihuahuas are clever, confident, and sometimes stubborn, but they crave their humans’ company, preferably on their laps. They are prone to obedience training, and regardless of their mini size, they enjoy canine sports.
4. Pug
Pugs’ adorable look can quickly melt hearts. In addition to that, pugs are famous for their goofy personality and stable temperament. They make a fantastic family companion, even with young children. They are playful, outgoing, and friendly pets. They require a moderate amount of exercise, so if you are looking for a dog that wouldn’t mind spending long, calm evenings at home, this a perfect breed for you. Pugs are loving pets who are the happiest when they are included in family life. However, they are qualified to dog breeds prone to breathing problems, so before deciding on getting a pug, keep that in mind.
5. Pekingese
It is a toy size dog with a fabulous appearance. Pekingese is famous for their long hair coat that requires regular grooming sessions. Their personality can be described as charming, tolerant towards other pets or small kids but also independent. They are smart are affectionate towards their pawrents which makes them great in obedience or trick training. They don’t need plenty of physical activities, even though they enjoy playing fetch or running after their favorite ball. Pekingese belong to the short-faced breed group. Therefore it crucial to keep them in excellent physical condition to prevent them from developing any health issues.
6. Pomeranian
Watch out, this adorable ball of fur can steal many hearts on a single walk! This fluffy, cute-looking dog breed is full of energy but can display a strong temperament. Pomeranians are active, but due to their small size, they will enjoy exercise or training outside and indoors. A few short daily walks will be sufficient to keep your fluffy pup in excellent mental and physical shape. They are adorable pups who love being around their humans all the time, so if you would love to have a lapdog who enjoys playing with you from time to time, they will be a perfect match for your needs. While Pomeranians are known for being friendly and playful, they can sometimes display a stubborn streak. As a result, they require consistent training and socialization from a young age to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved dogs. Additionally, their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
7. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy. The most appropriate one for a tiny house would be miniature, and toy, however standard size Poodle could also have a happy life in a city apartment. Poodles are known for being very clever. They are considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the world! Their silhouette is slim and athletic; however, they don’t require an extreme amount of physical exercise. Fun fact, Poodle breed loves to swim! So make sure to add it to their activities from time to time. They are lovable pets who crave human companionship.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a definition of a lap dog. They are small-sized but with huge hearts, always ready to share their affection with their family. Shih Tzu makes the perfect companion for a small apartment living. They love being in the center of attention, so if you are looking for a dog that will spend every minute of a day by your side, Shih Tzu will be a great choice. A few daily walks and dedicated playtime will satisfy their needs for physical and mental stimulation. They are trainable but make sure to have tasty treats ready. Otherwise, they might melt your heart with their charm and refuse to cooperate with you!
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Devoted to their humans, with a strong character, Yorkshire Terrier is a good match for a small house. Regardless of their small size, Yorkshire Terriers are known for their high confidence. They are outgoing, adventurous but also cuddly, enjoying the company of other pets and people. They can bossy and express themselves through barking. Still, with regular training, since they are a puppy, you can tame their temperament. A moderate amount of exercise and walks will be sufficient to keep your Yorkie in a good overall shape.
10. French Bulldog
French Bulldog is one of those breeds that can’t be mistaken with any other. Their unique, cute look and small size attract many city inhabitants. Frenchie’s body is muscular; however, they are low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of outdoor exercises. Their personalities are easygoing and relaxed what makes them great family companions, even with young children. Training a French Bulldog is fun as long as you keep training sessions entertaining for your pup – they quickly get bored! Frenchie is the happiest when they spend a lazy evening on a sofa accompanied by their loving human.
11. Brussels Griffon
Tiny but fierce, Brussels Griffon doesn’t lack a powerful personality. Their vast, human-like eyes and funny angry-looking facial expression can’t go unnoticed. Brussels Griffons is a friendly, highly intelligent pup who craves playtime, sports, and attention. Griffs are pretty energetic as for such a small dog breed. They don’t take well being home alone for long periods. They can create strong friendships with their pawrents which makes them easy to train. Nothing makes them happier than playing fetch with their human and socializing with other pups in a dog park.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are adorable, eager to please, lovable canine pets. If you need a faithful companion to give your love to, Cocker Spaniel will be a great fit for you. Their personalities are as sweet as their appearance, and their peaceful temperament makes them a wonderful addition to families with small kids. When it comes to exercise, a moderate amount of physical activities and mentally stimulating games will be sufficient to keep your pup in good shape. They are easy to train because of their calm and friendly nature, especially if getting rewarded with treats, love, and affection in return.
13. Greyhound
This choice in our list may seem surprising, but Greyhounds wouldn’t mind living in a small living area. Hunters by nature, considered one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, are known for being couch potatoes and cuddly with their humans. However, it’s essential to let them run freely off-leash in safe areas so they can meet their natural needs. Greyhounds are slim, noble-looking, independent, and intelligent creatures who can be sensitive when it comes to asking them for something they don’t want to do. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to teach them obedience or tricks as long as you keep the training exciting and engaging for your canine companion.
14. Basenji
Basenjis are small-sized but quite energetic dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Suppose you can provide them with an active lifestyle. In that case, they will be happy in a small apartment to rest after a busy day full of outdoor adventures. What’s unique about Basenji dogs is that they don’t bark – instead of that, they make rather a funny sound. They respond great to positive reinforcement training as they affectionate toward their humans, happy to please, and always ready to join fun activities.
15. Mix breed
If you are a huge-hearted pet lover who is considering adoption from a local shelter, we would recommend choosing a small or medium-sized dog. If you live in a small house, it might be challenging to meet a big or large breed pet’s needs. In general, though, any pet would be happy in a small living space, regardless of their breed or size, as long as you provide them your care and attention. As a dog parent, it is your responsibility to understand your pet’s basic needs, including training to keep them healthy and happy. Good luck with your pet parent journey!
