Where some dogs love to roam around in the wider area outside, others prefer staying indoors in a safe, familiar environment. They are more comfortable lounging around the house, taking naps on a comoftable rug whenever they want to! Pet owners rescue them from shelters and give them a life they deserve.
However, though they live indoors and prefer comfort over outdoor adventures, that doesn’t mean these dogs are good for nothing. Rather, they are excellent watchdogs and whenever it comes to giving support to humans and fellow pets, there is no one like them.
In this article, we shall dig into the list of some of the best indoor rescue dog breeds.
Indoor Rescue Dog Breeds
1. Basset Hound
If you have a choice to pick a rescue dog, you should definitely opt for the Basset Hound!
This dog is one of the most loving dogs out there, especially if you want an apartment living pet. They are small in size, which makes them easily adaptable in small spaces.
These quintessentially indoor dogs have a height of merely 15 inches, which makes them capable of staying comfortably in confined places when compared to other dogs.
Originally bred as a scent hound, this is quite an alert pet. Even if it is playing with the kids around the house, it would still have a sharp instinct to keep a check on the environment. As they are more confident when they stay close to their pet parents, their response is quite different when they go outdoors.
This Reddit Thread says they are great pets even for first-time dog owners. Early training would do wonders in re-modeling their behaviors.
These couch potatoes will happily play fetch with you in the backyard and then come back inside to rest!
Fun Fact: ‘Bas’ in their name, “basset,” comes from a French word that means small.
2. Chihuahua
With its small body and compact size, the Chihuahua doesn’t need large spaces to be comfortable in.
Rather, they are happy in a small apartment, as long as it has their favorite people around.
These small dogs with a height of merely 5-8 inches love to have indoor play sessions and would prefer them over outdoor adventures. Even at times, they may show some reluctance going out to the dog park and would choose to lie on the couch!
However, just like other pets, they also need regular walks for their proper mental and physical stimulation.
One major reason why they are primarily indoor dogs is that they are sensitive to temperature changes. You need to use your indoor heating and cooling system wisely.
Chihuahuas have minimal grooming needs, and their small size makes them even easier to manage and maintain.
For apartment dwellers who are clean freaks, this is a great choice as Chihuahuas are generally tidy pets. They won’t cause any litter around the house, giving you a neat space to live.
3. Dachshund
When given proper attention, enough exercise, and sufficient mental stimulation, Dachshunds are considered to be great pets that are generally good with adults and kids alike.
These dogs are small in size, but this can’t be said about their personalities.
They have big personalities, full of energy and enthusiasm. Hence, it is necessary to keep them engaged with some fair amount of activities to provide them enough mental stimulation and avoid their diversion to destructive activities.
With proper training and socialization, you would realize these dogs are really well-mannered and showcase great behavior even when some guests visit your house.
It is easy to engage them indoors with various activities that may include a game of fetch or playing with toys.
Warning: These dogs are prone to separation anxiety. Hence, make sure you don’t leave them alone for a long period, or else they may start barking excessively or even whine!
4. Greyhound
Despite the fact that this is not a tiny dog, the Greyhound is one of the most suitable indoor dogs out there!
This pup is gentle! It’s one of those big dogs that are total couch lovers and prefer lounging inside the home rather than roaming outdoors.
Larger dogs like these are low on energy. This is why they mostly prefer indoor activities over outdoor excursions. But if you really want to take them out, a few hours at the dog park would be more than enough for them. Daily exercise for half an hour would keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
They love lounging. It’s just that they need enough space to do so. However, as a puppy, they can adjust absolutely anywhere!
If you rescue them from a reliable shelter, PetMD says you would realize they are not big barkers. Rather, they are quiet dogs with a gentle nature that would only speak up when something strange is happening around them.
5. Havanese
You live in a small home and want a calm dog as a pet?
Not a problem!
The Havanese, with a weight of only 7-13 pounds and a height of 8.5-11.5 inches, is a great choice.
This small-sized creature is a popular choice amongst homeowners. They are super-adaptable. Whether you live in a mansion or a small apartment, this dog will adjust accordingly.
Though this affectionate dog doesn’t require any extensive physical activity to keep up with its energy, a brisk walk or some indoor playtime would be sufficient for its well-being.
Though they don’t need extensive care, regular grooming is still required to keep them presentable. Brush them twice a week, and it will do the magic!
Getting a dog for the first time ever, and have some doubts? Don’t worry! This is one of the most trainable dogs and gets along well with children. Having it would surely add a lot of joy to your home!
6. Maltese
Want a rescue dog that is absolutely gorgeous and a pleasure to have? Get your hands on a Maltese!
These dogs are great for your apartment life as they are quiet and don’t have diva-like behavior.
They easily adjust to all kinds of living spaces, whether small or big.
That one thing which really confuses potential owners about having them is their long, silky coat, which they think might shed a lot! Well, this dog sheds minimally. Hence, having it wouldn’t create a hill of loose hair on the rug it sleeps on.
As per this Quora question, leaving them alone for a couple of hours wouldn’t affect them. However, if you make this a regular practice, it may trigger separation anxiety in them.
Give them some interactive games and fun toys, and they will love to stay with you inside the house.
7. Beagle
Well, Beagles are great indoor rescue dogs, but they need constant attention!
Don’t expect this playful dog to be all lovely and jolly if you leave it alone for some time. It has a natural drive to stay close to its favorite people, as it gives them a sense of security.
If they get bored, just take them out for a short walk, and you will see how excited they get. They are social animals and love interacting with people around them. In case you dare to bore them, you may end up unleashing their destructive side, unknowingly.
For active families, rescuing a Beagle is a great choice as it will easily keep up with an energetic lifestyle.
Fun Fact: They are incredible sniffers with their 220 million scent receptors! They will easily spot the hidden stinking mold, causing the whole house to wrap their nose and run outside!
Conclusion
If you want an indoor dog, make sure to opt for one that comes in a small size or has a gentle nature. These dogs are calm and don’t have way too much energy that can only be released outdoors! Apart from the dogs mentioned above, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, French bulldog, Pug, Great Danes, and Poodle are some other amazing pups that thrive indoors!
