Are you a dog lover living in a home without a yard or an apartment in the city? An indoor dog breed may be the right fit for you. The best indoor dogs have a laid-back and calm nature. They love to play inside the house and stay by their owner’s side.
Usually, small dogs have moderate exercise needs. They do well with play sessions in the lounge or only a few short walks around the block. Due to these reasons, they make excellent indoor dogs. These canines connect deeply with their humans.
They can become prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Many of them enjoy napping in a cozy and comfy corner all day long. However, regular exercise is needed to help them stay healthy and happy.
Here are 7 charming dog breeds that keep their energy indoors.
Charming Dog Breeds That Keep Their Energy Indoors
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are low-energy and low-key dogs recognized by their droopy eyes and floppy ears. Generally having an affectionate nature, they are not as active as some other breeds. These lazy canines love lounging and snoozing on the couch.
However, regular exercise is needed to prevent obesity. Only a daily walk at a moderate pace fills the bill, explains the American Kennel Club. Once you are back home, they will be ready for another nap. Basset Hounds usually get along well with kids and other pets.
They don’t like being left alone and are vulnerable to separation anxiety when neglected or left alone for too long. However, their laziness and strong-willed personality can make obedience training a bit challenging. Positive reinforcement-based methods work best for them.
Basset Hounds were bred as hunting dogs and have a keen nose. They enjoy activities like nose work, scent work, and snuggling with their humans.
2. French Bulldog
One of the most adaptable dog breeds, French Bulldogs are capable of adjusting well in a variety of living environments. Thanks to their moderate exercise needs and loving nature, they make ideal apartment dogs.
Frenchies are not high-energy dogs, but love entertaining their owners with their playful antics. According to PetMD, they have fun-loving and outgoing personalities. These pooches prefer indoor play time over outdoor walks and can spend most of their day sleeping.
Frenchies love being the center of attention and do not like being separated from their loved ones for too long. They can be a little suspicious of new situations, so proper training and socialization are important to turn them into ideal family pets.
Frenchies have a laid-back nature. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, they are prone to breathing difficulties. So do not over-exercise, take out your Frenchie in hot and humid weather.
3. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are amusing and mellow canines known for their loving and easygoing personality. These docile pooches are happy and may need some encouragement for a walk. They are not very lazy, but prefer staying indoors, explains Omlet.
Clumber Spaniels are gentle and affectionate towards people, children, and other pets. However, they can be reserved towards strangers. They make poor watchdogs as they would prefer to sleep instead. When outside, Clumber Spaniels enjoy games of fetch, such as retrieving a stick.
These smart and eager-to-please dogs respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. Clumber Spaniels also love swimming. They need only moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Clumber Spaniels have sensitive noses.
They can dash off in search of smell, so recall training is important. As puppies, they are playful and curious and love chewing things.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese is a very easy-to-keep small dog breed that requires only a little exercise and food to stay healthy. These charming and confident companions were bred to live in palaces and are as serenely independent as the emperors who bred them.
These bold pooches stay loving and loyal to their humans and tend to be good with kids. However, they cannot tolerate roughhousing. Due to their moderate energy levels, minimal exercise needs, and adaptable nature, Pekes are one of the best indoor dog breeds.
However, too many treats and lots of rest can lead to obesity. Regular physical activity and mental enrichment help prevent boredom. A short romp indoors or outdoors will suffice for them. They are also one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers.
Pekingese are watchful dogs who bark to let you know when someone enters the territory. However, they do not make good guard dogs due to their small size.
5. Chihuahua
Loved for their wide eyes and erect ears, Chihuahuas are small dogs with a big personality. These pooches thrive in confined spaces and are well-suited for apartment living simply because of their small size. Chewy describes them as sassy, charming, and graceful dogs.
A short play session in the lounge or a few short walks provide adequate exercise to these pups. These alert little dogs are very intelligent and respond best to positive reinforcement methods. Their size and low exercise requirements make them the best indoor dog breed.
Chihuahuas love to run and play. Don’t forget to provide interactive toys for your Chihuahuas to avoid boredom. These energetic dogs usually think they are larger than they are. Chihuahuas are bright and loving with their family. They can be anxious around new people and animals.
Their small stature is a blessing, as you can easily carry them wherever you want. Chihuahuas get on well with kids, but such interactions should be closely monitored due to their size.
6. Maltese
These teeny-tiny pooches are loved for their gentle and affectionate nature. Maltese enjoy daily walks and play sessions with their humans, but they are more content relaxing indoors with their favorite humans. These small white dogs are ideal dogs for indoor living.
Their petite stature and moderate exercise needs enable them to thrive in apartments. Maltese are adaptable dogs who adjust well to singles as well as families. This sweet canine magically balances playfulness with a relaxed attitude.
Apart from their loyal personality, Maltese also steal hearts with their adorable looks. Their luxurious coats need plenty of grooming to stay in top-notch condition. However, it is hypoallergenic, making it well-suited for allergy sufferers.
7. Bichon Frise
With its small size and gentle nature, the Bichon Frise is essentially an indoor dog. It’s laid back nature means it is content to spend the entire day napping and needs only moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Bichons need only a few short walks and indoor play sessions to stay fit. They are highly trainable. These devoted companions love spending time with their humans and do not like being left alone for too long. Otherwise, they can become prone to separation anxiety.
They are very adaptable and get on well with everyone, including kids, other pets, and strangers. Bichons are quite high-maintenance in terms of grooming. Regular brushing and frequent bathing is important to keep the coat clean and tangle-free.
Conclusion
Some charming dog breeds prefer staying indoors and have a gentle and laid-back nature. Their calm personality make themwell suited for dog owners having a sedentary lifestyle. They can spend their time lounging and snoozing in a comfy corner.
These canines need only minimal exercise to stay in physical and mental stimulation. Usually, small dogs love staying indoors, as many of them have been bred as companions or lap dogs. However, like all other breeds, indoor dogs also need regular activity to stay fit.
