Apartment dweller? Or just someone looking for a pup. Don’t worry, this blog will guide you to find a perfect breed for your lifestyle, one that can easily live in small spaces, too.
Living in an apartment does not mean giving up on having a furry friend. These dog breeds are so small that they barely reach your knees. They would take up less than half the space on your couch or maybe a little of your lap, too.
Before getting started, let us ask you a question. Are you ready for this toy-like, tiny thing roaming around you everywhere? From the kitchen to the bathroom, and even your bedroom! These dogs are going to need a lot of your attention, so get ready for undying affection and cuteness awaiting you.
Playful Toy Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Living
1. Chihuahua
Someone said about chihuahuas that they are tiny in size but massive in personality. The American Kennel Club has used the word sassy for them. You know now that these guys are going to be fun!
Temperament and Personality
The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed and among the world’s smallest dogs. They are liked as lap dogs because of their size and sweet nature.
Chihuahuas are said to be ideal city pets. They are adaptable to any place, big or small, unless you are there for them. These small dog breeds are barely 6 pounds, but they move around acting like a boss. Overall, they are very charming and playful.
Unlike other dogs, they are happy staying indoors. They won’t even give you a tough time in exercise. Chihuahuas have a laid-back nature, and they also have moderate exercise needs. Plan short walks, morning or evening, that’s enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Lastly, you don’t have to schedule any specific routine for Chihuahuas. They enjoy lying on a cozy sofa or simply going along with your activities. Just don’t leave them alone with small children.
2. Manchester Terrier toy
The Manchester Terrier toy is a classy little companion with a perky and animated demeanor. You can guess from its name that this breed is from Manchester, England. Even with their small size, these dogs have a terrier-like demeanor and the courage of a racing hound.
Temperament and Personality
They make excellent companions with the one they consider their family. They are utterly devoted to companionship and can’t stay alone longer without any human interaction. Manchester Terriers are lively and intelligent; shyness simply isn’t in their nature.
Talking about how they are well-suited for this role, they can easily adapt to an apartment lifestyle, making them perfect for city dwellers.
Training might be challenging, although they have high energy, but you have to stay patient throughout the session. Grooming is simple; they have a short, sleek coat that sheds minimally and are easy to maintain.
The Toy Manchester Terrier needs daily walks and exercises to avoid boredom; if not, they become more vocal and start digging holes due to separation anxiety.
3. Yorkshire terrier
The pocket-sized Yorkshire terrier, nicknamed Yorkie, is a small-sized breed with bubbly, full of pep and personality. Yorkie is mostly noted for its adorable long, straight, blue, and tan hair, often trimmed short into a voguish haircut.
Temperament and Personality
Hill’s Pet Nutrition notes that Yorkshire, despite its small size, has an energetic, zestful, and imperious personality. It craves more and more of your attention, perfect for people who adore such kinds.
Despite their cheeky attitude, Yorkies are extremely affectionate with their families. They love spending time with their owners and are also known as ‘shadow dogs’ because of their loyalty and attachment to them.
These tiny fur-balls are practically tailor-made for apartment living. Yorkshire Terriers, despite being playful, have less exercise requirements. Regular walks, indoor play sessions, and puzzle toys are enough to keep them active and healthy.
4. Havanese
Here’s the Havanese, Cuba’s national dog, and one of the most charming lapdogs you’ll ever see. These small, fluffy packages can turn any apartment into a happy home.
Temperament and Personality
Bright, affectionate, and irresistibly sweet, the Havanese can win anyone’s heart. Havanese is great for families who want a cuddly lap dog or a canine companion with low exercise needs.
They are apartment-friendly dog breeds and can easily adjust to your lifestyle. These dogs thrive on affection and attention. Havanese are genuinely very easygoing and happy little dogs; they get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers.
Havanese can also be your little watchdog; they tend to be alert around strangers, though they do not act aggressively.
Havanese can also make exceptional therapy dogs; they have the ability to sense emotions and comfort people.
5. Pug
Pugs are a very delightful and even-tempered breed, as claimed by CKCUSA. They are well known for being outgoing, gregarious, and mischievous.
Temperament and Personality
The Pug is one of the most recognizable toy breeds in the world. They are small in size, have a sturdy, stocky build, and are full of character.
Pugs are natural entertainers! They form strong bonds with their family and sometimes act goofy to bring a smile to their faces. Their playful personality makes them great companions for both kids and adults.
Pugs are also famous for a lot in a little frame. These gentle breeds are eager to please people and very easy to train. But be careful, they have a sensitive heart; choose their training strategy wisely.
They can be your best apartment companions and won’t judge for all the mess; they’ll probably add to it by themselves anyway!
6. Biewer terrier
According to PetMD, the Biewer’s small size, adorable appearance, and appealing personality make them popular companions for any pet owner.
Temperament and Personality
Many pets find it difficult to adjust to new environments they are brought to; however, that’s not the case with these lovely creatures. They can easily live anywhere they find themselves. As long as you give them a lot of love and care, Biewer terriers are a fantastic choice for you.
This highly affectionate breed will never tire you with exercise. They are happy playing around, following every family member, and resting in their embrace.
Don’t take this almost 4-pound cutie lightly, as they are very big in personality and would never hesitate to stand up for themselves around large breed dogs.
7. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a sturdily built dog with a gentle and affectionate nature. They have a very unique personality and are sensitive to their surroundings.
Temperament and Personality
This small breed has a very friendly temperament with family, but is independent by choice. The Brussels Griffon is said to have human-like expressions and an endearing personality.
Griffs are alert, sociable, and have playful energy. Their compact sizes let them fit in any living condition, and they can adjust to your apartment lifestyle easily.
Beware; these dogs are very spoiled and love acting bossy. They don’t like rough tones as they are sensitive by nature. You have to train them properly and keep only gentle behavior, so their feelings are not hurt.
Conclusion
We can already tell you’re resisting this urge to adopt them all, and honestly, who could blame you? If your heart is saying yes, maybe it’s a sign to fill your apartment with a furry companion.
Did you know that these toy dog breeds aren’t just adorable couch potatoes? They can actually make excellent watchdogs, too!
Some breeds from this article, including the Shih Tzu, Italian Greyhound, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, may be cute and cuddly, but they’re definitely mighty and can chase away intruders for you.
In a nutshell, these dogs fit perfectly into apartment life. They are ideal for active families with limited space. However, like certain other breeds, they will require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy.
