If you want to bring a warmth of love and fun in your cozy space (even if they are tight), bring a small dog breed and you’ll experience a journey with memorable moments. Nature has created many pooches that are tiny and calm enough to thrive in apartment livings without being over demanding.
Its true that every dog has its own personality and temperament, but, we will discuss the doggies that generally get along with young ones and seniors alike. What makes them truly adaptable is their low energy levels, and desire to please their humans and make deep bonds with them.
Fun Fact: By adopting or purchasing a small dog, you can have longest year of friendship as compared to other large dogs who typically do not live longer. An average life span of tiniest dog is approximately ranged between 10-18 years.
Let’s dive into this delightful challenge so that you can find your perfect furry friend from our given list.
Tiny Dog Breeds Ideal for Small Living Spaces Owner’s Guide
1. Chihuahua
Less than a foot in size and weigh only pounds; Chihuahuas rank among the best small dog breeds due to their affectionate nature. These pooches were bred for companionship, so they crave constant human interactions and make strong bonds with their favorite humans.
Chis are huge personalities in small bodies, still their adaptability makes them great apartment dogs. They are friendly dogs towards their families but do not tolerate sharing their places and even humans; often bark fiercely at strangers and new dogs.
Since these small dogs are blessed with two types of coat (long and short); shedding level and grooming needs depend on the coat length. Their energy levels are easily burn off in close spaces via short walks, play sessions with owners. These lap dogs love their snoozing time the most.
2. Pomeranian
Affectionately called Poms, petite size, and low maintenance in context to exercise these tiny dogs adjust well in apartment living. They are popular due to their white fluffy coat, which needs regular grooming throughout the year.
Poms are small and spunky dogs who adore human companionship as well as roaming. Although they have not high energy levels, Poms enjoy mentally stimulating activities making them happy, such as a play of fetch, agility and obedience training.
They do well with children and other pets in the home, thanks to their social and gentle demeanor. These companion dogs do prefer walking on ground than being carried. Consistent and patient training sessions are mandatory for Pomeranian puppies, to behave well, says Pet MD.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies with their calm demeanor and manageable size are considered one of the best dog breeds for apartment life. These popular dogs are known for their affectionate temperament and long silky coat. Being wonderful lap dogs, they bond closely with their family members.
Being a true terrier breed, these little dogs have unique combination of bravery, fearlessness and independence. Thus early socialization is very important for their good manners in family life. Yorkies are smart dogs who respond best with positive reinforcement methods.
According to AKC, moderate physical activities are vital for their healthy lives such as daily walks with occasional play of fetch or chasing balls in fenced yard. Their emotional intelligence and eager to please nature make them great family dogs, especially in therapy work.
4. Maltese
Playful Maltese dogs still makes their name among best apartment dogs, because they excel in adapting different living situations. This white small dog breed has silky smooth and hypoallergenic coat, and is a perfect option for those suffering with dog allergies.
Since Maltese were developed for companionship, they do not tolerate to be left alone for longer time span, otherwise develop separation anxiety. As a low shedding and low key dogs, apartment dwellers appreciate and adopt them without any second thought.
Physical exercise and mental stimulation both are important, as they easily get bored and tend to bark excessively. Keep the training session fun and interacting, so that these quick learners respond to your commands. Being one of the calmest small dogs, Maltese are also well suited to busy households.
5. Toy Poodle
Though poodle was originally bred for retrieving purposes, today they come in three sizes,; Standard, Miniature poodle and Toy poodles. The last one type is bred for being snuggling partners and known as one of the best dog breeds for your cozy apartments.
Poodle’s small stature and big personalities when fuse with their eager to please nature, and make great match for laid back households. They are exceptionally intelligent and generally easy to train dogs. Thus, makes a great choice for novice pet owners.
Curly coated toy poodle has calm disposition, and gets long beautifully with other dogs and children, Always supervise their interactions as they easily get hurt. To avoid their barking habit, make sure they are well stimulated and should be kept busy with interactive toys, mentioned by Purina.
6. Shih Tzu
These long haired little lion dogs do not need much room to be happy and healthy. Shih tzu with its loving and friendly disposition also thrives in small spaces, Owing to their minimal exercise needs and craving for companionship, they make great dogs for small apartments.
This small breed carries a thick double coat which is soft and silky and needs regular upkeep. Since the sole purpose of shih tzu was to be the lap dog of Chinese royalty, they still made a perfect snuggling pooches for their owners and get along beautifully with people of all ages.
A routine of daily walks withs some dog sports like obedience and agility are enough to avoid weight gain in them. Shih tzu needs proper training and socialization at early age to behave well, due to its vocal nature.
7. Papillon
Distinctive butterfly ears of Papillon is one of the main reasons of their huge fan base. This French driven small breed is celebrated for its calm demeanor, and intelligence. Papillons can easily adjust in urban lifestyle, as they do not need much space and have low exercise requirements.
If they are properly introduced in a multi pet households, their friendly nature makes them ideal family canines who not only do adore children but also make bonds with other family pets. They do develop separation anxiety, so are better suited to people working from home.
Papillons are one of the dogs who have longest life expectancy. Their playful energy can easily be channelized via daily walks in neighborhood and playtime with their owners, keeping them healthy and happy. House training is bit challenging if you are new to dog world, patience and consistency are the keys for a trained and well behaved papillon.
Conclusion
These small dog breeds are endowed with easy to train and adaptable nature, and are considered divine gift for people living in small spaces. While you bring a small pooch in your apartment settings or closed quarters, you must be aware of some responsibilities as their pet owners. Other than basic necessities your canine best friend needs quality time, which ultimately provides you with longest years of healthy strong and memorable companionship. There are many dogs who adore being devoted and loving partners of apartment dwellers such as Cavalier king Charles spaniel, Jack Russell terriers, Boston terrier, French bulldog, Cocker spaniel, Biewer terrier, Miniature pinscher, Bichon Frise, and Italian greyhound.
