If you have a small home or apartment, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to give up on your dreams of having a dog. Many dogs can happily thrive in apartments and small townhouses. The important thing is to choose a breed with the energy and temperament that can thrive in a small space, not just one that happens to be small.
Below are some of the best dog breeds for compact homes, plus practical tips on making your space work for you and your new best friend.
What makes a good apartment dog?
When you’re choosing a breed for a small space, you’ll have to consider these factors:
- Energy level. A calm, medium-sized dog is easier as an apartment pet than a hyperactive small one.
- Noise. If you have thin walls and shared corridors, a barky dog can quickly become a problem with neighbours.
- Shedding and grooming. Having a pet that sheds a lot will be tough in a small space, but low-shedding breeds will still need regular grooming.
- Temperament. Dogs that cope well with being around people and everyday noise will settle in more easily in apartment buildings.
Seven breeds that suit compact homes
1. Cavoodle
The Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Poodle) is one of Australia’s most popular family dogs, and it’s easy to see why. They’re affectionate, sociable and can be happy with moderate exercise. Many have low-shedding coats, though their coat type can vary depending on which parent they take after. If space is really tight, a Mini Cavoodle might be more comfortable.
Good to know: They love company and can struggle with long periods alone, so they suit people who work from home or have flexible hours.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and friendly, making them wonderful lap dogs. They’re happy with short daily walks and will happily cuddle up to you on the couch.
Good to know: The breed is prone to heart disease, so ask your breeder about health testing and get the health history of the parents.
3. Maltese
The Maltese are small and playful, and need very little floor space to be happy. They have a coat that sheds minimally so they’re a great fit for small apartments. The only downside to these dogs is that they can be vocal, so keep that in mind if you have thin walls.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was bred as a human companion, and it shows. They’re friendly, relaxed and are happy to live a quiet indoor life with short daily walks. Keep in mind that they need regular grooming. They also cannot overheat because their flat faces make it difficult for them to breathe as efficiently as other dogs.
5. Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Dachshund is spirited and intelligent, having a large personality for its small size; it is affectionate with its family and does not require a lot of space.
It’s worth noting that Dachshunds tend to bark and, because of their long backs, are susceptible to spinal issues. If your house has a lot of stairs, you should give it some thought and it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight.
6. French Bulldog
The Frenchie is a favourite for small city apartments as they are usually quite relaxed when indoors, don’t need that much exercise, and tend to be quiet. Because they are flat-faced, they can have breathing difficulties, heat sensitivity, and higher medical costs. Find a responsible breeder that does health checks so you’ll have fewer things to worry about down the line.
7. Greyhound
This one can be surprising to most, because even though Greyhounds have a racing reputation, they are actually very calm indoors and love sleeping. They are wonderful apartment companions as long as they get a decent walk everyday and can have some off-leash time in a secure area.
How to set up a small home for a dog
A bit of planning makes a big difference in situations where space is limited.
- Provide them with their own area. Putting a bed or a crate in a calm corner gives your dog a place to go and hide. Select a bed that fits in with your interior design so that it doesn’t take over the room. Start by looking at puppy essentials.
- Make use of the vertical space; wall hooks can be used for leads, floating shelves for toys and baskets and storage ottomans will keep the clutter off the floor.
- Select fabrics that are durable and washable; the use of performance fabrics, washable throws, and removable covers makes sharing your sofa with a dog much easier.
- Set up a toilet routine. It is necessary to go outside regularly if you do not have a yard. In addition, some apartment dwellers also establish a specific indoor area for their puppies during the toilet training process.
- Offer enrichment by using puzzle feeders, chew toys, and short training sessions to keep a dog mentally occupied, thus helping to prevent boredom-related barking and chewing.
- Make yourself a good neighbour by gradually getting your dog used to the building, practicing short periods of being on your own, and focusing on quiet behaviour right from the start.
Check the rules before you commit
Before bringing a dog home, check your lease, strata by-laws or body corporate rules. Pet policies are different from building to building, and rental pet laws differ from state to state, so get approval in writing where required.
Don’t forget exercise
Even the calmest apartment dog needs daily exercise and stimulation. Plan for at least one good walk each day, plus time to sniff, play and explore. A tired dog is a happy, quiet dog, and a much better neighbour.
Finding your dog responsibly
Whether you adopt or buy, take your time. If you’re buying a puppy, look for a responsible breeder who offers lifetime rehoming, welcomes questions and lets you see where the puppies are raised. Be wary of anyone who rushes you, asks for a deposit without answering questions or won’t let you meet the pup or parents.
The bottom line
The best apartment dog doesn’t necessarily have to be the smallest. Choose one that has the right personality, energy, and exercise needs that will suit your lifestyle and space. Do ample research, think about your routine, and choose wisely because you will be sharing your home with this pet for the next 10 to 15 years.
