Having a dog in the apartment is a great idea if you want to add more warmth and unconditional love to your life, because for most owners, returning home is always accompanied by a joyful meeting with a pet. However, not every breed is suitable for living in a limited space. Take the Bernese Mountain Dog for example. A wonderful, kind dog with a golden character that you want to hold in your arms. But the first rainy day comes, and your mountain dog, returning from a walk, arranges a whole pool in the living room. And you quickly realize that choosing a breed for apartment life is a serious matter, and you need to take into account all the nuances: size, activity level, need for care, as well as the amount of space you will have after the dog collapses on the floor.
What to consider when choosing a dog for an apartment?
Before choosing a breed of dog for an apartment, pay attention to several important points:
The size of the dog. The smaller the dog, the easier it will be in a limited space.
Temperament. Dogs that adapt well to living in an apartment, as a rule, have a calm and balanced character. They are not prone to excessive barking, which is a plus in houses where the opinion of the neighbors must be taken into account.
Physical activity. Not all apartment breeds require intensive physical activity. Usually, short walks and games at home are enough for them.
Wool. For apartment keeping, it is important to consider the issue of shedding, as this can quickly create a problem with wool in the home. Therefore, it is worth considering breeds with hypoallergenic or minimal shedding.
So, the ideal apartment dog is a compact and calm pet with minimal shedding that does not require excessive physical activity.
TOP 10 dog breeds that are great for living in an apartment
- French bulldog. Charming bulldogs are known for their playfulness and good nature. They are small in size, do not require a lot of space, are not very active, so short walks will be enough for them. In addition, they are quite calm, rarely bark and like to spend time with their family. Grooming is minimal, but it is worth following the cleanliness of the folds on the face to avoid irritation.
- Pug. Dogs have a cheerful and sociable character, are loyal to their owners and love to spend time with them. Like French bulldogs, pugs are not too active, so they do not need prolonged physical exertion. However, their diet should be monitored to avoid obesity. Grooming is minimal.
- Chihuahua. This is one of the smallest breeds of dogs, so they will be comfortable even in a small apartment. They are energetic and intelligent, easily trainable. Sneezers love attention, but they can entertain themselves while you’re busy. Depending on the type of coat, minimal grooming with an emphasis on brushing their teeth is enough for them.
- Yorkshire terrier. Small, energetic and very gentle Yorkies do not need much space. They do not shed a lot, which is important for people prone to allergies, they love walks, but they will be happy to just stay at home with their owners. Their fur needs to be groomed regularly, so it is recommended to visit a grooming salon every month.
- Shih tzu. They are calm, do not need a lot of space, and mostly lead a sedentary lifestyle. These are ideal dogs for those who do not have time for long walks. However, the Shih Tzu’s coat requires regular grooming, so be prepared for frequent brushing and monthly grooming visits.
- Pomeranian Spitz. Small dog breeds for the apartment, fluffy and cheerful Pomeranians are quite active, but their energy reserves can easily be spent playing at home. These dogs love attention, so they are good for people who have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with them. Their thick coat needs to be combed regularly to avoid mats.
- Bichon Frize. These are gentle, sociable dogs that get along well with people and other animals. Bichons are quite active, but they do not need long walks – games in the apartment are quite enough. They don’t shed, which is a plus, but their coat needs regular grooming to stay white and fluffy.
- Maltese bolonka. Maltese are another small dog with silky white fur. They are known for their gentle, friendly attitude towards each member of the family. Bolons almost do not shed, which is important for allergy sufferers. To maintain a neat appearance, regular visits to the grooming salon are recommended.
- Poodle. They come in a variety of sizes, but the toy poodle and miniature poodle are best suited for apartment living. The breed is very active, intelligent and requires mental and physical exercise, making it an excellent option for those looking for an active and intelligent pet. Their fur practically does not shed, suitable for people prone to allergies. Poodles require regular grooming as their curly coat grows quickly and becomes tangled.
- Maltipoo. This is a hybrid breed that combines the best features of the Maltese and the Poodle. They are the best dog breeds for an apartment: small, smart, funny and very social. Maltipoos learn quickly and love to follow commands, so they are ideal for those who want an active but obedient dog. Thanks to poodle genes, Maltipoos have hypoallergenic fur that almost does not shed. Therefore, it is worth spending time on full-fledged care to avoid the formation of wrinkles. You can also choose a variety of haircuts for your pet, which will be brought to life by a professional groomer.
Grooming for apartment dogs
When it comes to dogs living in an apartment, grooming becomes a necessity. Even if your pet has short hair, regular grooming contributes to the good health of the dog, reduces the amount of hair in the house, and also helps to notice any health problems in time.
What should you pay attention to first of all? First, combing. The regularity of this procedure will improve blood circulation, remove dead hair, and minimize the risk of mange in breeds with long hair. Some pluses! And after visiting a grooming salon, you will be able to get recommendations from a specialist on home care and referral to a veterinarian if necessary. Secondly, a haircut. Not all breeds in the above list should be clipped. This applies to long-haired dogs, to whom a haircut gives a tidy appearance and eliminates problems with hated pussies. We recommend entrusting this matter to a professional, because the groomer knows exactly all the latest techniques in this field and will emphasize the beauty of your pet in an original way.
The specificity of living in an apartment is that the dog does not spend a lot of time outside, so the claws do not have time to grow naturally. This is where a claw cutter and a grinding grinder come in handy. Also, pay attention to the condition of the pads of the paws, because they can dry out or crack. And, of course, don’t neglect eye and ear care. It is much easier to prevent infections than to treat a dog and see what discomfort it causes him.
In addition, do not forget about bathing to remove excess dirt from the fur and unpleasant odor. To do this, use special shampoos and conditioners so as not to dry out the dog’s skin. If you do not know what to choose, contact the groomers. They will select exactly the means that will best suit your pet, taking into account the characteristics of its fur and skin.
How often should you visit a grooming salon?
The frequency of visits depends on the breed, coat type and individual needs of the dog. For example, for breeds with long or curly hair, like the Bichon Frize or Shih Tzu, a visit to the salon every 4-6 weeks is optimal. For short-haired dogs like pugs or French bulldogs, one visit every 2-3 months is sufficient.
If you have little experience, do not have time to fully care for your pet at home, want a modern haircut, have doubts about the correctness of the procedures, and just want to bring and pick up an already well-groomed, happy dog with detailed recommendations from a professional – welcome to our network salons “V.O.G DOG SALON” in Kyiv. We know what our customers want and what their pets need!
