If you live in an apartment and are looking for a new dog, you don't need to give up on your dream of owning a large dog. There are plenty of breeds of all sizes that are happy to join your family regardless of how much space you have at home!
10 Best Apartment Dogs (Small to Large)
1. Yorkshire Terrier: This extra-small wonder is a wonderful apartment dog. He is also friendly with people and other pets and very adaptable to new experiences.
2. Maltese: The slightly larger Maltese has a silky coat with no undercoat that sheds very little, making cleaning in a small space easier. He is also a quiet dog.
3. Boston Terrier: This breed is very attached to his owner, which means he doesn’t mind being indoors in a small space as long as his owner is attentive. He is also an easily trainable dog.
4. French Bulldog: A smallish dog (around 20 pounds) with the traits of a larger dog. He is calm and quiet, often relaxing on the most comfortable seat in the place.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This is one of the friendliest breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also calm and very adaptable.
6. English Bulldog: This is the larger cousin of the French Bulldog, a stable dog who is comfortable in small spaces.
7. Basset Hound: He is a very calm dog who is easily kept busy with treat toys and lots of petting.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier: He is easily trained and forms a tight bond with his owner. As long as he gets adequate exercise, he is a content and quiet apartment dog.
9. Greyhound: Retired Greyhounds are some of the biggest canine couch potatoes. They are very trainable.
10. Great Dane: The Great Dane is such a natural loafer that, though your couch will probably be fully occupied, he’ll take up far less space than you might think. Add to that his calm demeanor, friendliness, trainability, and quiet nature.
10 Tips for Living with a Dog in an Apartment
1. Acclimate: If you’ve adopted a new puppy or adult dog, or if you’re moving your current dog into a small space, try to acclimate him slowly by visiting for shorter and then longer periods.
2. Be present: If an apartment or small house is a new environment for your dog, try to stay with him as much as possible. Go out for short periods alone at first, and then lengthen them.
3. Create space: Anything that takes up space should serve as storage.
4. Darken and lighten: Drapes and special bulbs can help keep the lighting natural.
5. Establish a routine: This is vital for dogs who have to wait to go outside. Feeding and walking times should be consistent.
6. Find a good trainer: If you’re having behavioral issues such as barking, find a trainer in your area who specializes in that issue.
7. Get a bench: A small or large bench against a windowsill gives your dog a place to jump up and observe the world.
8. Hire a dog walker
9. Invest in a gate: If you have a studio or open floor plan, make sure you can put a gate up to keep your dog separated from others.
10. Juggle those balls: It’s perfectly fine to play fetch in your apartment, as long as it’s not too early or too late. Installing rugs helps absorb the noise.
It's not as tough for a dog to transition to apartment life as you might think! As long as you take extra care to ensure he gets some exercise each day, he'll happily sit next to you on the couch for your afternoon Netflix marathon!
Article Source: Dogster
