Anyone that thinks that all small dogs are well-suited for apartment living has clearly never met a Jack Russell Terrier or a Corgi.
The size of the dog matters way less than the energy levels and genetic predisposition of the breed. A laid-back, chilled-out Great Dane would do way better in a small space than say, a hyperactive Terrier that has been bred for generations to hunt vermin.
If you are looking for a small, companion dog to live with you in your apartment, be wary. Despite those beautiful puppy dog eyes, not all small dogs are suited for apartment living.
Here are some that are!
Maltese
A Maltese is a small, muscular dog with a silky white coat. The breed originated in the Mediterranean island of Malta, and it has been prized for its beauty for centuries.
In addition to being lovely to look at, Maltese are devoted companions and make excellent lap dogs. They are also surprisingly tough and resilient with a relatively long lifespan, and they do not require a lot of exercise.
Maltese are gentle and loving by nature, but they can be fiercely protective of their family if they sense a threat. This makes them an ideal choice for people who are looking for both a loyal friend and a watchful guardian.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that has its origins in the Mediterranean. Bred as a companion dog, the Bichon Frise is known for its playful personality and love of attention. Although the exact history of the breed is unclear, it is believed that the Bichon Frise descended from the water spaniel and was brought to Europe by Spanish sailors in the 14th century.
The breed became a favorite of French royalty, and by the 16th century, the Bichon Frise was one of the most popular dogs in Europe. Today, the Bichon Frise is still cherished as a companion dog and continues to be popular around the world.
With its cheerful disposition and affectionate nature, it’s no wonder that the Bichon Frise has been winning hearts for centuries.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed of terrier type, developed during the 19th century in Yorkshire, England. The defining feature of the breed is its maximum size of 7 pounds (3.2 kg). A popular companion dog, Yorkies have also been part of the development of other breeds, such as the Silky Terrier.
They are bred in a wide variety of colors including blue and tan, black and tan, and chocolate and tan. The coat is glossy, fine, straight, and parted on the centerline of the back. The traditional long cut gives an overall floor-length effect, although shorter cuts are now common.
The Yorkshire Terrier is active by nature and requires regular exercise; however, because of their small size, they are generally considered very portable dogs that make ideal city pets.
Chihuahua
The history of the Chihuahua is shrouded in mystery, but one popular theory is that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, a small, domesticated dog used by the Aztec people of Mexico.
Small but mighty, Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities. They are devoted and loving companions who thrive on human attention. While they won’t say no to a walk, they also will do well living and playing indoors, as long as they get their time with you. With their cheerful dispositions and spunky attitudes, Chihuahuas make great additions to any family.
Final Thoughts
Many people believe that dogs should only live in houses with yards, but this isn’t necessarily true. Apartment living can actually be quite ideal for some dogs and their owners, as long as you provide plenty of activities and stimulation to prevent separation anxiety, especially if you are away for long periods.
The key is to choose the right breed of dog and to make sure that you are prepared to meet your dog’s needs. With a little advance planning, any dog can be a happy and healthy apartment dweller.
Chihuahuas are small but energetic dogs. But, once again, they necessitate a great deal of attention. As a result, they should live in larger homes.