Despite appearances, you don’t have to give up your dream of having a dog if you don’t have a house with a large garden. However, you need to choose it with your head so that you don’t make either party unhappy, not leaving out the neighbours. If you want a dog and you live in a block of flats or a small house, there are many breeds to choose from that will adapt to a small space and steal your heart. Meet 5 dog breeds that will do well in a flat.
Yorkshire terrier: the dog that loves to sit on your lap
If you choose small dogs for a flat in a block of flats, only Yorkies! This breed is perfect for small spaces for several reasons:
1. They are the size of a mascot.
They are only 23 cm long and weigh about 3 kg – their small size allows them to live even in a small flat, where every square meter of space counts.
2. They are easy to train.
Yorkshire terrier puppies are very intelligent. All it takes is proper training for them to quickly learn that you cannot take care of your needs in the flat. Also, forget about biting furniture and shoes and uncontrollable barking that disturbs the neighbours.
3. They have a lot of energy, but they are controllable.
Although Yorkies are flesh-and-blood terriers, a moderate dose of exercise and activities is enough to use up their energy, which they do not complain about. A quick walk of 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and evening will do the job.
Additional advantage: this breed is suitable for allergy sufferers.
Havanese – a playful friend
The Havanese is another dog breed that is ideal for small spaces:
1. They are small in size.
Just like the Yorkie, the Havanese is small – weighing just over 7 kilograms – and does not need a large space to be happy. They are ideal small dogs for living in a small house.
2. They have a pleasant disposition and are not very noisy.
They don’t bark too much – an advantage that your neighbours will appreciate.
3. They are easier to train.
These dogs are very easy to train as they learn quickly and eagerly. They love attention, so they will give anything for praise. Training combined with rewards is like a game. They will learn the rules of cleanliness, walking on a leash and travelling in a carrier.
They are active but without exaggeration.
Havanese have a lot of energy, but to discharge it, you don’t have to provide them with a lot of exercises. A daily walk should be enough.
Tip: If you travel a lot and you are never at home, do not choose this breed. Havanese love company and feel most comfortable in a large group of two-legged or four-legged friends.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: the affectionate companion dog
This breed, although it has royal roots, does not need luxurious palace salons to be happy. Rather, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to spend time in their owners’ cosy surroundings, so when it comes to them, the smaller the space, the better.
1. They are of small build.
Practically speaking, these 6 to 8 kg dogs do not need much exercise or large spaces. In a word, they are perfect small dogs for living in a block of flats.
2. They are intelligent beasts.
They are intelligent, contactable and easy to train. They are eager to learn. As befits aristocrats, they quickly learn the rules of cleanliness and good behaviour. Biting shoes or scratching doors is not their style.
3. They are cheerful, they like to play, but they are not full of energy.
Twenty minutes of exercise and activity a day will make them completely happy.
One more thing: Like the Havanese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love the company of man and like to be close to their owner. They do not tolerate long separation and loneliness very well.
Basenji: the dog that doesn’t bark
Basenji are slightly larger than the other breeds on this list, but they still successfully fall into the category of small dogs for living in a small house. Their weight ranges from 9 to 12 kilograms, so they are small enough to be perfectly at home in a flat.
1. They do not bark.
Their larynx has an unusual structure, which makes the dogs make a yodelling-like sound. They rarely do this but they will certainly amuse your housemates.
2. They are characterised by their feline nature.
They have a feline character and their own opinion. They are independent and self-reliant. If they get stubborn, it is difficult to make them change their decision. They take care of their short coat themselves and don’t need a lot of attention.
3. Learning cleanliness and good manners.
The Basenji is very clean by nature. When teaching him good behaviour, just be consistent from the start and your efforts in training will pay off. Basenji can be stubborn – so you will achieve much more with gentleness, patience and positive motivation.
They are energetic, but they also like to laze around.
As long as they get enough exercise, basenji will do well in a smaller space.
Things to watch out for: Left alone in the house, they quickly become bored and find amusements such as sticking their noses into food cupboards – which you may not necessarily like.
Greyhound: likes to laze around
Dogs of this breed are famous for their speed, but they like to live at a much slower pace – which makes them perfect for keeping in flats.
1. They are typical couch potatoes.
They need a long walk every day combined with a game of throwing a ball, but they will be just as happy to spend the day lazing around.
2. They can be raised.
They are very contactable and easy to train, but sensitive by nature. Training sessions should therefore be short and gentle to be effective. They learn to clean quickly.
3. Barking is not their strong point.
Puppies of this breed rarely bark, which will save you conflict with neighbours.
4. They are big but very affectionate.
Despite being the largest breed on this list – they weigh between 26 and 40kg depending on gender – greyhounds are loving, affectionate creatures. They love to cuddle.
What you need to remember: Dogs of this breed have an innate instinct to chase anything that moves. If you are walking your pet in a large, unfenced area, keep them on a leash at all times.
This list may have guided you on how to choose the best dogs for flat block living. However, it’s worth remembering that puppies of many breeds will feel perfectly at home in small spaces, provided they get a daily walk and a good dose of cuddling with their best friend (that’s you!). What’s more, their presence will give your home a cosy feel that no rug or blanket can provide.
