There are many animal lovers who they live in small flats and not for that reason they give up having a four-legged companion. There are some breeds and types of dogs that are ideal for small flats and that adapt very well to life in these spaces. Although it is true that dogs adapt well to many environments, there are breeds that can have a hard time if they are in closed spaces and with few square meters, so not all are suitable for small floors.
If we live in one of these small flats we will have to think about the comfort of the dog and the whole family. That is why if we are going to adopt a dog we have to first think about the kind of pet that may be suitable for coexistence in this space.
Small dogs
One of the things that we must look at the most when adding one more member to the family if we live in a small apartment is its size. Smaller-sized dogs are recommended, because they certainly take up little space and we won't have to have too much space just for them. A large dog may need a lot of physical exercise and large spaces, occupying a room or a large part of the room to sleep. That is why in principle smaller breeds such as the Poodle, Yorkshire or Pinscher. These dogs take up very little space and we can have their bed and their things in any room without sacrificing too many square meters.
Dogs that shed little hair
Another problem that usually occurs when we have dogs is the appearance of hair throughout the house. It is true that there are breeds that shed much more hair than others, but in a small apartment this can become a problem. For those people who may also have some type of allergy, dogs with curly hair such as the Water Dog or Poodles. These dogs shed much less fur and therefore we can see the whole house cleaner. Undoubtedly there are breeds that in these cases must be avoided, such as the Pomeranian, the Samoyed or the Husky. They are dogs that must constantly comb their hair and shed their fur a lot, so we risk having a house full of hair.
Senior dogs
In a small apartment we don't have much room for movement. That is why small dogs are preferred. However, if we like dogs a little bigger we can choose to adopt a senior dog over five or seven years old. In this case, we recommend this because these are dogs that no longer have as much activity and that they will not need large doses of physical exercise.
Dogs that live in a small apartment and are very energetic and do not expend this energy tend to have behavioral problems in the long run. To avoid it you have to constantly take them out for a walk, something that not everyone can do. That is why another possibility is to adopt an older dog that is more serene and does not need as much activity on a daily basis. You will be equally comfortable in the small flat and will rest most of the time.
Calm dogs
Although the dogs are not senior, there are some dogs that are calmer than others. In principle it is a question of character, but dogs like the English Bulldog do not usually need a lot of physical exercise. It is true that there are breeds like the Mastiff that are really calm, but in this case, due to its large size, it would not be appropriate to have a dog of these characteristics in a small apartment. If we are going to adopt a dog in a shelter we can always ask about its character, since the caregivers know perfectly the way of being of each dog. In general there are quiet breeds like the Golden Retriever they are well adapted to living at home with families.
Breeds that cannot be in small flats
There are some breeds that can have a hard time if they live indoors and especially if they do it in small flats. To begin with, we must rule out the larger dog breeds, such as Mastiffs, German Mastiffs or Saint Bernard. These dogs are large and we will not be able to coexist comfortably with them in a small space. There are breeds that also need to be outside, because only in open spaces do they feel good, such as Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky. These breeds are very adapted to the outdoors and they like to be outside, in an open area, more than indoors. They can't stand feeling locked up, so they could misbehave if we leave them alone for a long time in such a small place.
Prepare the floor for the dog
A small apartment does not leave us much margin when preparing the space for the arrival of the dog. We cannot dedicate a stay to you, so you will have to keep your things in shared rooms. The sleeping area can be in the living room, since it is where we spend more time, so that the dog can sleep and rest in the company of the whole family. Is better buy dog beds in fabric so you can easily wash them from time to time. As for your feeder, you can put it in the kitchen area or where the washing machine is. If the dog is small we will not really have to make big changes, but that is why these breeds are recommended. They do not take up much and their accessories and food can be easily stored without occupying many places at home. We can distribute ourselves easily on the floor without any problem.
As the dog is also going to be in a small apartment, we must be very clear that we must make a schedule and routine to go out with him to the street. Like any other dog, physical exercise is going to be totally necessary, even if it is a quiet or senior dog, so we must take it into account before adopting it.