If you’re looking to get a pooch this year but live in an apartment, fear not; you can still get a dog.
However, Britons looking to get a dog but live in a small space or an apartment may want to think twice about what breed they go for.
Breeds such as German shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are large dogs with high energy levels, which means they may not adapt well to living in an apartment.
Dogs that need lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy are not suited to apartments without outdoor space.
With this in mind, Dog trainer and canine behaviourist Will Atherton of the Will Atherton Canine Centre has shared which three breeds are best for those living in apartments.
Will shared the short video on his YouTube channel, Will Atherton Canine Show. He said: “Now, having a dog in apartments absolutely can be done.
“It can be great for both you and the dog, but you want a dog that is lower energy, probably doesn’t need as much room or exercise, gets on well with people and isn’t a nightmare for your neighbours.”
Best dog breeds for apartments:
1. French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs
If you’re looking for a smaller dog, a Bulldog could be a great option. French Bulldogs are known for their bat-like ears and are smart, playful, and incredibly adaptable.
They’re also great with young children and are often very affectionate with family members. English Bulldogs are placid dogs known for their stocky build and “tough” appearance.
However, despite their appearance, English Bulldogs are loyal and have a sweet nature. Will said: “For me, on the smaller side of the equation, I like the French bull dogs and the English bull dogs as great dogs for apartment living.”
2. Greyhounds
Greyhounds are known for their speed with the breed able to achieve a top speed of approximately 45mph. Despite this, Greyhounds do not need a lot of exercise and are more than happy with a couple of short walks each day.
Allowing them to run once a day in a safe, enclosed area is also sufficient. This breed is built for short bursts of speed, not endurance.
Greyhounds are known for being friendly, independent and sweet-natured. They do have a very high prey drive and often cannot be in homes with cats.
Will said: “On the medium to larger side of the spectrum. I love greyhounds. A lot of people think that that’s crazy, because they’re the fastest dog in the world, but in fact, they’re massive couch potatoes, are loving and incredibly quiet.”
3. English Mastiff
Will said if you do want to go for a larger breed in an apartment, then the English Mastiff is a “great choice”.
The English Mastiff is a quiet dog known for being calm and gentle. It’s incredibly devoted to its family but can be suspicious of strangers.
Most Mastiffs are happy to sit on a sofa all day and are not very energetic. However, they are always alert when someone new enters their home and need to be socialised from a young age.
They’re also known for producing a lot of drool so owners will have to be on the look out for clean-ups.
