Small dog breeds for an apartment: an overview and secrets of keeping dogs

City dwellers, who have apartments of not the largest area, extremely rarely can afford large breeds of dogs. But representatives of species whose sizes are more modest are ideal for such conditions. Today we'll take a look at a few of the most popular small dog breeds and how to properly care for them.

Many people dream of acquiring a loyal friend, and no one fits that description better than dogs. Due to the very limited living conditions, not everyone can afford to buy a large four-legged companion. For such dwellings, the best solution is charming representatives of small breeds, of which there are so many.

Small dogs have cute little faces. They do not inspire fear, do not look aggressive and vicious for the most part. Many of them are strongly attached to "their" person and remain faithful to him throughout their lives.

It seems to many people that the miniature size of the four-legged frees the owners from their training and education. In reality, this is not the case. It is necessary to educate and train pets of all sizes, be it a big shaggy big guy or a small decorative dog. Without proper education, the pet will behave badly, bring a lot of trouble and problems.

Most small dogs are characterized by a mischievous and playful disposition. They are big fans of a little mischief.This is another major reason to pay due attention to the behavior correction of these animals.

In certain situations, small dogs can still show aggressive character traits. This is important to consider if you plan to settle such a pet in your apartment.

There are many different breeds, representatives of which are small in size. A person with any requirements and character can choose the perfect pet. The main thing is to take into account that even the smallest dog will need proper care and education.

Small breed dogs are insanely popular these days. They love and want to start. Most often, the reason for this is their cute appearance, which makes a person fall in love at first sight. However, the choice of a pet of a certain breed should be influenced not only by its external data, but also by characteristics of character, behavior, content. Consider a small rating of the most famous small breeds.

Opens the top popular and demanded mini Yorkshire Terrier breeds. Despite the fact that these dogs are very small in size, they are very brave, selfless. On the street, during a walk, they can make a whole scandal in relation to a larger and stronger individual of a different breed. For a small area, York is the ideal solution. Mature specimens at the withers can grow up to 22 cm, and their weight reaches only 2-3 kg.

Little Yorkies are madly attached to their masters. They follow them everywhere, prefer active games, immediately feel the mood of the owner and always try to adapt to it.

Yorkshire Terriers are very cheerful and intelligent pets. They make great friends and companions. They do not really like loneliness, so you should not leave them alone at home for a long time.

Yorkies are long-haired dogs, but their fur does not cause allergic reactions. They have no undercoat, so the hairs do not fall out, but you need to resort to regular brushing.

Next on our list is the fun and energetic Chihuahua. Natives of this breed are recognized as the smallest in the world. Their homeland is Mexico. The growth of an adult rarely exceeds 23 cm, and the weight varies from 1 to 3 kg. These features are perfect for a small apartment.

Chihuahuas are famous for their cheerful disposition. They are active and affectionate - such a pet will remain faithful to its owner throughout its life. Chihuahuas get used to an unfamiliar environment for a very long time and it is difficult - this is serious stress for them. Natives of this breed perfectly capture the mood of a person and try to support it. There is a version that ancient monks exploited these charming creatures as good heating pads.

Early pet training is essential. It is almost impossible to re-educate an adult who has reached the age of 2-3 years. Chihuahuas are not recommended if children under 6-7 years old live in the house. The tetrapods of this breed are not particularly calm in nature. They do not like to sit still for a long time. You cannot leave this dog alone at home for a long time - Chihuahuas quickly begin to feel sad, and then disgrace.

Some owners prefer not to take risks and postpone this kind of pastime until warmer days. In the summer season, this little dog will be happy to run and play in nature.

The popular apartment dwellers called Shih Tzu are known for their tirelessness and endurance. These pets make great loyal friends. They love adults and children alike. Shih Tzu are funny mischievous people who love to walk and play outdoors a lot. But they are also not averse to lying on the sofa at home.

Dogs of this breed are able to lie quietly on the lap of their beloved owner for a very long time. If a person leaves this pet at home alone for a long time, then the four-legged begins to suffer and yearn.

Representatives of the Shih Tzu breed are truly gorgeous animals with beautiful long hair. The latter must be provided with proper and regular care. Grown specimens can weigh from 4.5 to 8 kg, and their height at the withers usually reaches 25-27 cm.

In the list of popular "apartment" dogs there is such a breed as a pug. The country of origin of these adorable pets is China. These are animals with a kind and balanced disposition, devoted to their master. Pugs are rarely cowardly or aggressive. Mature individuals at the withers can grow up to 30-36 cm, and their average weight is 10-11 kg.

Pugs are relatively unpretentious dwarf dogs that love children. They agree to walk and play with them on the street, getting great pleasure from it. Pugs can be trained without problems, but they are subject to rapid and strong weight gain. Their digestive tract is very sensitive.

Small representatives of this popular breed are also easy to care for. Outwardly, they look like miniature plush toys, but at heart they are real hunters. Initially, the Russian Toy Terrier was bred to destroy rodent pests. Sometimes these pets are able to impress the owner by presenting him with a caught bird or mouse.

The nature of the described animals is cheerful and kind. They love active games and communication. The level of intelligence is remarkably developed. The Toy Terrier is able to defend the owner and the rest of the family at the right time. In such situations, these dogs begin to bark loudly, show discontent and aggression. In order for a pet to grow obedient and kind, it must be trained and educated from an early age.

This is a very intelligent, proud and strong dog. Pekingese make wonderful family friends and guards. They easily take root in the limited area of ​​the apartment. They can be kept even by the elderly.

Long walks are not required for Pekingese. At home, they are not used to imposing their company and communication with themselves. If a Peking person feels that a person is not up to him, then he will not pester. However, these dogs are great owners. They can be jealous of the owner even of the child.

A Pekingese must be treated with great respect. Representatives of this breed need this, even if they communicate with children. Such a dog will not allow itself to be squeezed like a plush toy.

These small, but very beautiful dogs, have a sharp muzzle, similar to a fox. They are distinguished by a good-quality fluffy coat. From the side they resemble forest animals.

The character of the Pomeranians is slightly wary and even suspicious., but this does not prevent them from being ideal friends and protectors of their family. The Pomeranian loves to communicate with children - with them he can have fun both at home and on the street. But the dog will treat adults with restraint, not overshadowing self-esteem.

Dogs of this breed are known for their sharp mind, quick wit. These are true home psychologists.They love children immensely, they lend themselves to education and training without problems. Miniature poodles love to be praised. If the animal does not quite understand what is the meaning of the command, then he may not execute it.

The appearance of dwarf poodles is unusual and catchy. They are characterized by a beautiful soft coat that needs proper care. In some cases, among the representatives of the breed, there are real "daffodils" who cannot even a day without universal admiration and admiration.

Choosing a small breed puppy is a serious matter, it must be approached with all responsibility. In this case, it is recommended to build on a number of basic criteria.

• First, decide if you will have time to care for the animal. You have to walk and play a lot with the dog. She cannot be left without communication. If you don’t have extra time, it’s better to have a more independent animal, with which you will have to deal with at a minimum, or refuse to buy it altogether.
• Decide in advance on the main purpose for which you are buying a puppy. Decide what you need it for: for protection, for the role of a companion or an ordinary decorative animal. Based on your desires, it is worth choosing representatives of a certain breed.
• If you are allergic, choose breeds that will not cause an allergic reaction.
• Consider the character of the pet, correlate it with yours. For example, very calm and sedate people should not buy too energetic pets. If a person, on the contrary, is energetic and does not "sit still", then he should find the same dog.

It is better to select thoroughbred apartment pets in special nurseries. The latter should have a good reputation. Take a closer look at the puppies. They must be healthy and active. Eyes, ears and the area under the tail must be completely clean. Toddlers should not be sore and lethargic.

Choosing a purebred little dog, consult with the shelter workers, what is the best way to feed him, how to look after him. Ask all your questions before leaving the shelter. Read all of the puppy's papers.

Representatives of small breeds must be properly looked after. Their miniature size is both an advantage and a disadvantage, because it is easier for an inconspicuous animal to accidentally inflict injury. Due to excessive attachment to their man, miniature dogs try to keep up with him everywhere, often spinning under their feet. The breeder will have to constantly be on the lookout, trying not to step on the paw of the animal. Such situations can lead to more sad consequences.

The latter should always be perfectly clean. The remains of old food and feed that have already begun to deteriorate should not be left in containers. Drinking water should always be kept fresh. Its temperature should not be too low or too high. Room temperature will be optimal.

Pay enough attention to your pet's nutrition. Such animals need energy-intensive food, saturated with all the required trace elements, vitamin complexes and amino acids. Adult animals should be fed 2-3 times a day. There is no need to overload the menu, as well as overfeed the animal. Feed should be extremely useful and easy to digest.

Prepared foods for small purebred dogs may only be premium or super premium. Cheap budget categories should not be taken - they will only harm the health of the animal.

Small apartment four-legged can be accustomed to the tray, which is what many owners do. It is very convenient and hygienic.True, with a dog trained to a tray, you will still need to go for a walk. Better to walk with a little dog at least 2-3 times a day. In urban conditions, walking such animals can be problematic. There are not always park areas or separate places for walking with four-legged animals where pets can run and frolic heartily.

Small dogs should be brushed, especially if they have long coats. Many long-haired pets should be taken to the groomer for a haircut from time to time. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the eyes and ears of dogs. These areas should always be clean. If you notice that suppuration is present in the corners of the eyes or in the auricles, then it is best to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Small breed dogs are very popular and in demand today, because not everyone can afford to keep a large pet. When keeping and selecting such animals, it is worth considering some advice and recommendations of experts.

• In families with children it is necessary to keep small dogs especially carefully. Parents always need to control the communication of babies with animals. It will be necessary to ensure that the child does not accidentally harm the fragile and vulnerable animal.
• With small dogs in winter, it is better to go for walks, after putting on special overalls for dogs. Pets of small sizes in such clothes will not freeze or get sick.
• Don't be afraid to keep a Yorkshire Terrier if you are allergic. The coat of these pets is the same as human hair, therefore it does not cause allergic reactions.
• Take care of raising a small dog from the first day it appears in your apartment. Try to act consistently and gently. Do not scream, do not resort to physical punishment, if the pet does not immediately understand what you want from him. If you neglect this recommendation, the animal will not consider you his best friend. With this kind of upbringing, complete understanding with the dog cannot be achieved.

For information on which dog breeds are suitable for an apartment, see the next video.