The dog breeds best suited to living in a flat: which are they and what should we bear in mind?

Not all animals are suited to living within the limited space of a flat. Ideally, a dog should always have plenty of room where it can run and roam freely. However, it is not always possible to keep an animal in these conditions and we sometimes have no choice but to keep them in a flat (in some cases, a small one). For this reason, we need to consider which dog breeds can cope best with this situation and adapt to the circumstances.

Although it may be a cliché, generally speaking the dogs that adapt best to living in a small home are smaller breeds with a calm, relaxed temperament. These animals adapt better to city life and to smaller homes. Below, we present some of the dog breeds that adapt best to smaller spaces and city life.

1. Pug

This is the ideal dog for living in a flat. It is known for its calm, cheerful and sleepy nature, and will adapt to apartment living without any problem.

2. French Bulldog

Here we have another breed that will adapt wonderfully to living in a small flat. However, bear in mind that it will need to be taken out for a walk and some fresh air every day.

3. Shih tzu

Its small size means it can adapt perfectly to city life. However, it is quite an active breed, so it will need to go out often for walks, to let off steam and to socialise.

4. Maltese

This dog tends to be affectionate and calm, which makes it perfectly suited to sharing a flat.

6. Greyhound

As they are quite large dogs, we might think they could never adapt to a flat, but this is not true: they adapt perfectly to any environment thanks to their innate adaptability.

Greyhounds are very calm and grateful animals that greatly value a home where they feel protected and safe, due to their timid nature.

7. Any mixed-breed dog

Breeds aside, the most important thing when sharing your home and life with a canine companion is to choose adoption over buying, as animal abandonment is an everyday reality and we must try to help in whatever way we can. What's more, an adopted dog will be eternally grateful to you for giving it the chance to be happy and loved.