The Best Breeds for Small Spaces
It's no secret that New York City apartments aren't the most spacious. So if you're looking for a pup that'll fit comfortably in your 250-square-foot studio, we've got you covered. Here are 5 breeds that are low on real estate needs and high on affection.
Basenji
A Basenji may be for you if you live in a place where your neighbors don’t like noise, since these quiet dogs are “barkless.” At a maximum of 25 pounds, they’re also a good fit for small living spaces. However, before adopting, be sure you have time to give them exercise, attention, and training — these intelligent dogs need physical and mental stimulation, otherwise they may become mischievous.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These sweet-natured dogs are gentle and love to cuddle. At under 20 pounds, they’re a great fit for small apartments and yards. Cavaliers don’t have an excessive amount of energy to expend, but they do benefit from daily walks and playtime — it helps keep weight in check while also providing mental stimulation. Note that these dogs do require grooming or brushing to maintain their beautiful coats.
Greyhound
If you wish you could fit a large dog into your small apartment, then a graceful, 60-70 pound greyhound may be perfect for you. Even though these sweet-natured dogs are capable of sprinting fast, they also have couch potato tendencies. Take them for walks to keep them in shape and entertained, and once they’re tired, they’ll be perfectly happy to curl up with you for a quiet night in front of the television.
Maltese
Despite their long coat, Maltese don’t shed very much — which is a plus if you live with someone who has allergies, or if you just don’t like cleaning hair off of floors, furniture, and clothing. They’re very affectionate and make good companions, but do require grooming, exercise, and training. Because of their small stature (often less than 7 pounds), they can meet their exercise needs by running around indoors (although they do enjoy outdoor walks, too).
Pug
Averaging around 15 pounds, and having less of a “yappy” bark than other small dogs, pugs are well-suited to living in a small space. These affectionate dogs do need lots of attention, as they’re very loving and attached to their owners and don’t do well when left alone for long periods. Since they tend to naturally be a bit on the lazy side, be sure to give them daily walks, exercise, or playtime to prevent obesity. Avoid taking them out when the weather is too hot, though, because their squished face makes them less tolerant of heat and humidity.
Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash