Many people think a small dog is bound to suit a flat. The reality is more nuanced. Some small dogs are very active and bark a lot, while some large dogs sleep through much of the day. Here are the criteria that matter, then a few breeds often mentioned for city life.
The criteria that matter
Energy level
This is the first criterion. A dog bred to run, hunt or herd gets bored quickly between four walls. They can become restless, destructive or noisy. A calmer dog is happy with good walks and rest time at home.
Tendency to bark
In a block of flats, the neighbours hear everything. Some breeds were bred to give the alarm and react to the slightest noise on the landing. Ask breeders and breed clubs about this.
Need for company
If you are out all day, choose a dog that copes with being alone, or arrange for a dog walker. Some breeds that are very attached to their people cope badly with long absences.
Size and access
A large dog needs more floor space, a bigger bed and a suitable car. Think about the lift too. Without one, a heavy, older dog will have to climb the stairs on foot, or in your arms.
Coat care
Some breeds shed a lot. Others shed little, but need regular grooming. In a flat, this soon shows on the sofa.
Breeds that are often easy to live with in a flat
Every dog is an individual. These breeds are often mentioned for indoor life, but character varies from one dog to another.
- The Cavalier King Charles spaniel: gentle, close to their people, of modest size. They like company and cope badly with being alone for long.
- The Bichon Frise and the Maltese: small and playful. They shed little, but need regular grooming.
- The miniature or toy poodle: lively and easy to train. They need games that make them think.
- The French bulldog: calm at home and not much of a barker. Their short muzzle makes them sensitive to heat and effort, so take care in summer.
- The Shih Tzu: calm and affectionate, content with quiet walks. Their long coat needs upkeep.
- The whippet and the greyhound: they run fast outside, but sleep a lot at home. They enjoy soft beds and often feel the cold.
Breeds that ask for more commitment
These dogs can live in a flat, as long as you give them plenty of activity outside, every day:
- the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd, very active herding dogs;
- the Belgian Malinois, which needs work and exercise;
- the husky, athletic and often chatty;
- the Jack Russell, small in size, but full of energy.
If your way of life leaves little time for long outings, these breeds risk getting bored, and you risk wearing yourself out.
What about a cross-breed or a rescue dog?
An adult dog from a shelter can be a very good choice for a flat. Their character is already known: the shelter team can tell you whether they are calm, whether they bark and whether they cope with being alone. For a cross-breed puppy, adult energy and size are harder to predict. Find out about the parents if you can.
Getting ready for life together, whatever the breed
Every flat dog needs regular outings, a quiet corner to sleep in and things to do at home. Our guide to how many outings a day helps you organise your days. If you are thinking of a large dog, also read our guide to a large dog in a flat.
At home, provide a bed their size, in a quiet corner of the living room. You will find beds, dog sofas and mattresses in our dog collection.
In short
- A dog's energy matters more than their size.
- Find out about their tendency to bark and to cope with being alone.
- Calm breeds adapt better, but every dog is still an individual.
- An adopted adult dog has a known character: that is an advantage in a flat.
- Whatever the breed, plan regular outings and a real corner of their own.