HOUSE DOGS: THE BEST BREEDS TO CHOOSE FROM!

It has now been proven how welcoming a pet is good for our life. In particular, having a dog helps to break down loneliness and stress, its proximity is good for the heart, stimulates activity and openness to others. For these and other reasons, many people want to get a puppy. However, large spaces are not always available, such as, for example, a large house with a garden, so it is necessary to be aware of the needs of the animal and of one's lifestyle.

Thus, we have selected the best breeds of apartment dogs: most are small in size, but there is no shortage of medium-sized cases that, by nature and character, lend themselves easily to the domestic routine.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Their noble origins can already be perceived from the name. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are elegant dogs with beautiful long hair, balanced and fond of cuddling. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, as does their affectionate and gentle disposition. However, they require a lot of contact with their owner, so they are not the right choice for those who spend many hours away from home on business. They love walking and spending time outdoors, where they can use most of their energy. They are suitable for both children and the elderly: it is not surprising that their docility has made them the protagonists of pet therapy sessions with the disabled.

Average life: 9-15 years.
Average weight: male: 7-8 kg; female: 5-7 kg.

French Bulldog

With its flattened snout, straight, pointed ears and muscular body, the French Bulldog is easily recognizable and also one of the most "fashionable" dogs of recent years. Small in size, it is a gentle, affectionate and very intelligent dog, which requires constant stimuli in order not to get bored: not for this reason it does not adapt to apartment life, quite the contrary. What he needs is the presence of his family members, with whom he establishes relationships of extreme fidelity. He suffers from being alone for too many hours so it is not suitable for those who spend a lot of time away from home; on the contrary, however, it is the ideal breed for families with small children or with other pets.

Average life: 10–14 years.
Average weight: male: 9-13 kg; female: 8-12 kg.

Bichon Frisé

Often confused with the Poodle due to its small size and its white, curly coat, the Bichon Frisé is one of the few uncomplicated breeds for people with allergies, because its coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed seasonally. It is an intelligent, alert and playful dog. He has a good dose of energy available, so if you choose him as a life partner it is good to know that he not only needs simple walks but daily exercise in more or less large spaces so as to remain happy and vital. She loves being with people, following a routine and receiving cuddles and caresses. In short, the Bichon Frisé is really a perfect species for families, with or without children, the important thing is that it is not left alone for too long during the day and that it is not reprimanded: its sensitive nature could be affected.

Average life: 12–15 years.
Average weight: male: 3-5 kg; female: 3-5 kg.

Pug

If there is a dog with few pretensions, that is the Pug. Appreciated since the sixteenth century by nobles and emperors, this small breed shows a sweet, affectionate and balanced character. It loves being in company, playing with children and being pampered. All this makes him one of the perfect dogs for apartment life, both in the case of single people and in the family, even with elderly people or other pets. His slightly lazy nature means that he does not require long walks, but however, attention must be paid to physical activity because it can risk putting on a few extra pounds due to its robust constitution.

Average life: 12–15 years.
Average weight: male: 6-8 kg; female: 5-8 kg.

Boston Terrier

As the name itself implies, the Boston Terrier is a breed born in the "homonymous American city in the" nineteenth century from the crossing with Pit Bull and other Molosser dogs. Despite this, this puppy is very sociable, affectionate and lends itself both to the nature than for the small size to live in the apartment. However, it is also a dog with great energy, so it needs frequent walks and moments in the open air to keep its vitality high. The Boston Terrier is one of the breeds that choose both singles and families, especially given his kindness to children and the elderly.

Average life: 13-15 years.
Average weight: male: 7-10 kg; female: 5-8 kg.

Shiba Inu

Native to Japan, the Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog that is easily recognized by its reddish coat with white patches and curly tail, characteristics that make it look like a fox. Compared to other breeds seen so far, that of the Shiba Inu is more independent, which means that it can safely remain indoors alone. In any case, he needs regular physical activity that is not just walking around the neighborhood: to be happy, he needs to run a little "outdoors" and be stimulated with some games. It should be educated from an early age, but it is an extremely faithful, intelligent dog that adapts to family life, even if it prefers not particularly noisy environments.

Average life: 12–15 years.
Average weight: male: 10-13 kg; female: 8-12 kg.

Chihuahua

Known for being the smallest dog in the world, the Chihuahua is one of the favorite breeds when it comes to indoor puppies. The small build, the small and pointed ears, the different colors of fur and the lively eyes make it easily recognizable, as well as having now become one of the favorite dogs of Hollywood celebrities and beyond. Chihuahuas are sweet and affectionate, constantly looking for pampering and attention. However, their small size should not be misleading: their character is very strong and well structured and they are very easily able to make people understand what they want.They need some extra care during the cold seasons, but otherwise they adapt well to family life as long as they don't stay in the background.

Average life: 12-19 years.
Average weight: male: 2-3.5 kg; female: 1.5-2 kg.

Cocker Spaniel

Shiny and thick coat, long drooping ears and sweet and expressive eyes: the beauty of the Cocker Spaniel is indisputable and has made it one of the most popular breeds ever, especially in Europe. It is a very balanced dog because if on the one hand it is affectionate and loving towards everyone, including children, on the other hand it is an agile and sporty breed, which lends itself to long walks outdoors and which likes to be stimulated often during the day. The Cocker loves to play, be pampered and simply live in the company of his family, characteristics that make him a perfect puppy for apartment life.

Average life: 12–16 years.
Average weight: male: 13-16 kg; female: 12-15 kg.

Shih Tzu

Long and soft fur, flattened nose and thick tail, Shih Tzus are dogs of noble origin, used to living in the homes of aristocrats and who still today have maintained this predisposition to apartment life. They are very small in size and have a character sweet and affectionate, which makes them perfect for a family with children. Moreover, during the day they do not need long walks or great physical activity: for them, cuddling on the sofa can be the remedy for any ailment and all this means that this breed is also chosen by many elderly people.

Average life: 12–16 years.
Average weight: male: 3-4 kg; female: 2-3 kg.

English Bulldog

Not to be confused with its French brother, the English Bulldog has different characteristics both in behavior and in terms of tonnage and size. He is famous for his funny appearance, his laziness and his gluttony. In fact, it doesn't take much for him to be happy: a house where he can eat and rest and a "human companion" who can give him cuddles. It is not difficult, therefore, to understand why it is one of the ideal breeds of apartment dogs. The English Bulldog can weigh up to 20kg and needs regular physical activity in order not to risk obesity problems. It is the perfect dog both for single people and for those with families, with children and the elderly: its gentle character makes it an excellent four-legged friend for everyone.

Average life: 10-12 years.
Average weight: male: 20-22 kg; female: 15-18 kg.

Maltese

The long white hair has made him famous everywhere: the Maltese is a small, affectionate dog with a haughty and charming air, which also stands out for being one of the favorite breeds for apartment puppies. In fact, it does not struggle to socialize with strangers and is an excellent companion dog with both adults and children. However, you don't have to just love being on the sofa, quite the opposite! He loves being outdoors, racing and easily learns disciplines such as agility or rally, where he excels in dynamism and obedience to his owner. These dogs can suffer from separation anxiety and therefore are not good for someone who spends a lot of time outside the home. Their loving and gentle disposition has made them chosen for pet therapy sessions.

Average life: 12–15 years.
Average Weight - Male: 3-4 kg; female: 3-4 kg.

Yorkshire Terrier

Don't be fooled by their small size, as these dogs have tenacity to spare! Indeed, Yorkshire Terriers have a strong and gritty character, which must be shaped by the owner until they are a few months old to prevent them from becoming overly territorial. Despite this determined and courageous nature, these little dogs are intelligent and motivated, they love to play and spend a lot of time with their family. Given their character, they are not suitable for those with small children and for those who spend several hours away from home during the day, but they are perfect in families with older children and even elderly people.

Average life: 12–16 years.
Average weight: male: 3-4 kg; female: 2-3 Kg.