Probably everyone will agree that most people strive to have a decorative breed of dog at home, because many of them do not shed, they are dwarf, smooth-haired or, on the contrary, very fluffy and cute. Small breeds require almost no care or training. But some are hunting dogs and have watchdog qualities and devotion to their owner. We'll look at them all in our list below. Let us immediately note that most decorative dog breeds are dwarf, short-haired, and their coat requires almost no maintenance. Therefore, they can be started in a small apartment.
West Highland White Terrier
- Height – up to 30 cm
- Weight – up to 10 kg
Scottish dog breed, previously used for hunting small animals. The West Highland White Terrier has short, light hair, a straight tail and small ears. It is distinguished by its peaceful character, endurance, devotion and activity.
Advantages of the breed:
- takes root in any conditions;
- can be defenders.
Minuses:
- require constant training and walking;
- can be touchy and selfish.
Choosing a pet
American cynologists have created a classification of dogs according to three main qualities - excitability, aggressiveness and trainability. Using this classification, you can determine which dog breeds are suitable for children, and which breed will be comfortable for older people. In principle, among miniature dogs there are no such peaceful and highly trainable breeds as Collies or Labradors. Tibetan chrysanthemum dogs Shih Tzu and French lapdogs have suitable characters, and the best dog breed for children is the Toy Poodle.
Cairn Terrier
- Height – 28 cm
- Weight – 7 kg
Appeared in Scotland, used for hunting and protection. It has a short, stiff coat of fawn, gray or red color. The dog has short but strong legs. By nature, the Cairn Terrier is peaceful, loyal, active and friendly.
Pros:
- loves children and is easy to learn;
- follow the owner everywhere;
- intelligence.
Minuses:
- get along better in rural areas or country houses;
- require long walks.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are characterized by bare skin and a modest look. The greyhound's elegant appearance is combined with a friendly, shy disposition. The hound has large lungs, which means it loves to run fast, is quite strong, and hardy.
| Height | Weight | Lifespan |
| 32-38 cm | 2.7 - 5 kg | 12-15 years |
The basis of the Italian greyhound's character is obedience, readiness to serve the owner, to obey him. She becomes very attached to humans; separation from her beloved owner can lead to the death of the animal.
The breed is suitable for both an elderly woman who spends most of her time at home watching TV, and a male hunter who is actively involved in hunting.
The Italian Greyhound loves to be pampered; her refined nature does not tolerate rudeness or punishment. Your pet needs to be provided with a comfortable living environment and not be exposed to stress. Italian Greyhounds are prone to fear; they are frightened by loud noises and mood swings of the owner. But they get along well in the same house with their own kind, are friends with cats, and are able to find a common language even with rodents.
Norwich Terrier
- Height – up to 30 cm
- Weight – 6-7 kg
An English breed created for hunting rodents and small animals. The dog has a medium body and large eyes. Color – gray, black, red. The coat is hard and lies tightly to the body. By nature, he is a cheerful, active dog who loves to explore new places and walk a lot. The Norwich Terrier is also characterized by loyalty and fearlessness.
Pros:
- ease of learning.
Minuses:
- long walks.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Height – up to 20 cm
- Weight – up to 3 kg
An English breed of toy dogs that were bred to hunt rodents. They have long hair and no undercoat, so they hardly shed. Coat color ranges from light brown to dark brown. By nature, Yorkshire Terriers are fearless, active, loyal and passionate.
Pros:
- almost do not cause allergies;
- adapt to people's moods.
Minuses:
- are vindictive;
- often get sick.
Owner reviews
Yulia Shch. “My Yorkshire Terrier has been making me happy for 5 years now. This is an easy dog to keep and care for. She seems to understand me when we communicate. Despite the small apartment and cramped interior, we are not cramped.”
Kostya A. “My wife and I spent a long time choosing what kind of dog we could get for our one-room apartment. The choice fell on a French bulldog; I already had experience in keeping such a breed. This is an intelligent and beautiful animal, the fur hardly sticks out. There is a drawback - heavy snoring, but we have already gotten used to it.”
Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
- Height – about 25 cm
- Weight – up to 6 kg
Appeared in Germany, a relatively new breed. The dog has white, gold, and black fur with spots. The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier is distinguished by its peaceful character, loyalty, cheerfulness, and curiosity.
Pros:
- require almost no walking or training;
- gets along easily with children.
Minuses:
- You constantly need to take care of the fur and pin up your bangs;
- In winter you need clothes.
The calmest and quietest
Unreasonable barking can be corrected through training, but defensive barking has to be tolerated. If you are purchasing a four-legged pet not for protection, choose calm and quiet breeds that bark only in the most urgent cases.
Shih Tzu
The seasoned character and stable psyche of the Shih Tzu allow it to adapt to any conditions. They are playful with children, and calm and imposing with pensioners. If it is not possible to go outside, the Shih Tzu relieves itself in the litter box without question.
The fur of representatives of this breed constantly mats and gets dirty. To maintain a neat appearance, it is regularly combed and curled into curlers.
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is an independent and somewhat reserved dog that needs an experienced owner. When training him, it is important to overcome stubbornness and suppress the desire to dominate.
Like all folded breeds, Shar Pei often suffers from dermatitis. To avoid skin problems, it is necessary to regularly inspect all folds on the body and clean out dirt from them.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The charming Mountain Dog is the calmest and quietest large dog, suitable for an apartment. These smart pets are phlegmatic and patient. They do not require increased attention from their owner 24/7, but they never refuse affection.
The long coat of Mountain Dogs sheds very intensely. She is brushed every day.
Australian Silky Terrier (Silky Terrier)
- Height – 25 cm
- Weight – 7 kg
First appeared in Australia, now especially popular in England. The body of the dog is medium in size, the coat is long and silky, the color is fawn. The Australian Silky Terrier quickly becomes attached to its owner, can be a hunter of small animals, and is distinguished by its calmness.
Pros:
- clean breed;
- feels good in the apartment.
Minuses:
- requires constant grooming.
Medium dogs for apartments
A large group of breeds, which includes dogs weighing from 12.5 to 25 kg, height from 40 to 60 cm at the withers. They are universal - suitable for apartments, houses, and do not require expensive maintenance and care.
Australian Shepherd
A recognizable feature of this breed is its medium-length marbled coat. Aussies are highly trainable and highly intelligent. They get along well with children and other animals and are not prone to aggression. Suitable for keeping in an apartment, but need some exercise. Disadvantages - possible manifestation of a dominant character, difficult care of the coat. Cost from 30,000 ₽.
American Cocker Spaniel
An active and energetic dog, suitable for living in an apartment. The Cocker Spaniel has a soft, silky coat that requires grooming. They quickly learn new skills and need constant intellectual stimulation. They are sensitive to the mood of the owner and cannot stand loneliness. Price from 25,000 ₽.
English bulldog
A powerful and stocky dog with exceptional laziness. They do not like walks and can be stubborn when going outside. The aviary is not suitable for a lazy English bulldog; it is recommended to keep it only in a city apartment. Disadvantages: many chronic diseases, tendency to obesity. You can buy a puppy for 40,000 ₽.
Basenji
Unique characteristics of the Smooth-Coated Basenji include an inability to bark, a curled tail, and a wrinkled forehead, especially when excited. This is a social animal that needs to communicate with humans. They have exceptional intelligence and the ability to make independent decisions, but do not tolerate cold or walks in winter. Show class puppies from 30,000 ₽.
Bassend hound
Despite being a hound, the Bassend Hound has a stocky build and short legs. The dog combines intelligence and stubbornness, which requires a special approach to education. Due to their love for comfort, they are suitable for a city apartment. Disadvantages - long life span, large amount of saliva and susceptibility to disease. Prices from 35,000 ₽.
Border Collie
Considered the smartest breed in the world, it is often used in official work. They learn quickly and are suitable even for novice owners. Living in an apartment requires a large amount of physical activity. Border collies are unpretentious and rarely suffer from diseases. The price varies depending on the class - 20,000-70,000 ₽.
Bull Terrier
When choosing this breed, you should evaluate your training skills. The Bull Terrier combines a good disposition and a fighting instinct. Externally, dogs are easily identified by their snow-white short hair and a muzzle that resembles a rat. Despite their reputation, they get along well with children and do not tolerate loneliness well. The average price is 40,000 ₽.
Irish Terrier
The fastest terrier in its group. Has a balanced physique, hypoallergenic copper-colored coat. Dogs are versatile, bred for hunting, sport and as companions. Requires a huge amount of physical activity and regular trimming. The Irish Terrier adapts to any apartment, but does not get along well with other animals. You can buy from 15,000 ₽.
Karelo-Finnish Laika
This is a cunning and independent animal bred for hunting. Inexpensive huskies have a lot of energy and require physical activity. They become forever attached to their owner, but trust must be earned. Disadvantages: love of barking, excessive self-sufficiency. You can buy a puppy for 10,000 rubles.
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Corgi
The breed is easily identified by its short legs and protruding ears. Despite their peculiar exterior, they love to run and enjoy walks. This is a versatile breed, ideal for keeping in an apartment. Corgis are divided into Cardigan and Pembroke and differ in appearance. Price from 50,000 ₽.
Miniature Schnauzer
The middle breed of the group, the distinctive features of which are square body proportions, long eyebrows and a beard, formed from coarse wool. They have a tendency to dominate, which is important to stop when they are still puppies. Dogs require regular exercise and the ability to hunt. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
American pit bull
The dog combines activity and phenomenal endurance; they almost never get tired. Pit bulls require early socialization and constant attention from the owner, but can be aggressive towards other animals. When kept in an apartment, you should immediately wean your pet from chewing objects. Puppies can be purchased from 15,000 ₽.
Poodle
One of the smartest and most obedient dogs with an extraordinary mind. They can be used for any purpose, but in urban environments, poodles need long walks. They are not aggressive and become companions and nannies. Wool in the form of many springs requires careful care. Prices from 30,000 ₽.
Russian hunting spaniel
Despite their pronounced hunting skills, spaniels easily adapt to life in the city and apartment. They are distinguished by their flexible character and devotion. Disadvantages: uncontrollable appetite, need for exercise. Cost from 10,000 ₽.
Samoyed
The dog combines beautiful appearance, intelligence and agreeableness. They become real family members and get along with other pets. The breed was not affected by selection, so they remained in good health. Samoyeds do not tolerate loneliness and rude treatment. You can buy from 25,000 ₽.
Shiba Inu
This is a charming animal with a typical Asian exterior and plush fur. They have high intelligence and fearlessness; they recognize only one person as their master. Puppies need early socialization, otherwise there will be problems with education. Shiba Inus do not get along well with children and avoid physical contact. The cost is 35,000 ₽.
Siberian Husky
This ancient breed is easily recognized by its unusual mask-like muzzle color. Dogs need a lot of exercise, otherwise they begin to show destructive activity. Suitable for living in an apartment, but begin to wither without walks. Wool does not cause allergies. Price from 20,000 ₽.
Staffordshire Terrier
Dogs do not have developed instincts for hunting and protection, but physical activity is required. Males can express aggression towards other animals; an obedience course is required from childhood. When properly raised, they express boundless devotion and love to all family members. Cost from 20,000 ₽.
Chow chow
They are easily recognized by their luxurious mane at the withers, blue tongue and frowning gaze. The breed is not recommended for beginners, as the dogs can be stubborn and aggressive. Despite their large size, Chow Chows easily get along even in a cramped apartment. A puppy can be purchased from 30,000 ₽.
Shar Pei
An Asian dog breed known for its folded skin. Their short coat is a strong allergen and requires regular washing and drying. Shar Peis do not like long walks and get along well in an urban environment. They are not recommended for first-time owners; early socialization is required to help avoid aggression. The average life expectancy is only 8-10 years. Price from 30,000 ₽.
English toy terrier
- Height – up to 30 cm
- Weight – up to 9 kg
It is distinguished by its small size and smooth coat. It is distinguished by protruding ears in the shape of a candle flame, and its color is dark with tan marks. The English Toy Terrier is distinguished by its active character, friendliness, and intelligence. It is an endangered breed and is therefore rarely found among breeders.
Pros:
- learns quickly;
- distinguished by fearlessness.
Minuses:
- very noisy dog.
It will be useful:
- how to choose a puppy?
- how to accustom a puppy to a collar and leash.
Maltese
This little doll is an active, friendly and extremely jealous lap dog. Try to pet any other animal in her presence - there will be no end to the insults. All the owner's attention should belong only to the Maltese!
That is why it is not recommended to keep a lapdog together with other animals. And if there are small children in the house, it’s like death
