If you’re planning to get a dog and you live in a condo, townhouse, apartment, or any living arrangement where space is limited, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you won’t have easy access to a spacious yard. Most dogs require plenty of exercise, and they need ample space to move around in. Second, you’ll most likely be sharing common areas like hallways, stairways, and elevators with your neighbors. Some dogs are good with people, while others are not.
You would also have to consider your neighbors’ health (i.e., whether they are allergic to dog fur) and your building administrator’s rules and regulations (i.e., whether they allow unit owners to keep dogs and, if so, whether there is a restriction on the size of dogs that can be brought in). There are numerous stories from condo dwellers who were forced to give up their pets because the building’s management office suddenly decided to ban dogs from the property.
If you have given this a lot of thought and still want to keep a pet in your humble space-challenged home, the next thing to consider is the type of dog you’re going to get. It’s always best to choose a breed that works best with your lifestyle and your apartment size. And this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can keep any small compact dog in your tiny apartment. Some big dogs do well in small spaces, and some small dogs (regardless of their size) require plenty of space to run around in. Remember, apartment-ready dogs need daily exercise too, so you would need to find a breed that won’t only match your living quarters but also the environment outside.
To help you in your quest to find the perfect pooch for your living situation, check out the slide show below for a list of our suggested breeds for small abodes.
Looking for more information on dog breeds? Try these articles:
(Photo by Gijs van Zon via sxc.hu)
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