Adopting a dog is a joyous occasion but irrespective of breeds, dogs come with responsibilities. Most families in urban areas live in apartments so it is important to learn about the dog breeds suitable for Indian apartments.
On the other hand, there are multiple medium sized dog breeds suitable for Indian apartments due to their calmness, low energy, low shedding and easy trainability.
Today, we will learn about the 15 dog breeds suitable for Indian apartments that you can consider adopting.
Why is it Important to Carefully Select the Dog Breeds Suitable for Indian Apartments?
You should always choose a dog breed suitable for Indian apartments based on your lifestyle and living space. Here are 3 good reasons why –
- Health and Wellbeing: Some breeds, especially those with short coats or without hair are prone to overheating, heat stress and heat stroke. Most flat-faced breeds have respiratory issues due to our humid climate. Choose a breed you can maintain inside your apartment after considering air conditioning costs, air purifier and dehumidifier installations.
- Behaviour and Compatibility: High-energy dogs, dogs with need for intense mental and physical stimulation, giant breeds and vocal dog breeds might not be suitable for Indian apartments. Go through the requirements for each dog breed before you adopt one for apartment living.
- Longevity and Comfort: Dogs who aren’t suitable for apartment living might feel bored or stressed easily. High energy dogs can engage in destructive behaviour. Dogs without enough mental stimulation and training can experience separation anxiety.
15 Dog Breeds Suitable for Indian Apartments
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1. Bulldog
Adult bulldogs are usually 18 kg to 23 kg. They are calm and dignified, but low-energy dogs ideal for Indian apartments.
Their exercise needs are quite minimal. A short walk twice a day is usually enough for bulldogs to spend their energy.
They are moderately difficult to train. Positive reinforcement is the best way to overcome their stubborn streak. They also bark less, making bulldogs a favourite among millennial pet parents.
2. French Bulldog
These tiny munchkins weigh between 8 kg and 14 kg in their adulthood. While adopting a French Bulldog make sure to check that they aren’t super flat faced. Purebred French Bulldogs with severe brachycephaly might require surgery to open up their nostrils, reduce their soft palate and open up their airways.
They have a short coat with moderate shedding. So they require occasional grooming. However, their facial folds require daily cleaning after meals to prevent infections.
French Bulldogs are small, playful, affectionate and sociable. They can adapt well to small apartments since they are low-energy, highly trainable dogs who require around 30 mins of walk a day.
3. Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are compact canines weighing around 10 kg in their adulthood. Again, be careful of the level of brachycephaly while choosing your pup.
They do not shed much. So you can brush their short single coat once a week and opt for monthly grooming. Do provide proper dental cleaning to your pup since their puppyhood.
They enjoy short bursts of walks and playtime. Their quiet and playful nature makes them ideal for smaller apartments and even the occasional office visit.
4. Pug
The ideal adult weight of a pug should be between 6 kg and 8 kg. Pugs skyrocketed to popularity after a telecom service ad featuring a little girl being followed by her pug. They have continued to enjoy their popularity since then.
While they are adorable, loving, comical and great with kids, they do have significant health issues. Consider recurring medical expenses and high maintenance before adopting a pug for your apartment.
They can shed heavily during autumn and spring, but otherwise they are medium-level shedders. So brush their fur coat twice a week and go for monthly baths. However, clean their facial folds daily after food to prevent infections.
5. Indian Spitz
The size and weight of the Indian Spitz can vary significantly due to their highly diverse genetics. They are typically healthy dogs with very few health problems. The adult Indian Spitz can weigh between 5 kg and 15 kg.
It is more of a native breed, which makes them suitable for the Indian climate. Additionally, they are playful, intelligent and responsive, making them suitable for Indian apartments. However, they can be a bit stubborn, but with proper socialization and training they can be lovable.
They do bark quite a bit, which makes them compact watch dogs. Their energy level is moderate and they require 40-45 minutes of exercise per day making them ideal apartment competitions.
