These dog breeds are suitable for beginners and apartment living
If you're considering adopting your first dog and looking skeptically at your small city apartment, you might be wondering if that's even possible: Can a beginner keep a dog in an apartment? We can tell you: That's not a problem and in fact, there are among the four-legged friends those that can make the start easy for you and are very frugal in a small space.
Which dog breed is suitable for an apartment?
Space is (almost) never the main issue
In principle, any dog breed will feel comfortable as long as it has its own bed, is provided with enough food and love, and gets the appropriate exercise. However, over time, this can become a problem for certain hunting breeds or working dogs - usually, such dogs tend to have more temperament and seek out movement opportunities even within their own four walls.
Even with →large and very large dog breeds, living space plays a role, at least in the sense that, for example, the Great Dane, as the →largest dog breed in the world with a proud height of up to 80 cm, should be able to turn around and pass through the apartment without bumping into things.
More important than the size of a dog are traits such as a low energy level, no tendency to bark, less need for movement, and a friendly nature, as there is often contact with the residents of the house.
Which dog is suitable as a beginner dog?
The perfect beginner dog - a relaxed nature?
The search for the "perfect" beginner dog is likely to be disappointing, because no matter which traits of a specific breed you focus on: In the end, it is communication and training that also have a shaping effect on the dog.
To avoid overwhelm, problems with bad habits, and very stubborn furry noses, it is advisable to look for a beginner dog breed with a →calm, relaxed nature, which can forgive mistakes and does not have a strong hunting or protective instinct.
As you can see, the needs for beginner and apartment dogs overlap significantly here: A friendly, relaxed furry friend is needed, who does not show pent-up temperament 24/7 or serenades you all night long in Wau-major.
Great Dane
Keyword large dog in a small space: The Great Dane is with its immense size the best example that large four-legged friends do not necessarily need a villa of their own. With all the relaxation, calm, and contentment that the largest dog breed radiates, it is also suitable for living in an apartment.
Particularly the extremely friendly nature of the Great Dane makes it a suitable beginner dog: Although the muscular package requires a corresponding counterforce at the other end of the leash, it proves to be a true treasure in terms of →training and patience. A lap dog in the form of a long-legged giant? The Great Dane is a true all-rounder as a cuddle champion.
Golden Retriever
The →Golden Retriever is not only extremely well-known and ranks among the top 10 of the →most popular dog breeds, but he is also an excellent companion when it comes to a simple family dog for beginners and apartment living. Although the "Goldi" appreciates his exercise very much, he is just as satisfied with time in the park, in the city, and on urban meadows as he is in a house near the woods.
His people-oriented nature becomes evident when he meets children and four-legged companions. In terms of training and education, the Golden Retriever brings a lot of joy, as he is very attentive and eager to please due to his "will to please." With his overall friendly nature, the "Goldi" is simply optimal as a →family dog.
Long, silky fur, into which one loves to snuggle - and it should stay that way! In addition to a healthy and balanced diet for your dog, you can easily ensure a shiny coat with our Care Line. Gentle cleansing, guaranteed vegan, and gentle on skin and coat.
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Poodle
Available in various sizes and coat colors, the Poodle has long been a popular four-legged friend - even among beginners. Especially in training, the Poodle makes use of its intelligent nature and learns very quickly what is expected of him. Although he enjoys playing in the park, he is not a dog that displays a heightened energy level. This makes the Poodle a perfect dog for beginners and apartment living.
Do you want the miniature Poodle? Check out the →Miniature Poodle and find out if the curly four-legged friend could be your dog for life!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Even next to King Charles - after whom the Spaniel is named - the "Cavalier" makes a loyal and loving figure. When it comes to a family dog for beginners that is small, this four-legged friend comes just in time. The →Spaniel from England proves to be a very people-oriented companion, who is happy with a spot on the sofa and lots of cuddles. His clever head does not come up short, as he shows a great willingness to learn and cooperate in training.
As a picture-perfect cavalier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel combines a balanced character and moderate activity level with a compact size. If you're looking for an all-rounder four-legged friend by your side, this beginner dog breed is the right choice.
Basenji
As an "underdog," the Basenji is less present among dog breeds, a breed from the Congo with a typical forehead wrinkle that always makes the mostly white-brown four-legged friend look a bit skeptical. But the first glance is deceiving, because behind the facade lies a versatile and friendly dog who values a relaxed everyday life and is made for apartment living.
Worried about noise? Not with the Basenji, who by nature cannot bark properly. Although the four-legged friend is satisfied with shorter walks, he likes to prove himself with searching for food and intelligence games. However, the four-legged friend does bring a bit of stubbornness, which can be managed if you are aware of the Basenji's special nature.
Maltese
Wavy →white fur, a loyal gaze, and an uncomplicated character also make the snow-white Maltese a great companion for beginners. Due to his size combined with his balanced nature, the Maltese enjoys a home where the size of the apartment is not the top priority, but rather the attention given to the →small dog breed. Eager to learn, playful, and patient, he forgives small beginner mistakes and is very willing to learn in training.
Short legs, big appetite? Definitely, even the small dog breeds love to indulge in delicious meals. Our Mini Line optimally caters to the needs of →mini and small dog breeds and ensures extra small food pieces and a special recipe for the highest culinary delights.
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Bichon Frisé
The little curly French dog brightens up pretty much every day with its open and playful nature. In this breed for beginners, there is definitely more than just a lap dog. Whether calm or energetic - the Bichon Frisé can be both and quickly adapts to the living conditions of its humans. So it doesn't bother him to spend his day in a sunny spot in the city apartment, combined with relaxed outings to the nearest park.
His friendly nature makes it easy for him to win the hearts of all people and fellow dogs. As a beginner dog for apartment living, you will have a joyful life with this white furry friend.
Couch potato? Get outside! The exercise of apartment dogs
As you already know, the energy level varies among different dog breeds. Even if you get a calmer four-legged friend by your side, you cannot avoid regular outings outside the door. Unlike in your own garden, apartment dogs cannot take a quick sprint and let off steam properly, which is why exercise should not be neglected here.
You should plan at least two hours or more as pure time for walks. In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is also important. Agility on the meadow? With our →tips for keeping busy in the apartment, you can also creatively stimulate your dog within your own four walls.
