7 Best Indoor Dogs: Breeds that Love Domestic-Life

Getting yourself or your family, a dog, could be the best thing that you can ever do. However, a dog is a lifelong investment and will be like getting a baby. It involves a lifelong commitment. Still, if you are a die-hard animal lover and are looking to get yourself an adorable and friendly dog, think about the breed that can thrive indoors.

Nowadays, most of us live in the concrete jungle surrounded by highrises and towers. However, this increasing urbanization sometimes makes getting a dog more difficult. We all know that all dogs need some kind of outing daily. But our lack of time and space makes it almost difficult to provide canines with their much-needed breaks.

That being said, the idea of having a loyal pooch should not get discouraged, as we got your back. Here, we have provided a list of dog breeds that will happily thrive and flourish inside your apartment. These breeds are loving, adorable, and suitable for keeping behind the doors. 

What Sets an Indoor Dog Apart From the Rest?

Now, one question that may strike your mind is what features make an indoor dog different from any other dog breed? We say several features set an indoor dog apart from the rest.

The first thing to notice is their size. We do not deny that larger breeds are like live teddy bears that you can cuddle all day long. But smaller dogs are absolutely perfect to be pets inside houses. Their size makes it easy to handle and manage them indoors.

Aside from that, the dogs meant specially for inside homes tend to shed less, are laid back, and are known for being polite and quiet. It can be hard to keep a barking dog indoors; hence, you will notice that inhouse dogs tend to be calmer and display a docile demeanor.

Let’s put it in simpler terms – indoor dogs love to stay inside. They would be more than happy to provide them with a friendly ambiance and enough scope to socialize. That being said, it is never advisable to ignore their need to stretch outdoors. Remember to take them for a walk for at least an hour daily.

With this note, let us proceed with our next section. Check out our compilation of small-breed dogs that would be comfortable living in an apartment.

Best Indoor Dog Breeds to Choose

So here is the list of best indoor dog breeds to choose from. The description includes height, weight, lifespan, and the dog breeds’ personality traits. It is crucial to go through these descriptions to understand your need for the breed type you are looking for. It helps you make an easy decision.

#1. Pug

Height	9.84- 11.8 inches
Weight	14- 18lbs
Life span	13- 15 years
Personality	Playful, mischievous, and loving

One of the top choices for an indoor dog breed is a pug. Pugs are a trifle mischievous but utterly lovable, and their wallflower temperament makes life easier for apartment dwellers. We say this because pugs adore eating and are prone to obesity due to their couch potato tendencies. So keep an eye on these adorable little bundles of joys’ laid-back lifestyle and eating habits.

#2. Bichon Frise

Height	9.5-11.5 inches
Weight	12- 18lbs
Life span	14- 15 years
Personality	Playful, protective, and high adaptability

Another playful yet gentle indoor dog is Bichon Frise. These dogs are hypoallergenic and delightful, and they can rapidly adjust to apartment living. Weighing in at roughly 12- 18 pounds, they don’t take up much room in your house but can take up a lot of space in your heart.

Bichon Frises scored high on snapping at children, often considered excellent with them. However, it is always advisable to adopt caution if dogs and small children are together.

#3. French Bulldog

Height	12 inches
Weight	22lbs
Life span	10- 12 years
Personality	Calm and friendly

French bulldogs are regarded for their charming and loving attitude. They are a breed that began as a companion dog. These dogs don’t expect much from you and won’t bother you by barking continuously. Another benefit of these dogs is that they do not need to be walked outside every day. They can stretch out enough during indoor playtimes. Taking them for a stroll once or twice a week, on the other hand, might be beneficial to their health.

#4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Height	12- 13 inches
Weight	Around 15lbs
Life span	12- 15 years
Personality	Friendly, affectionate, couch potato, and easily trainable

Belonging to the toy group, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are adorable and have a touch of lux in their appearance. They are effortless to get adapted and can stay happy inside the four walls of your urban home. These dogs will gladly adapt to your way of life, especially if it involves cuddling on the lap or under blankets.

Although they would love to play outdoors, they’ll remain indoors if you prefer to stay at home. Because of its high adaptability, it is the 17th most popular pure-breed in the United States.

#5. Chihuahua

Height	5- 8 inches
Weight	5- 6lbs
Life span	14- 16 years
Personality	Sassy and charming

Do you remember Mojo from the movie Transformer? If you do, then you must remember how tiny it was. It is Chihuahuas’ adorable size that you conveniently keep them indoors. Your apartment or even a single room in your house would be enough for them to play and stretch out. However, Chihuahuas may not be suitable for young children due to their sassy nature. So, we advise you not to leave these dogs with children without any adult supervision.

Bonus Read: Why Are Chihuahuas So Small

#6. Maltese

Height	7- 9 inches
Weight	6lbs
Life span	12- 15 years
Personality	Playful, charming, and gentle

Look at the eyes of a Maltese, and your heart will melt like ice cream. The eyes of this dog breed have so much love and empathy for others that they can be the most lovable indoor dog you can ever have. Maltese can be your perfect lapdog. They shed less, drool low, are quieter than Bichon Frise or Papillon, and only need monthly fur grooming. What can you ask more than these?

#7. Beagle

Height	13 to 15 inches
Weight	18 to 35lbs
Life span	10- 15 years
Personality	Curious, protective, and friendly

If you are looking for a hunting dog that can stay and flourish indoors, choose a beagle. Extremely affectionate and protective, you will get the best of both worlds – indoor plus outdoor dog breed– with a beagle. However, remember that this dog breed is pretty vocal and will bark to let you know their presence. Furthermore, they shed! Yes, their shedding level is low to medium, which might be a problem with people allergic to dogs.

Also, beagles are infamous for escaping, so keep an eye on them when outside. It’s crucial to keep him on a leash when out for walks since its hunting instincts may cause it to flee or hide behind any odd smell to track it down.

Things to Remember Before Getting an Indoor Dog

So, by now, we are pretty sure that you have made up your mind to choose your preferred dog. But before doing so, here are some of the tips that you should keep in mind.

#1. Dogs are for a lifetime

Be absolutely sure if you want a dog for a lifetime. Rearing up a dog is time-consuming, and you may also have to compromise on a few things in your life. Furthermore, dogs are costly, so be sure you have the financial resources to care for them from puppyhood to old age. So, only after introspection and discussing with your family and near ones make an informed decision.

#2. Indoor dogs need socialization

Don’t hold the perception that indoor dogs do not need socialization. Bringing in a puppy or a dog and keeping it at a corner of your house is an absolute no-no. Instead, talk to your pooch, play with it, cuddle it, or invite others to socialize with it. Any activity that opens the scope for your dog to interact with other humans or dogs should always be welcomed.

#3. Playtime is crucial

Most indoor dogs tend to be smaller in size. However, this should not encourage you to think they do not need playtime. Boredom can have negative impacts on your dog’s psyche. It may develop problematic behavior or get psychologically tired. Hence, always remember to dedicate a few hours playing with your canine companion daily.

#4. Exercise

Regardless of its size or innate personality, every dog needs some physical exercise daily. So, spare some time to take your dog out for a walk, run, hike or just play. Such activities will enable it to channelize energy positively.

#5. Healthcare

Another benefit of these dogs is that they do not need to be walked outside every day. Even if no vaccines are due, the puppy needs a physical examination once every two months. This is an opportunity to ensure that no health issues have gone unnoticed.

#6. Puppy proof home

Like cat proofing, puppy-proofing your home is also crucial. Certain dogs tend to run away, like beagles. Also, make sure that any hazardous foods for your dog are out of reach, as well as things like dangling cords and hanging shades, to avoid any potential mishaps.

Summary

It is not tough to get and rear a dog within the closed doors of your apartment or house. All you would need is just to take care of the above-stated points, and you will be good to go. That said, we would suggest you conduct your research on the dog breed you prefer to get. It will help you learn about the dog and understand if it will suit your lifestyle.

This list is inexhaustible, and several other dog breeds can be ideal for thriving indoors. You can check them as well before making any decision.