Top News

It's good news for those living in small homes or flats who want a dog. Despite your worries, the experts have revealed that you can actually have a four-legged friend of your own. While you should be careful when selecting a new canine pal, if proper care is taken, you can have a dog running around your home, no matter its size, in no time.

Speaking to express.co.uk, Anna Robertson, a veterinary nurse at Butternut Box, said: "Many people assume that living in a small space means they can't have a dog, but that's simply not true. The key is choosing the right breed for your lifestyle and space, rather than just going for the smallest dog you can find. Some small breeds can actually be more demanding than larger, calmer dogs."

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

"These are wonderfully adaptable dogs that are genuinely happy in smaller spaces," said Anna. "They're gentle, relatively quiet, and don't require excessive exercise - a couple of moderate walks and some indoor play usually suffice. Their calm temperament makes them excellent for flat living, and they're generally good with neighbours and visitors."

French Bulldog

Frenchies are a great choice for flat dwellers, as they aren't typically a high-energy breed and tend to keep barking to a minimum. They also have minimal grooming needs making them a suitable companion for anyone on a busy schedule.

However, Anna warned: "Owners need to be mindful of their breathing - these dogs can overheat easily, so air conditioning in summer and avoiding overexertion is crucial."

Boston Terrier

Sometimes known as the 'American Gentleman,' Boston Terriers adapt extremely well to living in smaller spaces. They're an intelligent and easily trainable breed, perfect for apartment living, where you'll need your pooch to have good recall and house manners.

Anna added that making sure that they get a daily walk and have some mental stimulation will mean your Boston Terrier will be perfectly content living in your small home.

Pug

The expert said: "Pugs are naturally social and adaptable, making them excellent flat companions. Like French Bulldogs, they can have breathing difficulties, so owners need to monitor them in hot weather and avoid overexercising. Their friendly nature means they usually get along well with neighbours, which is important in close-quarters living."

Shih Tzu

As Shih Tzus were literally bred to be companions, they are unsurprisingly quite suited to indoor living. Anna added: "They're generally quiet, which neighbours will appreciate, and their exercise needs are moderate. The trade-off is grooming - they need regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks."

What about other dog breeds?

While these are the five most typically suited to small houses and apartments, Anna explains that it doesn't necessarily always work out that way. She said: "I've seen Great Danes that are perfectly content in flats because they're naturally calm, and tiny Terriers that are completely unsuitable because they're high-energy and vocal.

"A tired dog is a good dog, regardless of your living space, so make sure you can meet their exercise needs. In close-quarters living, basic training becomes absolutely crucial. Your dog needs reliable house training, good recall, and should respond to 'quiet' commands. Socialisation is equally important - your dog will encounter neighbours, delivery drivers, and other residents regularly."

She further highlighted that flat-nosed breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs need extra consideration in apartments without good ventilation, while breeds prone to separation anxiety may struggle more in flats where neighbours can hear stress-related barking or whining.

---