Have you always dreamt of getting a dog, but parked the thought aside due to space constraints? Well, there’s a furry angel for everyone! Here’s our recommendation of 11 dog breeds that are perfect for flat living in urban India.
Pug
One of the most honest and common breeds in Indian homes, pugs are affectionate, loyal and great with children. They are a great fit in the smallest of homes ranging from 200sq ft – 700 sq ft. This compact dog can do away with medium pet grooming and needs regular walks to stay fit.
Life span- 12 -15 years, Exercise needs – Low.
Dachshund
A petite tail wagger, dachshunds are courageous, outgoing and bold. These spunky dogs are best for homes from 250 sq ft – 700 sq ft and can also take down animals bigger than them. They also take up the role of a watchdog as an onus of their personality.
Life span- 12 – 16 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Indian Pariah
The native Indian breed, they are the perfect low maintenance dogs one can house. Their immune system is strong as they are acquainted with the Indian culture and environment. They can be at their best in a house space of 700 sq ft – 1000 sq ft. It is advisable to avail a pet walking service twice a day if you are a working pet parent.
Life span- 13 – 16 years, Exercise needs – High.
English Cocker Spaniel
A commonly spotted dog in the Indian household,Cocker Spaniels are super cute and the smallest sporting dogs perfect for a home of 500 sq ft – 1200 sq ft. They are friendly, trainable and playful. One must take extra care of their ears as they are prone to infection.
Life span- 12 – 15 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Beagle
These funny tail waggers make a perfect companion to parents who live in apartments with size 400 sq. ft – 900 sq. ft. They are sweet, gentle but can be hyper at times as they were bred for sport. Beagles require periodic grooming.
Life span- 12 – 15 years, Exercise needs – high.
Indian Spitz
Often confused with the Pomeranian, Indian Spitz are adorable, intelligent and sociable family dogs who are at their best with children. They are easily suitable to heterogenous diets and can thrive in a space of 500 sq ft – 900 sq ft. Easily adaptable to Indian climates, they are also perfect watch dogs.
Life span – 12 – 18 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, friendly and playful, golden retrievers have the most charming smile you’ll spot on a dog. They are exceptionally gentle which makes them great family dogs. Their muscular structure and athletic body demands regular exercise. Goldies fit best in houses of 1000 sq. ft – 1500 sq. ft.
Age span- 10 – 15 years, Exercise needs – High.
Shih Tzu
Don’t let their cute faces fool you, Shih Tzus are mischievous, alert and independent. They can happily stay in a space of 400 sq. ft – 900 sq. ft. Due to their size, they don’t require much exercise but it is advisable to book timely pet care services at home for the perfect pampering their coats demand.
Age span- 14 – 15 years, Exercise needs – Low.
Lhasa Apso
A much loved lap dog, Lhasa Apso is devoted, friendly and fearless with large round puppy eyes. They are naturally free – spirited and are great for 300 sq. ft – 1000 sq. ft homes. One might see them at their best in a park or pet walking sessions as they love to run and mingle around with peer dogs and humans. They need frequent grooming.
Life Span – 12 – 20 years, Exercise needs – Medium.
Chihuahua
Probably the most dramatic and smallest of the lot, Chihuahuas are great fits in abodes ranging from 250 sq. ft – 700 sq. ft. These little angels are devoted, chirpy and quick. They also like to take up instinctive roles of a watchdog, or a companion to their pet parents. They can be moody and irritable at times.
Life Span – 12 – 20 years, Exercise needs – Low.
Maltese
Maltese are easy-going, docile and sweet-tempered dogs that love to mollycoddle. Their silky fur doesn’t allow much dirt on them and they are easily adjustable to exercise and diets. Their outgoing nature also makes them a great travel companion and can be an easy fit in 300 sq. ft – 800 sq. ft homes.
Life Span- 12 – 15 years, Exercise Needs – Medium.
Labrador Retrievers
One of the most spotted and loved dogs, Labs are bundles of energies who are faithful to their parents. Their even tempered dispositions makes them easy to train. A home of 1200 – 1500 sq. ft is the best for a lab to move around for the playful angel. Labs will require a proper exercise schedule to stay fit and healthy.
Life Span- 10 – 12 years, Exercise Needs – High.
Along with a clean home, these fluffs need a regular schedule. While they are easily adaptable in urban apartments, it is important to take care of their grooming, exercise, dog training and veterinary needs to keep them hale and hearty.
