Small lap dogs are great for living in an apartment. There are plenty of happy little dogs I’ve seen live in an apartment just fine. They don’t require much space and they are great indoor dogs. You’ll enjoy their company without the space requirements of other larger dogs.
Popular Small Lap Dog Breeds
Small lap dogs are the best apartment dogs, as they sit on your lap and don’t take up much space. I’ve worked with many of these breeds when I worked at the pet store and shelter. Here are the most common small lap dog breeds ideal for apartments:
- Chihuahua: Small, loyal, and feisty
- Shih Tzu: Friendly and affectionate
- Maltese: Playful, gentle, and has a white, silky coat
- Pomeranian: Energetic, fox-like face, and very fluffy
- Yorkshire Terrier: Confident, small, and big personality
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Adaptable and sweet-tempered
- Pug: Wrinkled face, charming, and a little mischievous
- Bichon Frise: Curious, cheerful, and looks like a cotton ball
These breeds are great for apartment living because they’re small and adaptable to any environment. Therefore, they don’t need a lot of space to be happy and healthy. However, each breed has different characteristics and care needs. Therefore, it’s important to research and select a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Characteristics and Temperaments of Small Lap Dogs
Small lap dogs have specific traits that make them great apartment dogs. I’ve worked with various breeds, and these are the common traits I’ve noticed:
- Affectionate: Lap dogs enjoy cuddling and being near their owners. They often crave physical touch and are happy to sit on your lap.
- Loyal: Lap dogs form strong attachments to their people. They’re often protective and loyal to their human family.
- Alert and attentive: They’re excellent watch dogs despite their small size.
- Sociable with other dogs:
- Generally good with other dogs
- Can be a little territorial, so proper socialization is important
- May require supervision with larger dogs
- Adaptable to living in an apartment, condo, or house: Lap dogs are adaptable and can live in any residence as long as they’re with their people.
Keep in mind that these are generalizations, and each dog is an individual. While these traits are common, individual lap dogs may differ slightly based on their breeding, socialization, and personality.
Size and Weight Ranges of Small Lap Dogs
Small lap dogs vary in size, but they’re all small enough to live in an apartment. Here’s a general overview of their size and weight ranges:
Weight range: 5-22 pounds. Weight can vary by breed and individual dog.
Height range: Most small lap dogs are 6-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Some breeds like Chihuahuas may be even smaller, and others like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be a little taller.
Weight and height range by breed:
| Breed | Weight Range (lbs) | Height Range (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 3-6 | 5-8 |
| Shih Tzu | 9-16 | 9-10.5 |
| Maltese | 4-7 | 7-9 |
| Pomeranian | 3-7 | 6-7 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4-7 | 7-8 |
These size ranges are perfect to live in an apartment. They don’t need a lot of space to roam. Their small size also makes them easy to transport and manage in small living situations.
Care Requirements for Small Lap Dogs
Caring for small lap dogs in an apartment is a little different because you must be mindful of their specific needs. Based on my experience, here are the main care considerations:
Grooming needs: This varies depending on the breed. For example, Yorkies may require daily brushing, while grooming needs may be less of a concern for breeds like Pugs. However, all breeds need regular baths, ear cleaning, nail trims, etc.
Exercise requirements: Most small lap dogs need about 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be accomplished with short walks, indoor play, or training. You can still adequately exercise most small lap dogs even if you live in a small apartment.
Nutritional needs: Small lap dogs have high metabolisms, so they need high-quality food designed specifically for small breeds. Additionally, portion control is essential to prevent obesity.
Dental care: – Regularly brush their teeth (try to do this daily)
- Give them dental chews or toys
- Schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet
Regular veterinary checkups: Annual or bi-annual visits are a must. Small lap dogs can be prone to specific health issues, so preventative care is essential.
By ensuring you meet these care needs, you can help keep your small lap dog happy and healthy in your apartment.
Advantages of Petite Canine Companions
Small lap dogs are a great option for apartment dwellers, and here’s why:
Apartment friendly: They require less space due to their size, and they can still get enough exercise in small spaces.
Lower food costs: Because they eat less, they are more cost effective when it comes to food. This makes them more affordable than larger breeds.
Travel friendly: Traveling is easy with a small lap dog, and many hotels and rentals are more likely to accept smaller dogs.
Strong bond with owner:
- They often form strong bonds with their family.
- They enjoy being near you and cuddling.
- Many make excellent emotional support animals.
Longer average lifespan: Most small breeds live 12-16 years (sometimes longer), which is longer than many larger breeds. In other words, you’ll get more years with your furry friend.
All of these benefits make small lap dogs excellent for apartment living, and they offer plenty of affection despite their small size!
Cons of Owning Small Lap Dogs
Small lap dogs offer many benefits, but there are also several downsides to consider:
Potential health problems: Some small dog breeds are prone to certain health problems. For example, many small dog breeds have dental issues respiratory problems, and patellar luxation.
Fragility and susceptibility to injury: Small dogs are fragile and more likely to get injured. Even a small fall can injure a tiny dog, and they are more prone to injury from rough handling.
Some small breeds are stubborn and difficult to train. Training small dogs requires a lot of patience and consistency.
Separation anxiety:
- Tends to become overly attached to one person
- Often struggles to be left alone
- Sometimes becomes destructive due to anxiety
Higher grooming requirements of specific small breeds: Similarly, some small lap dogs like Yorkies and Maltese dogs require lots of grooming. Grooming them is time consuming and may be expensive.
These downsides don’t bother most people who love small dogs, but it’s worth considering these factors to ensure a small lap dog is the best fit for your apartment lifestyle.
Health Considerations for Small Lap Dogs
As a lifelong dog lover who has worked in veterinary clinics, I’ve seen the most common health problems that affect small lap dogs. Here are the details:
Common health problems in small breeds: Small breeds commonly suffer from dental issues, heart problems, eye problems, and luxating patellas. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific health issues.
Preventative health measures: Regular exercise, good nutrition, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight are imperative. Taking these steps can prevent many common health problems or manage them effectively.
The importance of regular veterinary checkups: Small problems can be caught early, and early treatment results in a more effective and less expensive outcome in almost every case.
Managing dental health:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
- Give your dog dental chews or toys.
- Schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended.
Selecting the right nutrition for good health: Choose a high quality dog food designed specifically for small breeds. Avoid the temptation to overfeed, as obesity exacerbates many of the health problems that affect small breeds.
By being proactive about the health of your small lap dog, you can set them up to live a long, healthy life in your apartment.
Best Small Lap Dogs for Different Living Situations
Various small lap dog breeds are better suited to different living situations. Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on my own experience:
Apartments and small living spaces: Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Maltese are great options as they’re small and don’t need much room.
Families with kids: Cavaliers and Bichon Frises are both kind, patient, and great with kids. These breeds are also small enough that kids won’t accidentally hurt them if they play too rough.
Senior citizens: Shih Tzu (low energy, affectionate), Pomeranian (alert, protective), and Yorkshire Terrier (loyal, doesn’t shed much)
Active lifestyle: Jack Russell Terriers and Miniature Poodles are both energetic breeds that love long walks and a good play session. These breeds are perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and want a companion for outdoor activities.
Multi-pet household: Pugs and Cavaliers are generally good with other pets.
Of course, each dog is an individual, so always spend some time with a dog before bringing them home to ensure they’re a good fit for your apartment.
Effective Exercises for Petite Pooches
Training small lap dogs to be good apartment dogs requires patience and consistency. These are a few tips I’ve discovered from training various breeds:
The importance of early socialization: Socialize your puppy to as many people, animals, and environments as possible to prevent fearfulness and aggression later in life.
Use positive reinforcement: Offer treats, praise, and toys as rewards for good behavior to ensure your dog repeats the action.
Stay consistent with your training: Small dogs can be stubborn, so set firm rules and ensure the entire household follows them.
How to correct common behavior problems:
- Excessive barking: Train the “quiet” command.
- Jumping: Only reward your dog when it keeps “four on the floor.”
- Pulling on the leash: Enforce loose leash walking.
Potty training problems and solutions: Small breeds have small bladders, so give your dog more opportunities to go potty than you think it needs. Bring your dog to a designated potty spot and offer rewards.
Remember that small lap dogs are still dogs and need structure, training, and boundaries like any other breed. With consistent training and patience, you can turn your small lap dog into a well-behaved apartment companion.
Adoption and Purchase Considerations
When considering bringing a small lap dog into your apartment, consider the following:
Price range of various breeds: Prices can range from a few hundred dollars in adoption fees to a few thousand dollars for purebred puppies from breeders.
Adoption options vs breeder options: Adoption is often more affordable, and you give a home to a dog in need. Breeders often provide a specific breed of dog and health guarantees.
Questions to ask yourself before getting a small lap dog:
- Is the breed a good fit for your lifestyle?
- Can you satisfy the dog’s exercise and grooming needs?
- Are you willing to deal with potential health problems?
Preparing your apartment for a new pet:
- Puppy-proof your apartment
- Purchase supplies (food bowls, toys, bed, etc.)
- Designate a location in your apartment for the dog
Understanding the long-term commitment: Small lap dogs can live a long time—12 to 16 years or more. Make sure you’re ready for this commitment.
Adding a small lap dog to your apartment is a major decision. Don’t rush the process. Do your due diligence and select a dog that aligns with your lifestyle and living situation. If you’re considering a small terrier breed, research their specific needs and characteristics to ensure they fit well with apartment living.
Wrapping Up
Small lap dogs provide the same companionship as larger breeds in a smaller body. They’re great for virtually any lifestyle, though they do require some basic care and training. From Chihuahuas to the Bichon Frise, these breeds each have their own quirks and health issues.
Keep in mind that bringing home a small lap dog is a commitment of a decade or more. With a little preparation and care, you can enjoy a loyal friend for years. I’ve personally witnessed many small dogs make their owners very happy. Your new furry friend is waiting for you!
