Bolonka
A small dog that requires minimal living space and fits perfectly in city apartments. Despite his fragile build, he has fairly strong muscles. Average weight – 4-6 kg. The character is playful, cheerful, inquisitive. Does not feel the need for long walks. It lends itself well to training, but gets close to strangers very carefully. The exception is children - she can play with them endlessly. The lapdog has long, curly hair that is easy to care for, sheds little and is non-allergenic.
The most beautiful plush dog breeds as soft toys
Many plush dogs are very similar to toys and evoke many positive emotions. There are different breeds that have distinctive characteristics.
Pomeranian Spitz (Miniature Spitz, Dwarf Spitz)
This cute and interesting dog resembles a teddy bear when standing. A dog really is like a toy.
Initially, the breed was bred by ladies holding a high position in society. The dog is small in size, so it is perfect for breeding in a city apartment.
Dogs of this breed need to start training from an early age - kids are happy to join in the process. It is also important to start the socialization process on time; in the future, the Spitz will calmly go on various trips and any walks.
For reference! Dogs' fur is soft, not curly, and with some types of haircut the dog really begins to resemble a cute toy.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu dog breed was originally bred only for the imperial dynasties of China. For a long time she was unknown. These dogs are quite small in height - up to 28 cm. They always become attached to one owner; others are simply treated with coolness. Even on the face there is sometimes an expression that unknowing people perceive as arrogant.
Shih Tzus love company very much, so they do not tolerate loneliness very well, preferring to spend all their time with their owner. Raising a dog must begin at an early age, otherwise a plush dog can become very harmful and stubborn with age.
If necessary, the animal will definitely rush to protect its owner, despite its tiny stature.
Graceful Bichon Frize
The Bichon Frize dog breed originated in France and Belgium. These are small animals with drooping ears. Their fur is curly, curls into spirals and grows to a length of 10 cm. The average height of babies is 30 cm. At the same time, a white Bichon looks like a puppy almost all its life.
These are very good-natured dogs that do not show aggression towards people and other animals, even strangers. They are distinguished by a fairly stable psyche. Pets understand their owner very well, feel his mood, and do not bark just like that.
For reference! The lifespan of these plush beauties can reach up to 15 years.
Tibetan mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is the largest representative of plush pets.
The largest purebred dog with plush fur is the Tibetan Mastiff. The pet loves its owner very much, despite its menacing appearance. This is an obedient and intelligent dog, which, if properly raised, will be an excellent protector and guard. The animal grows up to 70 cm at the withers. Therefore, if you need a dog that looks like a toy, then you definitely shouldn’t choose a mastiff.
The breed was bred to guard Chinese monasteries, but gradually the dogs gained popularity among many people. This pet can easily live in the yard, but cannot stand chains. Doesn't like being alone, but needs to be educated from an early age. Not suitable for apartment living.
Maltese (Maltese)
Maltese dogs are very small and beautiful dogs. The baby's height does not exceed 25 cm. The pet's coat is very beautiful and long, and requires constant care.
Despite its small size, the dog is brave and will easily rush to the defense of its owner. The dog has a good character, however, like all other breeds, it needs to be given attention from early childhood in order to obtain a well-mannered and socialized animal.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes were bred in the Far North as sled dogs, so their coat is not only plush, but also very warm. These are large animals that can reach 64 cm in height, similar to huskies.
Dogs have a fairly independent character, so the owner must be experienced and confident. Training is very important for such pets, otherwise they may become uncontrollable.
Attention! Currently, the breed is quite rare and is not suitable for keeping in an apartment.
Graceful handsome Russian toy terrier
The Russian Toy Terrier is a miniature and cheerful dog. Her fur is very short, and actually feels plush to the touch. Dogs are very smart, but they need to be trained carefully - they can be stubborn. They do not show aggression, but at the same time they have guard qualities.
Kids respond to the affection of their owner and absolutely cannot stand authoritarianism and pressure. They get along well with pets, but it is not recommended for families with children, because pets are not resistant to stress.
The Alaskan Malamute has not only a plush, but also a very warm coat.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and good-natured dog. These dogs make excellent companions and are distinguished by their peaceful nature. They love their owner and get along well with other pets. They calmly accept a leash, but will not be able to live on a chain.
The Bernese Shepherd is easy to train and remembers commands; in very rare cases it can be stubborn. The long and pleasant coat requires careful care, because these animals shed all year round.
Petit Brabançon
A dog called Petit Brabançon belongs to the group of small Belgian dogs. These pets become very attached to their owners and become wonderful companions. Dogs are curious and playful and communicate well with small children. They cannot stand long separation from their owner.
The kids respond well to training and remember commands well. The pet will get along with all animals in the house. The dog perfectly senses the owner’s condition and will always adapt to it.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon has a very original and cute appearance. Bearded dogs with plush fur are always the center of attention. The kids are very sociable and active, they love to follow their owner everywhere.
Despite its small size, the dog, which looks like a soft toy, has excellent security qualities; it will definitely inform its owner about any danger.
For reference! The breed should not be owned by families with children - dogs do not like familiar treatment.
It is better to raise a child from an early age; in some cases, stubbornness may occur.
Samoyed husky
The Samoyed is often compared to a giant Spitz. The dogs were bred in the northern regions as working dogs. In addition, they have excellent security qualities. Samoyeds also make excellent companions and love active play.
Training begins at an early age, as does socialization. The Samoyed's coat is long and fluffy and requires constant and careful care.
Maltese dogs are cheerful and active dogs.
Affen Pinscher
The Affen Pinscher is a small dog with fluffy and coarse hair. This cute pet, despite its size, carefully guards its territory. He does not tolerate loneliness very well, so it is important to think carefully before getting this breed.
The animal does not tolerate other pets, and with poor upbringing it will be uncontrollable and wayward.
American Cocker Spaniel
Another interesting plush dog is the American Cocker Spaniel breed. These pets are more miniature than their English relatives. Absolutely everyone likes cute animals. Soft and beautiful wool requires constant care.
Dogs have a rather vulnerable psyche, so you should not raise your voice or shout at them. The dogs are very sociable and active, always ready to take part in the fun.
Maltipoo
Metis, whose ancestors are the poodle and the Maltese, that's why it's called that. Mixing the two species resulted in cute dogs that look like small toys.
The live plush dog is very active and cheerful, ready to have fun all the time. Pets do not like loneliness, do not tolerate it well and suffer because of it. It is worth paying more attention to them.
For reference! Maltipoos are considered ornamental, but are still not recognized by international canine associations.
Japanese Spitz
These are small dogs with long and fluffy hair. They are very dependent on human attention, but will not be too intrusive. Kids are very trainable, so they are often taken part in various performances.
It is worth noting that pets of this breed are distinguished by their cleanliness, despite their heavy coat.
Bichon Frize - very similar to a plush toy
Basenji
One of the few dog breeds that cannot bark. In moments of anxiety or expression of strong emotions, the animal makes sounds reminiscent of rumbling. Possessors of a sharp mind and easy disposition. Sturdy, strong and resilient - excellent runners and natural hunters. They get along without problems not only in human but also in canine society, quickly finding a common language with everyone around them. Nimble and curious, they do not like to be left alone for a long time and can cause trouble at home, so it is advisable to constantly keep them occupied with something. The character is independent but friendly.
Shar Pei
They are recognizable because of their wrinkled skin, which is gathered into funny folds throughout the body. They bark exclusively “on business”, when they want to warn about something or draw attention to themselves on an important occasion.
By nature they are balanced, smart, loyal, friendly to adults and children. They treat strangers with caution and know how to defend their territory. They get along well with other animals and are good guards. Due to their appearance, they require special care - frequent bathing, combing the fur, wiping the skin between the folds.
Pug
Natural actors who require special attention and simply love to be in. They are good-natured, cheerful, affectionate, but very stubborn. To prevent a dog from becoming a sloth, it needs to be trained intensively, showing persistence. Pugs need daily walking, but do not require too active walks. Due to the structure of their head, they have a habit of snoring - this fact must be taken into account when choosing a pet. Adult animals usually weigh between 8-9 kg and are about 30 cm tall. They have acute hearing, so they react to any noise and can be excellent house watchmen.
Small dogs for an apartment: are they needed at all?
If you want to buy a pet nanny , then the likelihood of a successful purchase may be minimal. The fact is that often a friendly and gentle lapdog or pug can turn into a wild and aggressive puppy, and soon an uncontrollable adult dog. It is important to remember that you should only buy four-legged animals from trusted breeders or from trusted friends. You cannot take it from your hands, because... the animal will have bad heredity, fleas, worms or other unpleasant diseases.
Beginning dog breeders often do one rash thing - they cross a male father and a female daughter for extra profit. And if small external defects can be overlooked, then significant character flaws will bring you a lot of trouble. After purchasing a four-legged friend, you must immediately obtain a veterinary passport, where the vaccinations given will be noted. Also, it doesn’t hurt to get to know the pet’s father and mother to look at their character, behavior and other characteristics. Such simple steps will allow you to make the right choice of a full-fledged friend and companion.
Before purchasing, decide who will spend most of the time with the pet: you or your children. In each case, you need to take into account the weight of the pet. For example, if it exceeds the baby’s weight, then various troubles may arise while walking, such as the banal snatching of the leash. Do not get a puppy until the child is 6-7 years old. No matter how small , sweet and kind a dog is, when playing with a baby it can harm him.
Buying a small or medium-sized dog doesn't always go as smoothly as it seems. Some breeds including Toy Terrier, Pomeranian, Pekingese, etc. They react very aggressively to touching their fur. Because of this, representatives of the breed are often called pocket dogs. Any wrong movements can turn a healthy pet into a disabled person for life.
Chihuahua
The smallest dog breed in the world. Easily fits in a handbag or a salad bowl. Average weight - 1-3 kg, height - 20-25 cm. He is not particularly intelligent and quick-witted, but compensates for this deficiency with energy, affection and the ability to feel the mood of his owner. The character is fastidious and rather independent, but when in a good mood, the Chihuhua turns into a restless ringleader and participant in various games. Does not require constant outdoor walking; they go to the toilet using a cat litter box or diaper. Wool does not have a specific unpleasant odor.
Features of dwarf dogs
From 28 to 35 centimeters at the withers. Dwarf dog breeds are distinguished by these sizes . Accordingly, the heroes of the article do not include all miniature dogs. Among them there are also small ones.
The height of the latter is from 36 to 45 centimeters, and the former from 12 to 28. At the same time, the weight of toys is 1-2 kilograms, small breeds are approximately 10 kilos. Dwarf dogs reach a weight of 5 kilograms.
Despite their miniature size, dwarf dogs have a standard set of 42 teeth. It is difficult to fit them into small jaws. Hence the defect of missing teeth. With it, the dog is excluded from breeding.
The photo shows the toy terrier breed
The same thing happens with an incorrect bite. The teeth of dwarf dogs diverge into different lines and “run into” each other. Just look at the photo of dwarf dogs with a grin.
Dental problems in dwarf dogs are, however, an exception to the rule. Otherwise, pathology would become the standard. It already includes permission for an open fontanel. Those who have children will remember that this is an open area between the bones of the head.
They are connected only by thin cartilage and skin. The fontanelle at the back of the head allows the baby's skull to shrink slightly as it passes through the birth canal. By the age of one year, thin cartilage turns into full-fledged bone in children.
In dogs this happens within a month or two. But the most dwarf dog breeds can live with an unovergrown fontanel until the end of their days. This increases the risk of head injuries and the severity of their consequences.
The decision to buy a dwarf dog requires you to carefully consider the parameters of the puppy’s head. Small dogs often have skulls that are disproportionately large in relation to their bodies. This is what the standard requires.
But, disharmony in the structure of dogs makes them suffer from hydrocephalus more often than others. This is an accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. The dog suffers from pain and lives less than expected.
Pictured is a Yorkshire Terrier
The dwarf size is also reflected on the skeleton. Its bones resemble those of a bird. Accordingly, a jump by a dwarf dog from a height of more than 20 centimeters is already a risk. Miniature dogs break bones more often than large breeds.
To be fair, we note that excessively large sizes also entail a number of problems, for example, increased stress on the joints. Body weight puts pressure on them, leading to early arthritis.
Yorkshire Terrier
Cheerful and sociable babies, ideal for keeping at home and not causing much trouble in keeping them. Despite their modest size, they have courage, independence and self-confidence. They love attention and games, but are not very willing to learn.
Fragile in build, they fearlessly behave with large dogs, with their entire appearance showing disdain for their prevailing status. Yorkies get along well with children and quickly find a common language with other people.
What kind of dog can be considered calm?
First of all, you should figure out which purebred dogs are usually classified as calm. Typically this includes breeds that meet the following requirements:
- not barking for any reason;
- not showing aggression unless absolutely necessary;
- easy to train;
- recognizing a strict hierarchy and not trying to change it.
There are quite a few such breeds, and all these dogs with a calm character can be an excellent choice for both the home and a small apartment.
Pekingese
A fluffy ball of pride, intelligence and dignity. An excellent pet option for elderly and lonely people without children. They are not inclined to bark loudly, but almost always snore and sniffle in their sleep. They are jealous of the appearance of strangers in the house. Periods of activity are often followed by long “phases” of calm and relaxation. Dogs do not like it when someone “encroaches” on their things or food, and can be obstinate. They do not tolerate heat well. The coat requires daily brushing.
Chinese Crested
A devoted friend and everyone's pet. In dire need of attention, affection and hugs. Being alone for a long time can cause a dog to become ill from boredom. It does not shed, the coat is hypoallergenic, so the dog does not pose a danger to people with hypersensitivity. He has a sharp mind, quick wit and, accordingly, is well trained. In winter it needs additional clothing, in summer it needs sun protection. Can be walked both outside and trained in a litter box. When left unattended, it often expresses “protest” by chewing furniture, household items or the owners’ clothes. Barks only when absolutely necessary, when he is very nervous or bored.
Are dogs needed in the apartment?
At 2-3 years of age, children begin to be intensely interested in pets, pet them and feed them, or, conversely, harm them with sticks and mock them. If your child falls into the second category, purchasing a puppy is not recommended. Or the child will have to explain that a dog is a living creature with a certain character and unpredictable behavior. Even a small puppy, if abused for a long time, can take a defensive position and simply bite the child. Sharp teeth will leave marks on his body and make you wipe away your baby’s tears for a long time. And if we are talking about an adult animal, then the treatment will be more complicated.
If you are going to choose a four-legged dog, it is important to pay attention to its size, but still, remember that the dog should become a friend, both for children and for you. Characteristic properties may not depend on the breed, because there have often been situations where a malicious and aggressive Rottweiler raised a one-year-old baby as his own child. Representatives of other breeds conscientiously guarded children of preschool and school age while walking from home to school. Definitely, you cannot have a yard pet or pick up a stray animal, even if the baby really likes it and has similarities with a purebred specimen. The fact is that such animals can develop worms, fleas and infectious diseases.
When buying a dog for an apartment and children, it is important to regularly take it to a veterinary clinic, get vaccinations and examinations, and also keep a veterinary passport.
Basset Hound
Stocky, sturdy creatures from the hound family. “Complete” melancholics, which is clearly written right on their faces. They are an easy-going and friendly breed that gets along well with children and other dogs. They love to be among people, and when alone, they prefer to while away the time by eating or sleeping. Despite their total calmness, Bassets need daily walks and games in the fresh air. They shed quite actively, but do not require frequent bathing. Because of their short legs, it is difficult for them to go up and down stairs, looking from the outside like clumsy hulks.
When choosing a particular breed of dog, you need to understand that all recommendations are conditional - each animal is individual and it is impossible to “calculate” its behavior in advance.
Japanese Chin
The origin of the breed is the 14th century. Chins are native to Asia. There they are considered the best companions.
The conformation of Japanese Chins is clearly defined. The weight of an adult dog is 1.8-3.5 kg, height at the withers is 24-26 cm. Japanese chins live on average 14 years. They have an elegant physique - a square body, long limbs, a neat muzzle. The eyes are large and shiny, the bridge of the nose is very short, the ears hang elegantly. The tail is fluffy and carried over the back. The coat is long and silky, the color tone is white with black or red spots. A distinctive feature is the “glasses” on the muzzle.
The Japanese Chin has cat-like habits. He loves to climb high shelves, jumps deftly and spends a lot of time on hygiene. At the same time, his character is completely canine. This is a natural friend of man, a friendly and affectionate pet. He is somewhat shy with strangers, but once he gets to know guests, he enjoys getting involved in games. The dog is ideal for keeping in a small apartment. If he lives with silent and calm owners, then he adopts their model of behavior and becomes modest and meek.
Japanese chin
