As one of the top 20 countries with the largest population of dogs in the world, there’s no denying Australians love their four-legged friends.

Many Aussies living in small houses or apartments simply assume that they don’t have the space to keep a dog entertained and comfortable.

With the apartment boom we’re seeing all around the country, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, more people will be occupying apartments than ever before over the next decade.

Additionally, with sweeping changes to rental laws last year in Victoria where tenants now have the right to have a pet, more and more VIC apartment dwellers may be considering bringing a furry friend into their home.

PETstock vet Dr Melanie Kuehn reminds apartment dwellers that living in a smaller space is no reason to give up their dream of pet ownership.

‘Cats, rabbits, birds and even some caged reptiles are fantastic pet choices for apartment living, and people may be shocked to know some dog breeds (big and small) are well suited to life in a high-rise’, Dr Kuehn says.

Dr Kuehn explains, ‘contrary to popular belief, some of the larger low energy breeds including Great Danes, Greyhounds and Burmese Mountain Dogs are suitable choices for apartment living. They’re often big couch potatoes and are happy with just an hour or so of exercise twice daily’.

Here are Dr Kuehn’s top five quiet, calm and low energy dog breeds suited to apartment living and tips on how to keep them content.

 1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Attributes- Small in size and light shedders. Good with children and other pets. Playful, affectionate and love human interaction.

Exercise requirements- 20 minutes a day.

2. Greyhounds

Attributes- A larger dog breed, average shedder. Quiet, gentle, calm and remarkably lazy for such an athletic breed.

Exercise requirements- Love their walks. Have a strong chasing instinct (games of fetch in the dog park are a must). 20 to 40 minutes a day.

3. Poodle (toy or miniature)

Attributes- A very intelligent, easy to train, friendly and compact breed that sheds little hair. Active and fun-loving dogs that thrive on attention.

Exercise requirements- 40 minutes a day. 

4. Shih-Tzu

Attributes- Small in stature with happy temperaments. A great lap dog breed that loves cuddles and attention.

Exercise requirements- 20 minutes a day.

5. Dachshund (aka sausage dog)

Attributes- Short limbs and low stature makes them ideal for indoor living. Loyal, good watchdogs and good with children. However, can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.

Exercise requirements- 20 to 40 minutes daily.

PETstock’s key tips to keep an apartment dwelling pooch happy:

• Set up a special area or quiet nook where your dog can relax. Add a soft surface so they can get comfy and cosy.
• Play indoor games when you’re home. Leave out toys when you’re away to quell boredom. E.g. Try a treat dispenser like the Kong Puppy.
• Switch up the routine. Change the times and routes you take your pup on walks to ensure exposure to new stimulation and interesting smells.
• Explore dog parks in your area and surrounding burbs. This is the perfect way for your dog to exert their energy and socialise with other pups.
• Look into doggie daycare or a dog walking service to meet your dog’s exercise requirements.

We hope these insights help you make the right choice of dog breed for your home environment.

For more tips on living comfortably with a dog here are Australia’s most dog-friendly suburbs and home upgrades for your furry friend.

Happy house hunting!

The Homely Team

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