Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt. One thing worth considering before making a decision is the type of property you live in, with larger more active dogs needing a house with a garden so they have plenty of space to roam.
But other dogs need far less room and will be perfectly content to live in a small flat. So, here are the 10 breeds of dog most and least suited to living in a flat.
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5. Bulldog
Another medium-sized pooch that doesn't need much space is the Bulldog. They are very good-natured, loving, low-maintenance and quiet. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Beagle
The Beagle needs regular outdoor time throughout the day, otherwise this easily-bored breed has a tendency to bark, howl and become destructive. Your neighbours will thank you for not welcoming a Beagle into your flat. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Saint Bernard
Moving on to the dogs that don't suit apartment living and the Saint Bernard. This enormous breed can tip the scales at up to 180 pounds, so it's pretty obvious that they're not suited to living in close confines. As well as needing space to stretch out in, this dog's thick fur can get quite smelly - a particular problem when it's impossible to espape the doggy odour. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Border Collie
The Border Collie is both the world's most intelligent dog, and one of the most energetic. A lack of constant stimulation can cause them to become aggitated and stressed - meaning housing this dog in a small flat is tantamount to cruelty. Photo: Canva/Getty Images