Top 11 Toy Dog Breeds for Apartment Living in India

Dog breeds of any size, whether small or big, make excellent companions for a family. However, sometimes we have to choose a smaller breed based on our location and environment.

The smaller dog breeds are also known as toy group dog breeds per the American kennel club. These toy dog breeds tend to be bundles of energy. They are ultimate companions in small packages. They are often known as perfect pets for families who can’t accommodate large dogs.

11 Toy Dog Breeds In India (With Pictures)

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahua dog breeds are one of the cutest toy dog breeds in India. They are brilliant and wise dog breeds. They are highly devoted, alert, confident, affectionate, and daring.

They are generally considered one-person dogs as they are devoted to their owner. There might be a better breed for your kids. They might be small but require a firm master they can respect.

They have a high barking tendency and are extremely alert. This makes them quite fantastic guard dogs. They are a very active dog breed and require a daily exercise routine.

2. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are among the world’s cutest, most independent small dog breeds. They are an alert, active, and lively little dog breed. They are fluffy, intelligent, and very loyal to their family. They are excellent watchdogs.

However, they tend to get swayed easily by affection. They are a docile dog breed, and their small size makes them easy to take along while traveling.

Pomeranians are a very healthy breed but prone to common health problems like food allergies, eye problems, etc. They require extra grooming attention because they have long, thick, dense coats, which require grooming at least 3 to 4 times a week.

3. Pug

Pug is known for its wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The pug has a delicate, glossy coat that comes in various colors. Its wrinkled body and big eyes make them one of the cutest toy dog breeds.

Pugs are known as gentle companion dogs and are silent and docile. They are very lively, loyal, and affectionate breeds that are quite intelligent and easy to train.

They are hilarious and known as the clown of the dog breeds. They don’t need much exercise and are perfect lap dogs. However, pugs need plenty of attention in the grooming department.

They are generally a healthy dog breed but prone to common health problems like hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation, vaccination sensitivity, etc.

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4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a pure toy dog breed. They are alert, lively little dogs that are always happy. They can be trained to be excellent watchdogs due to their cautious nature.

They are very gentle and easily make friends. They respond well to consistent and patient training. Shih Tzu’s are very well-suited for apartment living.

They have a beautiful long coat and are generally known for little shedding. They are generally a healthy dog breed, but like other breeds, they are also prone to common health problems like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, bladder infections, ear infections, etc.

5. Toy Poodle

Toy poodles are active, adorable, alert, and highly responsive family dogs. They are intelligent dog breeds and are easy to train. Poodles have curly or corded coats and are primarily found in various solid colors like black, gray, silver, brown, apricot, white, and cream.

They are affectionate family dogs but have a high barking tendency. The unique aspect of a Poodle is that it is a perfect pet for all generations.

They are perfect for those who suffer from dog allergies caused by pet dander. They are well suited for apartment living. Small dog breed poodles are generally healthy breeds but prone to some genetic disorders.

6. Beagle

It is very well known among dog lovers that Beagles are energetic scent hounds. The breed tends to get distracted when it catches a strong scent.

Despite being a hunting dog, it gets along well with children and family. However, it takes extra care of them around kids under 2-3 years old.

They are always searching for a new scent and may use their sniffing ability to identify humans. Due to its high energy, give it enough tiresome exercise before night as they tend to bark a lot.

7. Indian Spitz

If we talk about the small dog breed, the Indian Spitz was once a famous dog breed in India for the nuclear family. Its high intelligence and ability to learn new tricks make it the perfect show dog.

The longer hair of Spitz’s makes it appear more significant than it is.

It also performs as an alert dog by barking at strangers and other animals. However, it could be a decent dog for its family and take care of children too. Being a Spitz, it is always curious to learn new tricks to please its master.

8. Dachshund

A little dog with a more significant attitude, Dachshund is a cute companion for any dog owner. Little hot dogs are famous in many countries for their small but elongated body.

The Dachshund is a breed that digs out and hunts badgers and other rodents. So, you will likely find dead birds and mice in your home.

The webbed paw and elongated body help them dig deeper in the caves. This scent hound uses its nose to sniff the environment and the people around it.

9. French Bulldog

Are you a French bulldog fan? If you are, you will likely love the miniature version. The breed combines a bulldog’s head and pug body with those bats’ ears. But, unlike pugs, these dogs love to stay active and go out for a walk.

Due to their small snouts, like pugs, they tend to develop breathing difficulties. Therefore, vigorous exercises could be dangerous to them.

10. Lhasa Apso

Most of you do not expect the breed to be an excellent guarding dog, but it is. Originating in Tibet, they were used by the monks to alert them of any intruders. Due to this, they are ultimate barkers when they see something to make their owners aware.

Lhasa Apso will not try to please its master like any other dog. However, it tends to be one person’s dog and will do anything to protect them, even snap at others.

11. Maltese

Maltese is the ultimate dog known worldwide as one of the best apartment dogs. The breed is an extrovert who loves to meet new people, play, and jump around your home. However, it lives up to 12-18 years of age and is fragile, so you must take extra care when you have one.

Despite its long hair, it does not have an undercoat. This makes them shed less but prone to sunburn, with the pale body inside.

Are you planning to adopt any of these breeds or have them? We would love to hear your story in the comment section below.

Conclusion:

The top 11 toy dog breeds mentioned offer excellent options for apartment living in India. Their small size, affectionate nature, and low exercise needs make them well-suited for urban environments. However, responsible ownership and understanding of each breed’s unique needs remain vital for a happy and fulfilling life with these adorable companions.

FAQs

Que: What are toy dog breeds?

Ans: Toy dog breeds are small-sized dogs typically bred as companions and have adorable and endearing characteristics.

Que: Why are toy dog breeds suitable for apartment living in India?

Ans: Toy dog breeds are suitable for apartment living in India because of their small size, low exercise requirements, and affectionate nature, making them adapt well to limited spaces.

Que: What are some popular toy dog breeds for apartment living in India?

Ans: Some popular toy dog breeds for apartment living in India include Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Dachshund.

Que: What factors should be considered before choosing a toy dog breed for an apartment?

Ans: Before choosing a toy dog breed for an apartment, factors such as lifestyle, time availability, and ability to meet the dog’s needs for attention, training, and exercise should be carefully considered.

So, which toy breed would you choose for apartment living? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!