German Shepherds are known to be one of the smartest animals. They are working dogs because of their intelligence, energy, and obedience. They have always been a great partner in the military and police and they can be your partner at home too. They can be the perfect dog for you and your family. Before you consider having one for your home, you should be prepared for what it takes to own one of these amazing dogs.  

They Need an Active Lifestyle

You cannot keep a German Shepherd in a sedentary life. They are perfect buddies for people who have an active lifestyle and are constantly outdoors. You can train these dogs meticulously and have mental exercises that will keep them happy and mentally stimulated. They are extremely obedient dogs so you can teach them how to fetch, perform many complex tricks, and do some fun chores like opening doors and getting the newspaper. They would require a lot of physical exercises so you should provide a space where they can run and take a walk. Curate a great training plan for your dog and ask around training experts of activities you can do together. 

Taking Care of Your Dog

In taking care of German Shepherds, you should be aware of their needs first to properly provide for them. You should provide them with a diet that can complement their high energy levels, and keep them hydrated as well. Take good care of their teeth by brushing once a week, and give their coat constant brushing especially when they are shedding. Bathe them from time to time, and do not forget to clean out their ears to keep their hearing in the best shape. When your dog hasn’t been getting the exercise he needs, they can bark excessively and chew things to express their frustration. You would need expert advice to appease your dog, especially on busy days when it is difficult to go out and do an exercise. Kate suggests these products to calm your German Shepherd so they can relax and rest for the day until you can bring them outside again. This way, you save your belongings from possible damage and you get to control your dog’s need for stimulation. 

They are Affectionate and Protective

German Shepherds like to cuddle with their owners at home. They would follow you everywhere around the house and observe what you are doing. They would be able to know your routines right away given their high intelligence. In public, German Shepherds tend to be protective and territorial with their owners. They won’t allow other people to harm you so you would feel safe and secure when you bring them outside with you. 

Your German Shepherd is the perfect embodiment of a man’s best friend and they can give you a companionship beyond compare. To prepare for the best time with your dog, you must prepare yourself with the essential things to make them happy and healthy. Owning this breed of dog can be perfect for your household.

When getting a pet, size does matter to small apartments. Small living spaces do not always blend well with giant paws and long legs. You might think that to get a dog, you need to have a massive house with a large fenced-in outdoor area. But the truth is, if you live in an apartment or a smaller home, there are plenty of breeds that can adapt to your space. However, your dog’s size is not the only thing that matters when finding the right pooch for your apartment. You should also take into consideration the energy level, noise, and even friendliness of the dog. 

Here are the best apartment dogs that could steal your heart and a perfect fit for people with less space and tighter quarters.

Yorkshire Terrier

This is one of the smallest of any dog breed and one of the best apartment dogs for several reasons. They are easy to train, toy-sized, bouncy, but not too energetic. These small terriers are not going to take up much of your ideal space because they only grow tall at 23 cm and weigh around 3 kilos. With proper preparation, since these pups are highly intelligent, you won’t have to worry about accidents inside, uncontrollable barking that bothers your neighbors, or excessive chewing. 

Like many other toy breeds, they make good pets for people, particularly for senior citizens and people with medical problems. They are devoted, caring, and very affectionate. While this breed has the determination, they do not need a lot of exercises. A fast walk of 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and another one in the evening is enough. Yorkies are feisty and caring pets, tiny in size but large in character.

French Bulldog

This is a breed of domestic dogs that are bred as companion dogs. They were imported and crossbred to be miniature bulldogs in England. They are adaptable and preferred by apartment dwellers for smaller spaces because they grow only about 11-12 inches tall and weigh 20 to 28 pounds. They are stocky, quick to groom, polite to the family, and easy to train. French Bulldogs are outstanding companions that enjoy lavishing love on humans. They also make excellent watchdogs and will warn their people of the presence of outsiders, but barking without reason is not their style. 

Having them as a house pet will also provide security as they are protective of their home and family, and some will try to defend both with their life. According to experts from https://uptownpuppies.com/breeds/french-bulldog/, welcoming home your new furry family member can be exciting but make sure that you pay attention to important matters such as pet screening and health tests for your new pet. Frenchies are patient with children, polite with strangers, and loyal to their pet parents. Overall, they are fun-loving, family-friendly, and cuddly little cuties.

Havanese

Known as the “Cuban companion”, with its long, silky hair, expressive eyes, and cuddly size, this breed has won many admirers. This is another excellent apartment dog because they are small in stature, friendly and quiet, easier to train, and active but not too active. Standing 8-11 inches, they weigh 7-13 pounds. These dogs are extremely trainable and eager to please, and positive reinforcement thrives on them. Havanese are energetic but do not require hours of exercise. 

The trick should be accomplished by a regular stroll. They have a very affectionate personality on everyone, including kids of all ages, other dogs, and even cats. These bouncy pups love to play as long as the owners are close, and will always stay on their side. They are also wise and will enjoy making you laugh with silly antics,  or simply sitting on your lap watching the world go by.

Basenji

Originally found in Congo, these breeds were used for flushing small game into the nets of hunters and for monitoring the populations of village rodents. These days, they make for great, loving furry family members. They are slightly larger than others on the list, stand at 17 inches and weigh around 24 pounds, and are still considered one of the great dogs for small spaces. They are truly independent, clever, and endearing. Their larynx is uniquely structured and only allows for occasional yodels, whines, and screams. Basenjis make outstanding watchdogs too. When threatened, they will protect their people and property. 

They are known for their bravery and will stand for what they have against an attacker. They are not known for being particularly fond of children, but they can be good companions for older children with their high level of energy. With kindness and persistence, they can be trained, using encouraging reinforcements that include food rewards and praise. With his unique appearance and personality, many still appreciate this little dog’s attitude and intelligence and can be an ideal companion.

Since apartment living has become more common, owners of small dog breeds are on the rise. When choosing the right breed, most owners will know how challenging it can be, since there are numerous adorable dog breeds. Choosing the best dog breeds for apartments can be made simple with the right information. Hopefully, this article has helped you choose a good dog for your apartment.