Dogs for small yards are dogs who are usually small in size, compact, and low shedders, which makes them perfect indoor pets.
When getting a dog you should be mindful of your living environment, and get a breed that will easily blend into your lifestyle.
If you have a small apartment or a small yard, you don’t want a breed that needs a vast living space, or a too energetic breed that was bred for hunting or herding, because you won’t be able to meet the dog’s needs.
Plus, it may lead to a frustrated dog and eventually a damaged home or yard.
To get the perfect food for your home and small yard, you need to focus on three factors:
- Energy levels of the breed
- Dog’s exercise requirements
- Breed’s personality
Below you will find ten dog breeds that will suit your small yard perfectly! Let’s start!
10. French Bulldog
Small yard score: 3/5
French Bulldogs are great dogs for small yards.
They are among the most popular dog breeds globally and some of the most seen breeds in the city streets.
Frenchies are one of the “biggest” small-sized dogs that have lower energy levels and exercise needs. This is why this breed is so happy with the small yard.
A nice run to the fence and back daily is more than enough to keep this breed satisfied.
When they are not outside in the yard, they will be busy chilling in a comfy spot inside the house.
Good to know about French Bulldog: They are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome
9. Basset Hound
Small yard score: 3/5
Basset Hound is one of the most popular dogs for homes. They are a great choice for those who want a dog who is equally passionate about indoors and outdoors.
This medium-sized breed will love a space to run and exercise daily, as well as a comfortable bed next to the owner’s feet.
Basset Hounds are commonly apartment-friendly dogs who thrive if there is a small yard as well.
If not, they will require more frequent visits to the dog park and regular pee walks.
If you want a great family dog, Basset Hound should definitely be on your list.
Good to know about Basset Hound: This breed is extremely prone to obesity, so be careful with treats
8. Maltese
Small yard score: 3/5
When it comes to the best dogs for small yards and apartment living, Maltese is always at the top.
This white-coated breed is great for first time dog owners and more than compact for busy city life.
Maltese will do fine on regular daily walks and a nice run in a small yard.
They are far from being high-energy dogs, but they are one of the finest companion dogs today.
As a breed, Maltese is often promoted as a hypoallergenic breed, known for low shedding which is why many apartment owners choose this breed for companionship.
Maltese dogs are moderately active and might actually prefer staying indoors to running in the yard, especially on rainy days.
Good to know about Maltese: tear-stains around the eyes are common for this breed, so talk with your veterinarian about how to avoid this
7. Italian Greyhound
Small yard score: 3/5
Italian Greyhound is a sensitive breed with great running capabilities.
This elegant breed is highly friendly toward strangers and affectionate when it comes to children who know how to behave around dogs.
Italian Greyhounds are easy to groom as their hair is short and soft. In fact, their hair is so soft on the touch, almost like satin.
These dogs are amazing runners, but they prefer to spend the majority of their day indoors.
This is why the small yard is great to have with this breed around, as Italian Greyhounds will be active just to keep those joints strong.
Good to know about Italian Greyhound: In cold days they must wear dog clothes
6. Boston Terrier
Small yard score: 4/5
Boston Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for small yards. As such they are compact and great to have around even if you have a garden.
Just make sure that your plants are dog-friendly, as some plants may lead to serious toxicity in dogs.
Boston Terrier is a breed of short-tail and big personality. They are great companions who tend to live long, for up to 15 years.
Good to know about Boston Terrier: This breed also goes under the name ‘American Gentleman’
5. English Bulldog
Small yard score: 4/5
English Bulldogs are known to be real couch potatoes. As a breed of low-energy levels, they are recommended to people with less active lifestyles.
Just like their French cousins, they are easily adaptable to any size of living space and adore being affectionate with their owners.
This muscular breed is promoted as good dogs for small yards and indoor living.
English Bulldogs are calm and so friendly toward people, that they will follow their people around all the time.
If you have a small yard, it will definitely be a plus, but he won’t use it excessively unless you’re spending time there as well.
Good to know about English Bulldogs: They tend to chew on everything, so make sure that you provide the right kind of toy, such as Kong to keep your edible and non-edible items alive
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small yard score: 4/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs for owners who enjoy regular grooming. This is a breed that requires weekly brushing and daily affection.
As small yard dogs, these long-haired dogs will enjoy a nice run outdoors, as much as sitting in their owner’s lap indoors.
Do not let their size fool you, because they will be fast to join their owners on a nice hike or a run. This breed is commonly recommended to first time dog owners as they were originally bred to be companion dogs.
Little is known but Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from sporting dogs which is why they enjoy being outside.
Still, a daily exercise of 20 minutes minimum, next to the regular daily walk should keep the breed’s exercise needs in order.
Good to know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This breed is prone to separation anxiety, as they do not do too well when left alone
3. Chinese Crested
Small yard score: 4/5
Chinese Crested dogs are not only specific for their appearance, but they also have quite a different temperament than most dogs.
These dogs for small garden areas have a rather unique appearance and amazing athletic skills. They may be tiny, but that doesn’t stop them from having an abundance of energy.
Chinese Crested dogs are created to be true human companions that will follow everything you do.
If you lay in bed all day, they will do the same. Unlike regular dogs, Chinese Crested doesn’t have the desire to go out as much.
If you’re looking for an apartment adaptable breed that is friendly towards their family, Chinese Crested is the right choice for you, especially if you have a small yard for mutual daily games.
Good to know about Chinese Crested dog: They can be hariless or coated
2. Bullmastiff
Small yard score: 4/5
Bullmastiffs may not seem like a great fit for small yards, but this breed is laid-back making a small yard more than enough for exercise.
As a breed between Bulldogs and Mastiffs, you can expect your Bullmastiff to be a large-sized dog, with a very muscular body and great strength.
Although they are large, they don’t need a lot of space.
Make sure you still provide him with sufficient exercise, because they could easily gain weight due to their strong appetite and decreased energy levels.
Good to know about Bullmastiff: This docile breed is one of the finest watchdogs
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Small yard score: 5/5
Yorkies are great dogs for apartment living because of the multiple traits they have.
First of all, their size is small and they are not barkers which makes them perfect little flatmates.
They are quite friendly towards other pets and people, which will make them a great addition to just any family. If there is a small yard, they will enjoy it daily.
Despite their tiny size, Yorkshire Terriers are highly energetic dogs that love being active.
On the other hand, their mini dimensions will also make your small yard a perfect space for exercising they need daily.
If you’re a fan of toy-sized dogs with soft fur and adorable looks then you might want to consider getting a Morkie too!
Morkies are a crossbreed of Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese dogs. Sounds like the perfect small yard dog, right?
Good to know about Yorkshire Terrier: Their coat has a similar texture to human hair
Best Dogs For Homes With Small Yards – Wrap Up
When getting a dog it is important to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and your living area.
If you are apartment-based you want to stay away from a breed that ten to bark a lot, or if you have a house with a small yard you want to focus on getting a breed that can thrive on small yards.
This is why this article should be enough to give you enough input on the best dog breeds for houses with small yards.
A smaller home with a limited area to run inside shouldn’t be a deal breaker if there is a yard for Fido to spend time at.
Just make sure that if you have a garden, you don’t have plants that are dangerous or even worse – toxic to dogs.
