A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last couple of years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership soared when the pandemic hit and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends remains high.
Of course, 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.
Before setting your heart on a particular breed it’s important to think what type of dog will work best with your lifestyle and living arrangements.
Meanwhile, for a variety of reasons, there are others you should avoid, for their own good and yours.
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that are least suited to apartment living.
1. 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
2. Saint Bernard
The enormous Saint Bernard 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
3. Springer Spaniel
The athletic Springer Spaniel needs plenty of space both indoors and outdoors to run around, so will likely cause damage by dashing around smaller flats. They also shed lots of hair all year round which can be an issue in a confined space. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Australian Shepherd
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was actually first bred in America to herd animals in vast ranches in the middle of nowhere. A small city flat couldn't be further away from their natural environment and may even make this most friendly of breeds turn aggressive. Photo: Canva/Getty Images