Good House Dogs Well-Behaved Pups for a Balanced Household

Not every dog is happy living indoors. Many dogs -- including a number of the sheepdog or herding breeds -- prefer to stay outside, or at least like having regular and immediate access to an outdoor space. If you are unable to provide this type of arrangement, you should choose a dog who isn’t likely to suffer from a case of cabin fever when staying inside. Below is a list of some popular homebody dog breeds.

Bichon Frise

Friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Bichon Frises are quintessential lapdogs. This breed has occasional bursts of wild energy, but they don’t last long. These dogs are happiest hanging out around the house, and are likely to snuggle up by your side.

Chinese Shar-Pei

The soft and wrinkly Shar-Pei makes a great companion pet, especially to one special owner. These dogs absolutely love lying around the house, and require only short daily walks to keep them in good spirits and in good shape.

English Toy Spaniel

Small and affectionate with a long, silky coat, the English Toy Spaniel is a perfect breed for house or apartment living. These dogs are naturally well-behaved and love the company of people, and because of their size don’t require much exercise.

French Bulldog

The unmistakable French Bulldog is perhaps best known for having a snub nose and an endearing pair of “bat” ears. These dogs are excellent house pets who love nothing more than a snore-filled nap. Though this breed has a good amount of energy at times, they tire easily and are content to lounge around the house after a game or short walk.

Keeshond

The natively arctic Keeshond makes a wonderful house dog, and gets along well with other dogs as well as children. These fluffy dogs do not hesitate to bark at passersby or trespassers, and thus make excellent protectors.

Lhasa Apso

This centuries-old dog was at one time used to guard temples and monasteries in Tibet. Today, Lhasa Apsos are popular family pets. These small dogs make excellent watchdogs and are adaptable to many different lifestyles. They are happy to stay indoors and keep an eye on things, and need only minimal exercise.

Pekingese

This small and sturdy breed has both the shaggy appearance and big personality of an animal many times their size -- the lion. Strong-willed, vigilant, and wary of strangers, they make good watchdogs but can require some training to reel in their stubborn ways. However, these dogs are deeply affectionate to their masters and enjoy finding a lap to sit on.

Shih Tzu

Confident, obedient, and loving, the Shih Tzu is an ideal family dog who enjoys indoor activities and likes to be surrounded by people. Their long, flowing coats require some maintenance to avoid mats, but these dogs are otherwise easy to care for.

Yorkshire Terrier

The tiny Yorkshire Terrier is a jovial and intelligent dog. These dogs adapt easily to their surroundings and are very protective of their owners, making them great watchdogs. Yorkshire Terriers are easily trainable and require limited exercise because of their small stature.

More on Dog Breeds

Popular Designer Dog Breeds Facts
The Best Dog Breeds for Older People
The Best Dog Breeds for Fancy Grooming