When selecting a dog for apartment living, it’s important to choose a breed that suits your space and lifestyle. Smaller dogs with lower energy levels are often a better fit for apartments since they don’t need too much room to run or play. Breeds like the Chihuahua or Miniature Poodle are perfect for apartment dwellers who want a dog that’s happy indoors. Consider your dog’s exercise needs, energy, and temperament to make the best choice for apartment life.
6 Dog Breeds for Apartments
Miniature Poodle
The American Kennel Club recognized the Standard Poodle and the Miniature Poodle as separate breeds in 1887. The Miniature Poodle is a popular choice for apartment living thanks to its manageable size and friendly, intelligent nature. Standing between 11 and 15 inches tall and weighing 15 to 18 pounds, it’s a manageable size for smaller spaces. Despite their compact size, Miniature Poodles have an active lifestyle and love to stay engaged with their owners. They enjoy both indoor play and outdoor adventures, making them a great choice for apartments where there might be limited outdoor space but still plenty of play opportunities.
With their hypoallergenic coat, Miniature Poodles shed very little, which makes them great for people with allergies. These dogs are not only intelligent and sociable but also quite playful, making them easy to train and fun to be around. They’re ideal for anyone looking for a dog that enjoys mental stimulation and physical activity but doesn’t require a large yard to run around in. As one of the best dogs for apartment living, the Miniature Poodle is known for its smart, loyal nature, and with regular exercise and professional grooming, it will thrive in your home.
Bulldog
The Bulldog is a kind and friendly dog that’s perfect for apartment living. With its thick-set, low-slung body and well-muscled frame, this breed is the ultimate couch potato. Bulldogs love cuddling with their owners on the couch, making them a great choice for those who want a relaxed companion. Though they are notorious barkers, they’re usually pretty silent, often snoring, snorting, or even grunting instead. Because of their short snouts, Bulldogs can have some breathing problems, so they need to stay cool in hot weather.
This medium-sized breed has low energy levels, making them perfect for apartment dwellers who don’t want a super active dog. They don’t require much exercise, and after a short walk, they get tired pretty quickly, which means they’re happy just pacing around or lounging. Bulldogs are an excellent, low-maintenance choice for anyone looking for a laid-back companion dog.
Greyhound
The Greyhound might be known as the fastest dog in the world, but don’t let that fool you—this dog is also a gentle, sweet-tempered companion that fits well in apartment living. Even though they are energetic and love to run, they don’t need a ton of exercise; 30 minutes of walks and some occasional sprints in enclosed areas are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Despite being a larger breed, standing between 26 to 30 inches tall and weighing 65 to 85 pounds, Greyhounds have a surprisingly low energy level for their size and are very adaptable to smaller spaces. Their low shedding coat makes them easy to care for, and their trainability means they settle into apartment life easily. So, if you want a dog with a noble and loving personality, the Greyhound can be a perfect addition to your family!
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small dog weighing less than 15 pounds, which makes it a great fit for apartment living. With its affectionate and playful temperament, this dog loves to be around its owner and is a wonderful companion. Though they are gentle, Italian Greyhounds can be quite sensitive and don’t do well in noisy or chaotic environments. They thrive in calm, quiet spaces where they can bond with their family and enjoy life.
Their small size makes them easy to manage in an apartment, and they are usually content with short playtimes and a bit of attention. If you’re looking for a dog that’s loving and fits perfectly into apartment life, the Italian Greyhound is a fantastic choice.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small dog with a big personality. They’re known for their good-natured nature and are reliable with small children, making them great for families living in small spaces. These well-behaved dogs have large bat ears and a quiet nature, making them perfect for apartment living. Frenchies don’t need too much exercise, daily walks of about 30 minutes are usually enough to keep them healthy and happy.
They’re playful, but not too energetic, and their even disposition makes them easy to live with. While they may bark at sudden sounds like doors opening or closing, they are generally calm. It’s important to give them mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and developing destructive behavior. Overall, French Bulldogs are a one-of-a-kind breed that thrives in apartments, as long as their exercise and social needs are met.
A study on a 7-year-old French Bulldog revealed in Pubmed that an extradural cyst between L7 and S3 was causing progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. The cyst was successfully removed via surgery, leading to some improvement in the dog’s neurological signs. This highlights the importance of considering spinal cysts in French Bulldogs with similar symptoms.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, standing at just 10 inches tall and weighing less than 6 pounds, making it perfect for a studio apartment or any small living space. Recognized by the AKC as a breed in 1904, Chihuahuas are great dogs for apartment living because they don’t take up much room.
These little pups tend to become the centre of attention in the family, as they bond strongly with their owners and love being around them. However, they can be reactive to their surroundings and may bark a lot, so they might not be the best choice if you live in a building with thin walls or sensitive neighbors. While they’re a great single dog for people living alone or in apartments, they may have conflict with other pets, especially if they feel territorial.
According to a study published in PubMed, “Chihuahuas are one of the most common small breed dogs in Japan, and this breed is known to be predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Echocardiographic assessment is essential for the definitive diagnosis of MMVD in dogs and for determining the stage. Because the Chihuahua’s body size is the smallest among the dog breeds and the widely used echocardiographic reference range is established based on larger dogs, it is unclear whether the existing reference range can be applied to the Chihuahua breed as well.
Why is it important to select the right dog breed for apartment living?
Choosing the right dog breed for apartment living is really important because not all dogs fit well in small spaces. Bigger dog breeds with high exercise needs might feel claustrophobic and become restless, leading to destructive behavior as they try to release energy. Some dogs with a laid-back, calm temperament, like smaller breeds, are much better suited to apartments.
For example, a Jack Russell Terrier might be too energetic for small spaces, while a compact dog like a Pug could do well in an apartment if their exercise needs are met. It’s also key to consider barking, shedding, and whether the dog will disturb neighbors. Some dogs can also have special needs, like health problems or breathing issues, which could make apartment living harder. By selecting the right breed, you can ensure both you and your four-legged friend enjoy a comfortable, happy life together.
Where Can I Find a Dog?
If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, you can find one at a shelter or through a breeder. Research local pet shelters and see if they have any dogs up for adoption. Many shelters have adoption days, where you can visit and take a walk with a dog to see if it’s a good match for you. The shelter staff will often help you understand the dog’s personality and if it fits your lifestyle. It’s always a humane choice to adopt, as you’re giving an unwanted pet a chance for a loving home. If you’re unsure, take your time, and if the dog doesn’t work out, most places allow you to return them within a certain period.
Here are some reputable sources in the USA where you can adopt a dog:
- Petfinder
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- The Humane Society of the United States
- Adopt a Pet
- Best Friends Animal Society
What breed is easiest to housebreak?
When it comes to housebreaking, Border Collies are often the easiest dogs to potty train because of their high levels of intelligence and quick learning abilities. They are very smart and love to please their owners, which makes training simple. German Shepherds are also a good choice for housebreaking. They are known for their trainability and are great at following instructions. Both breeds are active and enjoy being mentally stimulated, so they quickly learn the rules of the house and potty training becomes a lot easier.
Conclusion
When choosing dog breeds for apartment living, it’s important to find a breed that fits your lifestyle and apartment size. Breeds like Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, and Greyhound can thrive in smaller spaces as long as their energy levels, exercise needs, and socialization requirements are met. It’s also crucial to consider things like barking, shedding, and trainability when selecting the right dog.
A dog that gets plenty of attention, regular potty breaks, and affection will be a happy, loyal companion for many years. Each breed has its own needs, but with the right care and attention, they can thrive in an apartment setting.
