Top 10 Dogs to Choose For Apartment Living

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Living in urban environments shouldn’t mean you can’t get a dog. Luckily, it doesn’t. There are plenty of so-called apartment dogs that can easily and quickly adapt to any living conditions.

Apartment dogs are still dogs, and they still have certain needs that need to be fulfilled every day. You should take your dog for at least two long walks each day and make sure they have enough time in the open where they can spend their cooped-up energy. Apartment dogs will still require grooming, and if you are busy with work, a place where they could go to the bathroom. Check out this handy solution to that problem - Best dog pads.

What characteristics should the best apartment dogs have?

We believe that most dog breeds can be good apartment dogs; they just need to be trained and socialized. If you have a large apartment, there is no reason a Saint Bernard can’t share it with you. However, the reality is that most of us have limited space, and with current real estate prices, there aren’t many of us that can afford them. Here are some of the key characteristics the best apartment dogs should share;

Adaptability

The best apartment dogs should be adaptable. They shouldn’t mind living in cities, and they should ignore the sounds coming from below. They should love sleeping in a crate or a dog bed, and they should be reasonably trainable.

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Energy levels

Probably the most essential thing about apartment dogs is their energy levels. Having a breed like the Belgian Malinois seems almost like an impossible mission. These dogs have endless amounts of energy, and they will thrive in families with yards where they can run and exercise. The best dogs for apartments have lower energy levels, and they don’t mind sleeping or naping all day long.

Barking potential

One of the most significant issues when it comes to apartment dogs is barking. Some building managers don’t allow dogs because they are loud and they tend to bark too much. Some breeds like the Husky are very vocal, and they are not the best dog for apartments. Make sure you pick a breed that is not so loud.

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Now that you know what characteristics are essential for apartment dogs, maybe you will consider one of these dogs as your new family member.

1. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog’s popularity is on the rise, and there is an excellent reason for that. These dogs are friendly and funny, but at the same time, very adaptable to any sort of environment. Frenchie’s favorite activity is spending time with their owners, eating, and sleeping.

Their love of food should not be underestimated. They are adorable, and they can get anything they want from their owners usually. However, owners should cut back on giving them too many treats since Frenchies are prone to obesity.

2. Greyhound

This dog breed might surprise you! Greyhounds make one of the best apartment dogs in the world. They might be the fastest dog breed, but they are not that keen on running. They would much rather spend their time at home, in a cozy bed or sofa, than on the field, sprinting.

Greyhounds are fast, but they are also lazy. They will require regular walks and a soft dog bed. If you don’t know what to get them, check out this article for some ideas - Best dog beds.

3. Havanese

The Havanese is a royal Cuban dog breed whose job was to sit on a lap and be the ideal companion. They have a gorgeous soft coat that barely sheds, making them ideal candidates for the best apartment dog.

Havanese is a small breed that will develop a strong bond with their owner. These adorable little dogs will follow you wherever you go, and they will not want to leave your side.

4. Pug

The amazingly adorable Pug is one of the most popular apartment dogs out there. They are entertaining to be around, and they are not too energetic. You won’t have to worry about setting high-energy playdates, so your pup has plenty of space to blow their energy.

Pugs are popular, but that is not too good when you are looking for one. This apartment dog is prone to different health issues, so you must get your dog from a reputable breeder.

5. Poodle

Miniature or Toy Poodles can be very good apartment dogs. You can be sure you will never get bored with Poodles around you. People often forget how intelligent these dogs are. Luckily, Toy and Miniature Poodles are small, so they won’t need too much space to move around.

These dogs have a curly coat that captures most of the loose hair. They are considered the original hypoallergenic breed, which makes them ideal dogs for apartments.

6. Bulldog

Bulldog, or English Bulldog, is a fantastic choice for an apartment dog. They are rather lazy, and they don’t need a lot of exercise to be truly happy. Regular walkies and twice a week visit to the dog park will be more than enough for these great apartment dogs.

Bulldogs are a brachycephalic dog breed, so they do not tolerate heat or cold too good. Make sure you don’t overexercise them during the hottest part of the day.

7. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an excellent choice for an apartment dog. They are small, they barely shed, and they can make a decent watchdog. They make pretty good apartment dogs, but they will never make guard dogs. They are indifferent towards strangers and prefer spending time in their own places.

Shih Tzu will require quite a bit of grooming, so make sure you are up for the task. These dogs can have clipped hair, and some owners prefer it that way. Short hair is a lot easier to maintain.

8. Yorkshire Terrier

This is the first breed that comes to mind when someone mentions the best apartment dogs. The lovely Yorkie makes a fantastic companion for all apartment dwellers. They are relatively small, so they don’t need a lot of space.

Yorkies have soft, silky, almost human-like hair that doesn’t shed. They come as close to a hypoallergenic dog breed as possible. That is one of the “apartment dog” characteristics that makes them so popular.

9. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a fantastic roommate. They are quiet and neat. They love spending time indoors, and they will make an excellent family companion. Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, fully-coated and hairless.

These dogs were brought to the Western countries by boat. They were in charge of controlling and exterminating rodents on ships, so if you are afraid you might get a mouse in your apartment, your Chinese Crested can step up.

10. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is one of the best apartment dogs out there. They are closely related to the Yorkie, and they, too, make excellent dogs for apartments. The Biewer Terrier barely sheds but will require plenty of grooming to keep their hair tangle and mat-free.

The Biewer Terrier was entirely accepted in the American Kennel Club in January 2021. It is the first breed in history that was registered based on DNA and genetic testing.

If you want to explore more dog breeds for apartment living, you can check the full breed list here - dog breeds for apartments.

World Dog Finder team