When you move to the big city, you are likely to be surprised by how small the apartments are. Even in that small space you can tend to get pretty lonely, and you might soon find yourself wanting a four-legged companion.
You know you can't just go out and adopt any dog, you need to be sure that whichever pup you bring home is well suited to living in a small space. Good thing you are here, because today we are going to talk about the best dogs for apartment living.
Considerations for the best apartment dogs
You should know that there are some things you should be ready for regardless of what breed of dog you bring home. Let's look at some of these right now.
Rules - First and foremost, you need to speak with whoever manages your apartment and be sure you are allowed to have a pet. If you don't do this, you could face some hefty fines or even be evicted for breaking the lease. Also, you need to be aware of any breed or size restrictions your complex, town or city has in place.
Exercise – When you live in a small space it is especially important that you ensure your pup is getting enough exercise each day. You can accomplish this with routine walks and by making trips to the local dog park a common occurrence.
Entertainment – If you are going to be leaving your pup alone for lengthy periods of time like when you are at work, you will want to make sure they are entertained. Make sure your dog has some toys to play with, unless you want to come home to chewed up tattered shoes and furniture.
Routine – You'll want to be sure to get your pup into a good routine of when it is time to go outside, especially if they will have periods of having to wait to go. Be consistent with the times you feed and walk your dog so that they get used to it. Dogs are smart, they will quickly figure out their routine.
Training – Fido needs to know what the rules are, so you'll want to work heavily on training your dog. Teach them the rules, teach them commands and reward your pup when they obey.
Help – If you work long hours, you are going to want to enlist some help. See if you can get a friend or neighbor to help by letting your pup out at some point during the day. If that's not an option, look for a dog walker to hire.
Now that you know more about the tings you need to do to keep your pup happy while bring an apartment dweller, let's learn more about which dogs are best suited to living in an apartment.
Like many people, you probably think that apartment living means you can only have a small dog. It might surprise you to know that even large breeds of dogs can be perfectly happy in an apartment. The temperament of the dog matters far more than the size which is why it is important to understand the breed before bringing your pup home.
Let's take a look now at the best dogs to have in an apartment.
Best small dogs for apartment living
A lot of small dogs are high energy and noisy which is not good when living in a small space. Instead, you'll want to look for a dog that is mild-mannered and not too energetic. In this section you'll find the best small apartment dogs.
1. Yorkshire terrier
This little dog is a great choice for living in an apartment, as long as you take good care of it. Also known as “Yorkies”, this breed of pup can get a bit yappy if not allowed to socialize often. Frequent trips to the dog park and adequate training are necessary for ensuring your pup does will living in tight quarters. Yorkshire Terriers are cute little lap dogs, and they love to cuddle. Since they are so small in size, they can usually get plenty of exercise simply running around the house. They are a smart dog that quickly adapts to people as well as surroundings.
2. Boston terrier
Known for their adorable bat like ears and their big eyes, Boston Terriers are another good option for people living in apartments. You can usually get by with daily walks for their exercise as this breed of dog isn't one that loves to run and play generally. Every dog is different though, so be sure to get to know yours. Your neighbors will be pleased by the fact that your pup is not a natural barker, and you won't be having to apologize for any noise. This breed of dog is gentle and smart, and they ear fairly easy to train as well. They are short and small, and the perfect size for city living.
3. Cavalier king charles spaniel
This dog has ears that are floppy and covered in soft hair, they are a truly adorable breed. Not only are they cute, but they are friendly, getting along with just about everyone. They are suited well to apartment living because they are calm, gentle and happy. They do enjoy a good session of playtime, but they don't have enough energy for this session to last very long. Once done, they go back to being the docile creatures they are known to be. While they are typically a quieter breed of dog, they do need training so that they don't become yappers.
4. Pug
Who can resist the cuteness of a pug? That smooshed little face and cute curled tail is hard to walk away from. Pugs are great for apartment living, and they actually prefer to be indoors. This breed of dog is fairly sensitive to changes in temperature, so if it is cold be sure you've got a sweater for your pup when it is time to go for a walk. Short walks are enough for your Pug because this breed doesn't need too much in the way of physical activity. Inside the house Pugs are generally calm and mild mannered. They are a playful dog, but not too much so. Short bursts of playtime will keep them happy.
5. Miniature pinscher
A tiny version of the large Pinscher, this little guy will only grow to be about ten pounds. Though this pup is small, it comes with plenty of attitude. Miniature Pinschers do love to play and can use a ton of energy on a single play session. Frequent trips to socialize and play at the park are a must with this dog. Don't worry about it being a constant though, as once the energy is spent, this pup would rather curl up in your lap and take a five hour nap than play more. Miniature Pinschers are a short hair breed, so be sure to keep them warm if you live in a colder area.
6. Shih tzu
Commonly seen as a prim and proper type dog, Shih Tzus are one of the best small apartment dogs that you can bring home. They do not have much energy, and they'd often prefer that their only form of exercise if to follow you around the apartment as you go about your day. The flowing long haired coat will require regular grooming, but since this breed is not a fan of the outdoors, they shouldn't get too dirty. Shih Tzus love to snuggle on the couch and they are cautious but friendly around other people. They quickly adapt to their home and become content there.
7. Maltese
Another breed that seems at though they were made for living in an apartment is the Maltese. This dog is one of the smallest breeds on our list, tipping the scales at a mere seven pounds. Don't let the long white hair deter you from bringing this pup home either. You'll be happy to know that there is virtually no undercoat, and Maltese dogs are not prone to shedding. This makes your life easier because there will be less to clean. This pup is a faithful companion and you will often notice them simply following you around. Not known as a barker, you can rest easy knowing that your neighbors won't be complaining about the noise.
8. Bichon frise
This pup is a cute breed that resembles a fur ball with their fluffy all white hair. If you have allergies, you are in luck because the Bichon Frise is hypoallergenic. The Bichon Frise breed of dog is surprisingly energetic and loves to socialize with other dogs and play with them, so you'll need to make sure that they are taken to the dog park often. Be sure that your Bichon Frise is getting plenty of exercise in the form of daily walks, too. This pup is a fast learner and they are easy to please which means training them should be a simple task. Though not a barker, they aren't fond of strangers either.
9. Dachshund
Would you believe it if we told you that this pup was originally meant to be a sporting dog, spending its days chasing down rabbits and foxes in the fields of Germany? The affectionately nicknamed “Weenie Dog” has traipsed out of the hunting grounds and into the homes of many families around the globe. This breed of dog is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. When they get bored though, they love to chew on things. If you need to leave for long periods of time, you need to be sure that they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
10. German spitz
The German Spitz is a breed that is known for their willingness to please their owners. They are loving, loyal and devoted to the people that care for them, and work hard to make them happy. They are smart and easy to train, which is helped by the fact that they want to please. They are attentive, but they do not like strangers at all. You must train them with commands so that they don't become barkers. You'll notice that they have a penchant for making funny facial expressions. They are short, and their appearance resembles that of a fox.
11. Chinese crested
This is certainly not the most attractive dog on our list, depending on who is looking at it. The Chinese Crested breed has a very unique look and will definitely not be the most common dog in the apartment complex. There are two versions of this pup, one is covered in a coat that is silky while the other is nearly hairless, sporting hair only on the tail, feet and head. The hairless breed's lack of hair makes them a great hypoallergenic option. Without hair they are more exposed to the sun though, so you need to take extra care to protect their exposed skin.
12. Havanese
Originally native to Cuba, this ten pound pup has come to be known as a near perfect choice for an apartment dwelling pup. They like to play around inside the apartment, but they aren't exceptionally playful. They're just as happy napping in the sunshine as they are running around the dog park. They have silky white hair that can be cut short or allowed to grow long – whichever you choose. Havanese dogs like to be silly, so you'll have entertainment for days. This breed is outgoing and likes to socialize though, so be sure they do get puppy playdates on a regular basis.
Best medium sized dogs for apartment living
Not all dogs need to be tiny to thrive in apartments. Here are some of the best medium sized dogs for apartments that you can find.
1. Basset hound
We know that the bulky size of this dog might make it seem as though it is not meant for apartment living, but we assure you this pup will be just fine in the small space. Basset Hounds are not very playful pups. As a matter of fact, the majority of Basset Hounds are actually incredibly lazy dogs! This breed is a very calm one that loves to just relax and chill out. They do need regular exercise as they are prone to obesity, but you'll likely have to force them into it. Make sure your pup has toys if they want and give them plenty of love and affection.
2. English bulldog
Though this breed might look like they are a tough one, don't be fooled. This pup would much rather laze about on the sofa than be bothered to run after a ball in the park. You'll need to force your English Bulldog into going on walks and playing at the dog park, but they are content in small spaces like apartments. They aren't known as barkers, either which is another trait that makes them well suited to apartment living. English Bulldogs have a calm disposition and they can be kept busy with a few toys.
3. Basenji
If you are torn between getting a cat or getting a dog, consider bringing home a Basenji. This pup has cat like tendencies and is a very clean breed of dog. Basenjis are a hound dog, but they do not bark. If they do make a noise of some sort, it comes out as more of a yodel, but it is extremely rare. A native of Africa, Basenjis are a very curious breed of dog. Because of this you need to work with your pup to be sure they feel safe and secure in your apartment, otherwise their curiosity might lead to their escape. Basenjis love to run, but they also love to be lazy. Ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise on a regular basis.
Best large apartment dogs
You don't have to give up on your dream of having a big dog when you live in an apartment, you just need to make sure they are the best one so that they are happy in their new home. Below are the best big apartment dog breeds you can adopt.
1. Greyhound
You might be confused as to how the fast dog in the world can be suited to apartment living, but no, this isn't a mistake. This breed is tall and lanky, and yes, very fast – but they are also majorly lazy. The Greyhound is made for quick bursts of speed, not for running marathons. This pup would much rather be chilling out on the couch. Because they are runners, you need to make sure they get to go to the park a few times a week to get a sprint session in, but other than that a daily walk is all the exercise they need. Greyhounds are typically quiet pups, and they are easy to train.
2. Shar-pei
Though they are big fans of a few walks a day, Shar-Pei dogs are not overly fond of any other sort of activity. This might be due in part to the fact that they have a lot of skin and are overly sensitive to heat. This lazy bones dog is happy to simply curl up on the couch with you while you watch tv or read a book. You should know that this breed is not the best choice if there are kids around though, as they tend to be a one-person type of dog. Shar-Pei dogs are smart and easy to train, and they typically have a very calm attitude. They also don't bark very often.
3. Rhodesian ridgeback
When this breed of dog has enough exercise, attention and playtime, it is perfectly happy to chill out at the apartment all day. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hound, but they aren't known for being barkers. When compared to other more rambunctious breeds, this pup is more likely to have a calm and laid back attitude. Rhodesian puppies however are known for getting themselves into lots of trouble. Be sure to keep your pup entertained if you want to keep your shoes and furniture. Train your dog early and train them well in order to prevent damage while you are out.
4. Great dane
These pups are gigantic, but they are a gentle breed and they are well suited to apartment living – as long as there's enough room for the both of you on the couch. Great Danes tend to be one of the best lazy dogs for apartments. Content to simply lie around and do nothing all day, Great Danes are perfect for apartment life. They might look like a dog that needs a lot of exercise, but they really don't. Regular walks and occasional trips to the dog park are plenty for this pup. They are friendly and patient, very easy to train and they rarely bark.
5. Standard poodle
A Standard Poodle, not the tiny little teacup sized poodle, those ones are yappers, is a good choice for an apartment dog. This large breed dog is perfectly content to lie around the apartment all day waiting for you to get home. Once you're home this pup will need a regular walk but will not often need to go to the park. Make sure that your dog gets a walk sometime throughout the day as well. When given enough exercise time and enough attention, a Standard Poodle is not prone to getting in trouble. This breed is an elegant option, but they will need to be regularly groomed.
Conclusion
Hopefully you have now realized that there are many different types of pups that you can have the company of, even if you do live in a smaller apartment.
Just be sure to research the dog breeds so that you can be sure they are well suited to apartment living and that you can keep up with their activity level and other needs.
Soon your apartment will be even better, because there will be four new feet in it!
