So, what are some of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers? Well, before we get down to the list of great pooches for small spaces, let’s know why you need particular dogs if you are living in an apartment.
Not all dogs are suited to all living situations. Some breeds are happiest with acres of land to roam, while others do just good in an apartment with little or no yard at all.
As an apartment dweller, it is also reasonable to have a dog that doesn’t bark too much or doesn’t have icky habits like rolling in smelly garbage, and that doesn’t have a huge appetite.
For those of you who have not had a dog before, you may not know that a large dog in a small space will not do well, and a dog with a tiny bladder will need to be let out often, even at night.
In a previous post, we talked about some of the most wanted dog breeds you will instantly fall in love with. Today, it’s all about the best dog breeds for apartments and small spaces.
Dogs For Apartments: Breed Characteristics
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a breed that will thrive in your situation, including size, activity level, grooming requirements, and temperament.
Look for the following trait characteristics in your next dog that will live happily with you in your apartment:
1. How vocal the dog is?
Because you live side by side with other people, it is important to choose a dog that barks less often and has a calmer behavior.
2. Small-medium size
You need a dog that is medium-sized, not too small, and not too big. A tiny dog holds a tiny bladder and needs to pee more often. And, you definitely don’t want to take it out in the mid of the night. On the other hand, a large dog will find your space limited won’t enjoy your company.
3. Short coat, sheds less
If you live in an apartment with a small space, you should choose a dog that has short fur or fur that doesn’t get too dirty easily. Also, a breed that sheds less.
4. Kids friendliness
You definitely don’t want a dog that either doesn’t play with your kid or poses any level of harm.
5. Independence
As an apartment dweller, it is important to choose a dog that is not dependent on the owner. Independence is a great attribute that makes a dog well suited for the apartment. An independent dog will feel less anxious when you leave them alone at home.
6. Exercise needs
Dogs that need more exercise are not the best choice for an apartment. When they do not get enough exercise, they become restless and aggressive.
7. Dog’s pedigree
You should choose a dog with a good pedigree (e.g. FCI, AKC, etc.). Dogs with a poor pedigree can be more aggressive and more active.
Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Dwellers
These 20 dog breeds are sure to make great companions if you are living in a limited space like an apartment. Check and see which dog suits you the best.
1. Labrador Retriever
The most popular breed in the US, Labradors are friendly, non-shedding, and eager to please. They may not be good guard dogs but they are good to watchdogs. They are known for their intelligence so they need a lot of stimulation and regular exercise.
2. Dog Breeds For Apartments: Poodle
Miniature/Toy poodles are a good choice for a small apartment. They are very smart and can be trained to do a variety of things. Poodles are very energetic and are perfect for an owner who wants a dog that will go on long walks with them.
3. Bichon Frise
Another non-shedding breed, this white fluff ball with black button eyes is friendly, playful, and affectionate. They are very intelligent and are known to be a little stubborn at times. Bichons are very affectionate and want to be with their owner every step of the day. They are a good choice for an owner who wants a lap dog.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
These little guys are cute as a button and affectionate. They are known to be a little aggressive at times so they need a lot of socialization. They are not recommended for homes with small kids or other pets.
5. Dog Breeds For Apartments: Maltese
This breed is known for its small stature and silky white coat. They are affectionate, have a playful nature, and are very alert. Maltese will not do well in a home with young children or other pets.
6. Maltipoo
This small non-shedding dog breed originated in England. This hybrid breed is a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. They are very playful and affectionate. They are known to be intelligent and very easy to train. Maltipoos love to play with children especially older ones.
They are also a good choice for apartment dwellers. The dogs do not bark much and will be a good companion in your home.
7. Beagle
Need a good watchdog? Beagles are known for their love of hunting and chasing small critters and they can be very persistent when they have something in their sights. Beagles tend to bark a lot so if you are looking for a quiet dog, this may not be the breed for you. They are very friendly and great with kids.
8. Chihuahua
These little guys are tiny and not recommended for homes with small kids or other pets. A Chihuahua is not recommended for homes with young kids because they tend to be very fragile and can easily be hurt by little hands.
They are known to be a little aggressive and stubborn at times. Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs and are great watchdogs. They are also known to be a little skittish around strangers.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This breed has a strong sense of loyalty, and they are extremely affectionate, loving, and protective. They are great with kids and love to play. They are intelligent but stubborn. Originally bred to be a fighting dog, this breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners.
11. Dachshund
This breed is very well suited for apartment living. They are small, affectionate, and non-shedding. Dachshunds have playful and confident personalities and will make good companions.
12. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is the dog of choice for many families, for good reason. First, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that is easy to train. Second, they are extremely versatile, capable of performing a variety of jobs such as police work, search and rescue, therapy work, and personal protection.
As a result of their versatility, German Shepherds make great companions for families with children, as long as the children are taught how to properly approach and touch the dog. German Shepherds can be rambunctious, so they do best in homes with families who can spend lots of time with them. They are very social animals that thrive when they are part of the family.
13. Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a short-legged, long-bodied dog with a sweet expression. It is friendly and tolerant, with a strong desire to please. It is outgoing and fun-loving and thrives on attention. Its coat is short, dense, and fine. It is red or fawn with or without black or brown spots. The BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE is an eager, friendly, and affectionate dog that is very devoted to its human family.
14. Dog Breeds For Apartments: Pug
These dogs are very loyal and are very good with children. They are also very entertaining and are known to be a little neurotic at times. They are not recommended outside dogs as they are not great protectors. But nice and compact, they make good apartment dogs.
15. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a small, friendly, and highly intelligent dog, ideal for apartment life. It is a good choice for a dog with separation anxiety problems because it is extremely loyal to its owner and gets easily attached.
However, the Biewer Terrier is not a good choice for families with small children. It is a relatively small dog, and while it may tolerate children well, it is not a good choice for a child’s first dog due to its small size.
Terriers are known for being energetic and mischievous, and the Biewer Terrier is no exception. It is an active dog that requires a lot of exercise and attention, so it is not ideal for someone who is not able to provide it.
16. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a tiny, lively toy dog with a long, flowing double coat of hair. Its body is compact and muscular, with short, sturdy legs. The head is slightly rounded and carried high, with large, dark eyes and a broad, blunt muzzle. The tail is carried curled over the back. The coat is long and profuse, consisting of a soft undercoat and a straight, harsh outer coat, with feathering on the legs and tail.
Long celebrated in Chinese art and culture, the Shih Tzu is believed to be the offspring of the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. The exact origins are obscured by the fact that the breed is so ancient and has been kept as a family pet for so long, but it is generally believed that the Shih Tzu originated in Tibet.
17. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a toy spaniel that is a lap dog through and through. This breed is the smallest of the spaniels, standing between 8 and 10 inches at the shoulders, with a weight that is between 8 and 14 pounds.
The Bolognese is a proud and lively little dog who will play for hours at a time, both alone and with his family. He is highly trainable, and as a result, he needs to be exercised regularly. Bolognese are very loving and affectionate and crave human company.
18. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is an affectionate, playful, companion dog. Although a French Bulldog is not suited to a family with small children, they are suited to a family with older children. They are not a good breed for people that are going to be gone for several hours. They are not a good breed for a very hot climate or for people who are gone 12 hours a day or more.
19. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a very small breed of hairless dog with almost no hair, except for eyelashes, whiskers, and tail. It has a fine, powdery, downy hair covering its body, but it is so thin and light that the powder is hardly noticeable. It is sometimes called a “hairless spaniel”, but is not a true spaniel.
The Chinese Crested is a very intelligent and playful dog. It is a very active dog but likes to take naps after playtime. The Chinese Crested is a very good cuddle dog and likes to snuggle with its owner. It is good with children and is good with strangers. It is a barker watchdog.
20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is good with children, other dogs, and most other pets. The breed can be willful, and when bored, they can become destructive. The Cavalier likes to be with their owners and does not do well if left alone all day.
Cavaliers are very intelligent and are easy to train. They are ranked 18th among the top 100 most intelligent dog breeds. Cavaliers are one of the easiest breeds to train, as they are eager to please and very food-motivated. They are good watchdogs, but are generally only a barker; they tend not to bite.
So, what dog breed do you love the most that are also great to accompany you in an apartment? Which dog breed on this list do you think makes the best small space canine?
