Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

If you are a dog lover, you know that there are a variety of dog breeds out there. When deciding on dog breeds for apartment living, it is essential to consider the dog’s size and habits.

For example, there are some dog breeds that need far more daily exercise than others for their physical and mental health. Breeds like Boxers and German Shepherds will require far more physical activity than say, a pug or a teacup Chihuahua. They may be better suited in a home with a backyard. And while you think only small breeds are suitable for apartment life, the truth is, not all of them are the right choice, despite their size.

Keep reading to learn the 10 best dog breeds for apartment living.

The Pug

Pugs make an excellent choice for apartment living and small spaces. These curious pups require plenty of time to explore on a brisk walk. Once they return home, their even-tempered nature makes it easy for them to get comfortable and relax quickly with other pets or adults in your household. This dog breed makes good apartment dogs if you want a canine soul mate!

Pugs are known for their endearing loyalty and friendliness. These four-legged jesters are among the best apartment dogs because they don’t require large living spaces. Pugs also get along well with kids and other dogs, making them wonderful additions to larger families.

The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a small, low-shedding breed that makes for a great apartment dog. This pup is a loving companion dog that doesn’t tend to bark much, so your neighbors will appreciate your dog!

French Bulldogs are apartment dogs that can do it all. You won’t need to take them out for long walks, and because this laid-back breed weighs under 30 pounds, they won’t take up much space, either. This easy-going small dog will love to curl up beside you on the couch to binge your favorite shows with you.

The Greyhound

You might think that the fastest animal in the dog kingdom wouldn’t be on a list for best apartment friendly dogs, but you’d be wrong! Greyhounds have two speeds: they either sprint or nap and as long as they get regular exercise, they are happy to lazily live with you in a smaller space. Do plan to regularly take your greyhound to the dog park to get that energy out. These pups are called “mellow house pets;” they are also intelligent, which means they are highly trainable. However, Greyhounds can be solitary and may be happier as the only pet in a family.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed and apartment dog that loves the company of people and other animals. These dogs are mild-mannered and highly affectionate with their human companions and furry friends. These cuddly canines also don’t shed much, making them perfect apartment dogs. Daily walks at the park will keep these pups happy, but snuggling with you in your apartment will make them even more content.

The Boston Terrier

When it comes to listing the best dog breeds for apartment living, we can’t forget this adorable pup! The Boston Terrier is a lovable, incredibly intelligent breed and affectionate dog that has been popular for over one hundred years. They are adaptable apartment dwellers with a calm demeanor. They don’t require much space to feel at home in an apartment or condo. The Boston Terrier’s “American Gentlemen” nickname comes from the breed’s distinctive tuxedo markings but also because of the dog’s gentle and proper nature. Boston terriers are perfect for people with apartments. They can use up all their exercise needs indoors and not bother your downstairs neighbors while they do it.

The Great Dane

You might think that these gentle giants are too big for small apartments, but you’d be surprised! Great Danes make wonderful apartment pets and are perfect for those pet parents who want a couch potato companion. They’re patient and friendly dogs who don’t require lengthy exercise sessions like most other large breeds do. This big dog only needs about an hour’s worth of exercise each day to keep them happy and content! These majestic canines can quite happily spend all day lounging on your sofa as long as they are near their best friend —you!

The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is one of the friendliest and most adorable canine breeds. This pint-sized cutie is always ready to please their owner. That means they’ll spend long stretches sitting quietly in an apartment with you or accompanying you on a walk in the park. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living; at only 15 pounds, this sweet pup is quiet, and nearby neighbors won’t know she is there!

As one of the smallest dog breeds, the Bichon is a happy-go-lucky pup with an endearing personality. This dog breed loves kids, other family pets and has the trait that makes them great around people with allergies—their coat! This pup is also a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed much at all, which makes it a perfect apartment dog if you don’t want to spend lots of time vacuuming your home.

The Basset Hound

The Basset is a loyal and steady companion. It’s all thanks to their exercise requirements that these dogs make some of the best apartment pets, as they’re perfectly content with just one good walk per day. Bassets have prominent voices, which can be entertaining or surprising at times, depending on who you ask (or how close your neighbors are).

The hound breed is one of the messiest dogs because they enjoy digging, drool a lot, and are fond of sloshing water when drinking. This breed also sheds, even though it has a short hair coat. This hound may not be the best apartment dog if you are not home often. This breed can easily suffer from separation anxiety if they don’t see you for long periods of time. If you don’t mind cleaning up the occasional mess, the Basset will be a loving companion who enjoys spending lazy days in the sun by your side.

The Basenji

Contrary to popular opinion, the Basenji is not a completely silent dog, although they rarely bark. Although they are called the “barkless dog,” instead of the typical vocalizations from barking dogs, this breed has an odd grunt which some people describe as sounding like laughter or chortling. Basenjis are also lightweight at less than 25 pounds and are easy to care for. It’s the perfect intelligent dog breed if you want a pup with catlike personality traits. Even better, the basenji sheds little, so if you or a family member suffer from dander allergies, this dog breed might be the one for you.

This clever little dog is not for everyone. Basenjis require an active lifestyle owner who can provide them with plenty of exercise and toys. Still, they make great companions because this breed is so well-mannered and has an affectionate nature.

The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is ideal for apartments because of their small size. This means that even if you live in a tiny downtown studio or small apartment, this breed will fit right into its limited space, thanks to their diminutive stature. Chihuahuas are perfect for households that consist of adults and children, but be prepared to spoil them: this breed craves attention more than anything else in this world. They form a very close bond with the humans they love so much.

Chihuahuas make excellent apartment dwellers due to their compact size. You should brush your Chihuahua daily and make sure their ears stay clean. This breed needs minimal exercise but should have a brief daily walk.

Final Thoughts

After reading this list of dog breeds for apartment living, you hopefully have a better idea of those breeds that are suitable for your current living situation. Now all you need to do is find your ideal roommate and spoil them rotten!

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The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.