With more and more people living in apartments these days, and dogs being more popular as pets than ever, it’s not hard to see that many people are interested in finding the best apartment dogs. It’s important to consider some qualities that make a dog good for apartment living and to steer clear of some dogs that won’t be good candidates for living in an apartment.
What are the Best Apartment Dogs?
It should be said that if you have your heart set on a particular breed or kind of dog, you can probably make just about any situation work.
To qualify that statement, you can probably make most situations work IF you’re willing to put the effort into exercising your dog, training him and keeping everyone happy.
But, some dogs adapt much easier to living in an apartment than others. Don’t expect a 125 pound Rottweiler to thrive in a small apartment.
On the other hand, don’t expect that all small dog breeds will be well suited to apartment living. In general, the best apartment dogs have the following traits in common:
- They are quiet
- They have exercise needs that are easily met
- They get along well with other people and pets
No Barking Dogs Please
Dogs that are prone to barking and howling are not going to be welcome in an apartment building. One of the surest ways to get on your neighbors’ bad side is having a dog who disturbs them at all hours of the day or night. That means that Beagles who like to bay or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen who howl are not recommended for life as apartment dogs.
In fact, many of the scenthounds from the Hound group have a problem with howling, barking and baying which may make them undesirable as apartment dogs so be sure to do your homework before you consider getting one of these dogs if you live in an apartment.h
The Best Apartment Dogs Need Less Exercise
Dogs which need a great deal of exercise can also be problematic if you live in an apartment. If you are willing and able to walk your dog daily and see to it that he gets a good run several times per week, then you can consider some of the more active breeds, such as a Greyhound dog, the Sporting breeds, and some of the Herding breeds.
But if you’re not willing to commit to providing plenty of exercise for your dog you should focus on small dog breeds who need less exercise. With enough exercise a Brittany, a Field Spaniel, a Sussex Spaniel or a Boykin Spaniel can be good apartment dogs, for example. These are all medium-sized, loving, devoted breeds but they do need regular exercise.
Good Apartment Dogs Get Along with People and Pets
If you live in close quarters in an apartment building you’ll likely be taking your dog in and out of the building frequently. This means that you’ll be encountering other people in the building and people outside frequently, as well as other pets. You may share elevators or stairs with other tenants or pets.
It’s best to have a dog with a good temperament who can pass or meet people and pets without any bad behavior. This rules out dogs with an aggressive edge. You should also be able to control any dog you intend to walk.
No Stereotypes for the Best Apartment Dogs
With all that said, it’s best not to make assumptions about specific dog breeds. There are some large dog breeds which make good apartment dogs while some small dog breeds may be too active or noisy to succeed in an apartment.
For example, the Standard Poodle is a large dog but they generally make good apartment dogs. They are intelligent, dog training is generally easy, they are relatively quiet, and they only require average exercise for a large dog. They also have minimal shedding which may be another important consideration if you live in an apartment or if you have allergies.
Retired Greyhound dogs also make good apartment dogs. Although they need regular exercise and a good run several times per week, Greyhounds are quiet and very calm in the home. They spend most days relaxing and sleeping. They’re also very affectionate and loving.
So, it’s best not to automatically rule out all large dog breeds just because you live in an apartment. At the same time, many Terriers and Herding dogs are very active and and energetic, taking them out of the best apartment dogs category.
A Border Collie, for instance, is only a small-medium dog. However, they are extremely intelligent. Unless they receive lots of exercise and have a job to do or some training, a Border Collie can become very unhappy and keep himself busy by destroying your apartment.
There are many things to consider when choosing a dog other than size. Make sure you find out all you can about any dog breed you may be considering if you live in an apartment.
A Few of the Best Apartment Dogs
Following are some of the best apartment dogs to consider. Remember, temperaments can vary greatly within specific dog breeds and from dog to dog. The following list is a good starting point but is not a guarantee that every dog breed listed will make the best apartment dog for your specific needs.
- Bichon Frise (See the picture to the right)
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer Dog
- Bulldog
- Cairn Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund (different sizes, coat types)
- Greyhound Dog
- Italian Greyhound (See the middle picture on this page)
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
- Poodles (all sizes)
- Pug
- Schipperke
- Schnauzer (Standard and Miniature)
- Scottish Terrier (See the top picture on this page)
- West Highland White Terrier
- Whippet
- Yorkshire Terrier
Important Note: The information presented within this website is general in nature
and is not a guarantee that all dog breeds will display the same personality
or physical characteristics of another, similar breed. Physical characteristics will vary depending on the dog’s parents
and their personalities will often differ depending on who is raising
them and in what environment they are raised, including the other
dogs, pets or animals.