Finding a suitable apartment for yourself that is also pet friendly and without restrictions can be a daunting task. You also have to consider your neighbors, amount of space, the breed of dog to adopt, and its needs. Some dog breeds are okay with small spaces and little exercise, while other breeds do better with big spaces and lots of exercises.
Dive in as we help you with a list of the best dog breeds suitable for apartment living.
If you are a dog lover, living in an apartment shouldn’t stop you from living with your fluffy best friend. Before settling on a particular breed, it’s important to consider the breed’s shedding level, the activity intensity, barking degree, and friendliness. Choosing a breed that suits your living environment and lifestyle is best.
Below is a list of 20 best dog breeds suitable for best dog breeds for living in an apartment.
20 Best Dog Breeds for People Living in Apartments
1. Bichon Frise
The first time you see the Bichon Frise, you’ll fall in love at first sight. With their cotton ball-like looks, they can be mistaken for a toy. Despite all that fluff, they don’t shed a lot. They are high-spirited, and don’t do well when left alone.
If your neighbors prefer peace and quiet, this breed isn’t your type, as it’s known for its excessive barking.
2. Bolognese
The Bolognese is originally from Italy and is regarded as a companion dog. They are fluffy, white-coated, and small. They are difficult to train and can easily manipulate you. Their barking degree is high, but these dogs have low fur-shedding levels. They don’t cope well if left alone and love to be around their human family.
Fun fact! During the Renaissance era, Bolognese dogs were status symbols due to their beauty and loyalty.
3. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is also known as the “American gentleman” because of their tuxedo-like markings. The first thing you’ll notice about Boston Terriers is their large, round eyes and erect ears. Being small in size makes them suitable for apartment living. Boston Terriers were bred originally as fighting dogs, but are affectionate dogs that don’t need much exercise. They tend to overheat because of their short noses and are susceptible to corneal ulcers due to their large eyes.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a companion dog great for apartment life. The size of this small dog is just perfect for limited spaces and that’s just one of the reasons that make it perfect for apartment life. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love following their masters. On that note, they need short periods of exercise every day. Take this chance to bond with each other at the nearest dog park.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are popularly known for their sassiness and love for attention. They are the smallest dog breed, but with larger-than-life personalities. They require minimal exercise and are perfect for apartments with limited space. The downside with Chihuahuas is that they can’t be left alone for long.
They have moderate energy and barking levels and low shedding.
6. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a short-legged dog that was originally bred for hunting burrow animals in Germany. They have long bodies and this gives them the nickname “sausage dogs.” These little fellows don’t need so much space and are excellent for small apartments. Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that require to be constantly engaged, otherwise they get bored quickly.
They are independent dogs yet very playful with a deep bark.
7. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs have goofy faces because of their tiny snouts. However, don’t let their goofy appearance scare you from adopting them and taking them home to your apartment as they are very tranquil, easy-going, and couch-cordial. If exercising isn’t your thing, then the English Bulldog is your perfect fit, as they’re lazy. They only require a short walk in the neighborhood. You need to be extra careful with their dental grooming as they often have issues with their teeth.
Additional trivia, the U.S. Marines and the University of Georgia have the English Bulldog as their mascots.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are very small, weighing 28 pounds. But don’t let their small size fool you; they are well-mannered, easy to train, friendly, hardly bark, and are loyal. They, however, require round-the-clock attention. Be aware that they don’t cope well with excessive heat. French Bulldogs don’t need a great deal of exercise.
Due to their short snouts, French Bulldogs can’t swim. Their short legs and big heads prevent them from staying afloat.
9. Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a variety of terrier breeds originally bred in Ireland for hunting. They are agile, courageous, loyal, and gentle. They require less grooming than many other dogs, but lots of playtime and daily exercise. Since Glen of Imaal Terriers are naturally good-natured, they are suitable for apartment living. Additionally, these terriers don’t bark that much because they were trained to work in silence as hunters.
10. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smaller version of the racing greyhound, weighing just 10 pounds. A small to medium-sized apartment is enough for their short bursts of energy. They are very sensitive and struggle when left alone for long. Because of their athletic nature, they need regular exercise.
Italian Greyhounds are easy to train, but have a short attention span. Keep the training short and offer rewarding treats. Go for naturals, with herbal products that your Italian Greyhound will love.
11. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin makes a wonderful lapdog. They have huge, wide-set eyes with V-shaped ears. They have minimal shedding levels, low energy levels, and minimal barking. Furthermore, they are intelligent and well suited for an indoor environment, as they don’t need a lot of exercise. However, they do require regular grooming and keep them away from extreme heat.
Because of their cat-like nature, the Japanese Chin will climb over things, jump over high furniture and even groom themselves.
12. Papillon
The Papillon is a type of spaniel breed. Although they are considered lapdogs, they are very playful, affectionate, and active. Their most striking feature is their butterfly-like ears. In fact, its name is the French word for butterfly.
Papillons also have long, silky, soft coat makes them attractive dogs, but they do need regular grooming. Because they are small and are satisfied being with their owners, they are amazing apartment dogs.
13. Pekingese
Pekingese are captivating little fur balls and arepopular for being quiet, loving, and independent. The striking feature about them is their long manes. They have a high shedding degree, but are low maintenance in terms of grooming.
Pekingese can be aggressive, and their compact size can protect your apartment. Their self-important attitudes can make training difficult.
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From the name, you can tell that this, cute dog breed, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi originates from Wales, where it was bred for cattle herding. They are foxy-faced with pricked-up ears and short statures.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and easy to train. They have high energy levels, so they require daily exercise. However, their small size and love for cuddles make them excellent for apartment dwellers.
They are popularly known as the queen’s dog breed because they are Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite type of dog.
15. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are alert and bark loudly.
They have beautiful long coats which require daily grooming. If you spend most of the time away from your apartment at work, they’re the perfect fit, as they aren’t overly attached and dependent. They do need daily exercise, though.
Pomeranians are affectionately known as “poms”. A pom duo is known as a puff, while a trio or more is known as tuft.
16. Pug
The Pug is a very curious breed, and likes frequent walks to survey its surroundings. They constantly need to be around their owners and don’t cope well when alone. The Pug has a glossy coat and tends to shed a lot. They like to sleep more than to exercise and are relatively calm.
Pugs can’t stand heat and humidity because of their short muzzles. Also, because of theireyes, they are likely to get eye injuries.
17. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a doting dog breed with lots of love to share. Popular dog breed to dog lovers, their most noticeable features are their large round eyes, floppy ears, and short snouts. Because of their long coats, they need daily grooming.
They are fairly quiet and friendly to the neighbors, which are important factors that make them one of the best apartment dogs.
18. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle has an elegant appearance with a long neck and lean muzzle. They have low shedding and barking levels, but are highly energetic.
Poodles are clever, quick learners and are very loyal. As a result, there’s a need to engage them mentally. They require daily walks and grooming.
Toy Poodles consider themselves as part of the family and don’t take it lightly when left out of family activities.
19. Whippet
The Whippet’s stylish appearance makes them popular as family companions.
They have high energy levels, so require a lot of exercise. A walk in the nearest dog park is enough. If your neighbors are fond of peace and quiet, this is your dog, as they rarely bark.
20. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a great apartment dog. It is small but with a huge, affectionate personality. Even though they are small, they are bold, independent, intelligent, and courageous.
To match their energy levels, these dogs need daily walks. If you live in a medium-sized apartment, walking around is enough to give them enough exercise due to their small size. Their most outstanding feature is their elegant, straight, long, and fine coat that does not shed much.
Bottom line
Living in an apartment shouldn’t stop you from owning a dog. If cleaning the fur is one of your concerns, purchase a robot vacuum that can clean small spaces like apartments. Once all the important matters have been taken into consideration, you and your furry friend can still enjoy good times together.
Choosing the best apartment dog will, however, depend on your environment and lifestyle.