Owning a dog is a joy that millions of people around the world experience every day. However, when it comes to living in an apartment, finding the right breed of dog that can thrive in a smaller living space can be quite a challenge.
Fortunately, there are many breeds of dogs that are well-suited for apartment living, and with proper care and attention, can be happy and healthy companions in these environments.
In this article, we will introduce some of the best apartment dogs that are ideal for apartment living, based on their size, energy level, trainability, grooming needs, and overall temperament.
Whether you are a seasoned dog owner or considering getting a pet for the first time, this guide will help you choose the best breed of dog for your apartment lifestyle.
American Hairless Terrier
bThe American Hairless Terrier can be a good apartment dog for the right owner. This breed is energetic and playful, but they also have a calm and affectionate personality. They are generally good with children and other pets and are highly trainable, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.
As an apartment dog, the American Hairless Terrier has some advantages. They are a small breed, typically weighing between 2 and 7 kg and they do not shed much, so they are a good choice for people with allergies.
They are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, as they do not have a coat to brush or trim.
However, it’s important to note that this breed does require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and disruptive behaviour. So be sure to take them out for regular walks and play.
Havanese
If you live in an apartment, Havanese can be a good choice for a companion animal.
Typically they are a small, low-energy breed with friendly and outgoing personalities. As they tend to get along pretty well with people, children, and other pets, this makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers whose neighbours are close by.
Relatively small in size, they don’t take up too much space, and they also have fairly low energy levels which means they don’t need a lot of exercises. That said, like many breeds of dogs they do enjoy daily walks and playtime, but they won’t need hours of running or other high-intensity activities to stay healthy and happy.
One of the best features of Havanese dogs is that they are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. This means they can be easily taught to behave well in an apartment environment, such as not barking excessively, not jumping on furniture, and using a designated potty area.
Yorkshire Terrier
Affectionately known as the Yorkie, the Yorkshire Terrier represents a good choice of apartment dog.
It’s important to make sure you can provide them with plenty of attention, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. They also require a safe and comfortable living space, with limited exposure to potential hazards that could cause injury or stress.
However, with the right care and attention, they can make wonderful apartment dogs and loyal companions. Being small they are well suited to apartment living. They also have a low energy level and don’t require too much maintenance when it comes to grooming, other than a regular brush of their long, silky coat.
In addition, they also have very affectionate personalities and love nothing more than a good cuddle!
Biewer Terrier
If you are looking for a dog that is oodles of fun, as well as pleasantly energetic and playful, then you should think about the Biewer Terrier.
Enunciated as ‘beaver’, this delightful dog breed is a great choice of pet for those who don’t have back gardens. This is because they are very adaptable to most kinds of living spaces, which is particularly useful if you find yourself having to regularly move apartments.
While they can be a bit of a yappy type of dog, particularly when strangers are involved, they don’t require too much in the way of upkeep and maintenance.
Shih Tzu
A combination of their friendly nature, small stature and terrific ability to adapt make the Shih Tzu a very good choice of apartment dog.
One of the most affectionate breeds on this list, the good old Shih Tzu is the perfect pet to cuddle up with whilst watching TV. It also loves children, gets on well with other pets and doesn’t bark too loudly.
If you do choose to have one as a pet it is important to ensure they have a safe and comfortable living space. You should also think about your furniture carefully, so as to limit its exposure to potential hazards that could cause injury or stress.
Dachshunds
Since the 1950s Dachshunds have been the pet of choice for many apartment dwellers.
Very intelligent dogs, they are eager to please their owners and are relatively easy to train. Therefore they can be taught to behave well in any living environment, especially with regards to not barking excessively, not jumping on furniture, and using a designated potty area.
Another breed of dog that loves the human touch, Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and
affectionate personalities. They often bond closely with their owners and enjoy spending time with them, whether it’s cuddling on the couch or going for a walk.
They also have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain and do not require a lot of grooming, which means you shouldn’t find too many stray hairs about the place!
Maltese
If you work long hours or have young children, a Maltese might not be the best option for an apartment dog. However, if it is just you and maybe your significant other, then it makes a great choice.
To say that these dogs love people is a bit of an understatement! In fact, they love people so much, they need a lot of attention from humans.
However, if you reward them for good behaviour and learning quickly, you will be rewarded with a dog companion that is cute, loyal and happy.
Generally small in size, this breed of dog is another one that has a generally low level of energy. It’s not the loudest barker in the world either and is fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Boston Terrier
While the Maltese might not be the best option if you have children, the Boston Terrier most certainly is!
As they are a small but very loyal breed, they are also pretty good apartment dogs for the elderly too, given that they need very little in the way of grooming.
Boston Terriers are renowned for their friendly and playful personalities. Being highly trainable, they are also an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
While they can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and need to be given regular exercise, they have a calming presence and personality you will instantly bond with.
Lhasa Apso
Whether you live in the heart of the city, or a quiet residential area in the suburbs, the Lhasa Apso is a terrific breed of dog to keep in an apartment.
For a start, their pint-size is very conducive for living in small spaces. They are also not overly energetic and are content with moderate exercise, which means they do not require a lot of space to run and play.
Additionally, as they are quite an independent breed of dog, they are not overly needy. So you should have no qualms about leaving them on their own for a short amount of time, as they are not likely to be too anxious or destructive.
Also, they are pretty chilled out when it comes to their demeanour, which makes them great companions for apartment dwellers who want a dog that is well-behaved and not overly vocal.
Pomeranian
While they are undoubtedly one of the cutest breeds around, the Pomeranian can be well suited for apartment living if you look after them.
Capable of bringing joy and companionship to any owner who is looking for a small, intelligent, and affectionate companion, Pomeranians are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs.
Not only do they love to be close to their owners, they also can be easily trained. Granted, they do have a tendency to bark loudly on occasion and are prone to shedding. But they also have this incredible knack for lifting up your spirits when you are down and possess a gorgeous fluffy appearance that will always melt your heart.
Bulldogs
Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed with low to moderate energy levels that have the potential for being very good apartment dogs.
Overall they tend to be relatively calm and docile, and they enjoy spending time with their owners. However, they can also be stubborn and difficult to train, so it’s important to start this process, as well as socialisation, as soon as you get them.
They may also be prone to drooling and snoring, which could be disruptive to your neighbours. But notwithstanding, if you have kids and are a pretty easy-going type of family, this breed will fit right in.
Poodle
Coming in a range of different sizes including Toy, Miniature, and Standard, the Poodle breed of dog is well suited to apartment living.
Highly intelligent and quick learners, they can easily pick up new tricks and commands, which makes them ideal companions in small living spaces where good behaviour and obedience are vital.
They are a particularly good breed for those with allergies as their hypoallergenic coat hardly sheds anything at all. In addition, they also do not require a lot of outdoor space, as they can be entertained with indoor games and regular walks in the neighbourhood.
They are also known for their affectionate, loyal, and loving nature which is especially good for those dog-lovers who live alone.