Whether you live in a city like New York or Toronto, you’ve probably contemplated getting a dog to keep you company. The best apartment dogs come in all different shapes and sizes—from the tall Great Dane to a sweet little Shih Tzu. So, if you’re ready to get a pooch for your apartment, then read on!

4 Facts You Need to Know About Best Dogs for Apartments!

  1. The best apartment dogs often tend to be those who are quiet, laid back, and easy to train. This makes the whole process of adjusting to a new environment a lot easier!
  2. When choosing the best dogs for apartments, many dog owners prefer to pick a dog that’s best suited to their lifestyle. So, if you live a relatively active life, then choose a dog who’s more outgoing.
  3. Do you want to make apartment living easier? Hiring a regular dog walker and pet-sitter will help take the edge of meeting your dog’s exercise needs.
  4. Sometimes even the best apartment dogs can’t hold their bladder! So, its highly recommended that owners teach their dog how to urinate on puppy mats or grass litter boxes. This will save you a lot of cleaning time!

What Makes The Best Apartment Dogs?

The best apartment dogs come in all different shapes, sizes, and personalities. If you’re looking to get a pooch for your little home, then it’s important to match the dog breed based on your personality and lifestyle. For example, if you’re a fairly laid back person, looking for an easy-going dog, then choose a Greyhound.

From Big to Small: Types of Good Apartment Dogs

To make things easier, we’ve compiled a brief little list on what we believe make the best apartment dogs. An apartment dog can be classed as:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • low energy level dog breed
  • A pocket size small dog breed

Now, most people who are apartment dwellers ideally want a low shedding, allergy friendly dog. A hypoallergenic dog is a four-legged friend who does not shed at all (or sheds very little). In addition, a hypoallergenic dog is one that produces very little pet dander, making them the ideal companion for those with allergies.

Low-energy dogs are often pups that aren’t considered overly active. Low-energy dogs tend to adapt quite well to the apartment life as they are pretty much-considered couch potatoes. These type of canine companions may often choose a short walk, instead of a long walk. So, they’re ideal for people who live a very busy life!

Now, people who live in an apartment, may simply not have enough space to accommodate a dog. And that’s totally okay! For those of us who live in small apartments, it is best recommended that you choose a small size dog breed that’s capable of adjusting to a small space.

Personality Traits!

When choosing a good apartment dog, you’ll need to look for a pooch that has certain personality traits. To give you an idea of what sort of traits you should be looking for, we’ve created a list to make the pup selection process easier.

  1. Trainability
  2. Barking Factor
  3. Size
  4. Adaptability
  5. Energy Level

To begin with, soon-to-be dog owners need to look for a dog that’s going to be easy to train. This is because, when living in a rented apartment, you’ll need to make sure your pooch is house trained. If a dog is easy to train, then chances are you’ll be able to teach them how to adapt to an environment a lot quicker.

Barking factor is another big personality trait you’ll need to consider. When living in an apartment, you’ll need to be considerate of your neighbors.

Owning a dog that’s generally quiet, and not much of a barker will save you a lot of time and trouble. People who own dogs that bark excessively may face a lot of problems with renting

Size and energy level may go hand-in-hand. If you’ve got a bigger apartment then you could possibly invest in adopting a large dog such as the Great Dane. Consequently, if you’ve got a small apartment then it’s best to stick to a small dog like a Chihuahua.

However, if you live a fairly active lifestyle, then you could potentially go with a large, high-energy dog—Pitbulls are a great example! Consequently, if you live a more sedimentary life, then perhaps a Greyhound would do you good.

Best Dog Breeds for Apartments!

When it comes to choosing the best apartment dogs, it’s important to remember that dogs come in all shapes and sizes. And, for the most part, as long as a dog is adaptable and easy to train, then they’ll do well as apartment dwellers. However, it is crucial that soon-to-be dog owners choose the right dog for their personality and lifestyle. So, here we have created a list on who we believe make great apartment dogs.

Pugs

What’s good about them? Friendly dogs, they can get along well with other pets

What’s not so good? They’re a brachycephalic dog breed which means they may be prone to a lot of health problems. They’re also big eaters! so watch out for obesity!

A charmer amongst doggies! The Pug is perhaps one of the only dog breeds who’s known for their ability to win the hearts of any animal lover.

Goofy, loving, and full of mischievous, the Pug is perfect for people looking for an easy going pooch. And, don’t be surprised! These pups love to eat. So, it’s no wonder why Pugs are considered one of the bigger toy breed dogs— they can weight up to 18 lbs.

Boston Terrier

What’s good about them? The Boston Terrier is a friendly, small little dog. They are adaptable and do well in all types of apartments. They’re low shedding, easy to train, and don’t bark a lot!

What’s not so good? They’re not one of the healthiest breeds out there! The Boston Terrier is quite prone to eye problems, patella luxation, and breathing discomfort.

An apartment dwellers classic! The Boston Terrier is without a doubt one of the more famous dogs that are commonly seen roaming the big city. Boston Terriers are popular among apartment dwellers because they require minimal exercise, adapt well to a small space, and are incredibly fun to watch.  If you’re looking for a dog built for apartment living, then the Boston Terrier is perfect for you!

Yorkshire terrier

What’s good about them? They adapt well to apartment living due to their small size

What’s not so good? For a little guy, Yorkies need plenty of exercises

Little but bold! The Yorkshire Terrier takes the place at number 9 of the AKCs most popular dog breed. These spunky little pups may look gentle and dainty, but they’re extremely bossy! Yorkies often weigh no more than 7lbs and are said to have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. So, if you’re looking for a little toy breed dog, who’s got a big personality—then the Yorkie is for you!

Great Dane

What’s good about them? They’re ideal for owners looking for a big dog. They do well in apartments as they don’t tend to bark a lot and are just giant lap dogs.

What’s not so good? Although they do well in apartments, the Great Dane is a dog breed, better suited to larger apartments due to their size.

If you’re looking for an apartment dog, that’s also a great guard dog then meet the Great Dane! These doggos are incredibly smart, loving, and loyal. Despite they’re a large size, Great Danes actually do quite well in apartments. This is probably because most Great Danes are easy-going puppers!

Chihuahua

What’s good about them? They’re quite portable (small puppers), friendly, low-maintenance, and do not require a lot of exercises

What’s not so good? They can be quite bossy and naughty

Apartment lovers classic! The Chihuahua is perhaps is one of the best apartment dogs to have. These little pups are not only small in size, but they’re also easy to maintain. Chihuahuas don’t require a lot of excercise—a short walk will do just fine! On top of all that, they can be quite easy to travel because of their little size.

Greyhounds

What’s good about them? low exercise needs, low shedding, couch potato

What’s not so good? They aren’t attention seekers, so they’re not suited to someone looking for a clingy companion

Now, you may be wondering—why on earth is the Greyhound on our list of best apartment dogs? Well, contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds actually make quite laid back apartment dogs. Despite their size, Greyhounds need minimal excercise—they’d be happy with a few sprints around the dog park. Apart from that, Greyhounds are low shedding, couch potatoes who’d probably sleep the whole day while you’re at work.

Mastiff

What’s good about them? gentle. giant-sized, and low maintenance

What’s not so good? You’ll need to clean in between their wrinkles and folds on a regular basis, their size can be quite intimidating

Not a fan of small dogs?

Then maybe the Mastiff might be your pooch! The Mastiff dog breed has become iconically known for their large size, wrinkly faces, and couch potato demeanor.

These giant-sized dog breeds make the perfect pet for those looking for an easy going big dog. They’re ideal for people who live in large apartments with elevators!

Beagle

What’s good about them? They’re super cute, low-maintenance, and love to cuddle!

What’s not so good? Beagles love to howl and bark, so apartment dwellers be warned!

A pooch that follows their nose! The Beagle is a quirky, smart little dog that’s perfect for any household. These little guys love to spend time with their owners, so expect a lot of cuddling!

Beagles need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, so make sure you take your Beagle to a dog park or for long walks.

Basset Hound

What’s good about them? They’re low-energy dogs that would be quite pleased to go on a short walk!

What’s not so good? They’re stubborn behavior and tendency to do as they please, makes them difficult to handle. As such these dogs are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

If you’re looking for an easy going pooch then look no further! The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog breed that can weight anywhere from 40 to 65 lbs.

These dogs are well-known for their laid-back persona and stubborn attitudes. But, don’t let this full you!

The Basset Hound is an incredibly intelligent dog, that knows how to get their owners attention.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

What’s good about them? Docile, good-natured, and quite

What’s not so good? May be prone to a few health problems common to the breed

A British beauty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks number 19 as the most popular AKC dog breed. A favorite of King Charles I of Britain, these dog breeds stand anywhere from 12 to 13 inches in height and can weigh up to 18 lbs. The most distinctive feature about this breed is their silky fur and floppy ears.

Small Apartment? Here are the Best Indoor Dogs!

Do you have a really small apartment? Not sure what the best apartment dogs for small homes are? Well check out these adorable little doggies that make the best indoor dogs:

  1. The Bichon Frise: These dogs are high-maintenance! They require grooming every 4 to 6 weeks! But, they’re super friendly and would suit someone who lives in a small apartment
  2. The Cesky Terrier: A smart little cookie! The Cesky Terrier is an incredibly trainable dog. They’re ideal for first-time dog owners who are seeking an active and smart pooch!
  3. Brussels Griffon: Nicknamed the monkey face mutt, the Brussels Griffon is a fearless and loyal companion who’s never going to leave your side. These little pups are well suited to anyone looking for an easy-going dog that’s going to make them laugh for days.
  4. Lhasa Apso: A breed of mysterious origins, the Lhasa Apso is a loving ancient dog breed, that’s said to have originated in Tibet. These dogs are known to live healthy long lives and are incredibly intelligent.
  5. Shiba Inu: Often nicknamed the cat of the dog world. Shiba Inus are very independent little dogs! These spunky little dogs are medium in size and are often said to have a very bossy and stubborn personality. So, although they are super independent, they’re best suited to someone who’s got a grip on dog training.

Those Doggies who don’t Shed!

Tired of seeing tumbleweeds of fur around the house?

Then a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog could be the perfect apartment pooch for you!

Minature Schnauzer

Often nicknamed, “the small dog with a big personality”. The Minature Schnauzer is a small sized dog breed that’s considered a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog.

These dogs often stand anywhere between 12 to 14 inches in height and can weigh up to 20 lbs.

The most distinctive feature of this breed is their fluffy goatee, that’s said to resemble an old man’s beard.

Standard Poodle

Poise, elegant, and smart. The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized dog that’s sure to make any dog-owner smile. Weighing anywhere from 45 to 70 lbs, the Poodle is considered one of the more healthier dog breeds and make out to be one of the best apartment dogs.

They are easy to train, love to please their owners, and require moderate levels of activity. The only downside to the breed is that you’ll need to take them to the groomers every 4 to 6 weeks!

6 Tips You Need To Know About Caring for Apartment Dogs!

  1. Stay ontop of the cleanup duties! There are plenty of ways to keep your house clean when you have dogs; just make sure you don’t slack off!
  2. Exercising your dog is crucial! After a tiring day, pet owners may be tempted to curl up in bed. Remember, no matter what dog you choose, every dog requires daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy. So, make sure you walk your dog a minimum of 3 times daily.
  3. Dog park visits are your new best friend! Can’t figure out how to exercise your pooch? Take them to the local dog park! It’ll help them release any pent-up energy.
  4. Hire a pet sitter or dog walker! If you’ve got a busy life, then hire a dog walker or pet-sitter. This will help keep your dog entertained throughout the day.
  5. Desensitize your pooch to the big city! Living in an apartment is no easy task for a dog. New sights, sounds, and a lot people—all this can be quite scary for a dog. So make sure you begin training and desensitizing your pooch to the city life.
  6. Doggy pee-pads and house training are essential! Because they won’t have access to a backyard, an apartment dog may have a few accidents in the house. So, it’s a really good idea to keep some pee-mats handy!

So, Which Dog is Good for you?

Big or small, there’s a lot of puppers that can make the best apartment dogs!

But, remember, if you want the perfect dog, you’ll need to make sure you do your part! No matter what, it’s important to make sure that all dogs receive plenty of playtime, social time, walks, and human companionship in order to thrive in their home!

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Katelyn Son