The 10 Best Dog Breeds For Living In A Small Apartment
Nowadays, seemingly everyone has a dog. However, if by some chance someone doesn’t, it’s pretty likely that they want one. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, though, so it should always be thoroughly thought about before deciding to get a dog. But, once you’ve taken some time to think about it and have decided that you can get one, you need to make sure your dog will do well in the space that you have. For most of us, that is a small apartment. Just be sure to check with your landlord on what the pet policy is and then check out this list of the best dog breeds that would be suited for small apartment living.
1. Boston Terrier
These dogs rarely grow above a foot and a half, which typically is ideal for small living spaces. These dogs can, however, be hyper, so it is important they get daily exercise. Nevertheless, these dogs make for great, affectionate pets. They are definitely one of the best dog breeds for apartments!
2. Bulldog
These dogs are most known for their laziness, making them the perfect apartment dogs. A short walk is all these dogs need to stay happy. Even so, they’re just as happy to lounge around and snooze all day. They are incredibly gentle dogs and rarely get bigger than 18 inches.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This dog will quickly become your cuddle buddy. They get very attached to their owners and don’t get very big, which is why they are ideal for apartments. Just keep in mind that they can be hard to train, but with time outdoors and positive reinforcement, they will quickly become well-trained pets.
4. Chihuahua
Known for their small size, these dogs make great apartment pets. They don’t need a lot of exercise and love being close to their owners. Just make sure to socialize them and supervise them in social situations, as they can be untrusting of strangers.
5. Coton de Tulear
This happy-go-lucky breed is great for apartment living. They are small in size, have easy to care for coats, they are very friendly with other animals and humans, and don’t require a lot of exercise. While they would never say no to a walk or a quick game of fetch, they’re just as happy staying inside all day, too.
6. Pomeranian
This breed is a feisty fur ball of energy. They are not overly dependent, so they are a good breed for anyone who will be spending a lot of time out of the apartment. They do, however, need daily walks to work off their energy, as well as weekly brushings. Also, they tend to bark a lot, so it’s important to train them early to have them bark only when necessary.
7. Pug
This playful and loyal breed will quickly become your new best friend. They don’t bark a lot, so they don’t require any special training to keep your neighbors happy. They do, however, like to be close to their owners and do not do well alone, so if you plan on being out of the apartment a lot, this may not be the breed for you. Pugs are some of the cutest and best dog breeds for apartments!
8. Shiba Inu
This breed is known for its independence. They only get to be about 20 pounds, so they are a good size for small apartments. They do, however, require a lot of daily exercise, so they are best suited for owners with active lifestyles.
9. German Shepherd
Just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a big dog (just be sure to check if your building has a weight restriction.) German Shepherds are very easy to train, typically only bark when necessary, and are protective of their owners, making them ideal for anyone living alone in an apartment. They do, however, require a lot of daily exercise to keep them happy. If you can handle daily activity and a little dog hair (they shed a lot), though, they make for the most amazing pets – truly a dog lovers’ dog.
10. Greyhound
These dogs are friendly, calm, and will be satisfied with a daily brisk walk, making them ideal for apartments.
