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8 Best Dogs For Apartments
To find a perfect dog for your apartment, you need to consider what kind of lifestyle you lead and how active that lifestyle is. Smaller breeds may be better suited for apartment living because they require less exercise and grooming requirements are not as extensive.
To decide what kind of dog will be best for you, you need to know how much space you have in your apartment. Larger breeds may not be ideal because they take up more space, require more time to groom themselves and make noise by barking or making other noises while playing outside.
Some of the most popular breeds for apartments are also some of the easiest to care for and handle. Let's look at some of the most popular breeds and see which one will fit into the lifestyle of an apartment.
1. French Bulldog
A French Bulldog is the best overall dog for apartments because it is small, easy to groom, and lazy. It does not require a lot of maintenance or exercise, but it can be rambunctious and get into areas it shouldn’t around the house.
The French Bulldog is an ideal pet for apartment dwellers because they are popular with kids due to their small size. They are also relatively easy to train and quiet. They are not known to bark often and cause any problems for neighbors.
This dog is known for its affectionate nature and low-maintenance needs. They are small in size, which means they don't need much space to roam around in an apartment. However, they can be prone to health issues.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dogs for apartments. They are small, gentle, and easy to take care of. But there is more to this particular breed than meets the eye.
There are some hidden qualities that make them a perfect pick as a pet for those who live in an apartment. They are intelligent, eager to please, and friendly with children. All of these traits make them great dogs for apartments.
This dog also tends to be happier lounging around rather than running outside for extended exercise. They do not require a ton of attention all day and offer plenty of independence at a small size even for studios.
3. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the best dogs for apartments because they are friendly, even with children, cats, and other dogs. They are also easy to train and make great companions with a long lifespan up to 15 years old.
The Basset Hound is a short-legged, short-haired breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting. They need regular exercise like all dogs but overall their energy levels are low and perfect for apartments.
It's a gentle and easy-going dog that will never cause trouble in your home. Not only that, this breed has an easy-to-groom coat that doesn’t shed too much. They are very independent too and don’t require too much effort.
The only downside to a Basset Hound is the loud barks, but because they have such low energy levels it tends to not be much of an issue overall.
4. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small dog that is easy to care for and can live in an apartment. This breed of dogs is awesome because they love to relax and they rarely shed thanks to their apartment-friendly coat.
A Bolognese is a good choice for apartment dog owners because they are small, making it easier to carry around with them everywhere. They also require little exercise as they don’t need to run as much as other dogs do as long as their food, walks, and playtime are consistent.
This is a small and easy to care for dog that makes it perfect for apartments. Not only are they known for not barking, but they also make a great companion with low energy that works well for apartment renters.
5. Beagle
Beagles are excellent apartment dogs because they don't need too much exercise and they're easy to care for. Beagles often require less grooming than most dogs and won't shed excessively.
The Beagle is an intelligent and social animal that is not only small but also has low energy and size. These dogs are known for being good with people and other animals. They can be brought anywhere and do well in practically any environment.
Many apartments are small and the beagle, with its short coat, small frame, and tendency to stay close to home, makes it an ideal pet for the apartment-dwelling lifestyle. The only risk with owning a beagle is how loud it can get.
6. Maltese
A Maltese is a small dog that does not require a lot of room to roam. For this reason, they are perfect for apartment living. They can be active at times which makes for a lot of fun, but they do not need a ton of exercise every day.
This dog is also protective yet friendly with other dogs and small animals, making them a good choice for apartment living. The other good thing about this breed is that they do not require much grooming, so their owners will save time on their time off from work.
Maltese are small, fluffy, and intelligent dogs. They are known to be aggressive with strangers who approach their territory but they warm up to people quickly.
These dogs are perfect for apartments because they are not too large or too loud. They are also easy to train and have a lot of patience. This is one of the best breeds for apartment living because they love human companionship and also don't require lots of room to run around in.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are beautiful dogs that make excellent apartment pets. They are also relatively small, making them easy to move around and take care of.
These dogs are known for their intelligence, docility, and trainability, which make them perfect apartment dogs. For these reasons, it is one of the best apartment dogs you can find.
They are small enough to stay within your apartment without causing too much damage or too much mess. They will never get out of their boundaries and they are usually very friendly.
These dogs are also super good at calming people down too. Even if you're not feeling well, one of these fuzzy monsters can make your day better. A household with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi will be low-maintenance and require minimal grooming.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, curly-haired dog with a distinctive appearance. They are usually white and have brown or black eyes. These dogs have an active lifestyle and need daily exercise, so they should be walked on a leash all the time.
The most important thing about this breed of dogs is that they have an independent personality, so you should not expect too much from them when it comes to training. They are lap dogs that love to relax with their owners.
Bichons are the ideal pet to share with children because they are gentle and loving with smaller pets too. This dog does not require too much exercise and is one of the easier dogs to take care of.
What To Consider For Dogs in Apartments
Dogs can be a great option for those who want to live in an apartment and not have the responsibility of owning a pet. But there are some factors you need to consider first.
Many new apartments don't provide pet-friendly amenities, so it's key to ask questions about your specific dog's lifestyle. This means asking about the size of the apartment and whether or not a specific dog breed will be comfortable there.
Beyond just the apartment requirements, there are also specific criteria that a dog should meet for an apartment too. They will get along much better in smaller spaces and they feel more comfortable in an apartment environment.
Size
It's important to consider the size of both your apartment and the dog when trying to find the right match. The amount of space you have will be a deciding factor in what breed types you can allow in your home.
However, you should limit your choices as someone who lives in an apartment. Smaller dogs tend to be the better choice because they require less work and they will optimize the space you have available in your home.
Coat Type
The breed of a dog is not the only factor that determines how much it will shed. There are other factors like their coat type and coat length matter when you are finding the best dog for an apartment.
The dog’s coat type will determine the amount of shedding and the amount of grooming they need. This is a major factor when you have a smaller space because of the mess a lot of shedding can cause.
Exercise Needs
If you want to ensure the health of your dog, it is important to note their activity level so that you can choose the right breed for their needs. That way you can avoid common health problems like obesity and arthritis.
It's also important to remember that not all dogs are created equal, so some breeds need more exercise than others. Before deciding whether or not a certain breed is right for your apartment, take into account what exercise needs they have as well as what activity level they require.
Personality
It's important when you're looking at breeds of dogs that you consider their behavior towards strangers, children, other animals, and even other dogs in the household. A dog with a high drive and activity is not going to get along well in an apartment.
The personalities of dogs are noted for how they react to different situations and people. Some dogs like to be more independent and need a lot of time alone while others like to be around people and other dogs all the time.
Why Are Some Dogs Bad For Apartments?
Dogs need lots of exercise and play to stay happy and healthy. Some dogs might be too active for an apartment, so owners should consider whether or not they can handle a larger space for them.
Dogs with too much energy can be bad for apartments because their size means that they cannot have access to a yard. And when they are unable to get that exercise, it can hurt both behavior and health.
Another thing that can be negative for some dogs is their barking. It is not the end of the world to have a barking dog in your apartment, but some breeds are much louder and they can be difficult to keep quiet regularly in an apartment.
The size of your dog also matters. Some apartment complexes may even forbid having dogs or pets over a certain size. The rules will vary based on location, but larger dogs tend to be more difficult to take care of when living in an apartment.
Should You Get a Dog If You Live In An Apartment?
Some people may think it is not possible to own a dog and live in an apartment, but it can be done if you implement the right lifestyle. Consider some of the dogs in this guide as a starting point to finding the right breed for your apartment.
You can meet the needs of your dog by taking your pup for walks around the neighborhood or getting it some vigorous playtime at the park. You should consider buying dog-friendly toys and treats for your pet. These will keep them entertained and healthy while they're indoors during cold days or winter months.
Space will typically be a primary concern, but it is possible to keep a dog happy and healthy in an apartment without too much trouble. It’s always best to make sure that you can give them enough attention and build them their own little space in an area of the apartment.
If you can’t take your dog for walks regularly, you will have problems controlling its behaviors and training it effectively. You also need to make sure that your apartment is large enough for it to live comfortably.
