Apartments often have limited living space than what most dogs are comfortable with. However, you will be surprised that there are many breeds of small dogs which are suitable and will thrive in your apartment with you. Most of these small dog breeds have less grooming needs and are quite placid when it comes to their energy levels. Most breeds of dogs which can live well in apartments have calmer natures, are easily exercised, and don’t get stressed or bored too easily. A lot of them are highly adaptable and flexible. They can survive in almost all kinds of environments, as long as they are provided with food, water, a safe place to sleep, and of course, the love and attention from their humans that they know they are part of the pack. These small dongs are also excellent companions for small houses and other tight spaces.
Another reason that apartment dwellers do not need to forgo pet ownership, is that caring for a small dog is a lot easier and cheaper than their larger siblings. They eat a lot less than the averaged sized dog, and also most of them shed less than a normal sized dog which is good for people who want to avoid allergens. Small dogs for apartments are increasing in popularity every day; they have a lot of great attributes that many people want in a dog without any of the size problems. Small dog breeds are ideal for several reasons and here are the top 10 small dog breeds which have been found to do well in apartment living, in no particular favourite order!
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built and of a medium or small stature. Apartment dwellers love these easy going dogs for their small size and quiet nature. Their small size and low energy needs will make them the perfect small dog breed for you and your apartment.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be difficult to housebreak without firm training and lots of positive reinforcement, but they are an intelligent breed and thus can learn quickly. When raised with a firm pack leader (ie you!) they are wonderful dogs, so long as they aren’t allowed to develop any bad dominating behaviours, especially around jumping on people and snapping at children. Chihuahuas are perfect for apartment dwelling since they do not require regular walks outside the home.
Pug
Pugs are the perfect breed when you have very close neighbours who might also have dogs too, as Pugs are incredibly sociable and likeable. They are small dogs that are know for their friendly behaviour and intelligent nature. Pugs are considered the best dogs for apartment life as they need very little space and have an extremely friendly temperament.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are well known as the ‘hot dog’ dog. They are small, have short legs, and a long body that has been likened to a hot dog. These are one of the best small dogs to have in an apartment. They are moderately active, and re laid back enough not to care if they don’t have a backyard to run around in, so long as they do have daily walks and outside time.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender fine-boned little dog weighing only a maximum of 11 pounds. It is an affectionate, kind-mannered and submissive breed, wanting nothing more than to please its owner. The Italian Greyhound can switch from couch potato to fast, agile athlete in an instant, s be sure to make them heel on a lead when walking, and train their recall really well. Italian Greyhounds are the perfect small dog breed for apartment living.
Boston Terrier
They are as polite as a dog can be, and therefore, the Boston Terrier make wonderful apartment pets. They are quiet, so they wont annoy your neighbours, and they bond closely with their owners, showing undying affection and loyalty. They require only moderate amounts of exercise, and are quite content to relax at home with their people.
Chinese Crested
This breed is extremely low maintenance and does not require much activity. They spend most of their day laying down and resting. The Chinese Crested is a remarkably laid back breed. These dogs make the perfect companion for a lower energy owner. Their ability to lay in bed for hours, coupled with their small size, makes them the perfect low-maintenance apartment dweller.
Poodles
Poodles possess a remarkable intelligence which makes them one of the the best dog breeds to train, and one of the best breeds for apartment living. They are highly sociable and love to be around people They are lively, and can be very amusing. They are highly adapted to living indoors but they love to spend time playing outdoors and being social. Making sure they get enough attention, mental stimulation and exercise ensures they do not become highly strung.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a toy breed which possesses a fluffy haired coat. They crave the company of the human members of their pack, and thus can make them perfect for living in an apartment with you. They possess a happy temperament and an exceptional intelligence that makes them easy to train. They are highly sociable and will do very well in the company of other pets.
Bassets
Bassets are generally a quiet breed, and if they are boisterous as a puppy, with good training and clear rules for the dog to live by, they are a calm and peaceful pet. Because they have short legs, Bassets appear to be smaller than they are, but these heavy-bodies scent hounds usually weigh in between 50-60 pounds. They love to please people, especially their owners, and they are definitely a recommended breed for small houses or apartment living.
How to Choose the Best Dogs for Apartment Living
Just because you live in a small home or apartment does not mean you cannot have a dog. Once you have made that commitment to yourself, you can choose which breed of dog is most suitable for you and your lifestyle. Here are our top things to consider before making your decision which include the following.
- Choose a Dog Based on their size: Not all dog sizes are fitting for an apartment. Looking for smaller dog breeds will ensure that your dog remains comfortable in their new home, but also they will probably have a lesser need for big long walks than their big-dog cousins who need exercising every second hour.
- Select a Breed Based on Temperament: Choosing a dog that has a calm and quiet temperament will keep your dog comfortable and keep you from having to walk them every hour. They will also be more relaxed if you have to leave them alone in your apartment while you go to work all day. A dog that is calm and confident won’t necessarily feel the need to chew your shoes because they smell like you and he is missing you.
- Select a Dog That is Sociable: Sociable dogs will be more likely to engage with other dogs that they come across without displaying aggressive behaviour, so when you are exercising your pup in the shared garden area of your apartment building, they can actually have a play and run around with the other dogs in the park. This means you get to enjoy watching your dogs tire themselves out without you having to take them on a bigger walk! Who doesn’t love a win-win!
- Choose a Quiet Breed: Living in an apartment means that you will inevitably have neighbors. Choosing a quiet dog that does not react and bark at every sound, noise, or movement they detect will keep both you and your neighbors happy.
We hope these tips and guides have helped you to choose the right small dog breed for your apartment life. If you’d like to know more, have a read through the breed descriptions, and maybe contact some breeders or shelters to meet some small dogs that might fit perfectly into your life.
