When you live in an apartment, finding the perfect dog can feel like a challenge. You share walls with neighbors, and you have a limited amount of storage space.
Luckily, there are many breeds of dogs that do well living in small spaces. But, be sure to keep in mind that some dog breeds need more exercise than others.
Chihuahua
Choosing the right dog for apartment living can be a challenge, especially for people who have limited space. But, don't worry--there are many breeds that make great apartment pets!
Chihuahuas are small dogs that fit in well with most apartment living. They don't need large spaces but they do require plenty of love and attention to stay happy.
They are a little needy and can become jealous of children, so it is important to consider this when considering them for adoption. They also need to be given regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher was bred in Germany centuries ago to hunt rodents and is a good companion for people who are allergic to dogs. A hypoallergenic breed, they aren’t prone to drooling or barking too much and are easy to train.
They’re generally obedient, but they can be stubborn, so early and consistent training is essential to ensure that your pup will respect you. Positive reinforcement training can help, and Burch recommends short sessions to keep them interested.
These small, toy-sized German terriers have a distinctive round head, a pronounced tusk, bushy eyebrows, and a stiff, wiry coat. The French nickname them diablotin moustachu, or “mustached little devil,” because of their ape-like appearance.
French Bulldog
If you are thinking of adopting a dog but you live in an apartment, there are many breeds that make great pets for this type of living. One of these dogs is the French Bulldog.
This breed is small and doesn’t need a lot of space to roam around. They also don’t bark a lot and are very affectionate.
Another reason why this dog makes a great apartment pet is that they are very easy to groom. They don’t shed too much, but they do need regular brushing to keep their coats clean.
Pug
Pugs are one of the best dogs for apartment living. Their small size and calm disposition make them the perfect choice for those who live in smaller apartments.
Besides being a great apartment dog, Pugs are also incredibly loyal to their owners. They’ll want to be right by your side, so training them to be obedient is essential.
They don’t need a lot of exercise, so a walk once a day is enough. They also like to socialize, so taking them for walks is an easy way to meet other people and their dogs in the neighborhood.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good choice for apartment living because they are generally quiet and well-behaved. They're also friendly and amiable, making them easy to live with in a busy home with children or seniors.
They make great housemates, though they don't do well left alone for long periods of time outside because of their hunting instincts.
They can be trained to go outside on their own and are happy with a daily walk. They're also a good candidate for puppy training and have been known to perform well in canine sports like obedience and agility.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, lovable breed that makes a great apartment dog. These petite dogs can be quite clingy, so they are best suited to a household with a devoted owner who will be home most of the time.
These dogs are intelligent and have a high level of loyalty, so they need training from an early age to help them develop good behavior. They do well when training is done with kindness, consistency and positive reinforcement.
Grooming depends on the coat type, but both types require frequent brushing and bathing to keep their hair and skin healthy. Rough-coated Brussels Griffons will also need to have their characteristic beard and shaggier hair clipped by a professional every few months.
Irish Wolfhound
Despite their long history as war dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants that make excellent family pets. They get along well with children, other dogs, and cats.
They love long walks and exercise outdoors. A fenced yard is ideal to give them space to run and gallop.
They are big dogs and need plenty of space to grow and thrive. However, they can suffer from serious health conditions such as heart disease and cancers of the hips, elbows, and heart.
