Living in an apartment can be tricky for people who want to have a dog. Apartments often don’t have a lot of space for dogs to run around, and you usually don’t have direct access to a yard. This can make it seem like owning a dog in an apartment is a challenge. But just because you don’t have a ton of space doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy and benefits of having a dog.
While some dog breeds do need a lot of space to run and play, many others can easily adjust to apartment living. In fact, some dogs actually prefer living in a smaller space. Typically, dogs that do well in apartments are smaller breeds, have lower energy levels, and don’t shed too much.
Choosing the right breed is always important, but it’s even more crucial when you’re living in an apartment. By picking the right dog for your space, you can make sure your dog will be happy and comfortable. This article will give you some ideas for breeds that are great for apartment living, with helpful information about each one.
Why is it Important to Select the Right Dog Breed for Apartment Living?
Living in an apartment can feel cramped for people, and it can be even tougher for dogs. Larger breeds or those with lots of energy might not feel comfortable in a small space. Without enough room to move around, they can get restless, which often leads to destructive behavior.
There’s more to think about than just how much exercise your dog needs. Breeds that are calm and easy-going tend to adjust to apartment living much better than those with a stubborn or demanding nature. Things like shedding and barking are also important to consider. If a dog sheds a lot, it can make your apartment harder to keep clean and may trigger allergies. Likewise, if a breed is prone to barking or howling, it could disturb your neighbors.
So, choosing the right breed for apartment living is really important. Here are some dog breeds that tend to do well in smaller spaces:
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- Bichon Frise
A small dog weighing 12-18 pounds and standing 9-12 inches tall, the Bichon Frise is cheerful, friendly, and adaptable. They’re easy to train and don’t need much exercise—a short walk is usually enough. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a great choice for people with allergies. - King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Known as the “king of lapdogs,” this breed is affectionate and loves to stay close to their family. They’re perfect for busy people who aren’t home all day. They do well in small spaces and are easy to train. - Maltese
This tiny dog, weighing less than 10 pounds and standing 8-10 inches tall, is sweet, playful, and loves attention. Their low energy and hypoallergenic coat make them a great fit for apartments, though they don’t like being left alone for long periods. - Miniature Poodle
Smaller than the standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle is intelligent, social, and loves both indoor and outdoor activities. Their size, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat make them perfect for apartments. They do need mental and physical stimulation, though. - Affenpinscher
This small, energetic dog loves mental stimulation more than physical exercise. Games like “hide the treat” work wonders for them. They’re usually friendly but can be wary of strangers. They adapt well to apartment living and don’t bark much. - Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are independent and can be tough to train, but they’re small and don’t need much exercise. They require daily grooming and a patient owner. Their laid-back nature makes them well-suited for apartments. - Havanese
This affectionate dog is playful and easy to train. They adapt quickly to apartment living and love snuggling with their owners. They shed very little, though they need regular grooming to keep their coat looking good. - Pug
Pugs are affectionate and calm, making them good for apartment living. They don’t bark often, but they do shed heavily in spring and fall, so regular cleaning is a must. If you’re okay with shedding, a Pug can be a great companion.
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- Shih Tzu
This small, friendly breed doesn’t need much space to get their exercise. A few games of fetch indoors usually do the trick. Shih Tzus are affectionate but can be a bit noisy at times. - Basset Hound
Although larger than some of the other breeds on this list (40-65 pounds), Basset Hounds are calm and enjoy scent-based activities like indoor nose work. Keep in mind that they tend to bark when left alone, and their bark is loud.
