Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t own a dog. There are many breeds of apartment-friendly dogs that work well for city dwellers. While many small breeds work well in an apartment or flat, there are medium-sized and larger breeds that are also well-suited for smaller living spaces. We’ve broken out a list of 7 of the best apartment dog breeds.
1. Chihuahuas
This famously tiny-but-feisty breed makes for a great apartment dog not only for its small size but for its personality as well. Chihuahuas like to remain close to theirowners and don’t take up a lot of space, so they do well in apartments and flats. Chihuahuas also don’t requirea lot of exercise and enjoy being inside with their owners.
2. Mastiffs
The largest dogs on our list, Mastiffs, make for surprisingly good dogs for condos and apartments despite their massive size. Known to be gentle giants, adult mastiffs have very mildtemperaments and only moderate activity levels, so a brisk walk is all they need to be happy in a flat. If you live in a multiple-story apartment, make sure you have an elevator. Older Mastiffs may have trouble going up and down flights of stairs.
3. French Bulldogs
Adaptable, playful, and smart, French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most popular small dog breeds. Due to their small size and low activity levels, French Bulldogs are one of the most common apartment dogs. They don’t bark much and are friendly, easy-going dogs that will be popular with neighbors and other animals.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Small and regal, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly dogs that get along well with people and other animals. Their size makes them very apartment-friendly as well as their tendency to adapt to their owners’ activity level. A great breed for both active athletes and homebodies, Cavaliers are even-tempered and gentle.
5. American Eskimo Dogs
The American Eskimo Dog is an apartment-friendly dog due to the fact that it is very easilytrained. Clever and playful, Eskies are considered neithershy nor aggressive, which means they will interact well with neighbors and other dogs you may run into on the street or in an elevator.
6. Havanese
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. As outgoing and sociable dogs, Havanese are popular among city-dwellers and are low-shedding (great for those with allergies!). Their small size and tendency to stick near their owners make them great dogs in tiny living spaces. While they make good watchdogs, they don’t bark verymuch and are outgoing.
7. Greyhounds
Though a famous sprinter, the Greyhound is known to be somewhat of a couch potato. After some brief exercise like a walk or a run around the park, Greyhounds love to curl up on couches or other soft, comfortable spots to rest. Their low activity level is suited to an apartment or condo. As they don’t bark very much, Greyhounds are great for those with close neighbors or in high-rise apartments.
Living with a dog in a small apartment
For city-dwellers or those who live in apartments, it is important to find a breed that will be a good fit for a smaller space. Do some research to findwhat breed is right for you and what they need in terms of exercise, space, and training. Training isespecially important for apartment dogs as they will likely interact with many different people and other dogs on walks, in your building, or at the dog park.
Ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of exercise, whether it’s a walk around the block or a trip to the park. The more energy your dog expends outside the less likely they will be to be destructive when left alone. Using dog chews such as bullysticks or antlers will keep your dog occupied while they’re at home. For more information, check out these practical tips on how to live well with any dog breed in a small space.
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