Many people believe that only small dogs are suited to living in an apartment. In most cases, it is true, but the size is not a decisive factor, and there are also a few large breeds that enjoy indoor living.
Basically, the best apartment dogs are calm, obedient, non-barking, non-shedding, and undemanding ones. If you are aware of the particular breed characteristics and want to walk with your furry friend regularly, you can adopt a dog. Go for it!
Best Apartment Dogs:
1. Yorkshire Terrier
This confident and intelligent dog is a lovely companion for living in an apartment. It hates coldness and rain and will be happy to spend a day lying down and playing in your living room.
Pros
- This toy-sized, 9 inches (23 cm) high dog doesn’t take much space.
- It requires only two 15 to 20 minutes walk a day.
- Thanks to its single coat, this small, hypoallergenic dog won’t shed much.
Cons
- It is an energetic and quite stubborn breed.
- Along with daily brushing, this dog requires regular visits to a groomer.
- You need to spend enough time to train it well.
2. Basenji
This highly intelligent ‘barkless’ dog is an excellent companion and needs your attention. Provide enough mental stimulation to your Basenji to prevent it from getting bored and starting to yodel.
Pros
- This non-shedding dog will enjoy spending time with kids and strangers.
- It is incredibly clean.
- Like a real couch potato, this dog will enjoy lounging most of the day.
Cons
- It can be a bit stubborn and sometimes is not excellent at following orders.
- It can quickly wander off if given the chance.
3. Chihuahua
Once you adopt a Chihuahua, you will get the best furry friend for life. It will happily follow you everywhere, but usually prefers staying at home.
Pros
- This long-lived dog is not prone to severe health issues.
- It is a moderate shedder, and regular brushing will keep it under control.
- It requires only about a 30-minute walk daily.
- It is a decent watchdog.
Cons
- This capricious and unpredictable dog is probably not suitable for you if you have a toddler or pets in your home.
- Some of them bark a lot, especially when left alone.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This sweet-tempered breed is an excellent companion and one of the best apartment dogs you can find. It is a real couch potato that enjoys laying down most of the day.
Pros
- This therapy dog is easy-to-train.
- Like most toy-dogs, it won’t shed too much.
- Only 15 to 20 minutes of exercise will be enough to make it happy.
- It works well with kids and other pets and adapts to almost every environment.
Cons
- You can’t leave it alone at home for long.
- Its silky coat requires thorough brushing at least once a week.
- This breed’s average lifespan is not long.
5. Maltese
It is an affectionate, playful, and easy-going toy breed ideal for first-time owners living in an apartment.
Pros
- Its silky coat doesn’t contain an undercoat so that this hypoallergenic dog won’t shed much.
- Although tiny, this creature is an excellent watchdog.
- This intelligent breed is easy-to-train and rarely bark.
Cons
- Be prepared that this breed suffers from separation anxiety.
- It is often spoiled and intolerant to people and other pets.
- It requires daily brushing and regular bathing.
6. French Bulldog
This clean toy-dog has a unique character and a strong, muscular body. It will enjoy playing with you, but can also spend a day relaxing on the couch while you work on something else.
Pros
- This cute dog is easy-to-train and never bark without reason.
- This breed gets along well with kids.
- It won’t need a lot of workouts.
- As an average shedder, it won’t cause a mess around.
Cons
- It is not a suitable choice for regions with hot weather.
- This breed is prone to numerous health issues.
- It won’t tolerate being left alone in an apartment.
7. Bichon Frise
This therapy dog is an excellent option for first-time owners and those living in an apartment. It is playful, enjoys daily walks, and adores spending time with its family.
Pros
- This easy-to-train toy dog is good at tricks.
- It will get along well with children and other pets.
- It is a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed much.
Cons
- It may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
- Its soft coat requires regular grooming and visits to a professional groomer.
8. Greyhound
This medium-sized dog has a reputation as a racing breed, but it is actually a well-mannered and quiet couch potato. It enjoys the company of people and rarely bark.
Pros
- This low shedding breed doesn’t require too much space.
- Even though it is prone to physical activity, it will enjoy long naps.
- A few short walks a day will be enough to cover its needs.
Cons
- It prefers a quiet environment, which makes it a bad company for toddlers.
- It won’t tolerate cold weather.
9. Great Dane
It is surprising for many people, but this gentle giant is an excellent apartment dog. Even though it is one of the largest breeds worldwide, it is a noble and loyal family dog.
Pros
- This friendly dog is patient with children, playful, and highly affectionate.
- It is a guard and watchdog, but it rarely barks.
- Even though this breed can be enthusiastic about training, it actually requires only basic exercise.
- As all lazy dog breeds, it enjoys resting and relaxing indoors.
Cons
- Due to its size, this breed is not a practical choice for a small apartment.
- It doesn’t tolerate low temperatures.
10. American Staffordshire Terrier
I will conclude the list of the best apartment dogs with a breed no one expects to see here. It looks intimidating at first glance, but this affectionate, good-natured creature is the right choice for a family with kids and other pets.
Pros
- This intelligent dog is obedient and affectionate with people.
- With proper training, socialization, and mental stimulation, you will get an excellent guard dog for your apartment.
Cons
- According to a Psychology Today article, insurance companies put this breed on a blacklist and refuse to insurance households keeping it.
- It needs regular workouts and daily walks.
Conclusion
The size is not a crucial trait that makes a particular breed an excellent apartment dog. However, you should avoid large dogs that don’t fit the available space in your flat and those that bark and shed too much.
