Angela Pearse is a blogger for Zumper. Zumper is a large start-up for rental properties and Angela offers this blog for the benefit of our canine-loving clients:
When it comes to the best apartment dogs, you need to do a little research to ensure harmonious adaptation. While small dogs tend to make the best companions for apartment dwellers, there are many medium-sized canines that’ll fit right into your high-rise lifestyle too.
Take a look at 10 of the most popular breeds for apartment or condo living when considering dogs for your digs!
1. Compact Pug
Pugs on average reach 10 -13 inches in height (and maximum weight of 20 lbs.) which makes them ideal dogs for apartment dwellers. They’re also very adaptable to their surroundings. For all their pint-sized cuteness, they’re not curl-up-and-sleep-kind of dogs, so be prepared to walk them on a daily basis. Hint: all dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation!
Fortunately, many dog-friendly apartment communities offer a central “park” or common area for your dog’s daily walks and socialization needs.
2. Affectionate Yorkshire Terrier
Another dog with a small stature and good in small spaces is the Yorkie. They love playing indoors and require minimal exercise. Positive obedience training and socialization is needed for all dogs, and the Yorkie is no exception. Remember, in an apartment community, your dog will encounter lots of new people, frequently coming and going.
The Yorkie is a low-shedding breed so less vacuuming is needed (added bonus), although regular dog grooming is a must to keep their coats silky and matte free!
3. Calm English Bulldog
The low-maintenance Bulldog is another good choice for easier pet care in an apartment. They’re affectionate and kind and require minimal exercise, which is good news if you’re not into marathons either! They’re an indoor breed as they’re not able to tolerate extreme hot or cold weather.
4. Adoring Shih Tzu
One of the overall best apartment dogs is the Shih Tzu. Bred to be companion dogs, they have an affectionate, happy-natured temperament. According to the AKC*: “Being cute is a way of life for this lively charmer. The Shih Tzu is known to be especially affectionate with children. As a small dog bred to spend most of their day inside royal palaces, they make a great pet if you live in an apartment or lack a big backyard”.
In terms of size they’re quite small, with the average height of an adult Shih Tzu reaching 8 -11 inches and average weight 9-16 lbs.
5. Sassy Chihuahua
If you want a small dog with big personality, then the Chihuahua is perfect for you. This diminutive dog may look sweet and adorable but they can be stubborn. The good thing about the Chihuahua is they don’t need a lot of exercise and are quite happy to co-exist with children and other pets.
6. Independent Italian Greyhound
Quiet and solitary, the Italian Greyhound is a smaller version of their racing Greyhound ancestors and stand only 13 -15 inches in height. They were favorites of European noblewomen in the Middle Ages, and are regal in nature with people of all ages. Built to run, they love chasing a ball around the park but once their energy is depleted they’ll curl up for a nap. They have a short, smooth fine coat, so ideal for allergy sufferers. Their thin, short coat may require a warm sweater in colder months, so a dog “parka” may be a necessary accessory.
7. Jolly French Bulldog
“Frenchies” are friendly, small and cute, and make great apartment dogs. They’re not prone to barking, and their playful disposition typically extends to just about everyone they meet. If you’re looking for a dog to make you laugh, then the French Bulldog is the perfect character for comical entertainment. They need regular walking to make sure their weight is kept in check. Air-conditioning is also a must to keep them cool in summer as they are more prone to heatstroke due to their short snouts.
8. Sensitive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A people-loving breed with a sensitive nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is definitely one of the best dogs for apartment living. They’re relatively low-maintenance and moderately energetic. They just need a weekly brush-down and a daily walk. They love playing with other pooches and meeting people; but also quite happy to stay at home with you; especially in your lap!
9. Intelligent Dachshund
The distinctive-looking Dachshund was initially bred as a hunter in Germany; something that might be hard to believe looking at their short legs and long body. Their small stature makes them suitable for apartment living and they make wonderful family pets. These darling Dachsunds, are very intelligent dogs and will get bored if left alone for long periods….as is the case with ALL dogs of course!
10. Cat-like Basenji
Unsure whether you want a dog or a cat? Then consider the Basenji, a medium-sized dog breed with semi-feline tendencies such as being aloof but affectionate, and will fastidiously groom themselves. Like cats, they have curious natures and love to explore, so a daily walk is important. On the serious-plus side, they don’t bark, don’t shed and are very loving and protective of their owners.
The above “picks” are by no means an exhaustive list of great dogs that manage well in apartment-style communities.
Let’s not forget that senior dogs, of any breed in their Golden years, are completely content by your companionship and as they can’t move around as much, are good in any space large or small.
Apartment or high-rise living simply requires a greater focus on less vocal breeds and a dog who is comfortable on stairs or in elevators and not overly anxious when meeting other people! All of which can be accomplished with early and consistent training and daily exercise added to their regimen; if not the requirement to “leash up” and get them outside to explore and do their business.
For additional considerations, please read further for AKC suggestions: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/best-dogs-for-apartments-dwellers/
As always, enjoy your dog and home in good health and happiness!
Hugs,
Tori
photo attribution: Avi Naim @ unsplash.com – girl hugging dog
*AKC reference: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shih-tzu/