Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t experience the joys of owning a dog. Many dog breeds are well-suited for apartment living, considering their size, energy levels, and temperament.
If you’re an apartment dweller and dog lover, you’re in luck! The following 13 dog breeds are perfect for smaller home environments.
Maltese
The Maltese breed is a small and elegant dog that originates in the Mediterranean region. They have a distinctive white, silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Despite their small size, these furry friends possess a confident and lively personality. Maltese are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them excellent companions. Their intelligent and adaptable nature allows them to thrive in a variety of living environments.
Although they don’t require extensive exercise, daily walks, and interactive play sessions are essential to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. When searching for Maltese puppies for sale, you shouldn’t have any issue finding a breeder as these dogs are extremely popular.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming and graceful breed known for their expressive eyes and soft, silky coat. They are friendly, affectionate, and well-suited for apartment living due to their adaptable nature.
Cavaliers are sociable, so they enjoy being around people and get along well with other pets. While they have moderate exercise needs, they aren’t overly demanding and can be satisfied with regular walks and playtime. These pups are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Shih-Poo
Shih-Poos are a cross between Shih Tzus and Poodles. These adorable and affectionate dogs inherit the hypoallergenic coat of Poodles and the friendly and sociable nature of Shih Tzus. Their flexible nature makes them suited to apartment living and being part of the family.
This breed requires regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy. Because their size is smaller compared to other breeds, it won’t be difficult to transport it up and down stairs if you live on an upper floor.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. They have a distinctive appearance with bat-like ears, a compact build, and an adorable wrinkled face. This breed is famous for its affectionate and easygoing temperament. Because French Bulldogs only stand about a foot tall and rarely weigh more than 20 pounds, they are ideal for apartment living.
Frenchies have a moderate energy level and are content with short walks and indoor play. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that they can be sensitive to heat due to their brachycephalic (short-muzzled) face, so ensuring a cool and comfortable living environment is essential.
Cavachon
Cavachons are a mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frises. These affectionate and gentle dogs make excellent companions for apartment dwellers.
Keep in mind this canine has a moderate energy level but generally adapts easily to different living environments. They enjoy regular exercises, such as walks and play sessions. This breed is known for its loving and sociable personality, and they typically get along well with children and other pets.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small dogs with a regal and dignified presence. They have a long, flowing double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free and beautiful.
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, making them wonderful companions for apartment dwellers. They have a moderate energy level and are adaptable to different living spaces. Daily walks and indoor play sessions are usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Plus, this dog thrives on human companionship and enjoys being a part of the family.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs with vibrant and lively personalities. They are known for their fox-like face, plush double coat, and plumed tail. These cute pups are confident and intelligent, bringing a lot of joy to apartment life.
While they are energetic and require regular exercise, these furry friends can adapt to indoor activities and play. Daily walks, interactive games, and mental stimulation are important to prevent boredom and ensure their well-being. Poms are generally alert and make good watchdogs, alerting their owners to any potential intruders.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful and affectionate dogs with fluffy white coat that is hypoallergenic, making them suitable for apartment dwellers with allergies. They have a playful and social nature, getting along well with both humans and other pets.
This pooch has an adaptable nature, so it can easily thrive in small living spaces as long as it gets daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy walks, playtime, and learning new tricks through positive reinforcement training. Their friendly and happy-go-lucky disposition makes them a delightful addition to any apartment.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, also known as “Boston Bulls,” are small and muscular dogs with distinctive tuxedo-like coats. They have a friendly and affectionate temperament, making them great companions for any family.
Despite having a moderate energy level, these dogs are generally low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Regular walks, play sessions, and stimulating activities through toys and training are important to keep them mentally and physically fit.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are popular toy breeds known for their long, silky, and hypoallergenic coats. Despite their small size, Yorkies have a bold and confident personality. They are curious and adventurous dogs that thrive on human companionship.
When it comes to energy, this breed needs regular exercise to burn off its energy, including daily walks and play sessions. Training and socialization are also important to ensure they develop into well-behaved and balanced dogs. Their alertness and intelligence make them excellent watchdogs.
Puggle
Puggles are a mix between Pugs and Beagles. These small and energetic dogs also bring a lot of joy to apartment living. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them well-suited for families and individuals alike. Despite their smaller stature, they need daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Their overall appearance can vary greatly, however, since Puggles can inherit an adorable wrinkled face of a Pug and the coloration and size of a Beagle.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, often referred to as “Wiener dogs,” are small hounds with long bodies and short legs. They come in different coat varieties, including smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. They’re famous for their courageous and independent nature that’s coupled with a loyal and affectionate disposition.
While they are small in size, they require moderate exercise through daily walks, interactive play, and other stimulation. These routines are essential to prevent obesity and keep their spines healthy. Dachshunds can be vocal and may require consistent training to manage their tendency to bark so your neighbors don’t become annoyed.
Corgi
Corgis, specifically the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, has a world-famous adorable appearance. With short legs, a long body, and expressive eyes, this breed has been featured on television and adored by royalty, like Queen Elizabeth. These animals are intelligent and affectionate, making them great companions no matter the environment.
They are slightly larger than the other breeds on this list, however, Corgis can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities are vital to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
Conclusion
Remember, each dog in this article has an individual personality and traits that can affect its overall behavior and temperament. When choosing a dog for your apartment, do your research and consult with a knowledgeable breeder about how to create a suitable living environment for your new pet. This extra effort will make transitioning your dog a smooth experience and nurture its bond with you and your family.
