Are you interested in adopting a dog but live in an apartment? That’s not a problem at all! There are many dog breeds that can live happily in apartments, even if you don’t have a large outdoor space. You can find the perfect dog to accompany you by exploring this article about apartment dog breeds.
What dog breed should I choose if I live in an apartment?
It’s not just the size and physique of the dog that matter when you live in an apartment. Your dog has to have a temperament that is well-suited to living in a small space without an outdoor area.
A question of space
A dog that needs to spend a lot of time playing outdoors will have a harder time adapting to a home without an outdoor space. The dog needs to be patient and have the ability to wait for walk times without getting agitated. This is because they don’t have the option to go outdoors whenever they want to relieve themselves.
A balanced dog
Living in an apartment means having neighbors. If your dog barks excessively, you’ll end up having problems. For this reason, it’s important to adopt a dog that doesn’t bark at every little noise.
Your dog should also be able to stay alone for long periods without barking loudly.
If you live in an apartment, your dog should also be sociable. It’s very likely you’ll encounter other residents (both pets and humans) when you leave your apartment building. Therefore, it’s important that your dog remains well-behaved and gentle, even when faced with children shouting and playing in the hallway.
If you live in an apartment without a balcony, your dog needs to be able to cope with not seeing the outside and not becoming depressed from it. For example, some breeds need regular contact with the outdoors; otherwise, they can feel confined.
Your dog still needs to be taken care of when you live in an apartment
Living in an apartment means you have to take your dog out regularly. When you live in a house, you can usually just open the door. However, this isn’t the case when you live in an apartment building. No matter the weather, you have to put on your shoes and take your dog outside at least twice a day. This takes a lot of energy and time. Depending on the breed, you should expect to spend more than half an hour outside on walks. Remember that these walks are essential for your dog to enjoy the outdoors, relieve itself, explore the world, and meet other dogs.
10 breeds that are suitable for apartment dwellers
As you have seen, apartment dogs need to be patient, well-behaved, and do not need to spend their entire life outdoors. Some dog breeds fit this criteria perfectly.
#1 Lhassa Apso
The Lhassa Apso originated from Tibet. It’s a small dog breed that is well-balanced and requires little exercise. This breed can go for long periods without making a sound. In addition, the Lhassa Apso is also an excellent watchdog.
As this dog breed is not very anxious, they can be left alone. They are also small, so they are one of the apartment dog breeds that can adapt very well to a small space.
In addition, this dog doesn’t need to go out all the time and can quickly understand that there are times for everything. Walks and going to the bathroom aren’t for anytime.
#2 Pekingese
Well, it has to be said, the Pekingese isn’t a big fan of long walks and particularly enjoys lounging on the couch, keeping a watchful eye on its owner. Also, as this breed is very independent, they are able to be left alone without any problems. In the past, this dog breed was the dog of Chinese emperors, and considered sacred in the past. They have continued to retain this noble character. They do enjoy walks if they can do as they please and they particularly appreciate sniffing around. Because of this, the Pekingese dog can thus spend long (even very long) minutes focused on a particularly interesting scent. In a garden, it only smells its own scent, and that doesn’t interest it much!
This dog rarely barks, except when in danger. They are excellent watchdogs, despite their small size. At the slightest noise, they go to the door, but they don’t bark and wait to see what’s happening.
Their small size, once again, allows them to fit perfectly in a small apartment. However, it’s worth noting that this breed is very curious and loves spending long hours observing what’s happening outside (ideally comfortably settled on a soft cushion!). If you have a balcony, this dog breed will be happy.
#3 Japanese Chin
While they are less known than its counterpart, the Pekingese, the Japanese Chin closely resembles it and, like it, makes an excellent apartment dog. This small animal, which comes directly from Japan, is calm and rarely barks, unless it senses danger.
They don’t need to spend their days outside and are content with a few daily outings (including an outing of about half an hour).
#4 Brussels Griffon
A former hunting dog, this little dog breed has become an exceptional apartment dog. Their small size (and adorable face) appeals to apartment dwellers. It doesn’t need outdoor space to thrive and only asks for one thing: to be close to its owner.
They still need substantial walks. That’s because they used to hunt.
The Brussels Griffon is an excellent defender and they don’t appreciate people lingering outside their door for long periods of time. If they are unhappy about this kind of things, they will make their feelings known. In addition, as they are intelligent, they are nevertheless able to distinguish between a passerby and a danger.
This little ball of fur tends to sulk if it sees its owner neglecting it and prefers an owner who spends time with it.
#5 Chihuahua
This dog breed is from Mexico. They are the smallest dog in the world and can burn off energy even in a small studio apartment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this dog doesn’t like being alone for too long. The Chihuahua has a strong personality, and therefore needs to be trained well.
This breed of apartment dog is on this list primarily because of its small size. But it’s also a dog that doesn’t need a garden as long as it can stretch its legs for at least half an hour, several times a day.
#6 Coton de Tulear
Somewhere between a Poodle and a Bichon, the Coton de Tuléar is a dog breed with a fluffy, cottony appearance. It only loves one thing: being with its owner, and it needs nothing else. The Coton de Tuléar can adapt very well to apartment living, provided it spends as much time as possible with its owner!
This dog doesn’t need much exercise and a few walks are enough to keep it happy.
In addition, this dog is not very reactive and doesn’t t bark incessantly at the slightest noise.
Although this breed is very attached to its master, it has great difficulty being alone and even if he does not show it, it may become depressed if it has to stay without company for too long.
Their size allows them to live in an apartment without any problems.
#7 Bichons
Two types of Bichons adapt particularly well to apartment living: the Maltese and the Havanese. These small dogs bark very little in apartments (unlike outdoors or when alerting to danger) and they love being with their owners. They don’t like being alone and can become anxious if left without their owners for too long. The Havanese, in particular, wants to stay in the same room as its owner, ideally on their lap, and this at all times.
As for their relationship with the outdoors, they don’t specifically need a garden, but they do enjoy long walks. Keep this in mind when planning your life with one.
#8 Affenpinscher
Active people living in apartments will find an unparalleled companion in this small breed. This dog loves to run and play outdoors, but it adapts very well to apartment living. All it needs is regular, brisk walks. It’s a dog full of energy who, while it enjoys lounging on a cushion, also greatly appreciates burning off energy during its walks.
It barks little and only when necessary. Some Affenpinschers don’t even bother to make a sound, but they remain very vigilant.
This dog is calm and affectionate, but it is also stubborn and needs good training. However, it is a very popular breed of apartment dog.
#9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Many have already fallen for this dog’s unique gaze. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant dog who adapts very easily to apartment living. It doesn’t need a garden to feel happy. It’s an indoor dog. A few walks and lots of cuddles—that’s a schedule that suits this dog perfectly.
This breed of dog, however, hates being left alone for long periods and can suffer from loneliness. To channel its energy, it needs playtime at home. It doesn’t need strenuous walks!
Regarding barking, some dogs are quite vocal, while others remain very quiet. It’s best to train your dog to teach them to avoid this.
#10 Pug
This dog breed is both energetic and calm. It doesn’t have a great passion for outdoor activities. Long hours chasing a ball in the garden? Not for them. As this is not a very athletic breed, the Pug is perfect for apartment living.
This dog seeks a peaceful life with its owner. Spending hours on the sofa being cuddled is paradise for them! They bark a little, but it’s perfectly reasonable.
They need to go out to stretch their legs and relieve himself, but they don’t need to spend long hours outdoors!
Its small size allows it to easily find its place even in a small apartment. Its only drawback? The Pug doesn’t tolerate solitude well and can become depressed if it doesn’t spend enough time with its owner.
