The 7 Best Apartment Dog Breeds
Urban living often comes with the challenge of limited space. However, the rise of pet ownership rates across the board means that more and more apartment dwellers have dogs. Choosing which breed to get is a crucial step towards ensuring that you and your new furry family member can live together in peace.
Many may assume that smaller dogs are the only suitable choice for apartment living, but various factors like temperament, energy levels, and grooming needs play a crucial role in determining a dog’s adaptability to confined spaces.
Why Some Breeds Are Better for Apartment Living
While it may seem intuitive that smaller breeds are more suited for apartment living, size is just one of many factors to take into consideration. Below are the traits that can make some dog breeds more or less apartment-friendly:
Temperament
A dog’s temperament significantly influences how well it adapts to apartment living. Breeds that are calm, easygoing, and sociable tend to do better in smaller spaces. They are less likely to feel anxious or agitated in confined areas.
Energy Levels
High-energy dogs may find apartment living restrictive and may develop behavioural problems if their energy is not channelled properly. On the other hand, lower energy breeds or those who are content with short bursts of activity followed by relaxation are often well-suited to apartment living.
Exercise Requirements
Some breeds require extensive exercise to remain healthy and happy. If such breeds are confined to an apartment, meeting their exercise needs can be challenging.
Noise Levels
Some breeds are more vocal than others. In an apartment setting, a quieter breed is often preferable to avoid disturbances to neighbours. Breeds known for incessant barking or howling might not be the best choice for apartment dwellers, unless the owner is confident in their ability to train their dog.
Size
Though not a hard and fast rule, smaller breeds often find it easier to move around and are easier to manage in confined spaces. However, some larger breeds with the right temperament and energy levels can also thrive in apartment settings.
Potential dog owners in urban settings should consider these factors alongside their lifestyle and capability to meet the dog’s needs when choosing a furry companion.
The Best Breeds for Apartment Living
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for families, singles, or seniors alike.
Energy Levels: Moderate energy levels that are satisfied with regular walks and playtime.
Exercise Requirements: Daily walks coupled with some playtime are usually sufficient.
Size: Small, usually weighing between 13 to 18 pounds.
Noise Levels: Typically quiet, but can be vocal when alerting to strangers or playing.
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French Bulldog
Temperament: Loving, patient, and easygoing, with some tendency to be lazy.
Energy Levels: Low to moderate, content with short play sessions.
Exercise Requirements: Moderate exercise to prevent obesity; a few short walks and play sessions daily.
Size: Small to medium, weighing between 16 to 28 pounds.
Noise Levels: Generally quiet but can be vocal when seeking attention or alerting their owners to strangers.
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Dachshund:
Temperament: Curious, playful, and brave with a bit of a stubborn streak.
Energy Levels: Moderate, satisfied with playtime and walks.
Exercise Requirements: Regular walks and play to maintain a healthy weight and to satisfy their curiosity.
Size: Small, usually weighing between 16 to 32 pounds.
Noise Levels: Can be quite vocal, especially when alerting to strangers or when bored.
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Greyhound:
Temperament: Despite their large size, Greyhounds are known as “45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes” and adapt well to apartment living.
Energy Levels: Low indoors but high outdoors; known for their bursts of speed.
Exercise Requirements: Daily walks and occasional opportunities to run in a secure area.
Size: Large, usually weighing between 60 to 70 pounds.
Noise Levels: Generally quiet and not known for excessive barking.
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Boston Terrier:
Temperament: Friendly, bright, and adaptable with a good amount of spunk. They tend to be very trainable, making them great companions.
Energy Levels: Moderate, happy with daily walks and playtime.
Exercise Requirements: Regular exercise to keep them healthy; enjoys walks and play sessions.
Size: Small, usually weighing between 12 to 25 pounds.
Noise Levels: Can be vocal but not excessively so; may alert bark but are not known for nuisance barking.
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Chihuahua:
Temperament: Loyal, charming, and often bonds closely with one person.
Energy Levels: Low to moderate, content with short walks and playtime.
Exercise Requirements: Minimal; short daily walks and playtime to keep them healthy.
Size: Very small, usually weighing between 2 to 6 pounds.
Noise Levels: Can be quite vocal, especially when alerting to strangers or when seeking attention.
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Shih Tzu:
Temperament: Sweet-natured, affectionate, and friendly. Though Shih Tzu pups may be adorable, some could be very stubborn, but they are almost always easygoing dogs that can take any type of household situation in stride.
Energy Levels: Low to moderate, content with short walks and lounging around.
Exercise Requirements: Moderate; daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and to prevent obesity.
Size: Small, usually weighing between 9 to 16 pounds.
Noise Levels: Can be vocal when alerting to strangers but are not known for excessive barking.
Each of these breeds can make a suitable choice for apartment dwellers. Their temperaments, size, and exercise needs align well with a confined living space, making them perfect companions for urban living. However, it’s good to remember that the key to a happy co-existence lies in understanding and catering to the individual needs of your dog, as there are always outliers.
