1. Home
  2. Getting Started

6 best dog breeds for apartment living

By

If you live in an apartment and plan to get a dog, size matters. Many landlords don’t allow large breeds because they fear the dogs won’t be happy living in a small space and may cause damage. Also, property managers worry about the dangers larger dogs might pose to other residents. But size isn’t the only consideration when choosing an apartment dog. You want to look for a breed not known for incessant barking or prone to separation anxiety that could lead to destructive behavior. Whichever breed you choose to share your apartment, remember that all dogs enjoy daily walks, with some needing more exercise than others. Following are six dog breeds who don’t need a lot of space.

Bichon frise

The Bichon Frise Club of America describes these dogs as fun-loving “small white sturdy powder puffs.” These dogs love people and are gentle and affectionate, making them a great choice for living in an apartment complex. Bichons are nonshedding, and many people with allergies find it easy to live with this breed. A monthly visit to a professional groomer for a bath and haircut will keep these dogs happy and healthy.

Paulke/Pixabay

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

In dog-fancy circles, this breed is referred to as a “comforter” spaniel. According to the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, these dogs were never bred to be anything other than a small, beloved, gentle lapdog. That makes them an excellent companion when living in a small space. They are friendly pups who get along with people of all ages and other dogs. This spaniel’s beautiful silky coat can be kept healthy with regular brushing and an occasional bath.

Recommended Videos

Shih tzu

Being cute is what these little dogs do best. They were bred to serve as royal lapdogs and that makes them a perfect fit for living in apartments. A shih tzu’s coat should be brushed a few times a week, and a bath every three to four weeks will keep the coat and skin healthy. The long hair on top of his head should be trimmed short or tied up into a topknot to prevent eye irritation. Many pet parents opt for less coat maintenance by having a professional groomer clip the coat into a puppy trim.

Shiba inu

These dogs originated in Japan, where they were bred to flush birds and small game. Now, they are primarily kept as pets both in Japan and the U.S. According to the National Shiba Club of America, there are more shiba inus in Japan than any other dog breed. While they do have an independent streak, they make loyal companions. These foxlike dogs are great for apartment living because they are relatively quiet, easy to housebreak, like to keep themselves clean, and will be polite to neighbors if properly socialized. Their beautiful coats need to be brushed only once or twice a month except during spring and fall shedding season, when they need to be brushed daily to remove loose hair.

Soft-coated wheaten terrier

These dogs were bred to work on farms and as family companions in their native Ireland. They are known for their soft, silky coats and happy-go-lucky personalities. According to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, these dogs can adapt to life in the country or the city if they get enough daily exercise. Breed experts recommend waiting until children are older to bring home a wheaten. These terriers will bark to alert the family when a stranger approaches but are generally quieter than smaller terriers, making them perfect for apartment living. Regular trips to the groomer for a bath and trim along with daily brushing at home will help avoid matting and keep this terrier’s coat healthy.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Boston terrier

According to the Boston Terrier Club of America, this breed excels at being their person’s “best friend.” They are great all-around dogs — happy to be a child’s playmate or a lapdog for a senior pet parent. Bred as companion dogs, these terriers love to hang out with their family. Because of this pup’s impeccable manners, American Kennel Club experts say Bostons have earned the nickname “The American Gentleman.” They are quiet and eager to learn and can live happily in an apartment environment.

Remember that as a pet parent who also happens to be a tenant, it’s your responsibility to obey the rules. That includes always picking up after your dog does his business and making sure he is polite around people and other dogs. In no time at all, you’ll be making lots of new friends as you walk around the neighborhood with your well-mannered roommate.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog? Everything you need to know about this amazing dog breed
Belgian Malinois breed description, family behavior, and more

If you're considering opening up your home to a new four-legged family member, there may be a lot of thoughts swimming through your mind. This is totally normal. Bringing home a new pet is a big change, so it's only natural (and responsible) to think through every aspect of the decision before you commit. One thing you may be considering is which dog breed would be best for your home. Although you may not be able to hand-pick your perfect breed when adopting a pet from a shelter, knowing a bit about the most common dog breeds can help you make an informed choice.
The Belgian Malinois is a breed often seen in cities, suburbs, and farms, though it's often mistaken for an entirely different dog -- the German shepherd. While they are related, these breeds are completely separate from one another. Familiarizing yourself with Belgian Malinois characteristics and traits will help you decide whether this may be a breed for your family, but first, we'll have to ask -- is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog?
Let's find out everything there is to know about this strong and loyal dog breed.

Belgian Malinois breed characteristics

Read more
Family member allergic to cats? Where to find hypoallergenic cats for adoption
Here's how you can have a cat even if you have allergies

While our opinions may differ on innumerable issues, there is a universal constant we can all agree on: No one enjoys suffering from allergies. If you're dealing with itchy eyes, a running nose, constant sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or even hives, then you're suffering from an allergy to something in your immediate environment.
Maybe it's just pollen, but it can also be ... your cat. Cat allergies are relatively common, but just because someone in your family has cat allergies doesn't mean you have to give up your dream of being a cat parent. From bathing your cat to allergy treatments, there are a few tips you can use to limit exposure to allergens. Even better, you might even find the purr-fect solution waiting for you in a local shelter. Keep reading to learn more about hypoallergenic cats for adoption.

Should I adopt a cat if I'm allergic?

Read more
Husky health: 6 common health problems in Siberian huskies and what to look out for
Here’s what you should know if you’re adopting or bringing home a Siberian husky dog

Whether you're considering bringing home a Siberian husky or you're just a fan of this majestic breed, it's important to educate yourself about all aspects of their life, including their health. After all, no dog is invincible when it comes to injury and illness. Even though no one can completely predict what a dog's health will look like in the future, a dog's breed can make them more predisposed to certain conditions. A little bit of knowledge can help owners choose which preventative measures they may want to take, and it can ultimately help keep a dog healthy in the long run.

Huskies may be known as a noisy and athletic Northern breed, but even they are predisposed to a few health concerns. These are the kinds of symptoms husky owners should keep an eye out for because when you know what to look for, you're much more likely to catch it early when it's treatable.

Read more