Are you looking for a dog but live in a small apartment or house? It can be a little tricky to own a dog while living is such small spaces but not impossible. The smaller the space you have to work with the smaller the breed you’re going to want to choose. You have to be practical since you have limited space and in most instances not much of an area for exercise. This article lists fifteen of the best dog breeds for apartment living. That is not to say that these fifteen breeds are the only great choices for apartment living. This list is just a way to set you on the right direction. There are many more breed choices out there to choose from.
So which breeds made my list?
Pug: The height ranges from 10 to 14 inches. The weight ranges from 13 to 20 pounds. They are a playful and clever breed that does well with obedience training. They crave human attention and will become upset if ignored. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do fine without a yard. They can’t deal with cold weather so they will need to be kept indoors at a normal temperature. They will need daily walks. This is true of any breed however. Be careful not to overdo the exercise.
Schipperke: The height ranges from 10 to 13 inches and the weight ranges from 12 to 18 pounds. This is a strong herding dog with good hunting and watching instincts. They are independent, smart, willful, and fearless. It seems they don’t realize they are small as they behave like they are much larger. This breed is generally very active indoors. They are very fast and seemingly tireless. They need to be taken on a long walk or jog at least once a day. They love playing and running. They will run around your house.
Yorkshire Terrier: The height ranges from 6 to 7 inches. This breed weighs approximately 7 pounds. “Yorkies” are known to be very playful, intelligent, independent and brave. They are inclined to bark at strangers. Extremely active but will do okay without a yard. Indoor play can take care of most of their exercise needs, but a daily walk is recommended since all dogs have that primal instinct. Yorkies prefer warm climates since they are sensitive to cold temperatures.
English Bull Dog: This breed is normally between 12 and 16 inches tall and weighs in at 49 to 55 pounds. Extremely inactive indoors and will do fine without a yard to run around in. This is definitely an indoor dog. Bull Dogs chill easily in cold weather and have issues cooling off in very hot temperatures. They are generally friendly, calm, and loyal. They can become so attached to home that they often times will not leave their homes without their masters. Bull Dogs are known for getting along well with children.
Italian Greyhound: Twelve to fifteen inches tall, weighing six to ten pounds, this breed is considered affectionate but somewhat fragile. They can become injured during rough play. This breed is generally intelligent and makes a good watchdog. They will bark (much deeper than you would expect from a small dog) at unfamiliar sounds. Fairly active indoors and they will need a good daily walk. This breed is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, and is also known for a lack of bladder control.
Bichon Frise: Approximately 9 to 12 inches tall and 7 to 12 pounds heavy. The name means “curly lap dog.” It is recommended for people with allergies as it is a non-shedding breed. It will however require daily grooming. Bichon Frises are normally intelligent, affectionate, playful, and happy creatures. They are great around children and also make good watch dogs. This breed loves attention. It needs to get enough exercise to live in a smaller space. They are fairly active indoors but need a daily walk and some play time.
Chihuahua: This breed runs 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs between 2 and 6 pounds. This is the smallest breed of dog in the world. They can be ferocious. The breed seems to not realize their tiny size and will confront larger animals without fear. Chihuahuas aren’t the best dogs for homes with small children since they have a tendency to bit when frightened. These are great dogs for apartment life. They hate cold weather. They are very active and need a daily walk. Chihuahuas shouldn’t be confined in a small space just because they’re small.
Maltese: Weighing in at 6.5 to 9 pounds and standing 8 to 10 inches tall, the Maltese is a very lovable, lively and playful dog. They are very active indoors and don’t need a yard of their own. The Maltese does not shed a lot and is seemingly fearless. They are normally very good with older children but can be snappy with younger children who aren’t as steady on their feet. This breed generally doesn’t need constant affection from its owners. Most Maltese dogs will remain quite playful well into old age.
Miniature Poodle: This breed of Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 15 and 17 pounds. The Poodle is considered to be intelligent, alert, highly energetic, and people-oriented. They are eager to please their owners. They love water and play time. As with all of these breeds, the miniature Poodle needs a daily walk. They are very active indoors as well.
Pomeranian: These dogs grow 7 to 12 inches tall and ultimately weigh 3 to 7 pounds. They make great watchdogs and great companions. The breed tends to be somewhat feisty and stubborn sometimes. They require a great deal of attention to be truly happy. They are very active indoors and should be kept out of extremely hot weather to avoid overheating.
Lhasa Apso: Growing 10 to 11 inches tall and weighing 13 to 15 pounds, the Lhasa is a great apartment dog. They are known for great hearing and intelligence and make excellent watchdogs. The breed tends to be suspicious of strangers and doesn’t interact well with young children or children who play roughly or act badly. This dog is also said to be an excellent lapdog.
Standard Schnauzer: This breed is 17 to 20 inches tall. It typically weighs 30 to 45 pounds. Normally the profile appears square. They have a deep, intimidating bark, making for a useful watch dog, but they aren’t really “barkers.” The breed is known to have good hunting instincts. Schnauzers are best suited for families with older children. These dogs are extremely energetic and will take as much exercise as they can get. They love playing and being able to run free.
Dachshund: There are three different varieties of dachshund with the smallest standing no higher than around 18 inches. The weight is between 8 and 20 pounds (from toy to normal size). Also referred to as a “wiener dog,” this breed is fairly active indoors so they are great for apartment life. They have a great amount of stamina and need to be walked daily. They love playing and can be a great family pet that is both alert and playful. Discourage a Dachshund from jumping since this breed is prone to spinal injuries. This dog breed also has a surprisingly loud bark, making for a good watchdog. They are known to be
Scottish Terrier: This breed will have a height between 10 and 11 inches. It will weigh in at somewhere between 19 and 23 pounds. Scotties are protective, lovable and make great watchdogs. They can be stubborn and have unusually varying behavior and mood patterns. Most are brave, alert and protective. Strangers aren’t welcomed. Scottish Terriers will normally attach themselves to one or two people. To those select few they are fiercely loyal. This dog likes to bark, dig, and walk. They are very “sporty,” loving ball games and other play activities. This breed will do better with an older child that is more considerate.
Shih-Tzu: This dog tops at 11 inches for height and weighs between 9 and 16 pounds. They don’t need much exercise but you should always give any dog at least one daily walk. It is described as being “less yappy” than other small toy breeds. They aren’t very wary around strangers but they will get snappy if they are surprised or become aggravated. Because of the tendency to “snap” this breed does not do well with small children. Older, polite, careful children would be no problem. Play will take care of most of this breeds exercise needs. Shi-Tzu’s are sensitive to the heat so be mindful in higher temperatures. This is also a dog that needs attention. They do not like to be left alone for more than a few hours.
Remember, these descriptions are only generalities and all breed members aren’t going to fit into a set mold. But with respect to size and exercise demand, these dogs will thrive in an apartment or smaller home environment.
