Apartment Puppies

Apartment Puppies

So, you decided to take the leap and get a new puppy. Congrats! Just because you live in an apartment, doesn’t mean that you can’t raise a puppy to live a happy and healthy life.

There are a lot of things you gain by living in an apartment: a simple lifestyle, convenience, and lower cost of living. But, in some cases, one of the biggest sacrifices of apartment living is not being able to have pets. If you’re lucky enough to live in an apartment that is dog friendly, it’s important to research the best breed of dog best suited to living in your apartment.

Here we’ve compiled a list of three dogs that are well suited for apartment life based on a set of desirable qualities.

What Makes a Good Apartment Dog?

At this point you’re probably asking yourself what qualities a dog could have that would make them ideal for living in an apartment. Different dog breeds have unique characteristics that make them better for different living conditions. There are dogs that are best for living with families, dogs that are best for active owners, and dogs that are better for cold weather, etc.

Similarly, there are dog breeds with certain characteristics that make them better suited for apartment living than others. Because you share walls you’ll want a dog that isn’t prone to barking, and a puppy that is easy to train to behave well. You’ll also want a dog that doesn’t need too much exercise and isn’t too big because of the limited space you have in an apartment. Taking these qualities into consideration we’ve found our top three recommendations of dogs best suited to living in an apartment for those of you that want to have your apartment and enjoy it too.

Top 10 Dogs for Apartment Dwellers

1. French Bulldogs

Our first recommendation is the French Bulldog. It’s a very friendly dog that’s low maintenance and easy to train. It won’t bark its head off every time someone passes by your door in the hallway, which will be appreciated by your neighbors. The French Bulldogs compact size is perfectly suited to a smaller apartment. French Bulldogs also don’t need a lot of exercise so they are the perfect canine addition to a family that’s on the run a lot.

2. Pugs

Pugs are our second recommendation for apartment dwellers. They were originally bred to be lap dogs so the tendency to be quiet and happy is in their DNA. They also require limited amounts of exercise, so a short walk each day will keep them happy. These are a few very important qualities that make them perfect apartment pets. Pugs are also relatively easy to train so they’ll behave themselves in a community living situation.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular show dog and there’s a reason for that. They’re incredibly easy to train which is a quality that makes them the perfect apartment dog. They’re a bit larger than Pugs and French Bulldogs and so they need a bit more exercise as well but their low maintenance nature is still very noticeable and makes them a great option for a more active apartment dweller.

4. Maltese

The Maltese has always been known as the “most dramatic” member of the toy group. From their impressive coats to their regal behavior, these little drama kings and queens can dish out the drama as easily as they dish out love. This unique breed actually has spaniel ancestry as opposed to the common terrier pedigree of most small breeds. Being descended from spaniels, the Maltese is typically has a quiet and docile personality. These lovable lap dogs can spend hours on a family member’s lap, relishing any attention. They’re typically not recommended for families with small children as the breed is more of a watcher than a player and small children might be a little too energetic for them.

5. Greyhound

This one might surprise you, due to their size, but Greyhounds make great apartment companions. These loveable giants are great with children, and despite their size, can happily spend hours lazing on a couch. Greyhounds still need daily exercise and enrichment, but watch out, your Greyhound might seem lazy, but if it sees a bunny or another small animal, it’s going to start running. And Greyhounds can run up to 43 mph, so make sure that your Greyhound is only ever let off leash in fenced-in areas. This breed is friendly and obedient and will make a great addition to any apartment household.

6.) Boston Terrier

They’re spunky; they’re full of personality; they’re Boston Terriers. Developed in, you guessed it, Boston, Mass., the Boston Terrier has always been a popular choice for apartment dwellers. These small, compact, muscular dogs make excellent companions for young families and the elderly. This gentle breed is intelligent and enthusiastic, but can also show a protective side toward their loved ones if ever threatened. They can be a little stubborn, but with love and patience, the Boston Terrier can be taught.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Ah, the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie as they’re more commonly known. This classic apartment dwelling breed is known for its impressive coat and big personality. Being a compact, small bodied breed, the Yorkshire Terrier is small enough to go just about anywhere with you. The breed’s watchdog tendencies can be either a blessing or a curse. With training, your Yorkshire Terrier can alert you to intruders or dangers. Without training, it can also alert you to leaves blowing outside, the mailman, birds, and anything else that catches its eye. The key with a Yorkshire Terrier is to start training early and keep training consistently. Yorkies typically don’t tolerate children well, but they’ll devote themselves to their older owners with passion.

8. Irish Wolfhound

Another big breed apartment dweller, the Irish Wolfhound makes for an excellent companion dog. This breed is typically taller than fellow gentle giant the Great Dane, while typically weighing between 90-150 pounds. The Irish wolfhound is an intelligent, quiet, and loyal breed that moves with unparalleled elegance and grace. You’re sure to turn heads with an Irish wolfhound in tow. This breed can have a mind of its own and needs a gentle but firm hand to lead him. The breed needs daily exercise and large comfortable places to relax.

9. Dachshund

The Dachshund, or the “wiener dog” as some prefer to say, has been one of the most popular apartment breeds since the early 20th century. With distinct long bodies, short legs, and deep chests, the Dachshund is an eye-catching companion. Dachshunds tend to be outgoing and strong-willed and readily alert to trouble. The breed will enjoy participating in activities with members of the family with its curious personality. While small, the Dachshund requires lots of exercise to burn off its seemingly boundless energy.

10. Shih Tzu

Did you know that Shih Tzu means “lion?” While this breed may be small, it’s heart is large. The breed has a long and impactful history dating back all the way to 624 AD. This is a small but tough breed. With a loyal and gentle personality, the Shih Tzu can make a great addition to a home with small children. Shih Tzus are definitely indoor pups and will need protective gear if you live in an area where temperatures turn cold in the winter. These playful pups are always ready for a ride in the car or an evening of Netflix binging.

Getting a new puppy is always an exciting adventure and it’s one that everyone deserves to go on no matter their living situation!

Want more information on Puppies?

If you’ve decided what kind of dog you’re getting but you still need to learn how best to take care of it, we’ve got you covered! At PetPlace, we have thousands of vet-approved articles, many of which provide puppy owners with the knowledge the need. Here are a few of our resources on how best to take care of a new puppy.