Congratulations! You are thinking about getting a dog! Some breeds just aren’t cut out for apartment life. And others are very suited to living in a smaller space. What are the best dogs for apartment life? Whether you are looking for a large or a small dog, check out the ten most common breeds I recommend for apartment life!
Best Dogs for Apartment Life
I consider the amount of exercise required, the adaptability, and the noisiness of the breed when looking at good dogs for apartment life. You’ll find there are some large dogs that are just as suitable for apartment living as smaller dogs. And some might surprise you!
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the more popular dogs according to AKC registrations. Frenchies, as they are affectionately known, aren’t normally noisy dogs. This makes them great apartment companions, particularly when you are away. They are under 30 pounds so they will be accommodated in most apartment requirements. They have the squashed nose which can lead to some breathing issues but otherwise they have pretty average health and a 10 to 12-year life span.
Pekingese
If you are looking for a smaller dog the Pekingese might be a great fit for you. They weigh under 15 pounds and bark relatively infrequently. They do however require more grooming than some of the other options which makes them a less popular breed overall. These cute fluff balls are super affectionate but require very little exercise, outside of some daily walks. If you are looking for dog with a longer life expectancy these guys might be your ideal companion, they live for 12 to 14-years.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are one of the medium sized dogs in this group. They don’t require any special exercise, other than normal walks, and are very adaptable to city life. Grooming requirements are more stringent but they are easily housebroken and are naturally very clean dogs. Chow Chows range in weight from 45 to 70 pounds. Some may be more vocal but on average they only alert when needed making them good apartment life. They have average health histories and live between eight and 12-years.
Newfoundland
If you are looking for a larger dog, the Newfoundland is one of my favorites! They have fantastic personalities, are generally very quiet dogs, who require little more than a good walk once they are full grown. Unfortunately, their life span is shorter due to their size, living only nine to 10-years. But they are the gentle giants, with males weighing between 130 and 150 pounds, and females 100 to 120 pounds. They have average grooming requirements and pretty typical health issues.
Pug
Another small dog that does well in apartment life is the Pug. Pugs weigh under 20 pounds and live to be between 13 and 15-years old. The do have health issues, generally related to the short snout. Most of the Pugs I know are less talkative than other breeds, but some can be quite chatty. They are very affectionate and playful. Pugs require a little more activity than some of the other small breeds on the list, but generally a daily walk will suffice.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is growing in popularity but still a relatively rare breed according to AKC registrations. IGs have a long-life span, living 14 to 15 years. They are another small breed weighing under 15 pounds. Italian Greyhounds are very smart, affectionate, and playful. They tend to bark less but do need some decent exercise every day. A long walk might not be enough for every IG but they will relax and hang out on the couch with you when you are done.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are the unlikely addition to this list. Yes, they are super-fast and active but they are also very willing to hang out on the couch all day. You will need to give them off leash time in a controlled space where they can’t run off, their prey drive is very strong. The Greyhound is another medium sized dog with males weighing between 65 and 70 pounds, and females 60 to 65 pounds. Their life expectancy is 10 to 13 years and have average health issues when compared to other dogs. They are not a chatty dog so they won’t bother the neighbors when you are away.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Berner, as they are affectionately known, is one of the most unlikely apartment dogs. They are quite large with males weighing 80 to 115 pounds and females 70 to 95 pounds. Berners need a decent amount of daily activity but a brisk walk will do for most of them. They love being indoors with their people but tend to be a noisier breed so they may disturb the neighbors from time to time.
Boston Terrier
Another small dog suited for apartment life is the Boston Terrier. They are under 25 pounds and have very little grooming requirements. With less than average health issues they tend to live between 11 and 13 years. While they require regular exercise, a daily walk tends to be enough. They have a tendency to bark more which can be problematic for some people. Because of their size and disposition, they make for a great city pet.
Shiba Inu
Growing in popularity over the last five years, the Shiba Inu can be an excellent addition to apartment life. They are the most cat like dogs I’ve ever met. Weighing between 17 and 23 pounds they will be accommodated by most apartment complexes. They need daily exercise but will hang out in the house gladly while you are gone. Shibas aren’t the quietest dog but they tend to keep to themselves.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of breeds suited for apartment life but they are my favorite. Nearly any dog can be made “an apartment dog” if you are willing to put in the time and energy to get them the exercise and mental stimulation their breed requires. If you are looking for the best dog for apartment life be sure to consider their activity requirements, barking tendencies, as well as their adaptability.
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Best Dogs for Apartment Life