You’ve decided to open your home to a pup in need, but you’re facing a little bit of a dilemma. You live in an apartment, and don’t want to get a dog that will disturb your neighbors. This article is going to be your best friend, because we will walk you through ten popular dog breeds that are suited to apartment living.
French Bulldog
Not only is this breed one of the most popular breeds to own right now, but they are excellently suited for apartment living. Frenchies don’t really bark much, and are suited for a quiet and calm lifestyle. Being one of the smaller of the bulldogs, they don’t take up much space either, with most French Bulldogs growing to around 25 lbs in weight. Their coats are short and smooth, and they don’t shed very often, usually around twice a year. They also don’t require a lot of exercise, and will be happy with a daily short walk. Frenchies are also loving dogs, and enjoy being around their owner as much as possible. We just recommend having a well working air conditioning unit, as due to the brachycephalic syndrome of Frenchies, they have a hard time maintaining their own body temperature.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Low
Energy: Low
Basenji
Not all dogs bark. Basenjis were bred to be quiet dogs, and instead of barking, they yodel. Yodeling is normally quiet, so you don’t have to worry about your new pup disturbing your neighbors. Basenjis are a higher energy breed and will require regular trips to the local park and longer walks to get their energy out, but they are perfect for those that are more active and can bring their dog with them on outings. Adult Basenjis typically weigh around 22-24 lbs, and stay relatively small. Another perk for apartment living. Basenjis can be a bit stubborn, so regular training is a must. Due to their prey drive, we recommend not having them around smaller prey animals like bunnies or guinea pigs.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Low
Energy: High
Cairn Terrier
If you remember Toto from The Wizard of Oz, you’re already familiar with what a Cairn Terrier looks like. These small dogs are talkative and have a lot of energy, so regular exercise is a must. We recommend a minimum of 30-40 minutes of walking a day. Again, this is a breed good for an already active family. Cairn Terriers are double coated and shed year round, but their shedding isn’t as intense as other double coated breeds. The average full grown Cairn Terrier is between 13 and 17 pounds, making them the smallest breed on the list so far. Cairn Terriers are a loving and loyal breed, and want to spend time with their family.
Shedding: Moderate
Barking: High
Energy: High
Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terriers make great apartment dogs. The grow to be around 13 to 22 pounds, with females weighing less than males. The have a silky coat that doesn’t shed much, and are good with families, children, and other dogs. They are known for being calm and laid-back, and would do well in a small apartment. Expect to be brushing them weekly due to the length and waviness of their coat. They do bark quite a lot, so training would be a requirement, as well as providing distracting toys and chews to keep them occupied. They are a low energy breed, and would be happy with a daily short walk instead of a long jog that other terriers may require.
Shedding: Low
Barking: High
Energy: Low
Chihuahua
This larger-than-life pup is one of the most commonly thought of dogs for an apartment. Due to their size, often growing to be between two and six pounds, this dog is small enough to thrive in the small spaces offered by an apartment. They are a deceptively high energy breed, so you should plan on allowing them around 20 - 30 minutes of exercise a day, either by taking them on a walk or by just letting them explore around the neighborhood, on a leash, of course. Training is essential in their puppy years to ensure good behaviors in their adult years. These dogs don’t shed much, and you won’t have to worry about hair getting all over your favorite sweater.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Moderate
Energy: High
Maltese
These beautiful and silky dogs are a great fit for an apartment. They barely shed, don’t bark, and have a moderate amount of energy. They work great for families who work long hours or have little kids, since the Maltese has a gentle and fearless nature. They do require a daily walk to manage their energy levels, or some playtime inside to help manage their energy. They are quick learners, so training would be a fun way to bond with your pup. They also excel at being companion dogs and even therapy dogs, so this small bundle of fur is sure to warm your heart. Most Maltese are seven pounds or less, so they’re also a small dog that doesn’t take up much room.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Low
Energy: Moderate
Poodle
A proud and intelligent breed, Poodles make for great apartment dogs. They come in a variety of sizes, from toy Poodles weighing in at around seven pounds to standard Poodles weighing in at around 55 lbs. This means you can pick the size that’s best for you. And these dogs are the epitome of a no shed breed. They do require daily brushing and regular grooming, so be prepared for those extra chores. Poodles are highly trainable, and many of them even go into service dog work. This means that you can teach your pup a wide variety of cool and useful tricks, from bringing your shoes to you or picking up their own toys. They are a higher energy breed and will require lots of physical and mental exercise.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Low
Energy: High
Pug
Growing to average 16 pounds, Pugs are a great choice for an apartment. They take up very little space, bark only a little, and have a medium energy level. Due to their short faces, mental stimulation is going to be better for them than a jog. Pugs are clowns at heart, and seem to always know how to make someone laugh. Pugs love being the center of attention and can actually become depressed if they don’t receive enough love and affection from the people around them. They shed very little, so there’s no need to worry about hair getting everywhere. We only caution that you monitor their food intake, as pugs become overweight very easily.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Low
Energy: Moderate
Shih Tzu
These happy and friendly pooches make excellent apartment dogs. They typically weigh between nine and sixteen pounds, so they will stay nice and small for your small living space. They have a long silky coat which requires daily brushing and regular grooming. These dogs adapt well to whatever home their in, and are great for families with small children. With their low energy levels, they only need a daily short walk to feel happy and healthy. They also don’t bark much, making them nice and quiet dogs that won’t disturb your neighbors. Shih Tzus are all around an excellent choice for apartment life.
Shedding: Moderate
Barking: Low
Energy: Low
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are great pets for experienced dog owner. They can be aggressive towards new people and dogs, so socialization when they’re young is a must. Yorkies do have high energy levels, so daily exercise will be your best friend when it comes to maintaining you pup’s health. They do bark some, although it’s not a lot. Having healthy distractions like toys and chews for your pup will help curb any problematic behaviors. Weighing less than seven pounds, this dog is small enough to be comfortable in an apartment. They have long silky coats that require daily brushing and regular grooming.
Shedding: Low
Barking: Moderate
Energy: Very High
Whether you choose to get a dog that’s on our list for your apartment or a dog that isn’t make sure you research the breed thoroughly to avoid any future problems. Knowing how often to groom your dog, exercise them, and pay attention to them will help maintain your dog’s wellbeing and health. Keep in mind the size of your apartment, as well as the size of your dog.
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