Best Dogs For Apartments

If by chance you think that you need a palatial house with a fenced-in garden before taking in a pet dog, think again. The truth of the matter is whether your dwelling in an apartment or a small house, there are plenty of breeds that will readily adapt to space and even steal your heart. One has to be picky in choosing the right breed for an apartment for many reasons. Let’s take a look at these pioneering breeds.

Prime Considerations For Apartment Dogs

Size is a significant factor. Other facets are grooming needs, health issues, energy levels, and above all, demeanor is what will dictate your choice. Urbanites are busy folks. If you are adopting a puppy you should seriously consider working out a schedule. Your new buddy will require playtime, attention, cuddle time, training, and walks. You are looking at a serious readjustment of your lifestyle so that the dog gets the maximum benefit.

Our Top 5 Apartment Dogs

1. Yorkshire Terrier

This lovable lapdog fulfills all the ticks in the boxes.

  • They are toy-sized- Standing tall at 23cm and weighing around 7 pounds, these little characters require minimal space.
  • They are super easy to train- Being extremely intelligent, these pups with proper training will steer clear of dangerous situations when alone. They are not incessant yappers that can get neighbors on edge nor are they prone to excessive chewing.
  • They are not overly energetic but enjoy a good bounce- Though they do demonstrate great determination, their exercise requirement is muted. A 15 – 20 minute walk twice a day suffices.
  • Yorkshire terriers are hypoallergenic- Which is great news for allergic people.

2. Havanese

  • Small Stature- Like Yorkies, Havanese don’hog up space weighing a mere 7 lbs.
  • They are nice and quiet- This is not a yappy breed. Your neighbors will much appreciate that.
  • Training them is easy- Being eager to please, they are very easily trained. Positive reinforcement is what they thrive on. Their personality makes potty training, crate training, and leash training very simple.
  • They are active but not inordinately so- Though they are pretty energetic, yet they do not require hours of exercise. A daily walk does the trick.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These breeds may be royalty but they don’t need a palace to thrive. Cavaliers much like to be close to their owners so a small space is better for them.

  • They are petite- Weighing in at around 7 kilos, these dogs do not require much room to roam around in.
  • They are smart- Intelligent and easy to train, there is plenty of scopes for you to train them in avoiding accidents, chewing, and scratching.
  • They are playful but not all that high energy- Twenty minutes of exercise daily is all they need.

Like Havanese, Cavaliers love people and fail miserably as kennel dogs

4. Basenji

Basenjis are a wee bit larger than the other breeds on this list. Weighing 9 to 12 kilos, regardless they will fit right into apartment living.

  • That they are barkless is absolutely true- Their larynx is uniquely structured so all that they can manage is occasional yodels much to the delight of your friends.
  • They are very independent- These dogs have coats that shed very little, they groom themselves and do not require a great deal of attention.
  • House Training with patience- Basenjis can be a little stubborn. Just keep being consistent initially. Positive reinforcement and encouragement is all that is needed to successfully housetrain them.
  • They are spirited but don’t mind lounging around- As long as they are exercised they are at home in a small apartment.

5. Greyhound

An unlikely candidate on this list. Though renowned for their speed, they like to take life easy.

  • Born loungers- While they welcome chances to chase tennis balls and run around, at heart they are great loungers.
  • Housetraining- Keep the lessons short and use a gentle approach to train them.
  • They are not vocal- Greyhounds seldom bark. That should keep neighbors happy.
  • They are large yet loving- They are the largest breed on this list yet they are loving, affectionate dogs that enjoy a good snuggle.

Greyhounds possess a “chase” instinct because of their breeding. Outside, if you are not in a fenced-in area, they have to be leashed.

Wrapping It Up

All pups are content in a small space provided they get their daily saunter and lots of cuddles from their best buddy. They will transform your apartment into a much cozier place than any amount of rugs can.