If you live in an apartment and want a dog, you have plenty of options. There are dozens of breeds that are friendly, intelligent, and small enough to live in an apartment.
Small dogs are often better suited to apartment living because they don’t require as much exercise and can easily be trained to eliminate outside.
If you plan on adopting a purebred dog, we recommend looking for one that has been certified by the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. This certification shows that your pup has been tested for good manners and obedience skills.
Here are some top breeds for apartment living:
- French Bulldog
French bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds for people who live in apartments with other dogs or cats, because they have a calm demeanor and don’t tend to get along well with other animals. Frenchies also love to cuddle with their humans (and sometimes each other), so they make great companions inside or out!
With so many breeds and mixes to choose from, it can be hard to pick the right dog for your apartment. Here are some of the best breeds for apartment living.
Top Breeds For Apartment Living
The Beagle is an active breed that loves to run and play, so if you have a small yard and need a dog that can get exercise on walks or in the park, this is your guy. They are also known for being very affectionate with their owners and other dogs. The Beagle does shed quite a bit during springtime and fall, but they’re easy to groom, so you don’t have to worry about too much hair around the house. The Bichon Frise is another great apartment dog because they are small (usually weighing no more than 25 pounds), friendly, energetic and playful — but not overly rambunctious like larger breeds can be. Their coat requires regular brushing to keep it looking great.
The Cocker Spaniel is one of those breeds that seems to fit into any environment — including an apartment! These dogs love being around people and will do anything to please them (including sitting on command). They’re also very intelligent and eager to please, making teaching new tricks a snap!
If you love dogs but don’t have the space for a big one, consider an apartment-friendly breed. These are dogs that are happy to curl up in a small space with you, and they make great companions for city living.
Pomeranian: This breed is known for its long coat and floofy fur, but it’s actually hypoallergenic so if you’re allergic to dog hair, this is a good choice.
Shih Tzu: If you’re looking for something more on the toy side of things, this is a good option. They don’t shed as much as some other breeds (though they still shed), and they’re very loyal companions.
Chihuahua: One of the most popular breeds of all time, these dogs are feisty little guys who love to play and run around outside. They’re also loyal and protective of their owners — especially if they live in an apartment complex where strangers come by often!
The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog in the United States. The Labrador Retriever was bred to be a sporting dog, and they have a strong desire to please their owners. They are also known as “Labbies” or “Labs”.
Labrador Retrievers are often used as guide dogs for people with disabilities. They are excellent family pets, and make great companions for children who want to play outside with their dog.
The Pug is a breed of dog that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. They were originally bred as lapdogs for rich Chinese families but have since become popular around the world for their charming appearance and playful personalities. Today, Pugs can be found in most homes across America!
Pugs are adorable little dogs that don’t take up too much space in your home or apartment because they’re so small! These dogs can live anywhere from 12-15 years so if you’re looking for a lifelong companion then this is definitely an option worth considering!
The Dachshund is a short-legged dog breed of dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in the hound family. The standard size is a miniature long-haired variant, which stands up to 11 inches (28 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 33 pounds (15 kg).
The Dachshund is known for its longhaired smooth coat and its short stature. It comes in four colors: red, black and tan (also called “dapple”), piebald, and solid black; there are also four sizes: standard, miniature, kyiapso (a dwarf version of the dachshund), and teacup.
Dachshunds are noted for being clever, lively and courageous dogs. Their long back makes them prone to spinal problems such as intervertebral disc disease or compression fractures of the vertebrae. They have a lifespan of 12–16 years.[1]
The first written reference to the dachshund is from Germany in 1514 AD.[2][3] The word “dachs” means badger; however, it was historically used for several types of dogs with short legs including terriers that hunted badgers.[4] The d