Apartment Living Dog Breeds

If you live in a flat, apartment, or shared space, there are many things you should consider when choosing a dog breed.

While loud, large, and energetic canines may not be an ideal fit for confined living spaces, plenty of breeds are.

By looking for the following traits, you can rest assured that your new furry friend will have a fulfilling and enjoyable life in your home.

Quiet Nature (Minimal Barking)

In flats and apartments, you live within close quarters of neighbours, and the walls and floors are often thin. Therefore, excessive barking can disrupt the neighbours and lead to complaints and a whole lot of stress.

Considering this, choosing a dog breed with a quiet nature and minimal tendency to bark is vital. Breeds like Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are known for their calm demeanour and are friendly towards strangers, resulting in low vocal levels.

Low Energy Levels

Energy levels are just as important as vocal levels. With limited space and no outdoor access, an energetic dog breed that adores being outdoors will not be happy living in an apartment.

So instead, opt for a dog breed with low to moderate energy levels, such as the Miniature Dachshund, Papillon, and Pug. These breeds require minimal exercise and enjoy indoor activities. Therefore, they are more likely to thrive in a flat or apartment.

Small Size

Unless you're lucky enough to live in a huge penthouse apartment, it's likely space is limited in your home. Therefore, it makes sense to prioritise smaller breeds that can comfortably thrive in compact living spaces, including those with no outdoor access.

Small-sized dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Maltese are easier to manage in apartments. Because of their teeny tiny size, they are also less likely to feel confined or restricted by the limited indoor space.

Low Shedding/Cleanliness

The smaller the space, the easier and quicker it becomes messy. So, something else you should look for is a low-shedding breed.

Opting for a dog that sheds minimally and is relatively clean can help maintain a tidy living environment. Low-shedding breeds such as the Dachshund and Maltese produce less dander, so you won't be constantly cleaning up after them.

Compatibility with Other Pets

Do you have other pets at home? If so, look for a dog breed known for its compatibility with other animals.

In the confined space of a flat or apartment, it is harder for each pet to find privacy. As a result, there is an increased risk of territorial aggression.

So, to ensure a harmonious coexistence where all your pets get along, look for breeds with a friendly and sociable disposition towards other pets. The Papillon and Maltese make particular affectionate companions for both cats and other dogs.

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Living in a shared space means you cannot control who your housemates bring into the house or apartment. In this case, choosing a dog breed that is friendly and approachable towards strangers is crucial.

Considering your dog will likely encounter various people, you must ensure they are sociable and do not get scared of unfamiliar people. Likewise, they should not get aggressive towards strangers as this could cause problems between you and your housemates.

Noise Tolerance

If you live in a big, busy apartment block, it probably gets quite noisy. So when choosing a dog for apartment living, ensure it tolerates unfamiliar noises well, like neighbours talking, music playing, or doors closing. Dogs that are prone to anxiety or have a high sensitivity to noises are not a good choice.

Ideal Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds

To help you narrow down your search, here are the best dog breeds for apartment living and what makes them a good fit.

• Boston Terrier - With their compact size and friendly disposition, Boston Terriers make excellent apartment dwellers. They boast an affectionate nature and minimal barking tendencies.

• Chihuahua - These tiny pups are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size, portability, and low exercise requirements.

• Coton de Tulear - The Coton de Tulear's gentle temperament and small stature make them well-suited for apartment living, as they thrive in close quarters and enjoy indoor activities with their human companions.

• Dachshund Miniature - Thanks to their small size and adaptable nature, Miniature Dachshunds are ideally suited to apartment living.

• French Bulldog - Renowned for their calm demeanour and affectionate personality, Bulldogs make excellent apartment dogs. Their small size and minimal exercise requirements add to their suitability.

• Maltese - With their small size and gentle disposition, Maltese dogs thrive in apartment settings, offering companionship and affection to their owners while adapting easily to indoor living conditions.

• Papillon - Due to their small size and playful yet adaptable nature, Papillons are ideal companions for individuals seeking a sociable pet for shared spaces.

• Pomeranian - Despite their compact stature, Pomeranians are lively and outgoing, providing entertainment and companionship in confined living spaces.

• Pug - Beloved for their laid-back demeanour and affectionate nature, Pugs make excellent apartment dogs. Their small size and minimal exercise requirements ensure a peaceful and harmonious living environment for both pet and owner.

• Shih Tzu - Due to their small size and calm temperament, Shih Tzus make ideal companions for individuals seeking a low-maintenance and affectionate pet for shared living spaces.

• Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkshire Terriers boast a small size, friendly demeanour, and minimal grooming requirements. This makes them popular choices for anyone seeking a compact and sociable pet for shared spaces.

Factors such as temperament, energy levels, and size will determine how well a dog will adapt to an apartment lifestyle. So by prioritising the traits detailed above, you can ensure a harmonious living environment for the whole family.