Published Friday, August 6, 2021 by Madeline I in Popular Dogs
Choosing the best dog breed for apartment living can be a tricky task. Some dog lovers believe that being small is all it takes for a dog to be suited for apartment life but that is not always the case.
Coming home to a loving bundle of joy is a dream come true, but there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing your new apartment-friendly puppy.
Your neighbors, kids, and pets in the building, new faces, distractions, and quiet hours, are all things you need to consider, and making sure you and your new puppy thrive together in a small cozy setting is just as important as everything else.
Proper socialization is a must in early puppyhood but you also want to pick a dog that has a kind nature and a good temperament to begin with.
Our top picks check all of the boxes that make a dog apartment-friendly. They are social, outgoing, thrive on human interaction, and are not overly dependent or particularly vocal.
- Small
- Quiet
- Well-mannered
- Sweet
- Friendly
- Non-aggressive
- Happy
- Gentle
- Easygoing
- Adaptable
Table of Contents
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also referred to as the Comforter and Spaniel Gentle, is an excellent apartment dog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are members of the Toy Group. They are small, elegant, and gorgeous. They weigh between 12 to 18 pounds and have an average height of 12 inches.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very popular among apartment dwellers. They are calm, gentle, sweet, and easygoing. They are not yappy or particularly needy and they make fast friends with everyone they meet – humans and pets alike.
Training your Cavalier Spaniel puppy should be an easy task as they are very intelligent and have a strong desire to please. They are non-aggressive and have a friendly disposition, so you don’t need to worry about them not being well-behaved around your neighbors, other pets, or kids. In fact, Cavalier Spaniels are wonderful with kids. They make fun playmates and are patient, fun, and affectionate towards children of all ages.
These dogs also like to be active and enjoy canine games and sports, so you need to make sure you have the time and energy to meet their needs. A trip to the dog park, some playtime at home, or a few brisk walks around the block is enough to keep your Cavalier Spaniel healthy and happy.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog also referred to as Frenchie and Bouledogue Francais is a wonderful apartment-friendly dog. French Bulldogs are small, goofy, and cute. They have a confident and proud demeanor and a sturdy-built body. They weigh between 22 to 28 pounds and have an average height of 11 to 13 inches.
The French Bulldog temperament is ideal for apartment life. They are quiet, calm, laid-back, and affectionate dogs who enjoy belly rubs and cuddles, if possible, all day long. They are friendly, sociable, and cheerful. They get along great with other pets, kids, and strangers and they completely lack aggression.
Training French Bulldog puppies is a fun, entertaining activity. They are goofy, bright, and funny comedians. With a knack for tricks and a free spirit, they are sure to make you laugh and giggle in the process.
French Bulldogs are generally quiet and independent dogs. They are more than happy to entertain themselves with a chew toy or a ball, and they won’t be overly vocal when you leave them home alone.
When it comes to their energy levels, French Bulldogs are generally relaxed dogs with low exercise needs. A walk or two around the block will suffice to keep them in great shape and happy.
Havanese
The Havanese also referred to as The Havana Silk Dog, has a caring personality, a friendly disposition, and makes a great apartment dog. Havanese dogs are adorable, cuddly, and sweet. They have a cheerful nature and a friendly demeanor. The Havanese is a member of the Toy Group, weighs between 7 to 13 pounds, and has an average height of 9 to 12 inches.
The Havanese puppies are considered to be the friendliest of dogs. They are outgoing, highly social, and sweet with everyone they meet. They are great with children of all ages, and they love to interact with other pets.
Havanese are also known as highly intelligent dogs with eager to please personalities. They are obedient, pick up on tricks quickly, and love to learn. Training and socializing your Havanese will go smoothly and you are both sure to enjoy the process.
The Havanese are not overly dependent or vocal when left home alone, but they are very loving, devoted, and family attached, so it’s always best to start training your puppy early on in order to avoid any destructive behavior in the future. Leaving home a few minutes at a time is a great way to ensure your puppy won’t develop separation anxiety later on.
Maltese
The Maltese, also referred to as Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, is a sweet, friendly, and kind dog. The Maltese are excellent companion pets for the apartment lifestyle. They are small, lively, and social. They weigh between 4 to 7 pounds and have an average height of 9 inches. The Maltese has an adorable cuddly figure and is often referred to as “a living piece of jewelry”. With the smile-magnet Maltese by your side, daily walks will make you feel like you are walking in sunshine.
The Maltese are exceptionally friendly dogs. They love to meet and interact with both people and other pets, and they will have your neighbors infatuated on sight.
When it comes to training, Maltese puppies are eager learners. Their capacity to pick up on tricks is impressive and they love the training process. They are smart and would do anything to please their family.
The Maltese are highly affectionate, attention-seeking dogs who love to be included in all family activities. They are playful, full of life, and fun. They are moderately active and require two or three walks per day to keep them at their happiest and in great shape.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian also referred to as Pom-Pom and Loulou de Pomeranie is a toy-sized graceful, fluffy, and adorable dog. The Pomeranian is a member of the toy group, weighs between 4 to 7 pounds, and has an average height of 8 to 11 inches. The Pomeranian is a charismatic and charming dog. With a gorgeous appearance, a playful disposition, and a sweet nature, the Pomeranian is one of the most popular apartment-friendly dogs.
Pomeranian puppies are fun-loving, gentle, and calm dogs. They love to snuggle up on the couch and cuddle as much as they love to entertain and play canine games. They are highly social, friendly, gentle, and affectionate. Other pets and kids are their best friends, and they love to interact with new people.
Pomeranians are known to be highly intelligent, receptive, and easy-going. Training your Pomeranian should pose no difficulties as they are fast learners with people-pleasing personalities.
Pomeranians are also known to be independent dogs, so you shouldn’t have any problems when leaving them alone at home. They are not prone to excessive barking or destructive behavior and they won’t give your neighbors a hard time.
Mini Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is a stylish and elegant dog. The Mini Poodle is small in stature, weighs between 10 to 14 pounds, and has an average height of 13 inches. Poodles are recognized as the second most intelligent breed in the world. Playful, friendly, and gentle, with a calm nature, and a sunny disposition, the Mini Poodle has the perfect temperament for apartment life.
Mini Poodles are kind, sweet, and joyful dogs. They love to play, learn, and impress. They excel at canine sports and are very fond of dog games. They are highly social and easy-going; they are quick to make friends with other pets, and they love kids.
Mini Poodle puppies are exceedingly bright and enthusiastic learners. You will have a hard time finding a trick or a command, your Mini Poodle puppy can’t do. As for their exercise requirements, you will need to walk them two or three times a day to keep them in their best shape.
Mini Poodles are independent and quiet dogs. They will sit quietly and think about the latest discoveries in quantum physics, play with a canine toy, or simply nap when they are home alone so you don’t need to worry about them developing any kind of destructive behavior.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also referred to as Yorkie, is a happy, spunky, and feisty little fella. A member of the Toy Group, the Yorkshire Terrier weighs between 4 to 6 pounds and has an average height of 8 inches. The Yorkshire Terrier has a glamorous appearance, with a confident and proud demeanor. Yorkshire Terriers are of a kind nature; they are easy-going, sweet, highly devoted, and they make perfect little apartment dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers have a friendly disposition. They enjoy interacting with other pets, children, and even strangers. They are fun, playful, energetic, and outgoing. They love to entertain, perform tricks for treats, and impress. You can’t ever get bored with a Yorkshire Terrier puppy at your side. As for their exercise requirements, although they are spunky and adventurous, they only require two or three walks per day to keep them happy.
Yorkshire Terriers are also considered independent dogs. They do well when left home alone, and are not generally prone to separation anxiety or destructive behavior.
Apart from being calm, not overly noisy, social, and awesome apartment-friendly dogs, these breeds can also be great first pets for novice owners. They are bright, clever, and easy to train, and they won’t give a first-time pet owner any trouble.
These breeds are a great fit for seniors as well as couples, singles, and families with or without children.
Their sweet calm nature, cheerful disposition, and easy-going personalities make them excellent therapy dogs too. Most of them are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, with minimal to non-shedding coats, and are well suited for families suffering from pet-related allergies.
Scroll down to see FAQs about aparment dogs!
Madeline I
About The Author
Madeline, a remarkable wordsmith and canine connoisseur at Premier Pups, possesses an exceptional understanding of dogs, setting her apart in the world of pet journalism. Her meticulous research skills and genuine affinity for her furry subjects culminate in articles that are both informative and captivating. Madeline's distinctive writing style brings the canine experience to life, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers. As a trusted source of wisdom for dog enthusiasts, Madeline's unique contributions have become an essential component of the Premier Pups community, where her passion and expertise continue to inspire a deeper appreciation for the world of dogs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best dog breeds for apartment living? Some of the best dog breeds for apartment living include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Havanese, Maltese, Pomeranian, Mini Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier. These breeds are known for their adaptability to apartment life, friendly nature, and manageable size.
Are small dog breeds always suitable for apartments? While size is a factor, other aspects such as the dog's temperament, energy level, and noise level also play a crucial role in determining if a breed is suitable for apartment living.
Are there any dog breeds that don't shed and are good for apartments? Yes, some dog breeds that are known for minimal shedding and are suitable for apartments include the Maltese, Mini Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier. However, it's always important to remember that individual dogs may vary.
What are some good dog breeds for medium-sized apartments? Breeds like the French Bulldog, Havanese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known to adapt well to medium-sized apartments due to their manageable size and moderate activity levels.
How can I ensure my dog is happy in an apartment setting? Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction is key to keeping them happy in an apartment setting. Regular walks, playtime, and training can all contribute to a happy and well-adjusted apartment dog.
Can I have a pet dog in an apartment? Yes, many people successfully keep dogs in apartments. However, it's important to consider the breed's suitability for apartment living, and to check with your landlord or apartment management about any pet policies.
What are some tips for training a puppy in an apartment? Start training early, keep a consistent schedule, and use positive reinforcement methods. Socialization is also important, so introduce your puppy to various experiences, people, and other animals in a controlled and positive way.