Dogs are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, and it has become common for many breeds to find themselves at home in an apartment. If you’re looking to find yourself a new four-legged friend, you’re probably wondering which breed will be best for apartment life. There are a lot of different variables you need to consider when choosing your pup. It’s not easy to work out which breed will suit you best, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 14 of the best dog breeds that suit apartment life. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best dog breeds for apartment life.
Check out our 12 Puppy Essentials you’ll need before you bring your new puppy home!
1 French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are an increasingly popular breed in the UK. Known for their big personalities, these dogs love nothing better than a good cuddle. They need around an hour of exercise each day, and adust well to apartment living. It is important to consider that Frenchies can be prone to a variety of health issues.
Pros: moderate barking, enjoy time at home, not high-energy
Cons: health issues, farting and snoring!
2 Maltese
The Maltese is one of the sweetest breeds around! They are renowned for their playful nature and high intelligence. Their small size, low shedding and lovely manner make them great apartment roommates. They can be prone to separation anxiety and can benefit from crate training so they have a safe haven to retreat to when you’re not nearby.
Pros: intelligent, playful, low shedding and hypoallergenic
Cons: separation anxiety, frequent grooming required
3 Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a lovely breed that loves pottering around your home, snuggling in your lap, and peering out your window. Whilst the Bichon Frise’s small size, relatively low exercise needs and lovely nature make them a great apartment breed, they can have a high inclination to bark. If you have particularly thin walls or don’t want to make too much noise, then the Bichon Frise might not be for you.
Pros: small size, comfortable in the house, low shedding and hypoallergenic
Cons: prone to barking, shyness, frequent grooming required
4 Havanese
Their ancestors come from Havana, meaning they know a thing or two about downtown living. Also known as ‘the velcro dog’ a Havanese would be ideal for someone looking for some company, especially if you’re working from home. Although their wild manes need frequent grooming, surprisingly, they don’t shed all that much.
Pros: super sociable, low shedding and hypoallergenic
Cons: can be anxious, like to bark, stubbornness
5 Pug
Pugs are pint-sized, bundles of fun and have a unique temperament and a hilarious sense of humour. They have bursts of energy and need to be entertained, but they also love being couch potatoes. A great apartment dog for someone looking for a close companion.
Pros: small, friendly, low-moderate energy
Cons: prone to health problems, high shedding
6 Chihuahua
The smallest dog on the list, this gorgeous little breed is ideal for people who are low on space, but spend a lot of time at home. The chihuahua is a dog that thrives on company and attention, and would make the perfect pal for anyone working from home.
Pros: small size, quirky personality, low exercise
Cons: needs lots of supervision and attention, fragile, prone to barking
7 Dachshund
The Dachshund has been one of the most popular dog breeds since the 1950s, and has been favoured by the royals in the past! They’re great apartment dogs due to their size and to being low maintenance. Due to their short legs and long spines, tackling the stairs can be difficult for them, so an apartment with elevator access is an ideal home setup.
Pros: loyal, low maintenance, small
Cons: can be aggressive, stubbornness, prone to spinal and neurological issues
8 Italian Greyhound
The miniature version to their racing counterparts, the Italian greyhound is a cute breed that is great for apartment life. Much like their bigger cousins, Italian greyhounds enjoy sharp bursts of energy, and then retire to their bed or the couch. They’re generally peaceful dogs, who are not prone to barking.
Pros: don’t bark much, low maintenance, low shedding
Cons: can be shy, fragility
9 Bedlington Terrier
You might mistake a Bedlington for a spring lamb, but these curious, energetic dogs are cute, family-oriented sweethearts. Bedlington’s need plenty of exercise and stimulation, but more than anything they want to be a part of the family. They are generally very calm and relaxed indoors as long as they’ve had enough exercise. A Bedlington terrier would be perfect for a young, active family.
Pros: low shedding, calm indoors, family-oriented
Cons: very high energy, stubborn, like to bark, upkeep of coat
10 Pomeranian
This incredibly intelligent, diligent breed thought to be descended from Spitz and Huskies is not your average ‘toy dog’. They’re fiercely loyal dogs who would suit an elderly or busy owner, as they don’t need too much attention and exercise. Their small size, above-average intelligence, and low energy levels make them a great breed to have in your apartment.
Pros: intelligent, loyal, low maintenance
Cons: suspicious of strangers, expect lots of barking
11 Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are high-energy dogs who would be perfect for an active older family in an apartment. They’re loyal to their owners, and enjoy spending time with those they trust. They require a lot of exercise and stimulation, so if you’re super busy and don’t have much spare time, they’re probably not for you.
Pros: intelligent, affectionate
Cons: aggressive to other dogs, very high energy, loud bark
12 Shih Tzu
The best way to describe a Shih Tzu is small, but sturdy! This playful, little character would make a great companion for apartment life. The Shih Tzu has relatively low shedding rates and is generally a lot less yappy than other toy breeds. They’re known for being good with strangers and other pets. Some Shih Tzus can experience health problems associated with their short faces.
Pros: not yappy, good with pets and people, low exercise,
Cons: frequent brushing and combing, health problems
13 Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle possesses a variety of qualities that make them suited to apartment life. First off, they’re a great size – not too big, and not as fragile as some of the other miniature breeds. Their coats are hypoallergenic, which makes them ideal for anyone who struggles with allergies. They are also known for their trainable nature.
Pros: small size, hypoallergenic fur, trainable, sociable
Cons: regular clipping, can be shy, prone to barking
14 Greyhound
When you think of dog breeds that would make good apartment companions, the speedster greyhound probably isn’t the first to come to mind. However, greyhounds are actually great apartment dogs. Whilst greyhounds are high-energy, they also love sleeping and lounging around the house. A couple of short walks, with plenty of opportunity to go like the clappers, will leave your greyhound ready for a day of naps.
Pros: great jogging companion, loves a nap, affectionate
Cons: high shedding, size (up to 30 inches)
The Best Apartment Dogs – Final Thoughts
Whichever breed you choose, we’re sure you’ll love spending time with your new pup! Check out some of the resources we have available to help you and your pooch: