9 Best Apartment Dogs: Top Breeds For Small Spaces
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Apartment living might mean making sacrifices, but it doesn't mean you can't have a canine companion at your side. Although living in an apartment can be somewhat restrictive for dogs due to a lack of space and a yard, with love, patience, training, and plenty of walks, many breeds can adjust just fine.
If you're researching the best dog breeds for apartments, you know how important it is to choose one compatible with your lifestyle. That's why we've gathered a list of some of the best dog breeds for apartments.
Table of Contents:
Best Small Dogs for Apartments
One downside to apartment living is that many complexes restrict the size of dogs they accept on the property. While many restrict dogs to under 40 pounds, some stricter properties may say that all pets must be under 25 pounds.
Here are some of the best small dogs that fall within that weight range known to adjust well to apartments.
Pug
Pugs can usually thrive in apartments thanks to their small size. They rarely exceed 13 inches tall or 18 pounds. Plus, they're not particularly known to bark much outside of alerting.
Pugs are easy to train and have average energy levels and mental stimulation needs, so they are among the best dogs for small apartments. They do okay without access to a backyard as long as they get plenty of opportunities to walk and play.
Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua rarely exceeds 6 pounds, and with a height between 5 and 8 inches, they're often just fine in apartments. The only catch is these dogs tend to be on the vocal side, meaning they might bark more frequently.
However, they're quite trainable and eager to please. Just remember, these dogs don't do well in cold environments due to their small size and thin coat, so you'll need to take special care during winter to keep them warm on your regular walks.
Maltese
Known for their long, luxurious coat, this playful yet adaptable dog breed thrives in apartments. Maltese dogs typically weigh less than 7 pounds and have average energy levels compared to other breeds.
They might bark occasionally, but what dog breed won't? These beautiful dogs are the perfect choice for apartment dwellers looking for a beautiful, loyal companion in a compact package.
Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments
Medium-sized dogs weigh between 20 and 60 pounds and stand less than 27 inches tall. Although some might not make the size cut-off depending on your property restrictions, you've got plenty of options for low- to moderate-energy breeds in this range.
Here are some good apartment dogs in the mid-size range you might consider.
Whippet
Famous for their speed and agile appearance, Whippets can flourish in apartments. While they need opportunities to exercise, they're happy to lounge on the couch after a good walk or sprint at the dog park.
These quiet dogs have pleasant personalities and are devoted to their families — children and other dogs included. Just provide plenty of mentally stimulating toys to keep them busy during the day.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs tend to be on the quieter, less active side, making them good medium-sized dogs for an apartment. While they don't bark much, they will alert if something seems amiss, so they can be excellent watchdogs.
Remember to be mindful of these dogs' limitations. As a brachycephalic breed with a shortened head and snout, they're prone to overheating and breathing issues, especially if you exercise them too hard.
Best Big Dogs for Apartments
Big dogs can pose a big problem for apartment living as many properties won't allow them. Owners should keep their current and future living situations in mind when considering adopting a dog from a larger breed class since doing so will likely restrict rental options down the road.
That aside, there are several big dog breeds that thrive in an apartment. Let's take a look.
Greyhound
Greyhounds may be known for their sprinting and use as race dogs, but this breed is actually quite lazy. They're on the larger side, typically weighing around 65 pounds, but they're more than happy to laze about for most of the day. They can be somewhat vocal, but a well-trained Greyhound can typically fully integrate into apartment living.
Great Dane
Great Danes are the gentle giants of the dog world, with males weighing up to 175 pounds and growing to 32 inches tall. Despite their massive stature, these calm, quiet canines typically do well with a few walks during the day and are content to spend their days lounging.
However, because these dogs are so big, ensure they have plenty of space to stretch out. Also, be on the lookout for breed restrictions, as they are sometimes added to the list of breed-specific exclusions within pet rental insurance policies.
Standard Poodle
While Poodles come in many sizes, they all make good apartment dogs. As long as you're sure to take them on regular walks to burn their energy and provide them with plenty of toys, they're a great hypoallergenic option for apartment dwellers.
These dogs excel at adaptability and tend to be very friendly, so they're bound to charm all your neighbors on your daily walk.
Big Risks in Small Places
Pets still face a number of big health risks no matter how small and cozy your apartment may be. Even if your new roommate is rarely out of sight, they can still find their way into trouble, become ill, or get injured during your daily outings — so pet insurance for indoor dogs is still a good idea.
With pet insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing you can afford a vet bill when anything goes awry, which can cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the condition.
You're already doing your due diligence researching the best dog breeds for apartments. Continue the trend by checking out your options for pet insurance so you can rest assured that your faithful furry friend can always access affordable medical care when it's needed.
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Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Kaelee Nelson is a die-hard dog mom, part-time dog trainer, and ultimate pet enthusiast. She recently rescued a puppy named Zoey who went from the streets of Mexico to the big lights in L.A. after Kaelee helped her become officially studio-trained for production work, with the goal of strengthen her dog's confidence as well as the bond they share. Kaelee remains passionate about pets in her role as Content Marketing Manager by helping owners prepare for the financial burden that often comes with giving our furry BFFs the best care possible. Enrolling Zoey in a pet insurance policy was a no-brainer for Kaelee, as it enabled her to get reimbursed for vet costs like spaying, vaccinations, routine care, and more.
