What kind of dog would you choose if you lived in an apartment? This is a question more and more people are asking, especially young professionals. If you live in an apartment or similarly limited space in a major city and live a busy lifestyle, then you might want to consider adopting a small dog breed.
Small dogs are often considered ideal pets because they generally don’t require a large amount of space. Many of them can be independent, though they can be friendly, playful, and loyal when you need companionship.
Specifically, toy dog breeds can be excellent choices for apartments. These are small dogs that weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. Compare that to the average golden retriever, which weighs anywhere from 65 to 74 pounds!
Why Get Small Dogs for Apartments?
If you have ever had a pet before, then you know how much work it takes to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Dogs require lots of attention, food and water, training, grooming, exercise, and lots of love. For most people living in a small apartment in a big city, this isn’t practical.
However, with a small dog breed, you can enjoy all the benefits of canine companionship without having to worry about their size in a smaller space.
Here are some reasons to consider small dog breeds for apartments:
- They are perfect for small spaces. Because of their small size, toy dog breeds can easily fit into small areas like condos, apartments, and even dorm rooms. They also make great travel companions as well. Think of it this way: the average square footage for an apartment is 882 square feet. Which dog do you think is going to be happier and healthier in that space? A larger active dog like a golden retriever or a smaller dog like a chihuahua?
- They usually don't shed as much. Most small dog breeds tend to shed less than medium-sized dogs. Since they're so small, they don't require as much grooming as larger dogs. Plus, many of these breeds have short hair coats, making them easier to care for and clean up after.
- Their barks aren't as loud. The larger the dog, the larger the bark. Why? Because they have larger chest and nasal cavities as well as larger vocal cords. If you live in an apartment, then you'll need to be intentional about keeping your noise level down. The last thing you want is having a noise complaint filed against you. While this doesn't mean that small dogs don't bark, their barking is usually more controllable than larger dogs. If you still struggle with unwanted barking, then you might want to consider a shock collar for little dogs.
- They are less likely to damage the unit. From scratching at doors to jumping up on the window sill, there are many ways a dog might damage your apartment. With a small dog breed, this is less likely to happen since they have less weight and strength to cause such damage. Also, many of these breeds are hypoallergenic, meaning they won't cause allergies in those who are sensitive to fur.
These are just some of the reasons why you should consider a small apartment dog.
But that still leaves the question: what are the best dogs for small apartments?
Top 7 Best Small Dogs for Apartments
#1. Chihuahuas
It's no surprise that the smallest dog breed is perfect for small spaces! According to the American Kennel Club, chihuahuas only need 30 minutes of exercise a day due to their small size.
While an apartment or condo might be too small for an active dog such as a cattle dog, a chihuahua will thrive and feel protected and safe in this environment. So if you find yourself asking, "Are chihuahuas good for apartments," the answer is a resounding YES!
There's just one small exception: chihuahuas are exceptionally clingy dogs. This means that they may not be able to handle being left alone in your apartment all day by itself. But when properly trained and socialized, they can be excellent apartment dogs.
Chihuahuas are known for their friendly personalities and playful nature. These traits make them popular among small dog aficionados.
#2. Pugs
Pugs are still considered toy dogs, even though their breed is on the larger end of the spectrum. Still, they are excellent small apartment dogs!
One of the reasons they are so popular for apartment dwellers is because their hair is so short. They don't shed as much, and when they do, it is very easy to clean up. Many other dog breeds shed much more, and their hair can get intertwined into couch cushions and your bedding, making them difficult to clean.
If you've ever had a pug living with you, you know how adorable they can be. Their soft fur makes them great companions for children, especially toddlers. And while they are cute, they are also extremely energetic. A pug needs lots of daily activity to stay healthy. In fact, they require almost twice as much exercise as a chihuahua.
If you live an active lifestyle and are willing to play with your dog and take it on walks, then a pug might be good for a small apartment or condo!
#3. Miniature Dachshunds
Dachshunds are another favorite small apartment dog. They are known for their long legs and tiny bodies which gives them a shorter height than most other dog breeds. They are also agile enough to jump over furniture and climb stairs without any trouble.
They are also incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs. If you're looking for a dog that loves attention and enjoys playing fetch, then dachshunds are the right choice for you. They love to run around and chase balls and toys, but they also just love to sleep around on your furniture as well.
Miniature dachshunds don't need much exercise, especially as they age. Due to their long bodies, they are at risk of disc prolapse. It's still a good idea to take a miniature dachshund on a daily walk, but their exercise needs are minimal compared to many other dogs.
#4. Shih Tzus
If you live in an apartment, odds are that you might have a lot of friends over for dinner, game night, or to watch a sports game on the TV. Shih Tzus are calm and friendly around strangers, which makes them perfect for apartment life.
Shih Tzus are also known for their intelligence. They are highly trainable and can learn tricks like sitting, staying, and rolling over. They are also very loyal and loving dogs. You will find that Shih Tzu's are very protective of their owners.
However, with intelligence comes the opportunity for dogs to be stubborn. Of course, not all Shih Tzu's are stubborn, but this is a characteristic that can be more common in this toy breed.
If normal training won't get your Shih Tzu to listen to you and stop unwanted behavior, then you might want to consider the smallest shock collar for dogs. After all, Shih Tzu's usually weigh 8 to 16 pounds. Investing in a training collar will help you communicate more clearly with your pup and help prevent more stubborn behavior.
#5. Miniature Poodles
Since poodles come in all sizes, people wonder if miniature poodles are good apartment dogs.
Yes! And not just the miniature poodles, too.
Large and medium sized poodles can do well in a smaller living space. The size of these dogs helps keep their energy levels down so they don't need quite as much room as more active dog breeds.
Poodles are also smart, playful, and fun-loving dogs. They love to spend time outside exploring nature and running around. They can also be trained to behave around strangers, making them ideal apartment dogs.
Poodles are also easy to care for!
Toy poodles is just another name for miniature poodles, so you don't need to wonder if toy poodles are good apartment dogs either.
#6. Jack Russel Terriers
Are Jack Russel Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, but only if you live an active lifestyle and can provide plenty of exercise. Jack Russell terriers are great apartment dogs for active people because they are energetic, playful, and intelligent. They make excellent family pets and enjoy spending time outdoors. If you live in an apartment, then you'll want to be intentional about bringing your dog to the dog park or going on plenty of walks.
These dogs are also very adaptable to different environments. They are happy to play indoors or out, and they can even handle some cold weather.
They are also very social animals who are eager to meet new people and tend to get along with other dogs.. This makes them great apartment dogs since they'll be excited to see visitors and be part of the action.
The only downside to owning a Jack Russell terrier is that they can be destructive when bored. There are two ways to prevent boredom. The first is to tire it out through plenty of exercise. The second is to play a lot with your dog. If you're looking for a dog that doesn't require a lot of attention, then a Jack Russell terrier may not be the best choice for you.
#6. Maltese
Malteses are small dogs that were originally bred to serve as lapdogs. These days, however, Malteses are being used as guard dogs and service dogs even though they are small. They love their humans so much and they will do anything to protect them.
Malteses tend to be very affectionate and gentle. They love to snuggle up next to their owner and often sleep curled up by their side.
You can easily recognize a Maltese from its white silky coat. It has short legs, a long tail, and large ears.
If you have a small apartment, then you can probably find a Maltese that will fit into your home and be content with the space. They are one of the best small to medium sized dogs for apartments.
#7. French Bulldogs
Frenchies are known for being extremely quiet. In fact, many owners report that they hardly bark. This makes them a perfect small apartment dog! Trust us, your neighbors will thank you for keeping the place quiet.
Another benefit is that Frenchies are highly trainable and can learn a variety of commands quickly. They are also friendly and outgoing. You can expect your French Bulldog to be a cheerful companion.
This breed loves to go hiking, swimming, and playing fetch. However, they still like to stay close to their human companions.
This means that you should have a lifestyle that doesn't keep you away from the apartment for too long. Also, make sure that your dog gets enough exercise.
FAQs About Small Apartment Dogs
Raising a puppy and taking care of a dog in an apartment is different from taking care of a dog in a house. In a house, you have more space and likely have a front yard and backyard where your dog can use the bathroom and play.
But in an apartment, you have neighbors right against your wall and you need to take more time out of your day to let the dog out.
The reality is that there are different considerations about having a small apartment and a dog.
Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic:
Where should I put a dog crate in a small apartment?
Crates should help keep your dog feel safe. Since there's not a lot of space in an apartment, that doesn't leave you with many options. However, here are some things to consider.
First, keep the crate away from anything loud. If your dog is inside the crate, it might get scared, but won't be able to get away because it is confined. Things like the washing machine, dryer, and television might be items to avoid.
Second, keep it in a place that is private with little to no human traffic. Why? Because let's say you have friends over, your small dog might get scared and overwhelmed by the crowd of people. If this is the case, your pup will want to go somewhere it feels safe, secure, and alone. A crate should be a safe space.
Why doesn't my dog listen anymore in my apartment?
Your dog might not listen to you because of distractions around the apartment. For example, let's say there's construction going on outside. The loud noises from construction might distract your dog and keep it from listening to you.
Another reason might be because your dog is trying to tell you something. Your dog might want to go outside to use the bathroom, so it might begin barking to get your attention. In most cases, you'd tell your dog to "stop" and it would stop, but in this case, your dog keeps barking because it's trying to tell you something.
However, sometimes dogs just stop paying attention. If you're wondering why doesn't my dog listen anymore, then you'll want to consider getting a training collar for your dog. When used correctly, a training collar is useful in getting your dog's attention and bringing it back to you.
Where should I put my dog's food bowl and water bowl in the apartment?
You'll want to put the food and water bowls next to each other in the same place. In most cases, you'll want to avoid carpet. Water can spill onto the floor and crumbs might fall as your dog is eating. If that happens, it's much easier to clean hardwood or tile than carpet.
If you don't have hardwood floors, you may want to put a mat down first before putting the bowls near each other. This way, if your dog spills any water, it won't soak into the carpet.
Furthermore, if you already have a dog and are getting a second dog, make sure that you keep each dog's bowls away from the other. Dogs can get territorial, so their eating place should be kept separate for everyone's safety.