If you always wanted to get a dog but were hesitant because you live in a small apartment this list is for you. Sure, for dogs like Great Dane or Husky you probably need a house with a spacious backyard but luckily for you dogs come in all shapes and sizes. We have compiled a list of top breeds for a city apartment.
So what constitutes an apartment-friendly dog? Well for one, quite obvious, size. You naturally would want a small one.
Additionally, you want to look for such qualities as laid back, quiet (something your neighbors will appreciate), and pup that practically doesn’t shed.
According to the American Kennel Club, these breeds are best suited for city living:
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise (pronounced as bee-shawn free-say) is a small dog with a cheerful and loving disposition. They feature beautiful black eyes with fluffy white coats. Bichon Frise love to play and make excellent family pets.
French Bulldog
These dogs are known worldwide for their unique features and flat faces. French Bulldogs do well in apartment living and can suit novice dog owners. What makes Frenchies ideal for apartment living is the fact that they do not require tons of exercise. A 15-minute walk twice daily will keep them happy and help them maintain a healthy weight.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier was originally bred as a fighting dog. Today, that couldn’t be further from the temperaments of these charming little dogs. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Unlike French Bulldogs, these guys do need good amounts of exercise but can still suit apartment living.
Pug
Pugs are sometimes called the clowns of the dog world due to their funny personalities and love for showing off. Pugs thrive on human companionship and are therefore not ideal if no one will be home for extended periods.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
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€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
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€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living but are sensitive dogs that do not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They are athletic dogs with gentle personalities that love to run and play.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are one the largest of the toy breeds. They are athletic dogs that enjoy hikes, runs on the beach, and agility. But they are equally content spending an afternoon napping on their owner’s lap.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a proudly Japanese breed with an ancient heritage. They are known for their spirited temperaments and intelligence. Shiba Inu’s are strong-willed and therefore need a good foundation of training from a young age. Check out our “Top 5 First Commands to Teach your Dog” blog post for tips.
Maltese
These little guys are one of the most popular family dogs worldwide. They are low shedding dogs with affectionate personalities. Maltese are quick learners who are eager to please. They can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
Shih Tsu
Shih Tsu means ‘little lion’, which is fitting for their regal locks. But these guys have no lion-like tendencies. Rather, they are amazing lap dogs with outgoing personalities. They can be slightly harder to house train, so need sufficient training from an early age.
Basenji
The Basenjis originate from Africa. The Congo to be exact! They are bred to hunt and were originally used as ratters and to flush out small game. They are smart, endearing, and alert dogs. Basenji’s require a firm hand and consistent training.
In conclusion, whatever breed you end up choosing for your city apartment, don’t forget that dogs are not only tons of joy and happiness but also a big responsibility. Exercise your dog regularly and don’t forget to visit a vet for health checkups and vaccinations or schedule an online consultation with one of Cooper Pet Care’s qualified vets. We also highly recommend you get pet health insurance to protect you and your pup from any unforeseen situations.