Choosing the Best Dog Breed for Apartment Living

Living in an apartment doesn't rule out having a dog, as long as you choose the right one and can make the time. Many people only look at size, but a small, hyperactive, barky dog can find apartment life harder than a calm medium-sized one. This guide covers what to weigh up before you decide.

Check these things before choosing a breed

• Building rules: many apartment buildings have their own pet rules, such as limits on size or number of pets, use of elevators, muzzles, or leashes in common areas. Ask the building management and follow the rules where you live.
• Your time: who will take the dog out to toilet and for walks every day? Will the dog be home alone for many hours?
• Neighbors: thin walls and shared hallways mean barking easily becomes a nuisance.
• Space: is there room for the dog to sleep, a potty area such as a balcony or tray, and a safe way in and out?
• Your household: is anyone allergic to dog hair, and are there young children or elderly people at home?

Criteria that matter more than size

Energy level

This is the most important factor. Breeds developed for herding livestock, pulling sleds or hunting usually need a great deal of exercise. Without it, they tend to chew things up, bark and race around the home. Dogs with moderate exercise needs adapt to apartment life more easily.

Barking habits

Some breeds tend to bark as an alert whenever they hear an unfamiliar sound. In an apartment building, elevators and footsteps in the hallway are constant. Research this trait carefully and be ready to start training early.

Coping with being alone

Some dogs are very attached to their owners and become anxious when left behind. If everyone in your home is out at work all day, think this through carefully.

Coat and grooming

Dogs that shed heavily need frequent brushing and vacuuming in an enclosed space. Long-haired and curly-coated dogs shed less but need regular trimming and detangling.

Heat tolerance

High-floor apartments can get very hot without air conditioning. Short-faced, flat-nosed breeds are prone to heatstroke and breathing difficulties.

Breed groups often considered for apartments

Here are a few examples often mentioned when it comes to apartment dogs. These are only general tendencies; every dog has its own personality.

• Small Poodles (Toy, Miniature): intelligent, easy to train and low-shedding, but they need regular trimming plus play and mental stimulation.
• Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon: small, friendly and well suited to indoor life. Their long coats need frequent brushing, and some may bark a lot if not trained.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: gentle and affectionate with moderate exercise needs, but doesn't like being left alone for long.
• Pug, French Bulldog: undemanding exercise needs and not very barky, but as short-faced breeds they are very sensitive to heat. They need air conditioning in summer, and their healthcare costs can be high.
• Greyhound, Whippet: it may sound surprising, but many are quite calm indoors and just need a good run in a safe place a few times a week.

Don't forget mixed-breed dogs and dogs adopted from rescue groups. With an adult dog, you already know its personality, energy level and barking habits, so it's easier to find one that suits apartment life.

Breeds to think carefully about

Large, high-energy breeds developed to work all day will struggle to be happy in a small apartment unless you have plenty of time to exercise them every day. Huskies and thick-coated shepherd breeds also cope poorly with heat in hot, humid climates.

Summary

• Check your building's rules before bringing a dog home.
• Prioritize a suitable energy level, the ability to be alone and a low tendency to bark, rather than size alone.
• Consider heat tolerance and grooming needs.
• Whatever breed you choose, your dog still needs daily walks, play and training.
• Adopting an adult dog is a good choice because you know its personality in advance.