10 Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Dwellers

10 Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Dwellers

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Though many people would prefer to live in a house, finances or life situations may mean an apartment is the only option for the moment… or the foreseeable future. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forgo dog ownership, though. While many breeds may have a difficult time in an apartment, there are dogs that do just fine in a smaller space, provided you give them the exercise and mental stimulation they need outside each day. Here are 10 breeds that are perfectly content as apartment dwellers.

Basset Hound

Basset Hound looks up at camera

When you look at the Basset Hound with its droopy ears and face, and its sleepy eyes, you may think, “Now that’s a dog that probably enjoys loafing around.” You’d be right! While these dogs do need exercise like any other pup, once they get their activities in, they enjoy a good nap and a good relaxation session. That means that indoor space can be of any size. They’re also usually okay with other dogs, so you probably won’t have to worry too much about running into the neighbor dogs out on walks, provided you’ve trained and socialized your Basset Hound.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise bites pillow

A slightly more spirited apartment dog is the Bichon Frise. These pups are peppy, playful, silly, and experts at learning tricks. While they do need their share of exercise and mental stimulation outdoors, they’re content with a smaller space once they use up that energy. These dogs are also very outgoing and will want to make friends with all the neighbors as soon as possible, so their charming personalities and goofiness will endear them to the whole building, other dogs included.

Bulldog

Bulldog plays with toy

Another dog that looks like a couch potato – and kind of is – is the bulldog. They’re not quite as low energy as you may think, requiring an average amount of exercise, but they’re equally lazy once they get home. They do have a playful and silly streak, so you’re sure to be entertained between naps. Those naps may be in close quarters to their person, as they’re awfully fond of cuddling. If you do decide to adopt a bulldog, one thing to keep in mind is that stairs may be difficult. The best bet is moving them into a ground floor unit or a building with an elevator.

Great Dane

Great Dane chews on treat

Great Danes are great in size but also great in relaxation. Their exercise needs aren’t low, and they are quite playful, but they’re also experts at vegging out. This means that, while you’d think they need a ton of space inside, they’re actually okay in apartments or condos, and they’ll probably try to lay out next to you wherever you are anyway. They’re quite loyal and attached to their people. These gentle giants also tend to be quite polite, provided they were trained and socialized young, so the neighbors will be impressed with this distinguished gentleman or gentlewoman.

Greyhound

Greyhound relaxing

Greyhounds are notorious speedsters. However, like cheetahs, those energy bursts are relatively short-lived, and once they get their exercise in, they’re apt to lounge around like a cat. Other cat-like traits are a streak of independence, which does mean you have to work at training. However, once you get that sorted out, these dogs are gentle, calm, okay around other dogs, and downright sweet and affectionate. They also aren’t overly barky, so they probably won’t give the neighbors too many headaches.

Havanese

Havanese smiles on bed

A dog sure to give the neighbors smiles instead of headaches is the Havanese. These happy, affectionate dogs are always ready to socialize with the people they encounter… as well as their four-legged neighbors, provided they’ve been well socialized. They have middling energy and still need a good romp outside and mental stimulation, but they’re snuggly loafers with their people at the end of the day. Their adaptable nature makes a home of any size perfectly fine, too.

Mastiff

Mastiff stands outside

Mastiffs can top out at over 200 pounds, but their big frames may actually be okay in smaller spaces, assuming the building allows dogs of their size. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are actually decent apartment tenants, given their lower exercise needs. You may want to be mindful of stairs, though, especially as they age. Mastiffs are gentle, good-natured, and patient, provided they’ve had the right training, which is necessary given their size. They’re also expert snugglers who aren’t apt to keep the neighbors up by barking up a storm in the middle of the night. They’re remarkably adaptable, too.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi lays on sofa

While Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a history as herding dogs and do like a home in the country, they are adaptable and can live in apartment as long as they get their exercise and mental stimulation needs met. This may involve giving them some sort of job out on your outdoor excursions, like getting them into dog sports. They’re adept at a variety of them, including agility and herding. This is another dog with its fair share of independence, but it’s still quite affectionate and friendly. It’s generally good with other dogs, as well. Two things that can be difficult in an apartment setting, though, are its vocal nature and its need to avoid stairs.

Poodle

Poodle stands inside by window

Another dog that does need to blow off some steam but is perfectly happy in a smaller home once it’s had a good swim, run, or hike is the poodle. While they have a history as focused waterfowl dogs, they’re also good at unwinding with their people at the end of a busy day. If well socialized, they won’t mind the neighbor kids, and they’re quite friendly. You may just have neighbors asking if they can borrow them for an adventure.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terrier sits on chair

The Yorkshire Terrier may have a big personality and somewhat big energy, but it’s also small in stature and small in space needs. Bred as ratters, they’re rather feisty and still need to have some adventures before turning in for a relaxing and cuddly evening, but they’re content to have a chill night in, with possibly a few games mixed in. One issue is that these dogs are on the chattier side, but their friendliness – with adults and kids - may help them get out of the doghouse with the neighbors.

Michelle Milliken

Michelle has a journalism degree and has spent more than seven years working in broadcast news. She's also been known to write some silly stuff for humor websites. When she's not writing, she's probably getting lost in nature, with a fully-stocked backpack, of course.

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