Dog Adoption, Dog Behavior, Dog Breeds, Dog Questions, Dogs

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

10-best-dog-breeds-apartment-selection-tips

Apartment living does not necessarily mean you have to turn into a pet person. If you love dogs, you can be quite at home in apartments, provided you select a pet whose temperament matches your space. Its preferences and activity level are more crucial than the size of your pet.

There are many types of dogs that you can choose for your apartment. It is essential that you take your time when making this crucial decision. Remember that you will be spending most of the time with your preferred dog breed indoors. Thus, it is imperative that you go for the best one. Here are valuable tips on how to choose the best dog for the apartment.

In this article, we have mentioned the top 10 best dog breeds ideal for an apartment or condominium.

 

Selection Tips

 

Tip 1: Consider the size of Your Apartment

A flat or small house is not an ideal environment for some types of dogs. This is because even the calmest dogs still require space to move from one room to another. Some small dog breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers, still need a lot of space as they are very active.

Similarly, in a terrace or flat house, a very noisy dog breed could disturb your neighbors. Plus, you’ll have to take your dog on regular walks outdoors for daily exercises and toilet trips.

If you have children in your home, it is advisable you go for larger breed dogs. This is because large breeds can endure pain than small dog breeds. If your child pulls the dog’s ears, they can tolerate it. But small dogs are more likely to bite your child if they are stepped on or hurt by your kind.

 

Tip 2: Will the Dynamics of Your Family Change

This is another critical factor to take into account when choosing a dog breed for your apartment is the dynamics of your family. You need to consider whether the dynamics of your family will change in the future. Will an elderly relative comes to live with you? Are you likely to have a newborn child in the future? Children under the age of five require careful supervision of any dog breed. However, some dogs are friendlier to kids than others.

If you have kids in your home, you should go for a dog that responds to your commands well when walking out of the house. Dogs, such as Labradors are ideal for families with school-age kids. Similarly, dogs such as boxers are a perfect option for kids, but they require adequate training and a firm hand.

If you have an elderly relative in your family, you should choose dog breeds, such as Dachshund and Cavalier King Charles. If you have active adults in the family, consider selecting dogs such as Beagle or Jack Russell as they are always ready for adventures.

 

Tip 3: Research on the Dog’s Temperament

The characteristics of a dog breed are also an essential factor to consider. Find out the origin of the breed, the climatic conditions it is used to and the job it was specially bred to do. Some working dog breeds such as Collies like to have their space. Other fun loving dog breeds, like Dalmatians, love a lively household.

Dogs, such as terriers are more tenacious and lively while Gun dogs tend to have a strong instinct to obey and are more sociable. Every dog breed is different, and it is essential to find out its specific characteristic before making your selection.

If you are looking for the best for your apartment, avoid dogs that were bred to work outside. Such dogs will require routine physical and mental exercises or they are going to be unhappy. Unhappy dogs are very destructive and can even hurt your children.

Thus, it is imperative that you go for a dog that matches the energy level of your family. Consider the amount of time you are willing to spend with your dog. Some dogs require lots of exercises while others do not need so many activities.

 

Tip 4: Amount of Training Involvement

Different dog breeds respond to training indifferently. For instance, poodles learn things very fast while Labradors are instinctively compliant. However, most pet lovers usually think that large breeds require more training than small breeds which is wrong. It is easy to be more lenient with a puppy nipping from a toy breed than you would with large dog breeds.

When a dog becomes an adult, it is tough to change its bad behaviors. You can easily find yourself being ruled by an aggressive dog. Thus, it is essential you go for a small dog and consistently train to become what you want it to be.

 

Tip 5: Are you Home Occupant Allergic?

If the occupants of your home are allergic, then it is vital that you go for a hypoallergenic dog breed. Hypoallergenic dogs tend to shed less dander, meaning that allergic people can tolerate them. Some examples of hypoallergenic dog breeds for the apartment include Bichon, Portuguese water dog, the Kerry blue terrier, the Maltese and Poodles.

It is advisable that you spend time with your preferred dog breed before planning to bring it home. Note that some hypoallergenic dogs can still be more sensitive to some people than others. Also, some people can be allergic to the dog’s saliva and consider allowing the dog to kiss your face or lick your hands just to ensure that they do not cause any reactions.

 

Tip 6: Cost of Keeping the Dog

Some dogs tend to be more expensive to keep than others. You need to decide the amount of money you will use on your dog every month. Large dog breeds tend to be more expensive as they consume lots of food and have high healthcare costs. Additionally, some apartments will not allow you to keep large dogs, making them harder to accommodate. Smaller dog breeds also come with some expenses, but they are not as costly as large breeds.

These are just some of the critical factors to consider when choosing the right dog breed for the apartment. With a good understanding of the above 6 tips, you certainly have an easy time selecting the best apartment dog.

 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

This particular dog breed is reputed for being quite jovial and upbeat in nature and can comfortably fit into an apartment as an adorable pet. They can vary from small size to medium size and is usually happy and gentle in disposition. Being a moderately energetic pooch, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not need much exercise on a daily basis. One significant characteristic feature of this canine is that they appear to be a puppy through and through. There is no element of doubt about the fact that you are going to enjoy your bond with this dog breed thanks to its obedient and loyal nature.

 

Toy Poodle

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

A toy poodle doesn’t shed that much which makes it a breed ideal for any apartments in general. Being an intelligent as well as energetic canine, Toy Poodle is quite natural for a poodle to bark too often and indulge in things that might cause irritation to the owner as well as the other family members. However, all these behavioral issues can be mitigated by adequate exercise and proper training. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the owner to train the Poodle to react correctly to obedience commands while it is still young. Interestingly, a Toy Poodle is appropriate for a small apartment given that it is less than 11″ at the withers.

 

Maltese

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

In case you don’t mind your pooch to bark a bit more, the Maltese will be another dog breed that can spice up your life within an apartment. Weighing only 6 to 9 pounds, it will rarely shed which won’t cause you many problems in the limited space whatsoever. Although it is imperative to comb him daily, it should not bother you given that this will prevent the development of tangles or mats in his coat. While walking, try to avoid the mud puddles to keep your pooch clean and tidy. The only problem that you might encounter with a Maltese could be his behavior, and this can be rectified by proper training. He ought to be taught a few basic tricks that will keep him occupied such as allowing him to meet your neighbors as well as other pets in the building.

 

Shih Tzu

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

This specific breed is perhaps the fittest one for any apartments out there. The main reason for this could be the fact that a Shih Tzu happens to be amongst the smallest breeds available these days. Another aspect that does make it ideal as an apartment dog is its behavior. Being a somewhat happy and affectionate pooch. Shih Tzu gratified with only a bit of walking and basic workouts. As a matter of fact, a Shih Tzu is one breed that you would love to take with you outdoors. Also, you can always expect him to wait for you to return from your workplace every evening.

 

Pug

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

Pugs are yet another breed ideal for your apartment thanks to their even-tempered as well as true nature. Moreover, another positive aspect happens to be their compact size which is appropriate for small living spaces. Being somewhat curious by disposition, they entail plenty of time to explore the surroundings while walking. When they come back, however, they tend to relax and unwind quite fast. A pug can mingle with both kids as well as adults effortlessly and will make the owner feel genuinely proud of him as a pet.

 

Basenji

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

These are small-sized African canines that usually weigh under 14 kg. Moreover, they are not known to shed quite often and also do not make much noise barking. Consequently, a Basenji is going to be an ideal companion for you as well as your loved ones in case you are residing in an apartment.

 

Bichon

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

A Bichon is a somewhat playful and friendly small-sized dog out there. Furthermore, it can be described as an obedient and happy canine with a moderate energy level. As compared to many small dog breeds, a bichon does not bark too often. One thing is for sure that you will positively adore the way this pet is going to welcome you once you come back home from the office. Only a few walks and some basic workouts should be enough to fulfill the daily exercise requirements of your Bichon.

 

Boston Terrier

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

Nicknamed as “the American gentleman,” a Boston Terrier is quite polite in their behavior and mannerisms. They are usually quiet and won’t irritate their owners by exhibiting excessive loyalty and affection. Also, being rather small in size they don’t need much space for exercise. Just taking them for a brisk walk down the road should be adequate to satisfy their daily requirements.

 

Chihuahua

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

Although a Chihuahua happens to be one of the smallest pooches on the planet, it does not suffer from any lack of personality whatsoever. Having a medium to high level of energy. Chihuahua needs to go for a walk regularly to spend the accumulated energy. They also enjoy playing games which help to keep them happy as well as healthy. It is a fact that some Chihuahuas tend to bark frequently once they encounter any stranger. Of course, this attitude can be rectified by adequately training them.

 

French Bulldog

10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment and Selection Tips

French Bulldogs are not known to bark excessively which will be definitely appreciated by your neighbor. Moreover, in case you happen to stay the majority of your time outdoors, your pet is going to spend his day indoors by slumbering. Thus, you need not worry about him doing any rude thing in your absence. However, it is essential to make sure that your living space does not become too hot for your canine when nobody is in residence. French Bulldogs are not able to withstand excessive heat which makes it imperative to take them for a walk outside if the day is quite hot as well as humid.