Apartment Friendly Dog breeds

Living in an apartment poses some challenges when it comes to having a dog. Space constraints, noise considerations for neighbors, and rules about pets from landlords mean that not all dogs are well-suited for apartment living. However, there are many great smaller breeds and mixes that tend to thrive in apartments. So, who are the best apartment friendly dog breeds? Here’s a list of dog breeds that you can consider.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular small dog breeds for apartment living. These little dogs don't require a ton of vigorous exercise but have entertaining personalities. They only weight around 16-28 pounds and stand under a foot tall, making them a compact companion. You can also get them for a family with children.

French Bulldogs don't tend to bark excessively and can be a good fit rather than some other small breeds with tendencies to be yappy. Just be aware the French Bulldog can face overheating and breathing issues requiring climate control. If you are mindful about this, they are among the best apartments dogs you can have.

Havanese

For those wanting a small long-haired dog that is a good fit, the Havanese makes for a smart apartment choice. This is among the dog breeds that require a moderate activity level, not needing intense exercise. A daily walk paired with some active play time tends to meet their needs.

At 7-13 pounds, the Havanese stays small enough for even tighter apartment quarters without needing vast open spaces to run constantly. These dogs will alert bark to noises but aren't excessive barkers. Havanese dogs are adaptable and upbeat, winning over many owners with their affectionate and people-pleasing personalities.

Bichon Frise

With their adorable powder puff appearance, Bichon Frise dogs are prized for their gentle and cheerful dispositions. They only stand about a foot tall and weight anywhere from 12-18 pounds. The Bichon has moderate exercise requirements, emphasis more on quality interaction over quantity of space.

They enjoy walks and play time but have an overall lower energy level suited for laying around an apartment too at times. Bichon Frise usually get along well with strangers and other pets when properly socialized, helpful for apartment environments. Keeping up with their hypoallergenic coat is the most significant grooming demand for this breed.

Pug

For those wanting a good-natured and loyal small dog, Pugs make excellent apartment companions. Bred to be docile indoor companions, Pugs weigh around 14-18 pounds. They only need short daily walks paired with some play and quality time with their owner. Many Pugs will enjoy napping on their own as well when given soft places to lounge around an apartment.

Well-socialized Pugs also tend to get along well with new people and other pets. Their shorter snouts can pose issues with heat, humidity and breathing over time requiring climate control in apartments. But overall Pugs thrive on the attention showered on them indoors in smaller spaces.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, nicknamed "Yorkies", offer big personalities inside a small and portable package! They are among the best apartments dogs we can recommend. These popular compact dogs suit apartment living very well, only weighing 4-7 pounds as adults. Yorkies have earned reputations for not realizing how small they actually are with their huge confidence.

But that confidence means they are great watch dogs who will sound the alarm barking at noises while remaining loyal to their owners. Yorkies do well with consistent daily walks paired with quality play time or training interactions to channel their smart and savvy temperaments. Their long silky coats also mean they are well suited for being inside and pampered.

Shih Tzu

For an affectionate and playful small dog, the Shih Tzu makes a nice choice for apartment life. Weighing 9-16 pounds, this breed loves nothing more than sitting comfortably in laps being petted and pampered. Shih Tzus definite enjoy daily walks and play times but are equally content lounging around apartments too making them very adaptable.

Consistent daily grooming keeps their long flowing double coats from matting and tangling. Shih Tzus tend to get along well with other pets and strangers when properly acclimated as well. Their longer facial structures pose fewer breathing issues than brachycephalic breeds with short snouts too.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many great small dog breeds and mixes well suited for adapting apartment living. With a little forethought, numerous dogs can readily call cozy apartments home. The breeds overviewed here offer wonderful places to being your search!