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A definitive ranking of the 7 best dog breeds for apartment living.

 

There’s no frustration quite like wanting a dog, but being unable to have one.

And there could be many reasons for this: Your flatmates veto the suggestion, the landlord vetoes the suggestion, your partner vetoes the suggestion, you don’t own your home and are worried about property damage, you have young kids and may not have time to look after said poocho, the list goes on.

Another reason holding people back from getting a dog? They’re city slickers, and their lack of grass and… outside may not work for a dog.

HOWEVER.

Some dogs can tolerate living in apartments more so than other breeds, so we’ve labelled below the top dog breeds to adopt if you live in an apartment and want a furry, loyal doggo.

Watch: Turns out snuggling your dog at night is actually good for you. Post continues after video.

Video via Mamamia

It’s also worth noting that dogs would prefer a backyard over apartment living. And it will not necessarily be a walk in the park (no pun intended) to keep a dog in an apartment without regular play and exercise. You know, unless you enjoy destructive behaviour and chewed up couches.

If you do decide to welcome a dog into your apartment, perhaps consider adopting an older dog – a dog younger than two will need room for exercise (remember the zoomie phase?)

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1. Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkie puppy
Yorkie puppies: The cutest thing since sliced bread. Image: Getty.

I know, I know, they're not much to look at, but they really do make terrific apartment dogs.

Not only is their small size... space-conscious but they're very affectionate and have big personalities (yes, this breed can be rather yappy).

According to Australia Reader's Digest, their exercise needs can be fulfilled with a daily walk and they're also low-maintenance and don't shed much.

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Win!

2. Pugs

Pug dog
Pugs are just so... adorable? Image: Getty.

Not only are pugs loyal and family-friendly, but they can also handle apartment living - provided they get a walk each day.

They also make faces like this, which is reason enough, really.

via GIPHY

And this...

via GIPHY

And... okay, I could go on all day.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog
That face! Image: Getty.
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You may remember Charlotte York had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in her apartment on Sex and the City, and while this was a fictional show, it still stands that Cavaliers make great apartment dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beautiful dogs - very affectionate and owner-oriented. They'd love nothing more than snuggling their human on the couch... however, according to Dog Time, they're not so easy to toilet train.

But with a bit of positive reinforcement, they'll get there.

Listen to Mamamia Out Loud, Mamamia's podcast with what women are talking about - this week Holly, Jessie and Monique discuss dogs appearing everywhere. Post continues below.

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4. Greyhound

greyhound dog
Greyhounds can be terrific apartment dogs. Image: Getty

You may be scratching your head and turning your nose up right now, but hear me out.

Greyhounds actually make incredible apartment dogs. Despite being ginormous and traditionally associated with racing (grrrr), they're actually very lazy and rest a lot of the day.

According to Greyhounds As Pets (GAP NSW), they "do need regular exercise but don’t have high energy demands. The truth is that they like nothing better than to relax on the couch or the bed for the day."

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They also have a calm temperament and need minimal grooming.

5. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier dog
Boston Terriers are incredible companions. Image: Getty.

Boston Terriers are on the more high-maintenance side of 'apartment dog breeds', because, and I quote Dog Time, "These dogs can be particularly hyper, so they need daily, brisk walks to stay happy."

Their small size is a win but keep in mind these cuties will need exercise before and after work.

6. English Bulldog

english bulldog
Anyone who says Bulldogs aren't cute is lying. Image: Getty.
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English bulldogs are loving, gentle, calm and great with kids, they also only require moderate exercise.

A daily walk and occasional playdate will be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements for an English bulldog, they're really happy to laze about so an apartment lifestyle would be perfect for them.

7. Chihuahua

I mean... look at them.

via GIPHY

Do you have a dog in your apartment? What's your experience been like? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature image: Getty.