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.
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?)
1. Yorkshire Terriers
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.
Win!
2. Pugs
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.
And this...
And... okay, I could go on all day.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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.
4. Greyhound
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."
They also have a calm temperament and need minimal grooming.
5. Boston Terrier
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 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.
Do you have a dog in your apartment? What's your experience been like? Tell us in the comments below.
Feature image: Getty.
Top Comments
I just lost my little Yorkie earlier this year and yes, she would have done great in an apartment. She didn't require a lot of exercise, she wasn't loud and she was tiny, so a smaller space would have been just fine for her.
I want to say though that the breeds that don't shed much (including Yorkies) usually require regular grooming. That's going to be an investment of your time and if you take them to a professional, your money as well. I wouldn't personally consider that low maintenance. It wouldn't stop me from buying a dog - I'm on my fourth long-haired breed right now - but it's something people need to be aware of.
Sorry to hear about your Yorkie fightofyourlife.
I've always loved 'shaggy' dogs - they just look like cheeky rapscallions to me. In another life I'd have Irish Wolf-hounds, but alas, like many large breeds they have a short life expectancy and I don't think I could deal with it :o(
Thank you. I was lucky to have her as long as I did - she was a few months off 17. The life expectancy is definitely a reason I love small dogs so much!
I've been looking for an apartment pooch and most of those names appeared in my research and the Australian Silky as well - however I would refuse to own a pug on ethical grounds.
The breeding that has gone on to give them that 'cute' squishy face and the subsequent health issues they experience is not my cup of tea.
Yes, they're very cute and the ones I've met have had really lovely natures. But all I can think of when I look at them is the terrible breathing problems they usually have. :\
Yep, they also have trouble with their eyes popping out (Proptosis for those interested) due to the breeding and shallow skull which makes them so 'cute' . There is no way I can encourage this.
If you're interested, check out what a Pug looked like before Royal families centuries ago influenced the trend for this style we have nowadays. It's cruel
I hadn't heard about the eye problems but just looking at their heads, it's not hard to imagine they'd be prone to those sorts of problems.
And yes, they're very different to what they looked like a couple of centuries ago! The bull terrier looked very very different 100 years ago too (and probably plenty of other breeds).
I saw a similar thing a while ago, about the way lots of breeds of dogs have (been) changed over the years, it was quite shocking.