Are you thinking about getting a puppy? Getting a pet is an amazing, exciting experience, but if you live in an apartment, you might have to face some challenges that come with adjusting both your schedule and your habits to your new furry friend.
Dogs can be noisy, require room to run around and some dogs are simply not a good fit for apartment life. You’ll have to train them and arm yourself with patience, but in return, a dog will bring you lots of laughs and fun times, and you’ll certainly become a better person too.
Of course, you need to make sure you choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and living space.
Let’s check out some breeds that love living in an apartment.
1. The Pug
A very popular breed known for its quietness (so your neighbors will be grateful as well) the Pug is not very active and gets tired rather easily, especially in the warm weather, since they sometimes have breathing issues.
They also need a lot of grooming, daily brushing, and wrinkles cleaning. They do not like to be left alone and are quite human-oriented, so they are great companions, but make sure you can dedicate plenty of time to them.
2. The Bichon Frise
This little bundle of joy is the exact opposite of the Pug. They love to play, require daily exercise, and have so much energy that at times you might think they run on batteries.
TheBichon Frise is the perfect dog for those prone to allergies. They shed less than other breeds, but they do need daily brushing and frequent baths (once a month at least) to keep their coat white and avoid any matting.
They do not handle being left alone for a long period of time well, and love to be the center of attention. If you cannot squeeze daily walks and games into your schedule, they may not be a good choice. They get along well with other pets, don’t make a lot of noise and are great with children too.
3.The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua’s reputation precedes them. They love attention but don’t trust everyone, so it’s best to be a bit more careful when introducing them to someone new.
This dog doesn’t require a lot of exercise, about 30 minutes a day will do, so you don’t have to worry about long walks if you don’t have the time. They are also not that demanding when it comes to grooming, a weekly brush is enough.
They are quite small, so their size is not an issue when it comes to living in a flat. What can be a problem though is the fact that they can be noisy. A Chihuahua might bark when something is going on outside, so make sure the neighbours are okay with the noise.
4. The Poodle
Poodles are known for their intelligence; they are one of the smartest breeds. That is why it’s so easy to train them, and what makes them a perfect fit for apartment life.
You also don’t have to worry too much about their exercise. They do have a decent amount of energy, but a Poodle will be just as happy learning new tricks and playing around the apartment as walking outside.
They are not yappy and won’t utter a word unless necessary. Graceful and proud as they are, they require everyday grooming, as it helps their coat stay nice and soft. They are very good with children as well, and quite friendly in general.
5. The Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is very independent. Although they are the right size for an apartment, they are not for everyone.
They require an active owner, someone who likes to spend a lot of time outside, since they need a lot of exercise. This dog may not be the best solution for first-time dog owners, even though they are easily trained, as they are quite feisty and don’t trust strangers, so hiring a trainer might be something to consider. It is important to mention that they shed twice a year, which is the main challenge with living with a Shiba Inu.
6. The Petit Brabancon
The Petit Brabancon is another great choice for those living in apartments.They are playful, intelligent, and very friendly. They are human-oriented, quite devoted to their owner and accepting of strangers. Throwing tantrums is extremely out of character for this breed.
When it comes to care, you don’t have to worry, a few baths a year and an occasional brush will keep their coat neat. They are active, love to play, but playing fetch and a medium-lenght walk will do the trick and your dog will be quite happy.
They are not prone to pointless barking, and they are quite comfortable with other dogs as well.
6. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is very friendly and great with kids, so it’s a perfect family dog. However, precisely due to their friendliness, you cannot rely on your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to guard the house.
They get attached to their owners, so much so that they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time or they might start to suffer from separation anxiety. Sweet and elegant as they are, they do need a bit more grooming, so brush their coat a few times a week to keep it soft. They might need more time to learn their manners at home, but if you give them enough time, they’ll be the perfect roommate.
7. The Boston Terrier
These dogs are the perfect size for a flat, but they are also full of energy. If you decide to go for a Boston Terrier, be prepared, as they can become hyperactive if they don’t get enough exercise.
They require more grooming as well, since they are prone to eye problems and infections, much like Pugs. Other than that, you won’t have much trouble with them, as they get used to living in an apartment easily. They don’t make a racket, they love children, and are a great walking buddy, just bear in mind that they do not enjoy long walks in hot weather.
Although all dogs learn quite fast what is expected from them, it is a fact that some breeds are just a better fit for life in an apartment. Also, no matter how trained or well-tempered the dog is, bringing a new pet into your home requires you to adjust to their needs as well. So, take another look at our list, and figure out which breed will suit you the most.
