It's no secret that if it was up to the four-pawed, each would probably pick out a house with a whole dog park in the backyard. However, that's neither always feasible nor desired for city dwellers. Still, many want to experience the happiness that a pupper can bring to one's home. Thus, there's no need to give up on a dream of having a puppy if one lives in an apartment, as there are plenty of apartment dogs, both small and large dog breeds, that adapt well to city living.
However, when picking out the best apartment dogs, one must consider the pupper's size, level of activity, need for socialization, toileting options, and the "vocality," or how loud the doggo can get. While it's customary to think that only small dog breeds can thrive living in apartments, that's not always the case. There are, in fact, quite a few apartment dog breeds that are of larger sizes that don't mind living in smaller spaces.
To save you some internet digging, we scoured the best apartment dog breeds based on their origins and personality traits. Below, you'll find a list of the best dogs for apartments that don't mind the hustle and bustle of city life and adapt well to confined spaces. Do you agree with our selection? Know of any more of the best dog breeds for apartments that we forgot to include in the list? Let us know in the comments!
#1 Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Because they are so vigilant, corgis make good tenants in an apartment with windows so they can observe the world outside. As tiny and cuddly as they are, they don't mind living in small spaces. Yet, they do best with an owner who can take them on long walks and lives close to a dog park.
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#2 Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel is a loyal, caring, and kind dog who enjoys pleasing his owners. Due to their petite size, they make perfect apartment dogs to reside with kids, other pets, or the elderly. When excited, they do like to “talk.” However, who doesn’t?
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#3 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a lovely family dog with a vibrant personality that tends to form strong bonds with its owners. They can make excellent apartment pups if they are thoroughly socialized and trained. Bold and fiery, this breed tends to be wary of strangers and enjoys a good chase, so make sure you have a strong leash!
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#4 Scottish Terrier
When considering a dog breed for your family, keep in mind that Scottish terriers are excellent with children. These long-haired puppers make perfect playmates, but because they are relatively independent by nature, they won't grow envious if they aren't the center of attention all the time.
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#5 Basset Hound
The basset hound is your best bet if you’re looking for a kid-friendly, relaxed family dog. This adorable dog breed tends to be a little slothful and, hence, relatively easy to care for. Their tendency to drool is one thing to take into account.
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#6 Barbet
The barbet is a happy, sociable, gorgeous pup breed that is also a natural swimmer. Apartment dwellers should anticipate a mix of relaxing and entertaining indoor puzzle activities. Also, the barbet will feel his best with multiple daily walks. The barbet might rank among the top dog breeds for flats due to their calm temperaments.
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#7 Miniature Schnauzer
A mini schnauzer is the right pup if you want an incredibly devoted pet who gets along with everyone. They adore being your tiny shadow and following you about. They are spirited, courageous, excellent watchdogs, fun, and exceptionally intelligent. However, they require routine cutting or clipping to prevent their coats from tangling!
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#8 Dachshunds
Dachshunds make the ideal pets for apartments. These cute puppies are active and adapt very well to several daily walks. Dachshunds also make excellent guard dogs. They are bright and devoted, but they may also be autonomous, so you don’t need to watch over them all day.
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#9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
This tiny dog breed embodies the best of both worlds as an affectionate lapdog and an athletic friend. Besides, its adaptable nature makes it a fantastic choice for households with young children or other pets.
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#10 Cairn Terrier
You'll adulate the Cairn terrier if you're looking for a new best pal to accommodate in your flat. They are curious, intrepid tiny beings with bold personalities. Give your lapdog a good snuggle while you're not busy playing with them since they thrive when given regular human contact.
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#11 Lhasa Apso
These long-haired pint-size pooches are regarded as “easy keepers,” friendly, and nice companions. They enjoy meeting new people and going on walks. However, because they were developed to be guard dogs, they may also be aloof, headstrong, and have a loud, sharp bark.
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#12 Maltese
This wee housedog is a fluffy breed from Europe. They do well in a variety of environments, including apartments. Also, having one by your side, you will never feel lonely because they are known for being very devoted to their owners. The Maltese are gentle, loving, and vivacious family dogs.
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#13 Miniature Poodle
Poodles are excellent apartment pets since they are very intelligent and easy to train, especially the miniature kind because of their small size. Also, their curly coats don’t shed much, which is an advantage, although frequent brushing is necessary to avoid matting.
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#14 American Eskimo Dog
An Eskie’s temperament requires that they reside indoors together with people. American Eskimo dogs are very clever, excel in family activities, and get along well with children.
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#15 Basset Fauve De Bretagne
The basset is a good apartment dog regardless of the size or kind of your household, provided that none suffer from allergies. It is a fantastic companion dog since it is upbeat, intelligent, and eager to please.
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#16 Manchester Terrier
The Manchester terrier is a highly perceptive and clever breed that adapts well to apartment living. They are perfect for even the smallest living spaces due to their tiny size. However, Manchester terriers require frequent owner’s presence at home; if left alone, they can become destructive and bark nonstop.
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#17 Pomeranian
Cute wee dog breeds like the Pomeranian are much more than fluffy little critters. This breed is a devoted family buddy who likes taking long walks, socializing, and visiting new places. They frequently enjoy playing about and being the center of attention. For families, they can be wonderful pets, but perhaps not for those with little children.
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#18 Schipperke
The Schipperke, often known as the "little black devil," is a curious, active, and very vocal dog. They like being with their owners and require constant activity to keep them busy to avoid disruptive behavior like excessive barking, chewing, and digging. If your apartment building has strict noise regulations, you might want to consider another breed!
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#19 Toy Fox Terrier
A loyal and affectionate dog breed, the toy fox terrier, is always eager to entertain its owners. This species is ideal if you want someone to cuddle while binge-watching Netflix. A house-trained dog is an excellent apartment dog, and the toy fox terrier is a great learner.
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#20 American Hairless Terrier
Do you want a watchful dog to share your flat with while living solo? Despite its teeny size, the American hairless terrier is a fierce guard dog who may serve as your personal watchdog. They are also a hypoallergenic breed of dog, which is fantastic if you share your home with someone with allergies.
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