If you are craving the companionship of a dog, but live in a small apartment, all is not lost. Many breeds of dogs adapt well to apartment living. Here, our Douglasville vets share their top 5 list of dogs that adapt well to apartment living.
Finding a Great Apartment Dog
Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean that you are confined to cats, birds, or rodents for pets. Many dog breeds come in compact sizes with a host of apartment-friendly traits. Here are just a few to help you find the best dog for your apartment lifestyle.
Affectionate & Smart - The French Bulldog
Height: 11 - 13 inches
Weight: Less than 28lbs
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
This affectionate, playful, and intelligent dog, also known as the 'Frenchie,' is calm and endearing. Their sleek smooth coat, muscular body, flat nose, and bat ears give this dog a distinct appearance that you can't help but admire.
French bulldogs are excellent pets for singles, couples, and even families who live in apartments. It's easy to see why, with low exercise requirements and minimal barking. These small dogs are social creatures who enjoy spending time with their owners, children, and other pets.
Charming & Playful - The Shih Tzu
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 9-16lbs
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Get a Shih Tzu and you'll be giggling every day. These little dogs are the perfect size for apartment life, and are brimming with fun-loving character! While their lustrous coat does require a fair amount of grooming to keep it looking beautiful, you won't regret a minute of the effort.
Although they enjoy barking, these little guys are friendly with strangers, children, and other pets and don't need much exercise to stay healthy and happy. Shih Tzus adore curling up on their owners' laps and being petted and adored.
Playful & Devoted - The Hairless Chinese Crested
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life expect: 13-18 years
If you want a dog that adapts well to apartment living and doesn't shed or smell like a dog, the Hairless Chinese Crested is the dog for you! These cute dogs have hairless bodies, spotted skin, and fluffy tufts of fur on their head, feet, and tail.
Chinese Crested dogs are incredibly devoted to their people and will follow their owners around from room to room. This is the ideal breed for people who work from home, not those who are out for several hours each day. Fun and with very little need for outdoor exercise, these dogs are ideal for apartment living.
Bold & Curious - The Dachshund
Height: Miniature 5-6 inches | Standard 8-9 inches
Weight: Miniature under 11 lbs | Standard 16-32 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Immediately recognizable, whether you call this breed a 'sausage dog', 'Weiner dog', 'Dashie' or 'Doxie' the dachshund is the perfect size and personality for apartment living. This breed is available in two apartment-friendly sizes (standard and miniature) and three different styles of coat (from smooth to long and luxurious).
Because of their short legs, they don't need (or tolerate) much exercise, but they do have a strong prey drive, which can cause them to act rashly or stubbornly. While it can be difficult to train these curious dogs to get along with children and other dogs.
Mischievous & Loving - The Pug
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 lbs
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Pugs adore their people and love to be cuddled. These solid little dogs are an ideal breed for apartment dwellers! Typically very quiet, pugs are happy to lounge around at home and just hang out with their people.
These dogs are playful and loyal, and they require a lot of social interaction with their people, children, or other dogs. Their laid-back and lazy personality makes them prone to weight gain, so it's critical to monitor their diet to keep them healthy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.