Getting a new dog can be a big decision when your moving to an apartment. It’s really tough when you don’t know where to start, don’t have the time, and don’t have the right information to find good apartment dogs. We’ve decided to take all the guess work out and put together a list of the top 50 best dogs for apartment living. Oh yes…we also know you either like really big dogs or really small dogs, so we put each of them into their appropriate categories.
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Skip Ahead:
- Most Popular Toy Dog Apartment Breeds
- Most Popular Small Dog Breeds for Apartments
- Top Medium Dog Apartment Breeds
- Top Large Dog Breeds for Apartments
- Most Popular Extra Large Apartment Breeds
Most Popular Toy Dog Apartment Breeds
Chihuahua
Description: The Chihuahua hates the cold and may shiver. It will tolerate and even appreciate a warm sweater on cooler days. They are great little dogs for apartment life.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog.
Price Range: $750 to $2000+
Dachshund
Description: Good for apartment living. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective.
Price Range: $250 to $500+
Pekingese
Description: The Pekingese are good for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Not recommended for young children who are too rough
Price Range: $500 to $1500+
Miniature Pinscher
Description: The Miniature Pinscher is good for apartment life. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Miniature Pinscher should be protected from the cold.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Some can be very aggressive with other dogs, but they are generally good with other pets and children provided the children do not pester.
Price Range: $500 to $1500+
Pomeranian
Desscription: The Pomeranian is good for apartment living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Keep the dog quiet in hot weather to avoid overheating.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Not recommended for very young children. Too much attention from children can make these dogs nervous and they may become snappish.
Price Range: $500 to $5000+
Pug
Description: The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors.
Price Range: $500 to $1000+
Shih-Tzu
Description: The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: This breed does well with polite, careful children.
Price Range: $600 to $1500+
Most Popular Small Dog Breeds for Apartments
Basset Hound
Description: The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children.
Price Range: $500 to $1000+
Beagle
Description: Beagles will do okay in an apartment if they get plenty of chances to be outdoors. They are very active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets, unless they are socialized with cats and other household animals when they are young.
Price Range: $200 to $1000+
Schipperke
Description: The Schipperke are good dogs for apartment life. They are very active indoors. These dogs are incredibly quick and it is a good idea to have a fenced yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: They are wary of strangers and may seem somewhat aloof, but are actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children.
Price Range: $400 to $800
Bichon Frise
Description: The Bichon Frise can live in an apartment if it gets enough exercise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: This sociable trait also means that they are fine in the company of other dogs & pets and are excellent with children.
Price Range: $500 to $1000+
Boston Terrier
Description: Boston Terriers are good for apartment as well as country living. They are relatively inactive indoors and do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to weather extremes.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Most reliable with children, especially good with elderly people and very friendly with strangers.
Price Range: $600 to $2000+
Bulldog
Description: The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities.
Price Range: $1500 to $3000+
Cairn Terrier
Description: The Cairn Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Naturally patient with children and very playful.
Price Range: $200 to $600+
Chinese Shar-Pei
Description: The Chinese Shar-Pei will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Because of their padded head, the Shar-Pei is very sensitive to heat. Shade and water must always be available. Provided they get enough exercise, they will be very peaceful indoors.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: If the dog meets cats and children while it is still young, it usually will not have a problem with them.
Price Range: $400 to $2000+
Lhasa Apso
Description: These dogs are good for apartment living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: These little dogs are affectionate with their masters, but they will not tolerate rough or badly behaved children.
Price Range: $300 to $500+
Maltese
Description: The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: These dogs can be snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak.
Price Range: $600 to $1000+
Miniature Schnauzer
Description: The Miniature Schnauzer is a good dog for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Playful, happy and alert, they like children.
Price Range: $500 to $1500
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Description: The Pembroke will do fine in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They will do okay in most climates.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Corgis are extremely active and devoted little dogs, and are usually good with considerate children.
Price Range: $200 to $500
Scottish Terrier (Scottie)
Description: This dog is good for apartment living. It is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Prefers cool climates.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: The breed does best with older considerate child.
Price Range: $600 to $1000
West Highland White Terrier
Description: West Highland White Terriers are suitable for people in towns and cities as well as in the country. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: They are fairly friendly toward strangers and get along well with behaved children.
Price Range: $500 to $1500+
Yorkshire Terrier
Description: The Yorkie is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Yorkie is sensitive to the cold and prefers warm climates.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: They do best with older, considerate children.
Price Range: $500 to $2500+
Top Medium Dog Apartment Breeds
Australian Shepherd
Description: This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children’s companions that are great with active children.
Price Range: $600 to $1000
American Cocker Spaniel
Description: Cockers will do okay in an apartment if they are adequately exercised, and are fairly active indoors. A small yard is sufficient.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Usually good with children, Cockers typically love everyone and need people to be happy.
Price Range: $200 to $1000
Brittany Spaniel
Description: The Brittany is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with acreage. This breed is resistant to cold and damp conditions.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: They are good with kids if they are raised with them from puppyhood.
Price Range: $300 to $600
English Springer Spaniel
Description: They will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. English Springer Spaniels adapt well to town or city life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Safe around small children?
Temperament: Most English Springers are even-tempered, gentle, friendly, and sociable dogs that are great for children.
Price Range: $500 to $5000+
Poodle
Description: Poodles are good for city life as well as country living and will do okay in an apartment. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Poodles may snap if they are teased or surprised. They do best with older, considerate children and are generally good with other pets and dogs.
Price Range: $200 to $1000+
Top Large Dog Breeds for Apartments
Airedale Terrier
Description: The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: The Airedale Terrier will usually do okay with children if they have early exposure and socialization, however they may play too rough for small ones.
Price Range: $600 to $800
Akita Inu
Description: The Akita will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita’s care. Children must be taught to treat these dogs with kindness.
Price Range: $800 to $3000+
Alaskan Malamute
Description: Alaskan Malamutes are not recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a large yard. If you live in a suburban area, a high fence is a must, but bury the base, because they are likely to dig their way out. Alaskan Malamutes like to roam in what he considers to be his territory. The Malamutes coat allows them to withstand extreme cold, but be careful to keep the dog cool in hot climates. Make sure they have shade and plenty of clean cool water.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely.
Price Range: $500 to $2000+
Boxer
Description: Boxers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Boxers do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children.
Price Range: $600 to $1500+
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Description Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers like to sleep outdoors. They prefer cool climates to hot unless there is a body of water nearby.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and good with children.
Price Range: $300 to $800+
Chow Chow
Description: The Chow Chow will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Sensitive to heat, but can live in or outdoors.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Most Chow Chows like to dominate other dogs, but in contrast, they are quite good with children.
Price Range: $400 to $800+
Collie
Description: The Collie should do okay in an apartment as long as they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Sensitive to the heat. Provide plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its master, especially for children.
Price Range: $300 to $600
Dalmatian
Description A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed should not be kept outside in the cold.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers.
Price Range: $800 to $1500+
Doberman Pinscher
Description Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but does best with at least an average-sized yard. Dobes are very cold sensitive and are not an outside dog. That is why police in areas where it gets cold are not able to use them.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Dobermans can be good family dogs if of good temperament, well trained and raised with children from early puppyhood.
Price Range: $800 to $2500
German Shepherd Dog
Description: The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: A well bred, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family.
Price Range: $800 to $2000+
German Shorthaired Pointer
Description This breed is not recommended for apartment life and does best with a large yard and an athletic family. At least a 6-foot high fence is necessary. Bored Shorthairs can become escape artists. Does well in most climates.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Cheerful and friendly, German Shorthaired Pointers like children.
Price Range: $300 to $800
Golden Retriever
Description: This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children.
Price Range: $700 to $2500+
Labrador Retriever
Description: Labrador Retrievers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: They have an excellent, reliable, temperament and are friendly, superb with children and equable with other dogs.
Price Range: $400 to $1000+
Rottweiler
Description: The Rottie will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: When the Rottweiler is consistently brought up and trained, it will be a good playmate for the children.
Price Range: $500 to $3000+
Samoyed
Description: The Samoyed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is very active indoors and a small yard is sufficient. Their heavy coat makes these dogs unsuited to life in very hot climates.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: It willingly adapts to family life and gets along well with children.
Price Range: $600 to $1500+
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Description: The Sheltie will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Loving, loyal and affectionate with its family, but suspicious with strangers, especially with children, but they will put up with a lot from children in the family.
Price Range: $400 to $800
Siberian Husky
Description: They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone.
Price Range: $400 to $800+
Weimaraner
Description Weimaraners will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Weimaraners are often kind to children, but are not recommended for very young ones because they are energetic enough to accidentally knock a child down.
Price Range: $400 to $1000
Great Dane
Description: The Great Dane will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is relatively inactive indoors and does best with at least a large yard.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Dignified, kind, sweet and affectionate, it is playful and patient with children. Teach it not to lean against people and this will help keep children safe from accidents.
Price Range: $600 to $4000+
Most Popular Extra Large Apartment Breeds
Great Pyrenees
Description: These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but would be happy with regular exercise outdoors or in a mid-to-large sized yard. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. The Great Pyrenees prefers cool climates.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood.
Price Range: $300 to $1000
Mastiff
Description: The Mastiff will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do.
Safe around small children? No
Temperament: Calm, steady and docile, this dog is normally excellent with children, (not recommend for toddlers though, because of their great size)
Price Range: $800 to $3000+\
Newfoundland
Description: Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They are sensitive to heat: provide them plenty of shade and cool water in warmer weather. These dogs prefer cool climates.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: Patient, playful, and loving with children; this dog is born to love and babysit.
Price Range: $700 to $2000+
Saint Bernard
Description: The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars.
Safe around small children? Yes
Temperament: They are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children.
Price Range: $600 to $1000+
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Jennifer 02.14.08 at 10:32 am
Correction: Schipperkes are NOT large dogs. They are about 12-20 pounds, putting them in the same category with a beagle.
Chief Editor 02.14.08 at 10:45 am
thank you jennifer for the recommendation. i’ve put the schipperke back in the small dog category.
Leah 03.12.08 at 10:44 am
Chihuahuas are great dogs, but since they are so small and delicate, young children can play too roughly and cause the dog to snap or bite. They are generally good with older children who play with them gently, but they don’t tend to tolerate small children well.
Chief Editor 03.12.08 at 10:57 am
@Leah - Thank you for sharing. I can sympathize with you on Chihuahua’s and small children. I have personally seen this happen with my very own Yorkshire Terrier a few times…. innocently of course, but has happened nonetheless.
George 03.12.08 at 10:43 pm
Boxers FTW!.
And im real happy you posted an image of a white boxer.
Its time they are recognized by the AKC.
Amit 03.14.08 at 7:00 am
I have a Bull-mastiff and have found that even Bull-mastiffs also make a very good appartment dog. I take my dog for long walks (5 kms or more) in the morning and a short walk (less than a km.) in the evening. During the day he stays all by himself in his room.
Please include a Bull-mastiff also in the list of appartment dog.
They are very affectionate and beautiful dog.
Jennifer 03.19.08 at 10:45 pm
I recently got a Schipperke - she’s amazing! She is very active, but gets a lot of exercise just running around my apartment. Twice daily walks (one short, one long) and a few bathroom runs are more than enough outdoors time. Barks loudly, but not incessantly, and only when someone is really outside my door. Perfect apartment pet!
angelo 03.21.08 at 9:05 pm
i have a dobe..his hair is shedding..how come? could it be due to the hot climate? the dogfood? or the frequent bathing(bathing everyday)?pls help
Katie 04.05.08 at 12:33 am
You are recommending Weimaraners for apartment life? That is not sound, they are very high energy and need constance attention.
Chief Editor 04.05.08 at 12:40 am
@Katie - Thanks for your comment.
Yes we are. Understood that they are very energetic and need constant attention. However, given the right apartment environment with the proper owner, we believe Weimaraners can thrive and be happy.
Laurence 04.06.08 at 10:42 am
Thanks for the great list. Very comprehensive, but it would be interesting to note how trainable the breeds are. I’m sure many new owners looking for an apartment dog would find that information valuable. Dachshunds and Bassets for instance are notoriously hard to housebreak, which could prove challenging for apartment-dwellers. It would be nice to see how all the breeds rank in that aspect.
christi 04.15.08 at 4:59 pm
What about Vizslas? Are they too energetic for apartment life?
Chief Editor 04.16.08 at 1:21 pm
@christi - Thanks for the comment. We haven’t reviewed Vizslas for apartment life, so we’ll take a look and then post our response here shortly.
Mike 04.21.08 at 8:43 pm
What about Italian Greyhounds?
Lex 04.22.08 at 6:56 pm
I’m currently looking for a dog for my 1 bedroom apartment. There will be times when my place is empty when I have to go out. (Sometimes maybe even 5 hours?) I am currently considering a pound puppy - a foxie x puppy (father unknown), a chihuahua x mini foxie or a mini foxie. Please advice on my current situation.
Chief Editor 04.22.08 at 7:19 pm
@Lex - All of these dogs do have a lot of energy, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind when choosing your next pup. Make sure you buy a crate and get the pup accustomed to it immediately. This will really help when you have to leave the apartment for any amount of time.
All in all and given your particular situation I think a Chihuahua might suit your needs just right. Good Luck!
Tammy 04.23.08 at 10:01 pm
I was extremely surprised to see you included the shetland sheep dog in the “Large Breed” Category for Apartment Dogs! They can be no taller than 16 inches at the shoulder to be considered for Dog Show Competition. I have two ’shelties’ and one weighs 15 lbs which is quite small and the other weighs 28 lbs and stand about 15 inches at the shoulder which is in line with the breed standard for this little furry, loyal, playful and loveable breed. I will say one thing to take into consideration about shelties - if they do not get enough attention and exercise, they get bored and will bark incessantly. So please give them the loyalty, love and attention they deserve. They will return it 100 fold! I have had a sheltie family member before these girls and have found that they are consistent in temperment if you properly train them and keep them busy and give them lots of love when you are around and give them ‘doing’ toys when you are not. Heck, I had an answering machine that also could monitor sounds in my home. From the time she was a puppy, I called my first sheltie from work a couple of times during the day and talk to her. Yes, she would talk as well - not bark - just dog talk. I would call again later to announce “Mommy is leaving work and will be home in a little while” and that would get happy talking and some lite barks of anticipation. Our ‘talks’ seemed to reassure her. According to neighbors she never had a barking problem and one neighbor reported that she could see her through the window sitting by the answering machine and could tell when I was talking to her on the phone by watching her facial and ear expressions and happy tail action. When I returned home she was always waiting expectantly, but quietly until I openned the door and then we had a love-fest. So please place the sheltie in the medium size group in your online information and do let people know about the propensity for barking if bored or feeling neglected. Thanks for the service you provide. Apartment living isn’t for everyone nor every dog!
Sincerely,
Tammy
Here is what the AKC says this about the breed standard for Shetland Sheep Dogs also nicknamed by some as minature collies:
Size, Proportion, Substance
The Shetland Sheepdog should stand between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. Note: Height is determined by a line perpendicular to the ground from the top of the shoulder blades, the dog standing naturally, with forelegs parallel to line of measurement.
Chief Editor 04.24.08 at 10:22 am
@Tammy - Wow! Those are some very helpful tips for all of us. Thank you for taking the time to share.
shona 04.30.08 at 5:07 pm
I am hoping to move into a new apartment within the next couple of years (we’re on the local authority’s housing waiting list), and I’d love to get a small dog when we do move. Unfortunately, both my husband and I work full time, so there would be times where the apartment would be empty for about 6 hours. A small, friendly dog would be preferable, and in particular I’m fond of pugs, dachshunds and beagles. Also quite like miniature schnauzers and west highland terriers. Which of these breeds are most suitable to small apartments and being left alone? Many thanks :)
Leanne 05.04.08 at 1:57 pm
I’m moving into an apartment with my boyfriend in the next couple of months and am dying to get a dog in the near future (once we’re all settled in). I want a cuddly guy who isn’t too hard to housetrain and will be ok with walks (probably no yard). The only snag that I have is that I have a male tabby siamese mix (we think, he’s a rescue) who is kind of a bully. He never hurts my parents dog (a shit-tzu) but bats and chases him and my parents cat (a tabby). I just want to make sure that Pepper and my new dog would be able to live in relative peace, and that the dog could stand up for its self without hurting Pepper (which is why I thought a medium size would be best, but without a yard… well I’m sure you see the problem. I looked through your awesome list and here are the ones I was drawn to. I really appreciate the time you are taking to reccomend something to me - I can’t wait to adopt a dog into my life!
Toy: long haired chihuahua, pekingese, pomeranian, pug, and shit-tzu
Small: Schipperke, cairn terrier, lhasa apso, maltese, mini-schnauzer, pembroke welsh corgi, west highland white terrier, and yorkie
Medium: Akita Inu, Rottweiler and Samoyed
Thank you so much again!
Chief Editor 05.06.08 at 10:38 am
@shona - you’ll find that dachshunds and highland terriers do very well went needing to be left alone for ‘x’ period of time. in your case, i think both there temperament and personality will suit you very well; additionally, don’t let a dachshunds small hotdog shape body fool you when it comes to keeping your place safe and secure….they’re very good at being a watchdog :)
@leanne - first off i’ve gotta say i’m partial to yorkshire terriers. their loveable personality coupled with an affectionate loyal demeanor makes them my favorite choice. you’ll also find that having a small dog like this is an apartment will reduce the amount of stress on your life. big dogs are great, but they will require an extensive amount of daily effort to keep them happy. hope that helps.
April 05.08.08 at 4:34 pm
My fiance and I are planning on adding 2 doggie family members to our home in the near future. Our apartment complex allows small breeds only. We’ve researched a few breeds and have agreed on a Pug as one of our two dogs. We live in an apartment with a doggie area in our gated parkig lot. We both have full-time jobs but work close enough to home to visit at lunchtime. We’re planning on having kids within the next 5 years, so our doggies will need to be good with small children. I’m most concerned with choosing a dog that won’t be dominant/aggresive and bully our pug or kids, and is also not prone to barking so we don’t bother our neighbors. Can you recommend a breed that might work for us? Thanks for your help!
Chief Editor 05.09.08 at 8:32 am
@April - Congrats on the engagement! First off, A+ on picking the pug for one of your future apartment pups. They are very loyal, affectionate and loving, with a happy demeanor. Pugs also get along very well with other dogs, and they’re excellent with both children and visitors. Check out our latest article called Designer Dogs: The Perfect Apartment Pet. I think you’ll find that a few of these designer breeds like YorkiePoo’s (a Yorkie and a Poodle) or Puggle’s (a Pug and a Beagle) will suit your future Pug very well. I’d also encourage you to look into some of the pure breed versions of these dogs as well, like the Yorkshire Terrier or the Poodle. I personally have two Yorkie’s and love them to death. They do very well with each other and are very affectionate.
Good luck with your search!
Renee 05.13.08 at 5:41 pm
I’m surprised you recommend Great Pyrenees as suitable apartment dogs. They tend and like to roam.
Also, a useful addition to this website/list would be a relative rating of how vocal a breed is, ease of training/housebreaking, and energy level. Consideration of energy level is essential for any tentative dog owner, as a mismatch in this area is a recipe for disaster and an unhappy owner and/or dog. For apartment living, one should seek a dog that is less likely to bark/yap and is relatively easy to housebreak. Another important aspect to consider is how territorial the breed is and its prey drive. Apartment living is not just about being enclosed in a small home; it necessitates living in close quarters with other people and animals. Some breeds are much too territorial and have a high guarding instinct to be content living in apartment complexes where people are always walking by just outside the door. While proper obedience training and socialization can curb innate tendencies to a certain degree, one should take care to choose an animal that will thrive in such an environment given the characteristics that are unique to the breed.
Chief Editor 05.14.08 at 2:45 pm
@Renee - Wow! Great feedback and comments, thank you. We will definitely consider adding some of your recommendations to the site soon.
Dan 05.17.08 at 11:05 pm
I’m curious what “Will do ok with sufficient exercise” means for the different breeds. I generally have heard that from people at pounds, but it’s a little difficult for me to really ballpark how much exercise a dog will need.
I recently got a dog from a pound; the dog was a rottweiler mix(not my first choice, but I’m unfortunately a little ignorant about dogs!). The lady at the pound told me that I should exercise the dog for about 40 minutes in the morning and 40 at night; just a good walk. Well, that wasn’t really enough. I felt like I was walking a horse. I even took her to the dog park one day for about 3 hours where she didn’t stop moving. When I took her home, she was still overly hyper. I unfortunately had to give her back within a few days(and I was really getting attached to her at that point).
So, what does it generally mean when a dog needs sufficient exercise? I’ve seen others in my complex with huge golden retrievers and others with Irish setters; do you have any advice on how to guage what breed to get? I work full time, but am willing to take a dog for 30 minutes in the morning and a 40-minute jog most nights (or at least a 40 minute walk every night).
Any advice? I want to make sure I don’t have to have a teary-eyed surrender again. That was pretty awful.
Thanks,
-Dan
Catharine 05.24.08 at 1:01 pm
I am a collie owner and would definitely not recommend a collie to apartment owners. My collie is not consistently active indoors, but is very excitable and would probably knock things over in a small place when she gets set on a game of fetch. But more importantly, she spends much of her days lying in the yard looking over her “territory.” It is her favorite activity, and has been all her life - very instinctual. I would not ever want to deprive her of that.
Catharine 05.24.08 at 1:09 pm
Oh, just to add to my collie comment, she is now 10 years old and had that “puppy” excitability probably about through age 8, so I’m not just talking about a young dog.
Amber 05.30.08 at 1:23 pm
There is some beautiful photography on this page. I have been searching for the right dog for me and by far this website has the best photos of dogs I have seen of any dog-related page.
I agree with an earlier comment, that it is unclear what “Will do OK with sufficient exercise” really means. A lot of humans do OK with sufficient exercise too - but that could mean a 1 mile walk for 1 person or a 10 mile jog for another! If you can provide more specifics, we nearly-dog-parents could have a better idea what we are committing to.
Thanks for this page! In general a really great job!!
Britt 06.08.08 at 3:48 pm
There is a reason white boxers are not recongnized by the AKC. The genes that cause solid white color in boxers can also cause deafness,similar to what happens with dalmations.
Frances 06.12.08 at 12:58 pm
not a labrador!! They are simply the best but DO shed all year long…
Sasha 06.14.08 at 1:33 am
@ Dan. You could’ve left your dog at a doggy daycare when at work. Some dogs with high energy (Rotts are not high energy but we must consider so since it is mix), especially big dogs need a vast amount of exercise, which means more than 30 min walks. Not only that but they need mental simulation as well. You should go get the dog back and try jogging or allowing the dog to run alongside you while you ride your bike or go to a desert road and allow the dog to run alongside your car. Mental simulation would be giving its toys with holes inside of them forcing them try and get the treats out. Agility on the weekends. You can do it if you want. The Key to any dog is to figure out exciting ways to burn that energy they have in order to satisfy them.
Hank Boyardee 06.18.08 at 10:05 pm
How about a puggle?
Jessica 06.20.08 at 10:27 am
I think it’s mean and selfish to leave a dog alone in an apartment all day while you’re at work. Wait until you have a yard to get a dog, and don’t get an animal if you can’t take care of him. AN APARTMENT IS NO PLACE FOR A DOG!
Sasha 06.21.08 at 5:05 pm
@ Jessica. Stop that over-sensitive “dogs are human” crap. Give dogs credit to being independent. They’re not babies. Dogs like greyhounds, as long as they get their time to run and play, will do nothing but LAY AROUND THE HOUSE. I know plenty of people with dogs of all sizes who leave them at home with NO problem. They have full time jobs and everything. Most dogs do very well alone especially if they have a companion dog with them. Not only that, dogs are like children - just like children play video games for hours on end, there are dog toys that you can put treats in and hide them that will occupy their minds - and everything will be fine. It’s not on the list but Great Danes are great for apartments. Mastiffs are too, because they are low energy dogs. Chow Chows as well. As long as the owner provide time and affection, the dogs will be fine.
Getting a yard and leaving them out in the yard doesn’t help either. They can always jump over the fence. No fence, then leash or not? You have to worry about excessive heat. About other unwanted dogs intruding on your yard. Shade. The essential idea is leaving the dog alone, but a yard will doesn’t help much. There are pros and cons to both the apartment and yard.
Tish 06.25.08 at 12:49 pm
@Jessica. I agree with Sasha. Leaving a dog outside for hours may be more harmful than leaving them in an apartment. I think its MEAN and SELFISH to leave the dog outside as you recommended, especially in climates where even people can stand it.
Lets say your gone for a while and leave your dog outside, chained to a fence (that seems harsh enough). What if it decides to rain? Snow? Become too sunny? Become too cold? Now you have to worry about the dog getting sick and more vet bills. Dogs also have skin sensitivities. So what are you going to do when the dog overheats? Oh that’s right, how would you know? You don’t see the dog, its always in the yard. People work so they can afford to pamper their dogs. Not all dogs have high levels of energy and the desire to roam around in the yard. Also yards may become boring to them. That’s why it is important to not only let the dog outside, but to take him/her for a walk, play with the dog(can be done inside or out).
Jason 06.30.08 at 4:32 am
Curious as to why shelties (shetland sheepdogs) are marked as unsafe with children? They are on the top 10 list of best dogs for kids due to their happy nature, playfulness, and gentleness.
The ONLY issue I could possibly see is that they nip at the heels of things to ‘herd’ them, but mine have never nipped the heels of any child and I have 3, a puppy, a 10 year old and a 7 year old. They all 3 LOVE ALL children.
Definately true about being weary of strangers, but if properly socialized that’s not an issue. I have yet to meet an aggressive sheltie, and I worked at a vet for 2 years, and a pet store for 1 year.
Jason 06.30.08 at 4:34 am
I might also add that the picture is of an aussie, hence the docked tail and muzzle that is not like a collie (which is much of the shelties blood)
Jason 06.30.08 at 4:40 am
Although weimareiners are awesome pets, they are NOT apartment dogs. Guys WORST IDEA EVER would be to adopt a Weim for an apartment setting. They are EXTREMELY high energy, EXTREMELY intelligent, and WILL find ways to entertain themselves (not positive many times) and do not do well being crated more than the time it takes for you to work your full-time job. They need MUCH exercise, if you aren’t going to jog the dog at least 1 mile a dog, then you’re likely playing with fire. The comments above are mine about shelties, my family is part of the local weim rescue, they wanted to make sure this was well-known that weims are probably the WORST dog for apartment life. Wait till you CAN get a yard, or pay somebody VERY FIT to take care of the dog while your away, and risk issues even still. They need room to roam.
Also similar to say about australian shepherds, especially as far as intelligence goes. Border collies too to an extent. Just make sure they’re walked, and your apartment is “dog proofed” Nothing wrong with crating while your gone, unless it’s a weim, he’ll probably rip his teeth out trying to get out.
Dory 07.07.08 at 5:23 pm
My husband and I are considering a boxer dog. We have a two bedroom apartment and have a small child.(we want to buy a house within a year or two) We do not have a yard to let the dog roam but I know my husband will take the dog out and run it as he goes running alot. Do you recommend a boxer for an apartment and how much is “sufficient exercise”. Thank you!
Wendell 07.09.08 at 5:41 am
We live in a 2 BR apt with our 7 yr old female Boxer for a year now. We formally lived in a house but we retired to a condo. She is great and has had no problems. She’s a wonderful apt dog companion. We highly recommend a Boxer for house or apt living! Great dogs….