Some high energy dog breeds struggle with life in an apartment, and a few are those that require extensive exercise to use up their huge reserves of energy. Once they are well exercised, they can handle apartment life.
The size of the dog does not matter, as some small breeds are hyperactive and will not do well in small spaces, while some large breeds adapt really well to small spaces, as they are much calmer and prefer to sit quietly.
Some high-energy dog breeds are bred as guard dogs. These dogs will find apartment life challenging as their territorial instincts are challenged by anyone who they sense walking by their door. This could cause trouble with the neighbors.
As pet parents, it is our responsibility to pick a dog that will thrive in the home environment we provide them with. If you are looking into the sort of dog you should get, you need to assess your lifestyle and living space. Some apartments also implement breed restrictions, and you should look into that as well.
Hyperactive Apartment Dog Breeds
1. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier has been bred for city living, and these little dogs do well in all forms of apartments. This doesn’t mean that they are not active. These small dogs have a lot of energy and are always ready for walks or a game of tug indoors. Their short coats need periodic grooming and tend to shed.
This energetic pet will require a lot of your time and attention to thrive. The breed does well with obstacle and agility courses. Owners are advised to build one indoors to give their dog an outlet for his energy.
These dogs are easy to manage with early training and plenty of exercise. They are a good option if you want a high-energy dog, but want one that will adapt to apartment living, according to Royal Canin.
2. Shih Tzu
This breed originated in China and their name means Lion Dog according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Bred to be indoor companions for the Chinese royalty, these little dogs do well as long as they have a lot of company. It can be either two or four-legged, they don’t mind!
Shih Tzu’s tend to get anxious if left alone and tend to bark and even dig, if not trained. They are happy with indoor companionship, and a short 15-20 minute walk is enough to satisfy them.
They are a high-maintenance breed though, as their lovely silky coats require almost daily maintenance and regualr trimming to maintain its lenght and health.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an energetic dog that was initially bred to be a herding dog. This leaves the modern Corgis with lots of energy and stamina to keep up with the entire family. While they are not as needy as some of the other breeds on this list, the Corgi enjoys long walks and are affectionate pets for the entire family.
Like all dogs, Corgis also need to be socialized early, so that they are good around young children. These intelligent dogs need mental stimulation as well as exercise to flourish. When their need for exercise and stimualtion is met,they well in all types of living spaces.
The breed does tend to shed a lot, and will require daily brushing to remove dead hair. Regular baths during shedding season helps to loosen dead hair.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
This is one of the larger breeds on this list. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an African herding dog that was bred for tracking and baying when they found lions. They still have a strong prey drive, and can be willful if they don’t get proper training as pups and are handled properly. They prove to be excellent watchdogs and enjoy intensive physical activity.
The Ridgeback does well as an apartment dog and will adjust to life in a limited space, provided that you give it the chance to go out and spend time with them while they expend all their energy playing in open spaces.
The breed does well as a family dog as they can romp with all members without tiring and are not prone to excessive barking.
5. German Shepherd
This may be a surprising inclusion on this list, as the common perception is that these large dogs will not be able to cope in an apartment. However, German Shepherds do well in apartments and small homes, provided that they live an active lifestyle and get plenty of exercise and stimulation.
As a popular working dog line, these dogs have high energy levels and respond well to an active routine that includes outdoor walks as well as indoor games and romps.
Playtime with their owners helps to calm their energy, and early training as pups helps to limit these affectionate dogs to barking only when necessary.
6. Beagle
The Beagle’s adorable, floppy-eared look makes it an adorable addition to your life. They are considered to be the perfect family dog with their playful energy and a habit of making friends with strangers. These are smaller-sized breed and have been a favorite of people looking for a steady companion. As scent hounds, they need to be on leash when outdoors, as they tend to chase after interesting smells!
These adaptable dogs are happy whether they are in a house or a smaller space. Beagles are famous for doing well around kids. They need regular exercise and training to remain healthy.
Like most dogs, they do well when they have their own quiet space to unwind, whether it’s a small space in the kitchen or in their owner’s bedroom. They shed almost all year round and need regular grooming.
7. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in America, according to PetMD. These are a medium to large breed and have bundles of energy that needs to be spent runing, fetching and swimming. As long as the Labrador is well exercised, it don’t care where it gets to unwind with their owners.
The breed does well with other pets and gets along with all dog-friendly humans. Labs are intelligent and full of energy. When they are well-exercised, they are calm and are not prone to barking. They also respond well to obedience training. Labs need regular grooming as they tend to shed pretty much all year.
Conclusion
As a part of your life, you need to make sure that your living space is planned to accommodate your dog. Leave room around for the dog to move easily and don’t have easily breakable items around.
In addition, do make sure that you pick a dog that is not prone to incessant barking. If you have a busy schedule, you need to make sure that your dog is not bored or neglected while you are out.
The bottom line is that while not every breed will flourish in a small living space, the dogs on this list will do well, provided that you make sure to give them plenty of exercise and give them a space to chill out in when they are tired out.
