Are you looking for a perfect dog for your home? The most important thing to consider while choosing the right breed is your lifestyle. Some dog breeds are large while others are small. If you live in an apartment, large dogs might not be suitable for you.
Some dogs need a lot of space to roam and exercise. Small dogs are ideal for apartment living due to their compact size. Most apartment-dwelling dogs are laid back, low-shedding, and known for being polite and quiet.
Most apartment-dwelling breeds are hypoallergenic, loyal, and do well with kids and other family dogs. However, whatever dog breed you adopt, make sure to provide them with proper physical and mental stimulation.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds for tiny balconies that thrive in small living spaces.
Dog Breeds for Tiny Balconies
1. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
One of the most adorable dog breeds on the planet, the Bichon Frise is known for its happy-go-lucky nature. They love pleasing people and do well at agility competitions. Their compact size makes them well-suited for apartment living.
These utterly charming personalities are hypoallergenic and make good pets for allergy sufferers. Weighing only about 15 pounds, they don’t require enough space for play sessions and exercise. These ultimate lap dogs love snuggling with their owners.
2. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
French bulldog is another small dog whose size makes it ideal for apartment dwellers. They do not bark much and are therefore well-suited for living in a confined space like an apartment building. They are low shedders, so you don’t have to worry about excessive cleaning.
These laid-back pups require low to moderate exercise of 30 to 60 minutes. These exercises can include short walks, fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek games. When not relaxing on a couch or lying on a rug, they prefer to play the role of lap dogs.
3. Greyhound
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Greyhounds are not overly energetic and love relaxing on a couch, explains PDSA. However, they possess the speed and agility due to which they are often called “40mph couch potatoes.” These low-maintenance pups make the perfect apartment dogs.
These affectionate and loyal dogs form strong bonds with their humans. Greyhounds thrive on affection and often seek out their owners for cuddling and attention. They are sociable and even-tempered dogs that need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, including daily walks and play sessions.
4. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Pugs are the true companion dogs who love lying on the couch all day long. The only thing they love more than relaxing is FOOD! They adapt well to smaller spaces due to their minimal grooming and exercise needs.
Their small stature and calm demeanor make them easygoing fellows. Pugs are not yappy dogs, so your neighbors will also be happy if you adopt this dog. However, these flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs are prone to overheating. Therefore, do not expose them to extreme temperatures.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
With round and expressive eyes, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes an adorable companion for apartment dwellers. They are quiet, calm, and low-maintenance dogs who enjoy long walks and resting in their owner’s lap.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel is extremely loyal, quiet, and friendly. These sociable dogs love being surrounded by people. Typically weighing around 13 to 18 inches, they are well-suited for living in smaller spaces.
6. Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
According to the AKC, bulldogs are medium to large-sized dogs weighing around 40 to 50 pounds. Their size makes them well-suited for apartment living. They are extremely easygoing dogs with a friendly but dignified demeanor. Bulldogs love napping and are the real couch potatoes.
Bulldogs can sleep up to 12 to 14 hours a day. You need to give adequate exercise to your bulldog every day to keep themselves from getting obese. Bulldogs are also brachycephalic, so they have a difficult time outdoors in extreme temperatures.
Brisk strolls serve the purpose when it comes to exercising a bulldog. They are not too vocal and rarely bark, which can be a plus for your neighbors.
7. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Shih Tzus were originally bred to live inside Chinese palaces. These affectionate little dogs are excellent companions for kids and their family members. These lapdogs weigh only 9-16 pounds. These traits make Shih Tzus one of the best dog breeds for living in an apartment.
Shih Tzus are low-energy dogs who do not need much space for running and playing. They do not require much exercise—only 30 minutes to one hour of physical activity per day will suffice.
According to PetMD, Shih Tzus demand a lot of attention and treats. They love to please their humans and learn new tricks to get the treats and praise.
8. Boston Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Nicknamed the American Gentleman, Boston Terriers are known for their gentle temperament. Their compact size and friendly demeanor make them one of the best apartment dogs. These are the friendly and loving dogs with low maintenance needs.
Boston Terriers are so small that they can fulfill almost all their exercise needs indoors without annoying your neighbors. So, if you are a busy apartment dweller, this breed might be an ideal pet for you. These lively dogs are always eager to please their owners.
9. Biewer Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
It is a newer dog breed that was born to a Yorkshire terrier mom. This long-haired tricolored toy breed makes the list of apartment dogs due to their adorable looks and compact size. These pint-sized pooches weigh only 4 to 8 pounds.
Just like all other dogs, they also need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. They have a relatively longer lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. However, they are prone to barking, so it is important to train them not to bark, especially if you are an apartment dweller.
10. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese are small white dogs with a soft and flowing coat. They were essentially bred to be lap dogs and thrive on human attention. They love spending time with their humans. Maltese have moderate energy levels, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy.
Maltese are prone to barking, so you have to train them properly so that they do not disturb their neighbors. Maltese are also flat-faced (brachycephalic) like most other smaller dog breeds, so make sure they do not encounter breathing problems.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds are known for their small size, adorable looks, and friendly nature. If you are an apartment dweller planning to adopt a dog, these breeds might be a great fit for your home.
