Smart dogs can make your life easier and full of fun, even in an apartment. They learn fast, adapt well, and don’t even cause much trouble. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs have been known to learn hundreds of words, do arithmetic, and much more. Moreover, scientists have indicated that dogs can be as intelligent as a 2-year-old kid.
City life is about noise, compact spaces, and a lot of problems. Not every dog can handle that, but there are dog breeds that are born to solve these problems. They are smart enough and they know when to chill and when it is an ideal time to play. You just have to train them, and they will turn into apartment dogs. They will thrive in an apartment; no need for a backyard.
This blog lists the top 7 intelligent apartment dog breeds, and you will learn which breeds are smart, calm, and easy to train. So if you are a first-time dog owner or busy person, this guide will help you choose the best apartment dog who is smart and clever.
Intelligent Apartment Dog Breeds
You are living in a small space, and you love to have a cute dog alongside you. The following are the intelligent dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living
1. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodle, a charming and elegant dog breed, is best known for their curly coat and different sizes. They are considered the most famous American dog breeds. They are high-energy dogs who are equally smart and intelligent.
Stanley Coren, a canine psychologist, ranked the poodle as the 2nd smartest breed when talking about obedience & working intelligence. Moreover, they learn very fast and have sharp memories. They are great when it comes to obedient intelligence, as they need extensive training to learn.
They are also good at adapting to new situations and places. Therefore, they can live in apartment settings and condos, making them great indoor pets. Moreover, they are low-energy dogs compared to other dogs. There is no doubt Poodle is a great apartment dog, but it does need proper training, regular grooming, mental stimulation, and exercise for an active life.
2. Papillon
Papillon is a smart dog breed that descends from a toy breed. It is a very cute and playful dog originating from France. Papillon Club states that they were very popular in old times and were often depicted in paintings from the 16th century.
Truly, this small breed is very active and performs well in agility and obedience competitions. Due to their sparkling personality, they are excellent companion dogs who know how to rule at heart.
As they are small and weigh between 4 to 8 pounds, they are easy to carry. Their size and weight make them a perfect dog for small spaces. But it is important that you provide them with a comfortable living space where they can rest and play.
Papillons are energetic and active dogs, but they can exercise in smaller living spaces. Regular indoor games, training, and short walks can help them stay healthy and happy. But keep in mind that this small dog breed is quite vocal and does excessive barking. They can be noisy for apartment living. You can control its vocals with proper training.
3. Havanese
The Havanese is a small dog breed that originated in Cuba. This cute little pup has a rounded face, floppy ears, and curly or short hair. When talking about their personality, it is a very friendly dog with an affectionate nature.
They are average intelligent dogs who can be trained, and they also work as therapy dogs. Canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranked them high in obedience and working intelligence. But these dogs can understand human motions. So they are intelligent in another way, as they are different from other pets.
Moreover, the plus of having a Havanese is that they are ideal for apartment living. Why? They are tiny dogs who don’t need much of your room. In fact, they are ok with compact living spaces. But they need regular exercise to stay active, and that can be done in an apartment. They also have a hypoallergenic coat that sheds low, which means a tiny amount of dander.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is considered to be one of the largest and most popular dogs that belongs to toy dog breeds. These lap dogs have many distinctive features that make them unique. These short-legged dogs have silky, wavy coats with floppy ears. Moreover, they are very friendly, loving, and eager to please, which makes them the perfect dog breeds for families and kids.
These dogs are also intelligent. This breed holds the 44th position in the list of intelligent dogs regarding working intelligence and obedience. But this breed is intelligent enough to work. Although they are not perfect for every job, they are good emotional support dogs.
With their gentle disposition and endearing personality, these furry friends are best suited for apartment dwellers and urban life. If you understand their specific needs and temperament, they are ideal for apartment living. They need physical exercise, but it is not a highly demanding need. They are ok with daily walks and play sessions, so apartment life also suits them.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a cute little dog belonging to the Mediterranean region. It is a popular breed and perfect for those who are in search of dogs with a low-shedding coat. A Bichon can be your loyal companion who can bring happiness to your life.
Although they have small stature, they are still very sturdy and robust dogs. Moreover, their expressive eyes, along with an arched neck, take their personality to the next level.
Bichon Frise can adapt very well to different living environments, including confined spaces. Moreover, they are small in size, so it is an added plus. However, you must provide them with sufficient space for their minimal exercise needs. They have soft and curly coats, so it is advised to hire professional grooming services.
They are smart dogs who have the ability to read human emotions. They love to learn new tricks, and you can easily train them.
6. Boston Terrier
Originally bred as a pit fighter, the Boston Terrier was called the Little American Gentleman in the 19th century. They are very lively and cute dogs, so people love them. But due to their stubborn nature, sometimes they are in hot water with their owners. But any anger regarding their rude behavior vanishes when they see you with their beautiful, rounded eyes that are saying I Love You.
In obedience and working intelligence ranking, the Terrier is ranked in the 100th position, but they are smarter than you think. So what makes them smart? They can effectively communicate and adapt to any environment and people. The low ranking doesn’t mean they are dumb.
This small dog is bred for companionship, and they like people. They have short hair and they don’t shed much. So this is the right dog for an apartment setting. Moreover, they bark less, and this is a big plus if you are living in small spaces.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier, often called ‘Yorkie’, is a little terrier breed that originated in the 19th century in Yorkshire. Although they have small stature, they have big personalities. They are loving, spunky, brave, and independent dogs. They are also very popular pets in America.
They are the 34th smartest dogs according to obedience and working intelligence ranking. They can understand human emotions and can communicate effectively.
Yorkie is an energetic dog who needs daily exercise, but due to the dog’s size, exercise requirements can be met in limited space. Although regular grooming is not required, you have to provide a clean environment.
Conclusion
Apartment life doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy wagging tails and wet noses. The dog breed mentioned in this blog thrives in small spaces. These small dog breeds are loyal companions, need minimal exercise, and love short walks. With early training, they’re excellent companion dogs for apartment dwellers. Just add love, some indoor games, and a comfy bed. Instant furry friend.
