Do you want to add a cute dog to your life but wonder if it will adjust to life with you in an apartment? While some pet parents first notice a dog’s appearance, others might have more practical worries.
Amongst many other factors, space is one of the most crucial things to consider. You can’t be blamed for wanting a dog that fits apartment life—after all, not every breed is cut out for tighter living spaces.
Apartment living is becoming more common day by day, and while city living has its magic, having a loving pet along can take away a sense of isolation.
Whether you live alone in your apartment or have a partner or flatmates with you, these sweet and calm pups won’t disappoint you.
If you’re ready to adopt an apartment-friendly dog, here are 7 breeds you can pick from.
Peaceful Dog Breeds For Apartments
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the go-to dog for many apartment dwellers and is popular for its loving and very friendly nature. This rowdy little dog has a cute, wrinkly flat face (as it’s a brachycephalic breed), which makes it suitable for indoor living.
While Frenchie’s wrinkled face makes it look very expressive, it also demands regular cleaning. These pups are also prone to some health issues like breathing difficulty, also expect some snoring.
Apart from that, these small dogs come with a big heart as they enjoy human companionship and adapt well to an easygoing lifestyle.
PetMD suggests omega-3 supplements to keep your Frenchie healthy, as these pups need their fair share of good nutrition. Frenchies make amazing lap dogs and enjoy cuddling with their human dad or mom, but they also adore indoor playtime as well as brief walks outdoors.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
People-friendly and highly outgoing, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great apartment pets for people who want playful energy in a small package. Cavs have enjoyed the attention of royals and are still one of the most loved family pets and lap dogs.
This dog makes people fall in love with it, with its silky coat, loving eyes, and joyful temperament. If you have kids at home, Cav will be a loving playmate (though kids should also know how to handle a small dog).
According to the AKC, Cavs are adaptable dogs that can live well with both easygoing and active owners. In both cases, the owners should have enough time to give them regular grooming of their lush coats.
Cavs enjoy both couch time and daily walks with their humans and can get along well with other dogs in the household.
3. Bichon Frise
Got a small living space but want a dog as a pet? No problem! You can always count on a Bichon Frise to brighten your little home with its happy-go-lucky nature as it trots about in its fluffy coat that makes it look like a stuffed toy.
If you want a dog that gets along with everyone and rarely barks, a Bichon is one of the best dogs for you. These child-friendly, affectionate pooches can adapt to different types of living environments and enjoy playing indoors with their humans.
Bichon Frise’s origins can be traced back to the 13th century, when they accompanied sailors to the Canary Islands. Now they are one of the most loved pets for individuals as well as families who live well in shared living spaces, as well as country homes.
As Bichon’s curly coat sheds a little, it needs regular brushing and bathing to keep it clean. You can also trim it short to style it or make it easier to manage.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is the famous “little lion” with a history connecting it to Chinese royals who took them in as their watchful little companions. These pooches are no strangers to a chill life indoors, though they do enjoy their play sessions and short walks outdoors as well.
Shih Tzus are one of the ultimate apartment dogs with their fun-loving but comparatively quiet nature, and make loyal companions for their owners. They also make nice watchdogs due to their alert natures and can thrive in different types of living situations.
Shih Tzus come in a lion-like, long, silky mane that needs regular grooming and occasional professional grooming. Many owners like to trim their coat or tie it above their head, which makes them look too cute.
These doggos live well in moderate weather; as per Britannica, they don’t do so well in hot conditions due to their short muzzle.
5. Pug
Pug is the dream cuddle partner for many pet parents and one of the best dogs for people living in apartments or shared spaces. This brachycephalic breed needs some taking care of due to its flat face, but other than that, it’s a comparatively low-maintenance and calm breed.
If you have a limited living space or can’t handle a high-energy dog due to some other reason, a Pug is a great choice, as this dog will happily snuggle up next to you on the couch. Like all dogs, it also appreciates some play sessions, indoor games, and walks outdoors will keep it healthy.
While this dog will keep your neighbors stress-free with its calm nature (it barks a little), its short coat makes it easy for you to groom it with only weekly brushing.
6. Maltese
Maltese is one of the most adorable small breeds with its white, silky coat and cheerful personality. It’s a high-spirited pooch that sometimes forgets it’s not a big dog, but still possesses a charming temperament.
Maltese has a tiny body below the gorgeous coat; as a small dog, it’s a tripping hazard and needs to be watched around kids. It’s a wonderful apartment pet as it can happily burn off its energy playing indoors.
It does need some physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy, though. If you have a small backyard, your Maltese will be more than happy playing in it.
Maltese’s long coat needs regular upkeep and some periodical trimming, and professional grooming. Bathing them with a nice doggo shampoo will keep their white coat dirt-free and make it look all sparkly.
7. Basenji
The Basenji is the famous “barkless dog”, though it does vocalize a little and might let out yodel-like sounds. It’s still one of the most well-suited dogs for apartment dwellers, as they tend to be quieter and calmer dogs, as long as you’re giving them enough regular exercise.
Basenjis make great companions for active owners who aren’t expecting their dog to be a complete couch potato. These pups have a high prey drive, which can urge them to go after small animals, and should be kept on leash in a fenced area.
Bansejis are known to have a cat-like personality; they literally lick themselves as an act of self-grooming, just like cats.
Though they need only occasional bathing, some weekly combing will keep their coat in good condition.
FAQs
Do peaceful dogs still need daily exercise?
Yes. All dogs require a certain amount of daily exercise to maintain their ideal weight and good health. Peaceful usually refers to their temperament, not their energy needs. Most dogs need at least a short walk, some mental stimulation, and a bit of playtime to stay healthy. Without it, even the gentlest breeds can become bored, anxious, or gain weight.
Are peaceful breeds good for first-time dog owners?
Yes. These peaceful breeds make good pets for first-time owners due to their calm nature, and they typically respond well to routine, gentle training, and a predictable home environment.
Do these dogs bark a lot?
Generally, peaceful dog breeds don’t bark a lot, but it can vary by breed and individual personality. Most of these dogs are naturally quiet, less reactive, and easier to manage.
Conclusion
Apartment life can become rewarding and full of joy if you have a pet that can adapt well to this lifestyle. If you’re ready to adopt one of the above doggos, visit your local pet shelter or talk to a reputable breeder known for ethical practices.
