If you do not own a big house or a fenced-in yard, you can still own a dog for yourself. It is not an easy task to find a perfect furry friend who is small, adaptable, and can perfectly live in small spaces. However, there are some breeds for apartment living offering love, warmth, and long years of companionship.
Temperament, energy levels, and sizes are some traits that every dog owner must know before adopting or purchasing a breed. If you are not making the right decision and bringing a large breed into small spaces, it may become a destructive and aggressive dog, messing with your lifestyle.
Let’s dig deep and discover the ones that excel as apartment dogs in city life.
Fun Fact: The looks can often deceive you. Many breeds have tough appearances, but they prefer short walks and long naps, making them perfect options for apartment life.
Best Dog Breeds for Compact City Living Spaces: Top Choices for You
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas not only suit best for apartment living but also bring fun and love in your life, thanks to their petite size and spunky personalities. Nicknamed Chis, this small dog breed was bred for companionship, which is why they adore human interactions the most.
Their adaptable nature enables them to thrive in different environments if provided with mental stimulation. The Chihuahua is the national dog of Mexico and is known to form strong bonds with the family. They only weigh up to 6 pounds, making them an easier breed to carry anywhere, anytime.
Though they have an affectionate nature, Chihuahua’s behavior ranges from bold to shy temperament. They also tend to develop separation anxiety and need lots of play sessions as compared to other small dogs. Short walks, indoor playtime, and proper training are crucial for this breed, says PetMD.
2. Bulldog
Medium-sized pup, the Bulldog surprisingly makes an excellent city companion due to their easygoing nature. These social dogs have minimal exercise needs as well as demand less grooming. Bulldogs love pleasing their owners and are also known as smart dogs.
Originally bred for bullbaiting during the 13th century, and are the national symbol of England, as mentioned by the AKC. Bulldogs then transformed into a friendly yet courageous breed.
Today, they are excellent family dogs as this breed’s characteristics include a calm demeanor, a devoted and playful aura, and a less barking habit.
Bulldogs have a strong muscular build, but due to low energy levels, they are also perfect for laid-back households. If someone is looking for a breed for apartment living, Bulldogs are one of the good apartment dogs, with proper socialization and training.
3. Pug
Compact spaces require compact dogs, and a Pug is the one that fulfils all the requirements for being your great companion in urban living. These low-energy dogs with calm temperament and minimal grooming make an ideal option for apartment settings.
Pugs, as a toy breed, do not need ample physical activity, but mental stimulation is important for their well-being. With a friendly disposition toward family members, Pugs are considered good family dogs. However, due to their flat faces, these quiet dogs face some health problems, such as respiratory issues.
This furry friend is also prone to weight gain as it prefers being a couch potato most of the time. Thus, pet parents should be aware of their exercise requirements, like daily walks in good weather. In fall and spring, their coats shed excessively, making daily brushing important, as highlighted by Royal Canin.
4. Shih Tzu
Little lion dog; the Shih tzu is an ancient Asian breed that was bred by the Buddhists to watch over their homes and look like lions. But, with their friendly disposition and affectionate nature, this breed has soon made its name among the family dogs.
Owing to their manageable size, adaptable nature, these loving pals are well-suited for apartment life. Their low energy levels still need exercise, whether it’s physical or brain-related. While the Shih Tzu carries a lively personality, its requirements can easily be fulfilled by apartment dwellers.
Short walks, indoor play, such as puzzle solving and interactive toys, along with human companionship, are enough to keep them busy and happy. Nevertheless, this small dog is blessed with a flowing coat that needs frequent grooming.
They have a habit of excessive barking due to their alert nature, and they show their reactions in new situations.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is another dog breed that happily adapts to smaller living spaces, if they are properly loved and cared for. Their French-driven name means curly coats. These charming furry companions, with their beauty and manageable demands, make ideal city dogs.
The thing that makes this breed more appealing is its hypoallergenic coat, which does not shed much; a trait most people want living in confined spaces. A bored and lonely Bichon Frise can develop destructive behaviors, like chewing and barking.
These smart and highly trainable dogs learn quickly. They thrive in lounging in their beloved human’s lap, and playing in indoor living with interactive toys. Bichon Frises are not considered high-energy dogs, but high-maintenance canines who need regular grooming for their coat.
6. Dachshund
Also known as hot dogs, Dachshunds are curious and playful dogs who thrive in small spaces thanks to their small size and less exercise needs. Adaptable Dachshunds were bred for hunting badgers, and today they make great companions in urban life.
They are famous for having silhouettes and muscular bodies, due to which, pet owners should consider their back health. These watchdogs not only offer love but also some protection by alerting their owners to suspicious surroundings.
Since Dachshunds tend to bark, it can be solved by early socialization and consistent training. The high prey drive of Dachshunds makes them unfit to live with other pets in the same house. Calm nature makes these little dogs a popular breed among apartment dwellers.
7. French Bulldog
If individuals living in an apartment are seeking affectionate breeds, French Bulldogs are one of them. Their fans called them Frenchies, and they hail from France, as companion dogs. Compact size and moderate exercise needs of this dog make it an ideal companion for people living in an urban environment.
Fortunately, French Bulldogs do not develop anxiety and also get along beautifully with other small animals, and children with proper socialization. They are the right dogs for those who prefer a relaxed environment, aka laid-back households, and do not demand much outdoor space.
Dog owners should take care of this beauty as it has some health problems, such as respiratory issues and skin allergies. If these adult dogs become obese, they become more prone to joint and back injuries. They are very easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.
Conclusion
When you choose a breed that thrives in cozy apartments and the fast pace of city life, what matters most is the love and companionship you share. With your affection, patience, and presence, any small space becomes a place where your dog feels secure, happy, and truly at home.
To flourish right beside you, these city-friendly breeds overall need smart daily routines and gentle stimulation. They do not need open spaces, but quality time with their loved ones, comfort in the small spaces, and a soft spot on the couch.
Thoughtful choices create happier pets and happier homes, too.
