With most people now living in cities, many pet lovers face a common dilemma: how to keep a dog in the limited space of an apartment?
“While many assume all dogs need lots of space, the reality is that some breeds are actually better suited for apartment living than others,” says Angelo Sorbello, CEO of Pet Sprint, a leading online resource for pet owners. “It’s about finding the right match for both the dog’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle.”
Factors like size, energy levels, and temperament play a significant role in determining how well a dog will feel in your living space. The best apartment dog is typically smaller in size, has a calm demeanour, and doesn’t require extensive exercise. Noise levels should also be considered, as some breeds are more prone to barking – a potentially major issue in close-quartered living situations.
With all of that in mind, Angelo Sorbello and his team at Pet Spring have put together a list of five dogs that are perfectly suited to apartment living – and five that really aren’t.
Top 5 Dog Breeds for Apartment Living:
1. French Bulldog
“French Bulldogs are the ultimate low-maintenance companions for smaller living spaces,” says Angelo Sorbello. These adorable, squishy-faced charmers are the clowns of the dog world. They’re perfectly content to lounge on your couch all day, making them ideal if you prefer Netflix marathons over actual marathons.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
“If you’re looking for a loving and gentle companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fantastic choice,” notes Sorbello. These dogs are the ultimate lap companions, always ready to snuggle and shower you with affection. Their gentle nature makes them the perfect comfort after a long day.
3. Shih Tzu
Angelo Sorbello adds, “Shih Tzus are not only adorable but also very adaptable to smaller homes.” Shih Tzus are surprisingly low-maintenance and adapt beautifully to smaller living spaces. They’re happy to be your pint-sized palace guard, alerting you to anything outside while lounging inside with you.
4. Greyhound
“Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are perfect for more relaxed, indoor environments,” says Sorbello. Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy and make great companions for smaller homes. Their calm demeanour means they’re just as happy to sprawl across your couch as they would be in a bigger space. As a bonus – they require very little grooming!
5. Pug
Pugs are perfect if you want a dog who’s always up for a snuggle. With their wrinkly faces and quirky snorts, they’re guaranteed to keep you entertained no matter the size of your home. These compact comedians love human companionship and are great at adapting to smaller spaces.
Breeds That May Struggle in Apartments:
1. Border Collie
If you’re unable to provide endless physical and mental stimulation, a Border Collie may not be the best fit. “Border Collies are highly intelligent and require constant stimulation,” says Sorbello. “Without ample space and activities, they can become restless in apartment settings.”
2. Siberian Husky
Unless you have a lot of space and patience for a chatty dog, a Siberian Husky might not be ideal for apartment living. “Huskies are natural explorers and vocal dogs,” Angelo Sorbello explains. “They do best in environments where they have room to roam, making smaller spaces more difficult for them.”
3. Australian Shepherd
If you’re not able to meet the needs of an energetic working dog, an Australian Shepherd might find apartment life restrictive. With their strong herding instinct and endless energy, they’re best suited for wide-open spaces and lots of physical activity.
4. Beagle
Beagles may be small, but their loud howl and strong scenting instinct can pose challenges in apartment settings. If you’re not ready to deal with their vocal nature or tendency to get easily distracted by scents, they might not be the best fit for close living quarters.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a Jack Russell Terrier might be a handful. Their boundless energy and love for barking can be problematic in an apartment setting. These little fireballs need plenty of space and exercise to burn off their seemingly endless energy.
Does your dog thrive in the apartment?
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