Best Apartment Dogs

We can understand that having a dog in a single home is easier as there is plenty of space for the family and the dog or other pets to co-exist. Moreover, most of the dogs require sufficient physical and mental stimulation, a lack of which can cause medical problems for them. But does that mean that mean that 36.8 million people who live in 21.3 apartments in the US ⁽¹⁾, should not think of owning a pet? 

According to a survey, half of the rental housing units are pet-friendly. ⁽²⁾ However, there may be some restrictions in some of them based on the pet’s weight and size. It is justified to think that cats are easier pets when it comes to apartment-style living because of their size and lifestyle. But, several dog breeds can be perfectly adjusted to an apartment. And we are here to help you out with the list - 

Best Small Dogs for Apartments

Let’s start with the small breeds as most of the people living in apartments prefer a small-sized dog. The list of best small dogs for apartments includes – 

Bichon Frise

Average height – 10-12 inches

Average weight – 9-12 lbs.

A toy dog, Bichon Frise is of French origins. With its round marble-like eyes and furry white coat, it looks just like a cute teddy bear. It is cheerful, and intelligent and would love to be a part of your house-drama. Fun fact, the word Frise is actually French for ‘Bitch.’

French Bulldog

Average height – 10-12 inches

Average weight – 25-28 lbs.

The small counterpart of a Bulldog, the French Bulldog is a non-sporting breed of dogs. They do not have much exercise requirement. A short daily leash walk would suffice. Just a caution that they are a brachycephalic breed and hence not very suitable for hot and humid climates. 

Pug

Average height – 10-13 inches

Average weight – 14-18 lbs.

With a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and a curly tail, Pugs are a Chinese dog breed. They are extremely playful and affectionate with a little need for physical activity. If you ask the people of India, they would call them the ‘Vodafone dog’. You can look for the beautiful ads they featured in. 

The biggest advantage of having a small dog is the longest average lifespan. They live for an average of 15-18 years as compared to the large dog breeds that live for an average of 10-12 years. 

Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

The biggest concern for dog lovers living in apartments is the size. They know that their dog may find sufficient space to roam and may end up either breaking things or getting bored. But, if the size is not a concern, you have a dog-loving landlord and you have access to a park where you can take your four-legged buddy for a walk once a day, here are some other options that you can consider –

Boxers 

Average height – 22-25 inches

Average weight – 55-70 lbs. 

A great dog breed, not just for apartment-style living but also for active pet parents who love to run or hike. Boxers are intelligent, fearless, and friendly. 

Shiba Inu 

Average height – 14-17 inches

Average weight – 18-22 lbs. 

The popular dog breed, owing its fan base to the crypto family, Shiba Inu, is a clean, attentive and friendly one. They can be easily house-trained as well. 

Beagle

Average height – 13-16 inches

Average weight – 20-25 lbs. 

The compact size of these dogs itself is one of the biggest reasons why they can be perfect for apartment-style living. Fun-loving, gentle and energetic, Beagles are great with kids and require very little grooming. Just be sure to schedule a lot of time for play!

Best Puppies for Apartments

Another concern apartment owners usually have with dogs is shedding. Heavy shedding dog breeds may end up leaving fur on all the furniture, making it a hassle to clean. This is also one of the reasons why some landlords do not allow dogs. Loud barking is another reason for it. Keeping these in mind, here are some more dog breeds that you can introduce your family and apartments to – 

Basenji 

A small dog with low shedding and very low barking levels, Basenji can be a great companion in your apartment. They are intelligent, highly trainable and energetic. The high energy levels may make them restless and destructive at times though. And they may not do great with other pets in the house. 

Boston Terrier 

Boston Terriers have low shedding and barking levels but come with high energy levels. They tend to get overheated outside if the climate is hot or humid, making them great for indoors where the air can be conditioned. They are great with kids and other family members and a good option for your apartment-style living. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

We’ve made a list of the best dogs for apartment living. However, it is important to note that most dogs are adventurous as they come from herding, hunting or similar origins. Having a dog in an apartment does require extra care. These dogs are prone to certain medical conditions, accidents and injuries. These include – 

Spot Pet Insurance gives pet parents the opportunity to customize a plan that will match the needs of their pet and their budget. Pet parents can choose their annual deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit from a range of options including a plan with unlimited annual limits with no per-incident or lifetime caps. Spot offers both accident-only and accident and illness plans, and pet parents can add a preventive care add-on for an additional fee. 

Preventive care coverage can cover the eligible costs of routine wellness exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. Coverage for spay and neutering procedures is available with Spot’s Platinum wellness coverage in addition to other routine veterinary services. To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.