The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Many dog lovers live in apartments and want to bring home a furry best friend, but no one wants their dog to feel cramped or confined. Here are some of the best dog breeds for apartments that won’t mind a studio or one-bedroom rental.

1. French Bulldog

If you want a smaller dog, you should read about French Bulldogs. They’re bred as the much smaller alternative to traditional bulldogs and don’t tend to bark. However, they do best as companion dogs, so it’s smart to have a second dog or work from home so they don’t get lonely.

It’s worth noting that some French Bulldogs also have extra energy, but you can help them get the exercise they need with daily walks or trips to the dog park. If they aren’t itching to run and play, they’ll be completely comfortable in an apartment.

2. Bichon Frise

Another popular small dog is the Bichon Frise. This breed is perfect for dog lovers who want a small, fluffy poof that loves to play and explore. They’re good dogs for apartments because they typically weigh in at five to 10 pounds. As a bonus, they also grow hypoallergenic fur coats that don’t shed, so your neighbors won’t have to hear you vacuum all the time.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

People who can’t get enough of massive dogs will love the Bernese Mountain dog. It’s a cuddly bear of a dog that has an easy-going nature and loves to nap. As long as you walk them daily, they’ll be fine in an apartment. Just be aware that depending on where you find your future pup, they may outgrow the traditional 50-pound weight limit that most rental communities enforce.

4. Golden Retriever

Many families love golden retrievers because they adore kids and learn tricks quickly. They’re also comfortable in apartment settings, especially if your apartment community has a dog park they can run around in.

These are just a few of the many reasons why they rank as number three on the list of the most popular dogs in America.

5. Shih Tzu

Sometimes people think that small dogs get spooked easily, which isn’t ideal if neighbors make loud noises on the other side of your living room wall. Shih Tzus aren’t like that, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for apartments.

They typically all have calm and quiet demeanors, based on what their parents are like. Their small size makes them especially friendly for tiny apartments because their crates, toys and even dog food bags won’t take up much space.

6. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog has become more prevalent in recent years due to some celebrity adoptions. They’re a small breed that usually weighs 10 to 20 pounds and sports an extra-fluffy coat. They are known for barking but can learn to stay quiet for neighbors. These dogs are so smart and quick to pick up training techniques that they were once circus dogs that performed elaborate shows.

7. Corgi

Queen Elizabeth II may have made Corgis her favorite dog breed, but they’re beloved around the world for their small size and huge hearts. They’re not prone to chewing and destroying things like furniture and carpets, which is perfect for people who rent. If you decide to bring one home, your new best friend could stick around for 15 years, because the breed typically has a long lifespan.

8. Mixed-Breed Dogs

There are tons of breeds to choose from, and mixed-breed dogs can be shining stars too! Don’t forget to check out your local shelters to find a pup who melts your heart.

Even if they aren’t strictly from one breed, the shelter staff members can fill you in on their temperament, energy level and personality. They’re experts at spotting which dogs need fields or yards, or would do well in an apartment.

Get to Know The Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Whether you read about breeds online or find out about certain dogs from the shelters that take care of them, it’s essential to find out everything you can before bringing a four-legged friend home. Most dogs are good dogs for apartments, as long as you can meet their needs without sacrificing their comfort.