There are almost 40 million people who live in apartments in the United States alone. That’s a little over 10% of the population, and there is a good chance that many of those apartment dwellers want to have dogs. However, some dogs don’t fare as well in the smaller spaces that apartments have. Luckily, many breeds can live in apartments just fine. So, if you are in an apartment and want a dog, one of these breeds might be a perfect choice.
Pugs
To start with, pugs are small. A pug’s tail won’t be smacking against the walls and knocking things off coffee tables in tight spaces. Pugs love heading out on walks, and their keen senses mean that they spend a lot of time taking in the neighborhood’s sights, smells, and sounds. However, they have little legs, so they can get tuckered out easily when they get home. They will spend a lot of time snuggling and lazing around. They are very agreeable and adaptable, so even a busy apartment with kids will not phase a pug.
Bichon Frise
A bichon frise comes in at about 15 pounds. That is light as a feather; accordingly, they are tiny dogs. They are also hypoallergenic, which means they are safe for people with allergies and asthma, even in close quarters. They won’t bump into you in the hall and can easily fit on the couch or loveseat for binge-watching time. They love to play and have fun, and they are endlessly charming. Like pugs, they will take short walks and enjoy resting when they get home.
Frenchton
Frenchtons are a cross between the french bulldog and the boston terrier. When you live in an apartment, there are very few places to go off and be alone when you need it. Frenchtons are very adaptable and enjoy the presence of people and other pets. They are very low maintenance and don’t shed much either, making them perfect for a busy apartment lifestyle. If you live in an apartment and see frenchton puppies for sale somewhere, don’t think about it twice.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are large dogs, so they shouldn’t be on this list, right? In truth, that is incorrect. While greyhounds are the fastest dogs around, that doesn’t mean they need a lot of space to live. The fact is that greyhounds are very lazy when they are not actively working or playing. They have a lot of energy to run around the dog park or go on long walks with some sprints interspersed. However, once they are home, they love to lounge around and cuddle on the couch. A greyhound is a fine choice for an apartment dog as long as you can help them expand that energy.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are very popular, and with good reason. They are adorable, and they happen to be hilarious, too. However, they are also one of the laziest types of dogs. A short walk will tire a bulldog right out. They will be more than content to spend the rest of the day lying around watching you clean the house or prepare dinner. They like to be around people, even if they are relaxing, which makes them perfect for cramped apartment spaces.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a Chinese bread that was meant to live inside palaces. They are tiny dogs that enjoy spending time with people and love kids and other jobs. They do tend to bark, but they aren’t loud, which is perfect if there are thin walls between you and your neighbors.
Maltese
Maltese pups are all-white and incredibly small. They can weigh as little as 7 pounds when they are full-grown. They love to be companions and follow their favorite humans around. Because of their size, an apartment is no problem for them. They have long fur, but they don’t shed often, which is great because an apartment can get overwhelmed with dog fur and dander very quickly.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire terriers have outsized personalities when compared to their tiny bodies. They are also known as yorkies and love having fun and playing with people and other animals. They are also low-maintenance since they don’t shed much, and their fur doesn’t need to be groomed as often as other breeds. They have a lot of energy for a small dog, but a quick walk will be enough to tucker them out when they get home.
Just because you live in an apartment does not mean you can’t own a dog. There are 69 million dog owners in the United States, and many are in apartments. If you are worried about it, choose one of these breeds so that you can have a comfortable living arrangement for yourself and your pooch.
