Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Life

Dogs make their homes in the city and country, in mansions, single family houses, condominiums, and even in apartments. For some breeds, life in an apartment is easy. If you live in an apartment and are looking to add a dog to your life, consider one of the following breeds.

Pug. Weighing in at 10 to 25 pounds, the pug is perfect for the apartment dweller. Small and compact with a pushed-in face, the pug is a clown at heart. With a short hair coat, this breed does not need special care and is a loving member of any family. As long as he is taken for brief walks, he is happy to sleep the day away.

Schipperke. Although not well known, this breed is great for apartment living. A small black dog with no tail, the Schipperke generally weighs around 10 to 18 pounds. This is an active dog that likes to be involved in all aspects of the family. Daily exercise is a must.

Schnauzer. The standard and miniature schnauzer are wonderful apartment pets. Eager to please and to keep the family safe, this breed usually requires regular grooming and daily exercise. They thrive on human companionship.

Scottish terrier. This working dog from the Scottish Highlands weighs around 15 to 20 pounds. Most often black, the Scottie is highly intelligent and needs daily exercise. Tough and compact, the Scottie is a loyal and protective family member.

Yorkshire terrier. The Yorkie is a tiny dog with lots of spunk. They are happy to spend their days lounging on the sofa, but these calm dogs require regular grooming. Weighing less than 10 pounds, this breed is well suited for apartment life.

Cocker spaniel. The popular cocker with his curly hair and sad eyes is a good choice for apartment life. He needs basic exercise and usually spends his days lounging and waiting for his owner’s return.

Welsh corgi. At about 25 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a popular pet. This stocky short tailed breed needs daily exercise but does not require a large living space.

West Highland white terrier. This small white terrier is playful and loveable but does require some exercise to keep him happy. The perfect size for an apartment, the Westie is a good watch dog and faithful companion that needs some grooming to keep his coat mat and tangle free.

Whippet. As a moderate-sized greyhound look-a-like, the whippet enjoys racing around a track just as much as he likes to cuddle next to his owner. A faithful family member, the whippet isn’t the greatest watch dog. Be aware that many whippet owners have found that owning just one isn’t enough.

Italian greyhound. The IG is a tiny version of the greyhound. Usually weighing around 10 pounds, the IG is fast and quick to learn. Though they do enjoy a good chase, the IG also loves snoozing on the sofa.

Lhasa apso. Hailing from Tibet, this small lap dog is made to be a pet. Weighing less than 15 pounds, the Lhasa does require regular grooming and expects to be treated like a king.

Poodle. The miniature and toy poodle make excellent apartment pets. These dogs crave human companionship but need daily walks. Well known for being low shed, the poodle is one of the more popular canine apartment dwellers.

Bichon frise. This white fluff ball is a happy-go-lucky dog. Faithful and obedient, the bichon is a wonderful addition to any apartment. Weighing around 15 to 20 pounds, the bichon does require regular grooming to keep his coat looking great.

Boxer. As a medium-sized dog, the boxer is one of the largest breeds that can do well in an apartment. Their short hair and pleasant disposition make them a great choice for an apartment dweller who wants a dog of substance. Brief daily walks are enough to keep this dog happy and healthy.

Boston terrier. The Boston is a small black and white terrier that loves to make you laugh. After brief periods of activity, the Boston loves to curl up on the sofa while you read a good book. Obedient and loyal, the Boston is a good watch dog.

Dachshund. With their short legs and long bodies, the dachshund can do well in an apartment. They do enjoy a good walk or run in the park, or even the occasional wiener race, but the dachshund is also comfortable in a nice warm bed.

English bulldog. Once you get used to their snoring, the bulldog will prove to be a cherished family pet. Not much on exercise, the bulldog just needs to spend some time checking out the grass several times a day.

Cairn terrier. Despite their small size, the cairn terrier is a tough little dog. This breed does well in any living environment as long as there are people around. As a terrier, this breed does need exercise but does not require a large living space.

Chihuahua. What the Chihuahua lacks in size he certainly makes up for in personality. Faithful and protective, this dog does well in even the smallest of apartments. Weighing around 5 pounds, the Chihuahua is relatively easy to train and care for.

Pomeranian. This little fluff ball looks just like a tiny fox. Weighing around 5 pounds, the Pom is an adorable breed that thrives on human companionship. Requiring little space, the Pom is perfect for an apartment.

Maltese. This popular breed of royalty expects to be treated like a princess. With a long flowing white coat, the Maltese does require regular grooming but prefers to be pampered instead of working for a living. This results in a docile and great apartment companion.