Dog Breeds Suitable for Apartment Living
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by Nina Tambal
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May 02, 2019
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General
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No one can deny that dogs are incredible. I personally think that they’re better companions than actual human beings.
They protect you when they sense danger is near, they comfort you when they feel that you’re having a rough time, and most of all, they continuously make your life interesting.
But if you happen to live in a condo, you’re limited to a certain amount of breeds suitable for your space.
Don’t fret just yet though! Read ahead and you’ll see a mini-comprehensive list of ten dog breeds suitable for apartment living.
1. Dachshund
Let’s start this list with smaller dog breeds.
Now, a Dachshund can be miniature (5 kg and under as an adult) or standard (7-15 kg as an adult). No matter what their size, these adorable creatures will be a delightful addition to your family.
They’re a globally popular choice among individuals who live in smaller spaces.
Dachshunds are also quite energetic and intelligent, which means that they do get bored easily.
So, if you’re a busybody, make sure that you have plenty of stuff to keep them entertained or plan effective pre-work rituals.
You can walk them for 30-60 minutes in the park or serve them breakfast in a feeding toy that also doubles as a puzzle.
2. Shih Tzu
I personally remember this particular dog breed taking over the Philippines by storm years ago. I knew plenty of people back in high school that raised a Shih Tzu in their home.
Even to this day, I believe that it is still one of the most popular dogs in the country. Which is why I’ve included them in this list.
Shih Tzus are bred to be a friendly lapdog. They’re known to make awesome companions and are affectionate and calm.
Since they’re long-haired, Shih Tzus do need high-maintenance grooming. But I guarantee it’s worth the effort. Especially when they snuggle up to you at the end of your hardworking day.
3. Pug
Who can possibly resist that cute squished little face?!
The best part about adopting a Pug is that they easily adapt to any environment, let alone your lifestyle.
If you want to go for quick jog or walk in the park, they’ll gladly go with you. And if you want to just chill at home with Netflix, they’ll be more than happy to cuddle.
But they do have a tendency to be quite clingy, so you would need special training if you are going to leave them in the condo alone for long periods of time.
Or you can always get them awesome toys to play with while you’re gone.
4. Bichon Frise
Google “hypoallergenic dogs” and this breed will definitely pop up in the results. The Bichon Frise makes a great companion for any person who has allergies.
Not to mention that they’re also undeniably charming and smart. They will get along well with your friends and family easily. But at the same time, they’re alert around strangers.
As with any other dog, obedience training is recommended with a Bichon Frise. They also require high-maintenance grooming, so prepare to pay a professional to do the work.
If you live a more active lifestyle, I would recommend welcoming this beautiful little creature to your apartment.
5. Pekingese
Originally companions of Chinese royal courts, the Pekingese is a quiet little one. And because of their small built, they require little exercise.
Plus, they don’t mind napping away while you’re at the office.
The slight disadvantage with them is that they’re hard to train. The Pekingese is highly aware that their ancestors were treated with utter respect and dignity.
So, they expect the same from you. But it’s a give and take thing. If you treat them with the love and respect they need, they will return it to you with an even greater value.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Here’s another adorable “toy breed” added to the mix. Avid viewers of Sex and the City may be familiar with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
They’re known for their good behavior and are the essence of a social butterfly. They’re affectionate not only with people, but other animals as well.
But do remember that a Cav needs daily exercise. You will have to walk them every morning before work for at least 15 minutes.
Or you can take them to the park and have them play with other pooches.
7. Greyhound
Moving on to bigger breeds, here comes the majestic Greyhound. Many people will be quite surprised to see this on the list, since this dog is tall.
Contrary to its appearance, Greyhounds require less exercise than you would assume and are laid-back.
You can have them stroll around your neighborhood or run freely in a safe space for a few minutes and they will be ready to snooze on your couch.
They also don’t bark that much and require minimum grooming.
But I do recommend adopting retired racing Greyhounds as opposed to getting puppies. They need a home too!
8. Basenji
The Basenji is renowned for being “barkless” dogs, so they’re the perfect pet for you if your condo has thin walls.
They’re one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs, which is why they remain conscious of noise. They also have cat-like tendencies as they often groom themselves.
But do keep in mind that they need daily vigorous exercise. Basenjis are curious by nature and are prone to escape, so make sure that they feel secure in your place.
9. Mastiff
If I were to describe the Mastiff, I’d say they’re a giant ball of pure fluff. Once they’ve matured of course.
As puppies, Mastiffs can be active and chaotic. But as they age, they become more easy-going and gentle. You will still have to walk them daily as an adult, so a quick visit to the park will do.
One more thing to keep in mind when taking care of a Mastiff in your apartment is to have a functioning elevator.
It would be a tedious (maybe even almost impossible) task to get this big boy up and down all those stairs.
10. Great Dane
Last, but definitely not least, is the Great Dane. This gentle giant makes a surprisingly awesome companion in your apartment.
They were originally bred to sit next to a king’s throne, looking all big and intimidating. In reality though, they’re very mellow.
Give them their needed daily walk though like any other big dog. After that, they will be more than happy to join you in a relaxing session of binge-watching television shows or movies.
If you’re going to be busy in the office, all you have to do is provide them with their own lounge space in the house.
Final thoughts
God only knows why we’re constantly being blessed with wonderful creatures such as dogs.
And the fact that we’re given the opportunity to give them a home and take care of them as part of the family is an amazing privilege.
So, I hope this list is able to help you find the best dog for you. Good luck and prepare to change your life for the better!
They protect you when they sense danger is near, they comfort you when they feel that you’re having a rough time, and most of all, they continuously make your life interesting.
But if you happen to live in a condo, you’re limited to a certain amount of breeds suitable for your space.
Don’t fret just yet though! Read ahead and you’ll see a mini-comprehensive list of ten dog breeds suitable for apartment living.
1. Dachshund
Let’s start this list with smaller dog breeds.
Now, a Dachshund can be miniature (5 kg and under as an adult) or standard (7-15 kg as an adult). No matter what their size, these adorable creatures will be a delightful addition to your family.
They’re a globally popular choice among individuals who live in smaller spaces.
Dachshunds are also quite energetic and intelligent, which means that they do get bored easily.
So, if you’re a busybody, make sure that you have plenty of stuff to keep them entertained or plan effective pre-work rituals.
You can walk them for 30-60 minutes in the park or serve them breakfast in a feeding toy that also doubles as a puzzle.
2. Shih Tzu
I personally remember this particular dog breed taking over the Philippines by storm years ago. I knew plenty of people back in high school that raised a Shih Tzu in their home.
Even to this day, I believe that it is still one of the most popular dogs in the country. Which is why I’ve included them in this list.
Shih Tzus are bred to be a friendly lapdog. They’re known to make awesome companions and are affectionate and calm.
Since they’re long-haired, Shih Tzus do need high-maintenance grooming. But I guarantee it’s worth the effort. Especially when they snuggle up to you at the end of your hardworking day.
3. Pug
Who can possibly resist that cute squished little face?!
The best part about adopting a Pug is that they easily adapt to any environment, let alone your lifestyle.
If you want to go for quick jog or walk in the park, they’ll gladly go with you. And if you want to just chill at home with Netflix, they’ll be more than happy to cuddle.
But they do have a tendency to be quite clingy, so you would need special training if you are going to leave them in the condo alone for long periods of time.
Or you can always get them awesome toys to play with while you’re gone.
4. Bichon Frise
Google “hypoallergenic dogs” and this breed will definitely pop up in the results. The Bichon Frise makes a great companion for any person who has allergies.
Not to mention that they’re also undeniably charming and smart. They will get along well with your friends and family easily. But at the same time, they’re alert around strangers.
As with any other dog, obedience training is recommended with a Bichon Frise. They also require high-maintenance grooming, so prepare to pay a professional to do the work.
If you live a more active lifestyle, I would recommend welcoming this beautiful little creature to your apartment.
5. Pekingese
Originally companions of Chinese royal courts, the Pekingese is a quiet little one. And because of their small built, they require little exercise.
Plus, they don’t mind napping away while you’re at the office.
The slight disadvantage with them is that they’re hard to train. The Pekingese is highly aware that their ancestors were treated with utter respect and dignity.
So, they expect the same from you. But it’s a give and take thing. If you treat them with the love and respect they need, they will return it to you with an even greater value.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Here’s another adorable “toy breed” added to the mix. Avid viewers of Sex and the City may be familiar with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
They’re known for their good behavior and are the essence of a social butterfly. They’re affectionate not only with people, but other animals as well.
But do remember that a Cav needs daily exercise. You will have to walk them every morning before work for at least 15 minutes.
Or you can take them to the park and have them play with other pooches.
7. Greyhound
Moving on to bigger breeds, here comes the majestic Greyhound. Many people will be quite surprised to see this on the list, since this dog is tall.
Contrary to its appearance, Greyhounds require less exercise than you would assume and are laid-back.
You can have them stroll around your neighborhood or run freely in a safe space for a few minutes and they will be ready to snooze on your couch.
They also don’t bark that much and require minimum grooming.
But I do recommend adopting retired racing Greyhounds as opposed to getting puppies. They need a home too!
8. Basenji
The Basenji is renowned for being “barkless” dogs, so they’re the perfect pet for you if your condo has thin walls.
They’re one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs, which is why they remain conscious of noise. They also have cat-like tendencies as they often groom themselves.
But do keep in mind that they need daily vigorous exercise. Basenjis are curious by nature and are prone to escape, so make sure that they feel secure in your place.
9. Mastiff
If I were to describe the Mastiff, I’d say they’re a giant ball of pure fluff. Once they’ve matured of course.
As puppies, Mastiffs can be active and chaotic. But as they age, they become more easy-going and gentle. You will still have to walk them daily as an adult, so a quick visit to the park will do.
One more thing to keep in mind when taking care of a Mastiff in your apartment is to have a functioning elevator.
It would be a tedious (maybe even almost impossible) task to get this big boy up and down all those stairs.
10. Great Dane
Last, but definitely not least, is the Great Dane. This gentle giant makes a surprisingly awesome companion in your apartment.
They were originally bred to sit next to a king’s throne, looking all big and intimidating. In reality though, they’re very mellow.
Give them their needed daily walk though like any other big dog. After that, they will be more than happy to join you in a relaxing session of binge-watching television shows or movies.
If you’re going to be busy in the office, all you have to do is provide them with their own lounge space in the house.
Final thoughts
God only knows why we’re constantly being blessed with wonderful creatures such as dogs.
And the fact that we’re given the opportunity to give them a home and take care of them as part of the family is an amazing privilege.
So, I hope this list is able to help you find the best dog for you. Good luck and prepare to change your life for the better!
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