Real Good Doggos: The Best Apartment Dogs That Are Well-Suited to City Living

cute dog

Having a dog is good for your health. More than 44 percent of U.S. households own a dog. These pets make great companions and can bring a smile to your face after a long day at work.

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t get a pet. You just have to find the right breed. Here are the best apartment dogs that adapt well to city living.

Pug

Pugs are a very loving and highly social dog. Their wrinkly face and curled tail make them easy to recognize.

These dogs are true homebodies, so they are great apartment dogs. Try to watch the treats and amount of food your pug eats because they do have the tendency to get chubby.

Bichon Frise

If you are worried about allergies, Bichons may be a great choice.  Their fur is hypoallergenic.

Bichons are small and only get about 9-11 inches tall. They typically weigh around 15 pounds. These dogs usually live around 11 to 16 years.

Bichons are super friendly and can learn quickly. They love about everyone they meet and don’t require much exercise, but will gladly play with you on your living room floor.

Greyhound

This one may be surprising because greyhounds are super fast dogs. These quick sprinters can reach speeds of about 40 miles per hour.

However, these dogs are usually lazy most of the day. That’s why they can thrive well in an apartment.

Greyhounds are slender and tall. These dogs are extremely gentle and loyal to their owners, so they make wonderful pets. Their smooth coat limits shedding and grooming.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a loving dog that makes a fabulous apartment roommate. They are small, so can get their exercise inside your apartment.

These dogs can bark and may distrust strangers, but you can easily curb this behavior with proper training and socialization.

Bulldog

Bulldogs may look like they need a lot of exercise with all those muscles, but they are actually pretty lazy. The only exercise they need is a quick, short stroll.

These dogs are loyal and friendly, so they do great around other people. These dogs are gentle and only get about 18 inches tall.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier grows to about 9-19 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 15-25 pounds. They are typically black and white with a smooth, short coat that is easy to groom.

These dogs can be amusing and lively, so if you want something with personality, this could be your dog. They live to be about 11-13 years.

Shih Tzu

These are great dogs for people with kids. This breed is typically friendly and tolerant of kids and other dogs.

These dogs originally lived in Chinese palaces. They are just fine with much smaller places like apartments because they don’t require much exercise.

Shih Tzus weigh around 9-16 pounds and don’t get any taller than 10.5 inches. You will need to keep this dog’s long and soft coat groomed to keep it looking good.

Shiba Inu

If you want a more active dog, you can find the perfect breed for an apartment still. The Shiba Inu is independent and does well indoors. This dog will gladly join you for a run in the park if you are active.

This breed does take a little more skill and patience, but this medium-sized dog can be a great apartment dog for the right, active person.

Schipperke

If you are looking for a smart dog with an interesting personality, a Schipperke may be for you. These dogs are very easy to train and love to do tasks

They are not energetic, so they are fine in small places. They do like to be entertained, so they will most likely stick by your side as soon as you are home.

These dogs are on the smaller side. They have coats that you can easily brush. Another positive trait of these dogs is that they are not a loud barker.

Lhasa Apso

This dog may think it is bigger than it really is. The Lhasa Apso only grows to be about a foot.

You will need to train this dog early on for socialization. This dog is very loyal. You will have to brush and bath this dog regularly (or take to the groomer).

Dachshund

This wiener dog is from Germany and has an infamous long body with short legs. They also have large paws, which make them expert diggers.

There are a variety of sizes. A miniature is best for apartment living.

Chinese Crested

If you want a dog with low energy, you should consider a Chinese Crested. This breed is extremely laid back and has low energy.

They can lay in bed for hours. They are also rather small, so they are great apartment dogs. You will be a great dog owner with this breed since they are so low maintenance.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds and only weigh about 5 pounds. They grow to be about 8 inches tall.

They do not need much exercise. These dogs are known to snuggle because they love being close to their owners.

These dogs can be a little unsure of strangers, so be sure to keep your eye on this dog socially. These dogs are great in an apartment because of their size and low energy levels.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small toy dogs that only weigh about 7 pounds. They get to be about 11 inches tall.

These little, lively dogs enjoy playing. They are also very friendly, so this makes them great apartment dogs. You may have to watch out for this breed around other dogs because some Pomeranians may not like other canines.

Best Apartment Dogs Final Thoughts

Having a dog can be fun. The best apartment dogs listed above would make great companions and are better fits for the city lifestyle than some other active breeds. Before deciding on a dog, make sure you consider all factors including grooming, exercise, and size.

Don’t worry about potty training—we’ve got you covered. Check out this great article on our site with tips on puppy potty training for the working woman.