Great Dogs for Small Spaces

Here are 10 of the best breeds for apartment dwellers.

Just because you don’t have a house and a yard doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Plenty of breeds make good apartment dogs. And size isn’t necessarily the reason. Although a smaller dog can take up less room in a tiny apartment, energy level is also a big consideration. What follows are 10 of the best apartment breeds:

Bulldog

The charming, funny Bulldog does well in apartments because of its quiet, easy-going nature and low energy level.  Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise or room to run around, and are most happy with a daily walk and comfy bed. They weigh 40 to 50 pounds, and are the fourth most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club.

 

French Bulldog

Smaller than a Bulldog, the Frenchie has many of the same characteristics as its larger cousin. Brimming with personality, French Bulldogs weigh about 30 pounds, but most of that is muscle. Their big ears and relaxed nature make them a favorite of apartment dwellers.

 

Greyhound

You might be surprised to see the Greyhound on this list, but despite its reputation as a fast dog (most pet Greyhounds started life as racing dogs), Greyhounds are pretty low-energy dogs. And even though they are tall and weigh 60 to 70 pounds, they have a way of curling up in a ball and not taking up much room in a small living space.

 

Pug

Compact in size, Pugs are happy, friendly dogs that are perfect for apartment living. Weighing 14-18 pounds, they don’t need a lot of activity to keep them happy. Easy to train, Pugs are friendly and love to snuggle.

 

 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you like the look of a spaniel but don’t have the time or space for a hunting breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good choice. This small, longhaired toy breed, which weighs from 13 to 18 pounds, is friendly and low-key. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best.

 

Basset Hound

Though Basset Hounds aren’t small, they can be good apartment dogs because of their mellow nature. Gently and fun loving, they don’t require much in the way of exercise. A daily walk is enough for most Basset Hounds. They can weigh from 40 to 80 pounds.

 

Boston Terrier

Known for their contrasting light and dark markings, Boston Terriers are great dogs for small spaces. They tend to be on the quiet side, and are very people-oriented. Boston Terriers come in different small sizes, and weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 25 pounds.

 

Pomeranian

A tiny bundle of fur, the Pomeranian was bred to be a lap dog. These small spitz-type dogs are made for apartment living, where they can be in close quarters with their humans. Pomeranians with show dog breeding weigh 3 to 7 pounds, while Poms of other breeding can weigh up to 15 pounds.

 

 

Shiba Inu

For apartment dwellers that like Nordic dogs like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute but don’t have the room for a larger dog, the Shiba Inu is a good choice. One of the smaller Nordic breeds, the Shiba is a handsome, quiet dog that weighs 17 to 23 pounds.

 

Maltese

If you don’t mind grooming, the Maltese can be a great choice for an apartment dog. This breed’s long, silky hair requires considerable care, although some owners opt to have the coat clipped. Maltese weigh 4 to 7 pounds, which makes them great for small spaces.

 

 

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About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/