Getting a Furbaby? 10 Dog Breeds That Are More Likely to Thrive in Apartments

Is apartment living keeping you from adopting a canine companion? Don’t fret – many dogs can thrive in a smaller space, and there are various ways to meet your pet’s needs so they can live happily with you.

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Apartment Living

While dedicated dog owners can successfully live in an apartment with most dog breeds, there are still some considerations to make when getting your first furbaby. Short and small breeds are popular with city dwellers as they make ideal apartment dogs. Many of these breeds are affectionate, sociable and adaptable to various lifestyles, but you should also take the time to get to know their personalities, as they can be full of energy and have strong protective instincts. 

To help you get started, here are some popular dog breeds (and personalities) in Australia to consider.

Australian Terrier

These affectionate, confident, and spirited dogs are adaptable to most situations, so they can easily adjust to apartment living. While this breed is very active and requires regular exercise, daily walks and play, whether indoors or outdoors, can keep them happy and well adjusted. Keep them engaged and entertained, as boredom can lead to undesirable activities. Bear in mind, too, that they are hunting dogs, which makes them alert and likely to bark, so proper training is needed to address this behaviour.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Considered one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is suited for apartments as they can adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. They enjoy moderate exercise and outdoor activities, perfect for active owners, but they will also happily settle for a cuddle on the sofa. They are known for being sweet, gentle and affectionate and are typically calm and quiet.

Chihuahua

Don’t let its size fool you – this tiny canine has a big-dog attitude. They are compact but confident and affectionate toward their owners. Simply trotting around and following people in small spaces can already be enough exercise, which is great for owners who live in apartments. Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and learn how to get their way, so make sure you let them know you are in charge by being firm but gentle during training.

Chinese Crested

If you’re looking for a pooch devoted to their humans, the Chinese Crested should be among your choices. These ultra affectionate dogs are playful, loving and easily satisfied with daily short walks or indoor play with their owners. However, extra care should be given from grooming to training as they are sensitive in nature. Apart from being prone to skin allergies and sunburn, this breed takes harsh words and negativity to heart and must be trained with gentle patience.

French Bulldog

Also affectionately called Frenchies by dog owners, these small dogs with their characteristic large bat ears are irresistible, and their popularity has recently skyrocketed in Australia. They are playful, alert, and do not bark much, making them a favourite among apartment residents. They are adaptable and require only an hour of exercise a day, but since they are a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed, they are prone to breathing difficulties and should not be allowed to exert themselves in hot weather.

Italian Greyhound

Greyhounds, by nature, are very chill breeds, making them ideal for apartment living. The Italian Greyhound is a miniature version that is equally alert, playful and highly affectionate. They love being couch dogs but are instinctively fast hounds that will bolt after quick moving prey in a snap. While they need regular exercise, playtime will be sufficient, and they will be happy to lie on your lap or bed most of the time.

Pekingese

These sophisticated dogs are known for their undying loyalty towards their owners. They are friendly, confident and affectionate, but Pekingese owners would also describe them as independent and “opinionated.” These pups prefer being near their favourite humans and lounge most of the time, only needing moderate exercise.

Toy Poodle

While poodles are known for needing lots of exercise and brain games to be content, apartment dwellers might find this miniature pup more manageable. Toy poodles are among the most popular dogs in Australia as they are playful, friendly and bright. They are also good with other pets, strangers and children. They are intelligent, easy to train, and likely to thrive on long walks or jogs with their owners.

Pug

Pugs live to love and to be loved in return, making them ideal for people craving canine companionship. They are the ideal apartment dogs as they prefer sleep over exercise, especially with their favourite human. This attitude does make obesity a real possibility, so be sure to keep them fit with moderate exercise like daily short walks or indoor play. They are a brachycephalic breed, which makes most dogs unable to breathe normally, so pay extra attention and avoid exposing them to hot weather and strenuous exercise.

Shih Tzu

Historically, these small dogs were bred to spend most of their day inside royal places in China, so they are perfect for apartment living. They will love to hang out on the couch or bed and charm you with their adorable face, and they are known to be affectionate towards people, especially children. Like other toy breeds, daily short walks and indoor play will satisfy their exercise requirements.

Other Considerations for Apartment Living with Dogs

While most toy dogs are manageable, the important thing to remember is that there are always exceptions within breeds. When adopting a dog, look for one with a relaxed and easygoing personality who is friendly with unfamiliar animals and humans, as living in an apartment means they will often find themselves in close proximity to strangers. This means choosing pups that are already showing their adult personality. 

Toilet needs

Apartment living often means dealing with stairs and elevators, so you will need to think carefully about daily walks and toilet arrangements. A dog toilet inside your home can be a convenient way to make your pooch go potty. Choose one made of real grass, like the Nature’s Loo Real Grass Dog Toilet, so your pets can still have a feel of the outdoors.

With real grass, your pups are naturally drawn to the fresh scent and instinctively want to relieve themselves. The Nature’s Loo Real Grass Dog Toilet absorbs liquids and has odour neutralising properties, so little maintenance is required – simply remove your dog’s solid waste when required, lightly water with a fine mist spray 2 to 3 times a week and if possible, expose the grass to at least 2 to 3 hours of sunlight a day.

You can place the toilet in a quiet corner of the home or a safe balcony. It’s convenient and easy to use – just open the recyclable cardboard box and it’s ready for your pooch! Living grass remains cool even in summer, so it’s a great potty alternative during hot days when walking outside can be dangerous to your pets. 

Maintaining peace with neighbours

Living in an apartment means shared spaces and various noises and sounds, so it’s crucial to desensitise your dog from their surroundings to continue being a good neighbour to the other residents. You can also tell your neighbours that you are considering getting a dog to keep an amicable relationship with them.

Before welcoming a dog into your home, consider how much barking will be tolerated, and think of ways of minimising the noise your dog makes. While there are dog breeds that are quieter than others, remember that dogs bark for many reasons. If you live in a noisy apartment building, it’s better to choose a dog that is not too alert, sensitive and prone to “telling” you about everything they hear, see or smell.

With enough preparation, you can enjoy living with a canine companion in your apartment and start reaping the positive benefits of having one. As long as you are dedicated to meeting their needs, you can make your pup’s life as happy as they are making you happy!

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