Dogs that are well suited to living in an apartment.
If you are considering buying a dog and you live in an apartment, this post is for you.
Dog breeds can be as different in temperament as they are in size. You should therefore pay attention to activity level, temperament, and temperament. If you live in an apartment, it is also important to focus on whether the breed you choose can generally adapt to apartment life.
Many people believe that all small breeds fit into an apartment, and that you can only have large breeds when you move to a large house in the country. Space is of course important in terms of a large dog taking up more space in an apartment, as is its basket and food. Nevertheless, an English Mastiff is a really good apartment dog because it is a calm breed that typically neither stresses nor does in an apartment.
The 3 most important parameters that make up a good apartment dog (in our opinion)
Avoid vocal breeds
Some breeds have a greater tendency to bark than others. For many who live in apartments, it is crucial that their dog does not, and it is therefore important to be aware of whether the breed has a tendency to express itself vocally. Sheepdogs, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds typically have this tendency. Therefore, you can succeed in teaching these breeds not to bark. You just have to be aware that it is something that you have to work on.
Choose an activity level that suits you.
When choosing a breed, it is important to pay attention to whether your and the breed's activity levels match. You can easily have a well-stimulated, exercise-demanding dog in a small apartment. However, if it is not well-stimulated, its bursts of energy can seem very violent, especially when the space is not large and you do not have the opportunity to let it out in a garden. Some breeds require a lot of physical stimulation, while others require a lot of mental stimulation. And then there are some breeds that do not need much else other than good walks and love.
Choose a breed that is not easily affected by noise or stress
Some very smart and very active breeds are also easily affected by sounds, and they are generally very aware of their surroundings.
It can be problematic if your dog is stressed out because your roommate is vacuuming, or can't find peace because he can constantly hear someone in the hallway.
10 breeds that are generally suitable for apartment living
Pug
The Pug is a small, good-natured dog that just enjoys being around its family. It is known to be good for people with stress, depression or other mental health issues, as it wants to be close to its owner as much as possible. It is a dog with a low activity level, and therefore does not rush around the apartment. The Pug is also an excellent first dog.
Breed Disadvantages: The breed's flat face can cause breathing problems, and the breed generally has several health challenges. If you want a dog that you can take for runs or that you can exercise a lot with, the Pug is probably not for you.
2: Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a playful and fun little breed. It will love to be close to you and requires more attention than exercise. It does not shed, which is a huge plus, but you will need to budget for regular grooming. The breed is generally not very loud and is adaptable.
Disadvantages of the breed: Can become jealous of other pets and children, and they have a number of breed-related diseases.
3. Whippet.
Whippets and other sighthounds, such as the small Italian greyhounds and the large greyhounds, are generally good at adapting to apartment life. Whippets are known for being two-speed dogs. At home, they are couch potatoes, but when allowed to run, they are lightning fast. Whippets are medium-sized dogs that are perfect for those who want a dog that loves to cuddle at home, but who also want a breed that can be active. The breed is very attached to its family and can seem reserved with strangers.
Disadvantages of the breed: Whippets can be difficult to separate from, so house training should be a top priority when your puppy comes home. The breed can be difficult to train to go off-leash, as it has a strong hunting instinct. You will need to budget for dog coats, as the breed cannot keep warm in the Danish winter months.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is a sweet and generally very adaptable breed. It is known to be very good with children, you can easily take it for a short run, but it can also thrive on regular walks. The Cavalier will definitely want to cuddle with you on the sofa, which as a small to medium sized dog, it is perfect for.
Disadvantages of the breed: The Cavalier is prone to eye problems and other breed-specific health issues. Due to the breed's popularity, a lot of Cavaliers have been bred, and unfortunately, there has also been some poor breeding. Therefore, take the time to find a trustworthy breeder.
5. Poodle and poodle mixes (Cavapoo, Cockerpoo, Doodle)
The Poodle is a very intelligent breed, which makes it a fun and exciting dog. But it also comes with responsibility, as it needs to be mentally stimulated to thrive. The Poodle is a very loyal breed that rarely has health challenges. The breed is perfect for those who want a dog with a lot of character, and want to be able to motivate and train without having a super active dog. The breed does not shed, but needs to be clipped regularly. Poodles come in many sizes from the very small Teacup Poodle of around 2 kg to the King Poodle of 20 -26 kg.
Disadvantages of the breed: Intelligence is not a disadvantage, but it does require that you want to activate the poodle so that it does not get bored. The breed can have a tendency to get a little worked up and become insecure and barking if it is not stimulated properly both mentally and physically. There is also a lot of fur care associated with a poodle, and money must be set aside for it to be regularly clipped.
6. English Mastiff and many of the Mastiffs
The Mastiff is for those who want a really big dog in their apartment. The breed is generally calm and easy going - it adapts well. The breed is very loyal to the family. They rarely bark and do not require much exercise.
Disadvantages of the breed: The Mastiff's dog basket takes up as much space as the dog, and that's a lot. We generally recommend that you carry your puppy up and down the stairs to take care of the joints and hips. This is especially important for large breeds, which can be problematic if you live on the 4th floor and have a Mastiff puppy that weighs a lot. The breed is also a guardian of the family, and it must be well socialized with people from puppyhood so as not to be wary of guests. The breed is not suitable as a first-time dog.
7. English Bulldog
This medium-sized breed is affectionate, a playmate and generally a joy to be around. The English Bulldog doesn't require much exercise, in fact, it prefers to just lounge around, and you'll probably be unpopular if you try to take it for a run. The breed enjoys company and is a natural lap dog. It is adaptable and loves to play rough.
Breed Disadvantages: Bulldogs are aggressive and can generally be aggressive towards other breeds. It is important to socialize the dog a lot, otherwise it can eventually develop an "attack is the best defense" attitude. The Bulldog has a number of health challenges and must preferably be carried up and down stairs, which can be a challenge if you live in a high-rise building.
8 . Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is known for its cat-like nature, it adapts easily, and is very loyal to its family. The breed is not the typical "cuddle dog", it does not need you to lie in its arms. Nevertheless, it is very attached to the family. The breed is suitable for occasions, as it rarely does, is not very large and is calm indoors. Although it is not a very active breed, it needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to be balanced.
Disadvantages of the breed : The Shiba is very stubborn, and requires a lot of socialization with other dogs from puppyhood, and then it requires a dedicated owner in training, as the breed is independent.
9. Coton de Tulear , Bichon Frize, Maltese
The breeds here are typically known for being hypoallergenic and for not shedding. The breeds have long been, and still are, incredibly popular as city and apartment dogs. They are small, lively, and incredibly cute to look at. They form close bonds with their family, are typically good with children, and do not require much exercise.
Disadvantages of the breeds: Many people believe that the breeds are small couch potatoes that do not require any exercise or mental stimulation, which is not the case. There is a lot of grooming associated with the breeds and a fixed cost for dog grooming.
10. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has been a favorite breed in cities for many years, and it's easy to see why. The breed is good-natured, family-oriented, and has lots of personality. It adapts well to apartment life and the family's activity level.
Disadvantages of the breed: the breed is known to have a number of health challenges, including breathing problems that in some cases require surgery. Therefore, be very careful to buy your puppy from a good breeder. The breed can also be difficult to train and early socialization with other dogs and children is essential.
