Last updated on August 11th, 2020 at 02:15 pm

5 Low Maintenance Dogs For Apartments

So, you live in an apartment and still want to keep a dog? This is a dilemma that faces all dog lovers who live in apartments. Not every dog is a good fit for an apartment in the city. It’s important that you not only understand that this is true, but that you also choose a dog whose temperament, personality, and sociability are all suitable for this lifestyle. You don’t want to end up in a situation of getting a pup that you love, get attached to it and then realizing it is not suitable for apartment living.

So, now that you have decided to get a dog suitable for apartment living, the next step is to get a dog pronto. Right?

Wrong! There are some other important considerations that you need to consider before you head off dog shopping.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Dog for Your Apartment

It’s easy to understand that there are some important, “special” considerations when you’re choosing a dog to live in your city apartment with you. However, you do want to make sure you don’t overlook any of these things. They include:

• Make sure your apartment complex allows dogs. If so, check to see if there are any breed or size restrictions.
• Think about any other pets you already own. If you own a cat and live in a small space, this may not work out too well.
• Pet-proof your windows and balconies. Consider buying special pet screens to make sure your windows are secure.
• Look at the size of your apartment, as well as the size of the dog you’re thinking about adopting. For instance, a Chihuahua would feel comfortable in a studio apartment while a Labrador Retriever probably wouldn’t. Of course, if you live in a spacious apartment, a medium or large-sized dog would probably feel quite comfortable.
• Regardless of where you live, you must always pay attention to the dog’s personality traits. This is simply more important when you live in an apartment with neighbors who are in close proximity to you because you don’t want a dog that’s prone to barking and howling – especially if you’re away from home a lot. These dogs place you at risk of alienating your neighbors and getting in trouble with your landlord.
• Choose a breed that’s easy to train so he’ll listen to your commands and mind your manners. Remember, not everyone likes dogs – some people are scared of them. With all the hustle and bustle of apartment living you not only need to consider those around you, but you must also have a dog who can still listen to you in such an atmosphere.
• Your dog will need exercise, regardless of its size. You need to walk your dog twice a day when you live in an apartment. His health and temperament depend on it. Keep in mind that medium and large breeds of dog need longer, more frequent exercise.
• House training is especially tricky when you live in a high-rise apartment building that doesn’t have easy access to outdoor space. You must have a solid plan for house training, including being ready for accidents because they will happen. 

Dog Breeds Suitable for Apartment Life

Now that you know what to look for in a dog for your city apartment, you should also know that some breeds simply do better in such environments than others. With this in mind, here are dog breeds that are suitable for living in a city apartment along with their characteristics:

1. Basenji

The Basenji is a great dog because he doesn’t bark. However, they do need attention or they might become quite mischievous.

• Noise: You don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors as it is a barkless dog
• Exercise: They are small but have high energy levels and require regular exercise
• Grooming:  They do not shed much and have low grooming needs
• Friendliness: They are kid-friendly as well as friendly towards strangers and other dogs.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise are great dogs for people who have allergies and yet want to share their city apartment with them. This is because they don’t shed much, but they do need room to play and plenty of daily exercises because they’re very energetic. They are a hypoallergic breed and make great first dogs too.

• Noise: They are usually not very barky but are at a risk of barking behavior if not trained properly
• Exercise: They have high energy levels and require a moderate amount of exercise.
• Grooming:  They don’t shed and require a full coat grooming twice a week.
• Friendliness: They are extremely friendly and good with kids.

3. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is great for small apartments because they love to snuggle. They’re also very affectionate so they’ll quickly bond with you. But, you need attention to them.

• Noise: They can be pretty vocal. So, if sound is your most important concern, then look for another breed.
• Exercise: Their energy level is high and require moderate to high activity.
• Grooming: They shed moderately and require moderate amount of grooming
• Friendliness: They are very friendly and do well with kids and other dogs.

4. Bulldog

The Bulldog is well-known for being lazy. All they need is a short walk. Otherwise, they’re content lying around your apartment, snoozing the day away. Since they’re also really gentle, they’re great if they’ll be sharing your apartment with a child.

• Noise: They have some tendency to be noisy
• Exercise: They have low energy levels and require less activity
• Grooming: They shed moderately but are easy to groom
• Friendliness: They are very friendly towards people but can have problems with other dogs in your household

5. Chinese crested dog

The Chinese Crested is a very laid back dog. This is why they’re the perfect companion for a low energy owner – even someone who’s bedridden. They love lying in bed for hours at a time, which makes them very low-maintenance.

• Noise: Low noise level
• Exercise: Low energy level
• Grooming: Low shedding and easy to groom
• Friendliness: Very friendly towards people and other dogs and hence require some time and attention from you

While these are just a few of the dogs who would do well in a city apartment, you must take your time and select your ideal friend. There are some specific conditions you’ll want to make sure your dog meets before bringing him home with you. With this in mind, you probably don’t want to bring home a German Shepherd, Yorkie, Labrador, Dachshund, or Chihuahua as these dogs notoriously don’t do well in apartment settings. If you have got a dog and live in  an apartment, you can head over to citydogslife blog to know how to adjust your dog to an apartment life.

Elyce Nicholls