What are the Best Breeds of Dogs for People Who Live in Apartments?

If you are looking to get a dog, the best way to find the perfect companion is to do your research long before you choose him. Besides considering your taste and preferences in dogs, you also need to consider your living quarters. Some dogs do well in apartments, while others need large spaces for both comfort and healthy development.

Dogs that do well in apartments are usually low-energy, such as Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Afghan Hound, and American Eskimos. Toy dogs are also great choices for apartments, since they can satisfy their exercise needs by simply running around the rooms. Large size dogs such as Boxers, Rottweilers, Doberman, Chow Chow, and Great Dane can also do well in apartments, if there is room for them, since their large size means they get tired easily and need only regular walks to use up their excess energy.

On the other hand, high-energy dogs such as pointers, terriers, spaniels, and setters, along with most hunting and sport dogs, are not good apartment dwellers. These dogs have a requirement for intense daily exercise that regular walks may not cover. Having a yard is the best option for these dogs. Dalmatians, Border Collies, and Siberian Husky also fall into this category.

Noisy and skittish dogs are also a bad choice for apartments. This includes animals that are too nervous, such as Chihuahuas and other toy dogs, terriers, and Norwegian Elkhounds. Personality tends to play an important part on this too. Nervous breeds may do better if they share the apartment with other animals, so they don’t feel so lonely when the owner is away. The same is true of guardian breeds such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Briars. Because their instinct is to protect the home, noisy neighbors and even other dogs can set out a barking concert that can exhaust both the animal and the neighbors.

Dogs that live in apartments usually need more exercise than other dogs. Because they are left alone for much of the day, they need at least a couple of long walks every day to use up energy and keep fit. They will also need more attention and love when the owner is back home, since they lack contact and social interaction during the day.