Space the final frontier, or the lack of space. I lived in a 600 square foot apartment for 5 years. They are 5 of only 8 years of my entire life that I didn’t have a dog. I’ve always had Golden Retrievers as an FYI. I always thought that you needed to have a ton of space to have a dog in an apartment but there are many dog breeds that thrive in apartments.
In fact, all dogs can become used to apartments, if you are able to give them the exercise they need and crave. We at Nuzzle do however think it is a little easier for some dogs to become used to the smaller space. These are our Top 5 dog breeds for apartment renters.
5 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Renters
- Shih Tzu
Shih tzus are one of the best dogs for apartment living, even in very small apartments.
Their tiny body size and sweet temperament make them ideal apartment dwellers.
They are friendly, so this makes them one of the least yappy of the small breeds, a huge issue if you have neighbors that complain about barking.
Shih tzus do need a lot of maintenance for their hair, but other than that, they’re typically happy with one long walk per day.
- Great Dane
A dog that huge in an apartment?
Yes!
Great Danes are huge, powerful dogs, but they are true gentle giants. The breed is protective, but friendly. And, because they seem to be aware of their size, they only bark when necessary.
Great Danes are easily trained, and love a good walk, but don’t need an inordinate amount of exercise. This makes them a great apartment companion.
Note: if you have a very small apartment, the Great Dane is a bad option. Their size (100 – 140+lbs) requires that they have enough space to spread out a bit, and close-quarters living is not for them. But, if you have an average or large place, the Great Dane will thrive.
- Greyhound
Another big dog on the list.
Though they’re known for racing, most greyhounds just need a long walk and a place to lay down.
IF you adopt an adult or senior Greyhound, especially one rescued from a dog track, they’ll be thrilled to sprawl out on your couch, living the good life.
And, the best news for apartment living: Greyhounds are not big on barking.
Laid Back Dog Breeds
- Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are much more laid back than their Beagle cousins. Their larger size (they can be 70+lbs, though they’re not very tall), and work-only-when-necessary temperament slows them down and makes them great apartment dogs.
The Basset Hound does need a solid walk every day, not only for mental health, but because this breed can become very over-weight if you’re not careful.
But, if you’re looking for a Netflix-binge partner, look no further than the laziest of all hounds.
- Pug
The tiny pug seems made for apartment living. They’re small, loyal, and not yappy. The pug is known to be extremely loyal, and may follow you around your apartment constantly.
They can live in even the smallest of apartments, comfortably.
As with all breeds, the pug appreciates a daily walk, but is going to be thrilled when you get home and head for the couch.
Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.