Dogs can live anywhere as long as they are loved and taken-cared of. They can be home with their owners in townhouses, subdivisions, condominiums, and even in small places like apartments. Most people however often have the misconception that apartment life is not conducive for dogs. And though it is true that some dog breeds actually hate small places, there are numerous dog breeds as well which are contented with being couch potatoes with little need for outdoor life.

More than securing your landlord’s permission and rigorously following conditions regarding dog ownership, raising and owning a dog while being in an apartment entails other responsibilities. The owner’s commitment to provide the dog with enough attention, coupled with several outings for jogging or walks each day, is one. The other one is choosing the dog breed which best suits the owner’s lifestyle.

Dog breeds which cannot thrive in apartments are grouped into three categories:

  1. Natural Guard Dogs
    While a guard dog often do not require a large dog cage which is practical for places with very limited spaces, its innate aggressive tendencies is not suited for apartment life. Apartment dogs would always have several encounters with people and other dogs, something which guard dogs are not very tolerant with. Such encounters might result to aggression, which should be avoided at all times.
  2. Noisy Doggies
    Sadly, there are dogs which find their way to shelters because of landlords changing their minds regarding dog ownership. This often happens when neighbors (or the landlord himself) get irritated by the noise the dog is making. It is important then that the dog breeds apartment dwellers choose is relatively quieter.
  3. Very High-energy Dogs
    These are the breeds of dogs which love the great outdoors. They love to run and play and bark and then run again! No one wants a very playful doggie wrecking their stuff like gnawing-toys inside a large dog cage (which unfortunately is your apartment in your dog’s point-of-view). Dogs which are happier being relaxed and laid-back, with a few daily outings are generally more suited as apartment dogs.

Always keep in mind however that regardless of its breed, a dog can be taught to adapt to apartment life if given enough attention and care. But for starters, here are some breeds which are deemed better for apartment living (use the list as guide and investigate for yourself which god breed bests suits you):

  1. Pug

    (A resting Pug)

    Probably the most popular pick by apartment dwellers. Pugs are known for their funny antics, for its friendly behavior towards other dogs and pets, and for showing appropriate manners in the presence of both children and visitors. A pug is relatively inactive and is perfectly fine without a yard with very little need for exercise.

  2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    (A Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy)

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an average-size, active indoor dog with little or no need of a backyard. This dog will do just fine in apartments as long as they are properly exercised. While some say that this dog can only tolerate considerate children, some Pembroke owners attest that they are very tolerant with children and are very easy to train. While corgis might tend to be noisy, they are easily tamed with a finger snap.

  3. Great Dane

    (photo from solorya)

    Great Dane defies everyone who thinks that big dogs cannot thrive in small places like the apartments. This dog doesn’t require a large dog cage either, since it is content with lazing around, being calm and quiet. However, although relatively inactive indoors, Great Danes still needs a little life outdoor; occasional walks and play in large yards will do.

  4. Chihuahua

    (photo from dogsindepth)

    Chihuahuas are good indoor dogs and can get along well with children and other pets although sometimes, due to its size children tend to overplay with them causing them to accidentally bite or snap. Chihuahuas are very good companion dogs and loves constant attention. It does not require for a yard primarily because of its size and relatively quiet behavior, while being contented with short walks around the apartment space for exercise.

  5. Pomeranian

    Pomeranian are very active indoors with no need for a yard, with most of its energy spent on following its owner, while being curious with almost everything around it. But very young children should be kept away from Pomeranians as children tend to over-attend to dogs. Too much attention makes a Pomeranian nervous and anxious. These dogs require modicum exercise.

While the above-given breeds are often recommended by dog-experts and experienced dog-owners alike, it is still best that a prospect dog-owner does his or her own research first as to what type of dog best suits his or her personality and lifestyle. In the end, what matters most is the owner’s commitment to making the dog’s life a good life to live.

Read More: