Best Small Dogs For Apartments

Ellen Britt for CNT #wooftips

When it comes to suitabilty for apartment living, size is not the only consideration.

There are many large breed dogs who are lower energy and adapt well to apartment living and there are smaller dogs who are high energy and need more than just a walk around the block.

Plus, with apartment living, you need to also be considerate of your neighbors and choose a breed that doesn’t bark all the time and is friendly towards folks in the elevator. Although there are many breeds that do well with apartment living, here are three that are tried and true city dwellers:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are beautiful dogs with a meltingly sweet facilal expression that is hard to resist. These small dogs are very adaptable, which makes them well suited to apartment living.

They get along very well with other dogs as well as with children, and also adapt to their owners level of activity as well. Cavaliers were bred to be lap dogs, but his spaniel heritage makes him love sporting activity as well. Since the breed retains some of its hunting instinct, they really need a fenced yard or when walked, not to go off leash.

French Bulldog

One of the most popular breeds of small dogs, “Frenchies” as they are called, are especially favored by city dwellers. With their alert, adaptable and playful personalities, this breed is completely irresistible.

Frenchies make great companions for single people as well as couples and families with children. They get along very well with other dogs and don’t require a great deal of exercise which makes them great for apartment dwellers.

Pug

These charming and mischievous dogs are beloved by millions of fans who like to say pugs are the ideal house dog. The playful, sturdy pug can be a real couch potato and needs to be encouraged to get some exercise by taking him on walks or playing in the yard.

Pugs don’t tolerate hot weather well at all, so when it’s hot and humid outside, their playtime should be in an air conditioned house. These little dogs are so adaptable and as long as their basic needs are met, live quite happily anywhere, from the country to the city.

By Ellen Britt

Dr. Ellen Britt has loved dogs since she was a child. She is particularly fond of the Northern breeds, especially Alaskan Malamutes. Ellen worked as a PA in Emergency and Occupational Medicine for two decades and holds a doctorate (Ed.D.) in biology.