Dogs That Would Be Happy in an Apartment

The ideal living situation for most dogs includes a large house and backyard with unlimited space to explore and play. There are some dog breeds, however, that are comfortable in small spaces. City dogs that live in apartments can be just as satisfied and happy as country dogs if their owners meet their basic needs for exercise and affection.

  1. Apartment Life

    • Apartment life for a dog does not mean staying indoors all of the time. All dogs, no matter their size or energy level, need some form of exercise outside of the home. If a dog is confined to an apartment, it becomes a de facto cage. Apartment dogs should have at least two walks outside each day, which can also be times to bond with the owner. While a pet's size and energy are important factors, dog owners should also consider shedding in a confined space.

    Small Dogs

    • Small dogs are inevitably better suited for an apartment because of their size. Most small dog breeds are bred as companion dogs and do not have instinctual needs to perform tasks like herding or hunting dogs. Small dogs also have relatively more space to run around an apartment than larger dogs. However, not all small dogs are low energy and can handle small spaces. The Jack Russell terrier, for example, is a small dog that has a lot of energy and requires room to run and play. The Chihuahua is a small dog that can become territorial of a small space, and thus aggressive in an apartment. Smaller dogs that are bred for companionship like the toy poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, papillon and Italian greyhound adapt well to apartment living.

    Low Energy Dogs

    • Low energy dogs, big or small, adapt well to apartments because they have less need to run around the home. It may seem counterintuitive, but there are some large dogs that are well suited for apartment living. Low energy dogs like to be close to their owners, catnapping throughout the day, and are content with their daily toilet walks and curled up next to their owner. Smaller dogs that fall in the low energy category like the Japanese chin, Bolognese, Chinese crested, French bulldog and pug have the perfect combination of size and energy level suitable for an apartment. Larger breeds that can adapt to apartment living include lazy dogs like the greyhound, English bulldog, bull mastiff and Great Dane.

    Hybrid Dogs

    • The right hybrid can combine the best traits of two breeds suitable for apartment living to create a dog that is tailor-made for an apartment. The many small poodle mixes like the cockapoo, Maltipoo, Chipoo and Pekapoo are good low-shed, small dogs for apartment living. The French bulldog mixed with Chihuahua, Pekingese or pug is a good low energy dog. A hybrid between a low energy breed and a small breed is ideal for apartment living.