How to Choose an Apartment Dog

Make sure your apartment building or complex allows dogs as pets. Find out if there are any restrictions on size or breed.

Determine what your needs are in a dog. You may want a dog that doesn't require much attention or you might prefer one that relishes the spotlight. If you don't wish to clean dog hair off of every imaginable surface of your apartment, you wouldn't choose a Shihtzu.

Narrow down your choice of breed by your requirements. Generally speaking, good apartment dogs tend to be among the smaller breeds, such as Pugs, Chihuahuas, and Dachsunds. But medium and even large dogs from quieter, low-energy breeds can work, too.

Locate a breeder for your pick of pooch. Ask them questions regarding temperament of the bitch and stud and let them know you are planning to raise the dog in an apartment. They might give you some tips and suggestion to sway your decision.

Take a trip to the breeder. Look at the puppies and dogs first hand to observe the health and temperament of each. Choose the dog or puppy that doesn't come off as overly aggressive or hyper. A more quiet and subdued dog is the better choice for apartment living.

Pay a visit to your local animal adoption center as this is an excellent way to give a loving dog or puppy a much needed new home. Talk to the shelter workers about each dog's personality. Decide if one of these dogs could be for you and start the adoption process.

Bring your new best friend home. Make sure you provide ample opportunities for your apartment dog to get exercise and relieve boredom daily-whether it's a trip downstairs in the elevator to walk to the corner store, a couple of laps around a playground or a blissful hour at a leash-free dog park.