If you’re looking to get an apartment dog, first you should make sure that your apartment complex allows dogs. You don’t want to fall in love with a dog and then find out that your housing facility does not allow pets!
There are several dog breeds that are compatible with apartment living — and many that aren’t. Below are some of the best dog breeds for apartments. Be sure to explore this list before you bring a dog home.
Now for some tips on choosing the best dog to live in an apartment with you…
Best Apartment Dog Breeds For Your Lifestyle
The best apartment dog for you will depend on your lifestyle and the dog’s energy level.
Remember, your new dog will need to be walked several times a day. And a dog that lives in a small apartment will need a good deal of your attention — especially during its first year in a new home.
Plus, if your dog has a lot of energy (most puppies do), then you will probably need to go to the dog park a couple of times a week to allow your dog to burn off some of that energy. Otherwise, destructive and behavioral problems begin to occur!
Some dog breeds do better when they stay indoors in the air conditioning during the summer months — and out of the cold during the winter months. These dogs have a shorter breathing passage, and the extreme heat and cold is not good for them.
Indoor dogs that make good apartment dogs are:
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Maltese
Maybe you’re looking for a little dog to bring into your apartment. These dogs may have a lot of energy, but they are small enough to run around your apartment and burn off that energy.
Small dogs that make good apartment dogs are:
- Chihuahuas
- Miniature Pinschers
- Italian Greyhounds
Or, you might prefer a low-energy dog. These dogs are satisfied with a daily walk, and they would prefer to sit on the couch next to you instead of running around the dog park.
Low-energy dogs that make good apartment dogs are:
- English Toy Spaniels
- Pugs
- Basset Hounds
Believe it or not, some big dogs make the best apartment dogs! Your best bet is a big dog that also has a low energy level. That way, all he will need is a long walk and a play session once or twice a week to keep him happy — and healthy.
Big dogs that make good apartment dogs are:
- Saint Bernard
- Bloodhounds
- Greyhounds
Here’s an even longer list of the best dog breeds for apartments — plus the breeds you’ll want to stay way from because they don’t do well in apartments.
What About Mixed Breed Dogs?
Yes, even mixed breed dogs make good apartment dogs — just as long as they’ve been properly trained!
Keep in mind, it is a little more difficult to fully train a dog within the confines of an apartment — especially if you don’t have much yard space or if you happen to live on an upper floor. (Some tips for having a dog in an upstairs apartment.)
I would encourage you to try to find a dog at an animal rescue shelter nearby. They usually have plenty of mixed breeds and a few purebred dogs available, as well.
Rescued dogs generally require less training than a brand new puppy.
Here are the top 50 most popular apartment dogs and whether they are good with children or not.
Already Have A Dog?
If you already have a dog and you need to find an apartment, then you will want to do some homework first to find an apartment that meets the needs of both you and your dog.
It wouldn’t hurt to make a resume for your dog to give to your potential landlord. It’s best to be upfront with landlords — to earn their trust (and acceptance) of you and your dog. More on that in a minute…
How To Find Dog Friendly Apartments
Following are some helpful resources for dog owners who are looking for an affordable house or apartment to rent… that’s dog-friendly. Plus, some tips for persuading a landlord to accept your pet!
Before You Rent With A Pet
Here are 3 ways that you can put forth a bit of “extra effort” to ensure that a landlord will be more likely to allow your dog in their rental:
- Make a pet resume for your dog.
- Follow these tips for telling a landlord about your dog.
- Keep these 5 things in mind before trying to live in an apartment with a dog.
How To Get Accepted At Apartments That Allow Dogs
Here’s a list from the Human Society of the United States of 13 things that you can do to increase your chances of finding housing that will accept both you and your pet:
#1 – Give yourself enough time.
#2 – Understand why many housing communities reject pets.
#3 – Make use of available resources.
#4 – Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your dog to a large rental community with a no-pets policy.
#5 – Gather proof that you’re responsible.
#6 – Make your request to the individual or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request.
#7 – If you encounter a no-pets policy, ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous resident.
#8 – Let the landlord, manager, or condominium board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness.
#9 – Promote yourself.
#10 – Promote your dog.
#11 – Be willing to pay a little extra.
#12 – Get it in writing.
#13 – Be honest.
Here’s a pet contract to give your landlord. (Plus some tips for understanding your landlord’s point of view.)
Websites To Help You Find Dog-Friendly Apartments
- People With Pets: Apartment Search
- For Rent: Search Pet-Friendly Apartments Nearby
- Rent.com’s Pet Friendly Apartment Search
- Animal Humane Society’s List Of Pet-Friendly Housing Sites
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I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of.
I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube).
My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what’s ‘normal’ and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year!
When I’m not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! Many of them have upwards of 200K shares.
