The 5 Best Apartment Dogs to Live With

Many people are hesitant about bringing a dog home if they live in an apartment. Most dog breeds are certainly happiest if they have access to a big yard, but there’s also a large number of them who are perfectly content with lounging on your sofa all day. If you’re looking for the best apartment dogs to share your home with, here are 5 perfect candidates for you!

What should you consider if you’re searching for the right apartment dog?

Before you bring a new dog to your apartment, the very first thing you should consider is whether your furry companion will be happy and comfortable living with you in a relatively small space. Different dog breeds have different needs, so it’s essential that you get familiar with their main traits first to make the best choice. But what makes a dog perfect for apartment living? 

The most important trait to consider is energy level. Dogs that are too active and energetic may not be the best choice as they may become frustrated from being cooped up indoors. Dogs with a moderate energy level are ideal, as they can still get plenty of exercise and stimulation within the confines of the apartment. 

A dog’s temperament is another deciding factor. Dogs that are too shy or anxious may not do well in an apartment setting, as they may become overwhelmed by the close quarters and constant noise. On the other hand, dogs that are too outgoing and excitable may be too much for an apartment, as they may bark excessively and disturb the neighbors. 

The dog’s size is another factor that will probably influence your decision. Small dog breeds are generally better suited for apartment living, as they require less space and can get plenty of exercise in a small area. You might be surprised though that larger dogs can also do amazingly in an apartment if they have the right temperament and energy level. So, if you’re not a fan of small lap dogs you can still find the perfect four-legged companion. 

French Bulldog

The first breed on our list is of course our favorite, the French Bulldog. Frenchies are an extremely popular choice for apartment dwellers for a reason: they are easy-going and some of the most adaptable dogs. They are smart, friendly, enjoy hours of affection and are easy to train. Despite having a short coat they do tend to shed, but you can easily save yourself from getting Frenchie fur on all your furniture and clothes with regular brushing. Their relatively small size also makes Frenchies a really popular city dog.

When it comes to exercise, French Bulldogs really don’t need a lot. They are a relatively low-energy breed and are content with a few short walks and a few playtime sessions each day. A daily walk of about 20 minutes is usually enough to keep them healthy, but if you have the time, longer walks or hikes are even better. Frenchies do need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. This can include interactive games, puzzle toys and training sessions. 

French Bulldogs are extremely affectionate and develop a strong bond with their owners. As a result, they are also prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long, which is something that you should definitely consider if you work long hours a day and there’s no one to leave your puppy with. Frenchies are known to be a very quiet breed who only bark if they have a reason to do so, another plus for apartment dwellers. Make sure to get your pup from a reputable French Bulldog breeder who raises well-adjusted and socialized French Bulldog puppies.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is another dog breed that makes excellent an apartment pet. At first glance, they resemble a soft cotton ball walking on four legs! Bichon Frises’ fluffy coat doesn’t require a lot of brushing or bathing, and they don’t shed very much either. These small dogs typically weigh between 8 and 16 pounds, which is an ideal size for living in an apartment. 

Bichon Frises don’t require a lot of exercise, making them a great choice for busy people who don’t have a lot of time for walks or playtime. They’ll be content with the company of their owners and don’t need a lot of space to run around. They are known for being very affectionate and forming strong bonds with their owners. They are also very intelligent and can be trained easily. This makes them great companions for those living alone in an apartment. Finally, Bichon Frises are very quiet dogs. They rarely bark so they won’t bother your neighbors with loud barking. 

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers can be great pets for apartment living. They are small and compact so they won’t take up too much space. They are also relatively quiet and don’t bark excessively, only when they feel threatened or if they don’t get enough attention. Boston Terriers are also very loyal and loving dogs. They bond easily with their owners and will be devoted to you. They are very intelligent and can learn quickly, making them easy to train. 

The Boston Terrier is a more active dog breed with a slightly higher energy level, so it’s important to provide them with the right amount of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Boston Terriers require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but they can handle up to an hour or more depending on their age and energy level. Exercise helps keep their weight in check, and it also helps to stimulate their minds and keep them from getting bored. 

Pug

If you’re looking for a small and friendly dog to join your apartment, a pug might be the perfect fit. Not only are they incredibly cute and loving, but they are also relatively quiet and low maintenance. These dogs are small enough to fit in most apartments and they don’t require a lot of space to be happy. They are also quite content with taking a few short walks a day and then snuggling up with their owners and enjoying a good nap. Pugs are also very quiet dogs. They don’t bark or howl excessively, so they won’t disturb your neighbors.

Pugs can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to make sure that they get enough exercise and don’t become sedentary. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to provide your pug with the exercise they need in an apartment setting. You can play fetch in your living room, take them on daily walks or even to a nearby dog park. Keep in mind that pugs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. You can achieve that by teaching them tricks, playing with interactive toys and providing them with puzzle toys.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are a beloved dog breed, known for their calm, gentle nature and floppy ears. They are also a surprisingly great choice for apartment living. They are a medium-sized breed with a relatively low energy level, but they do love to sniff and explore. A walk around the block, playing fetch in the backyard or even a trip to the dog park will keep them perfectly happy. They get along well with other pets and people, so they won’t cause any problems in a shared living space. Basset Hounds are also relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short coats that don’t require a lot of brushing or bathing. 

Basset Hounds can be vocal when left alone, so if you’re out of the house all day they might not be the best fit for you. They love to cuddle and spend time with their owners, so you need to set aside time each day to spend time with your pup. Playing with your Basset Hound is also a great way to bond with them and give them the attention they need. If you prefer a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, a Basset Hound is your go-to breed.

If you’d like to learn more about Frenchies, join our Facebook group called TomKings Frenchie Family to read our Frenchie parents’ experiences!