Top 10 Dog Breeds for a Paw-sitive Renting Experience
Pets are a big part of many of our lives. Coming home after a long day and being greeted by your furry friend can sometimes be just the thing to cheer you up. If you live in a community where pets are allowed, you may be thinking of adding a four-legged companion to your life. Since dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to choose the right breed. Here is a list of 10 dog breeds that are known for being great for those living in apartments!
1. Pomeranian
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-15 years
WEIGHT: 3-7 pounds
HEIGHT: 6-7 inches
SHEDDING: High
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: High
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long, double coat which comes in a variety of colors including red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
While Pomeranians do require frequent brushing and grooming, they are a great breed for those looking for an independent companion that do fine when left alone. Pomeranians are a very active breed. However, since they are known for their petite size (around 10 pounds), they do well in small spaces. This breed loves to communicate so you can expect barking and a variety of other sounds, but this can be combated with some good housetraining. They are also known for being extremely smart, quickly picking up on tricks and commands.
2. Boston Terrier
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-14 years
WEIGHT: 15-25 pounds
HEIGHT: 15-17 inches
SHEDDING: Low
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Short, smooth coat, with a white muzzle and chest. The rest of their body is either black, seal, or brindle
Known for their nickname, “America’s Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are among the most adaptable and quick-to-learn breeds. Boston Terriers are about 12 to 18 pounds, standing at a maximum of a foot and a half, which makes them the perfect pet for those living in apartments. This is a loving breed, who become easily attached to their humans. Boston Terriers are also a great indoor pet since they have a short coat and shed a minimal amount, as well as a being a relatively quiet breed. Although Boston Terriers are high energy, they do well in small spaces as long as they receive time for exercise daily.
3. Dachshund
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-16 years
WEIGHT: 16-32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)
HEIGHT: 8-9 inches (standard); 5-6 inches (miniature)
SHEDDING: Medium
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: High
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Many coat varieties, including smooth (short- haired), long-haired, and wire-haired. Coat colors include, but are not limited to, black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red with several kinds of markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable
Dachshunds are perfect for those looking for a furry friend with a mellow temperament and loving personality. This breed can find happiness and contentment in just about everything. Many believe that Dachshunds are a loud breed, but they can also be very obedient and generally become quite attached to their humans. Dachshunds have short legs and long spines and due to this, they are susceptible to accidents if they run around too much, making them a perfect companion for those living in small spaces. Another perk of this breed is their short hair, so excessive shedding is not a concern.
4. Bichon Frise
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14-15 years
WEIGHT: 7-12 pounds
HEIGHT: 9-12 inches
SHEDDING: Low
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Coat is curly and white, with many having traces of apricot, buff, or cream
The Bichon Frise is perfect for those who may have allergies, as their coat has minimal shedding. This breed is never taller than a foot and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, making them an ideal breed for anyone living in a small space. While Bichon Frise is typically a quiet breed, they do have quite a bit of energy so daily walks are necessary. It’s important to note that this breed tends to get very attached to their humans, so they do not enjoy being home alone for long periods of time. This breed is best for those who enjoy playing around, taking walks, and spending quality time with their pups!
5. French Bulldog
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-12 years
WEIGHT: 19-28 pounds
HEIGHT: 11-13 inches
SHEDDING: Medium
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, short coat in brindle, fawn, white, or a combination of brindle and white or fawn and white
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs out there, and for good reason. They adore snuggling with their humans, just as much as they love running around and playing. Overall, they are a pretty low-key but lively breed, provided that their owner entertains them. While lots of exercise is not necessary for this breed, they still love playtime! It should be noted that Frenchies tend to overheat, so it’s important that your AC unit functions properly. Since French Bulldogs are typically quiet and warm-hearted, they are a great choice for anyone living in an apartment.
6. Basenji
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13-14 years
WEIGHT: 20-25 pounds
HEIGHT: 16-17 inches
SHEDDING: Low
ENERGY LEVEL: High
TENDENCY TO BARK: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, short coat in chestnut red, black, brindle, or tri-color (black and red); all have white feet, chest, and tail tip; can also have white legs, blaze, and collar
One of the most common concerns when deciding whether to own a dog, especially for those living in an apartment, is barking. Known for being a “barkless” breed, Basenjis are ideal for anyone with neighbors who enjoy the quiet. They are a great choice for small spaces as they seldom grow bigger than 25 pounds and shed a very miniscule amount. While Basenjis are a quiet breed, they are one of the most complex on this list. Basenjis are highly curious, so it’s important to keep an eye on them so they don’t leave the apartment to explore! Since this breed tends to be mischievous, it’s essential that their owners dedicate extra time for training, walking, and making them feel safe in the home. If you are willing to put the effort in, Basenjis can be a wonderful, loving companion.
7. Greyhound
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-13 years
WEIGHT: 60-80 pounds
HEIGHT: 27-30 inches
SHEDDING: Medium
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Low
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Smooth, short coat coming in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, red, white and numerous shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these listed colors
While Greyhounds are one of the tallest and fastest breeds out there, this “racing-breed” is overall quite low maintenance and does not need a lot of exercise or space. Greyhounds grow to be 60 to 80 pounds, so before deciding on this breed you should refer to your apartment’s pet policy since some places have weight limits and breed restrictions. If you prefer larger dogs, but are worried that an apartment may not be the ideal environment for them, consider adopting a retired racing dog, as they adjust best to a mellow lifestyle following their careers. Greyhounds are typically a quiet breed, do not shed much, have a calm nature, and are a delightful furry family member!
8. Scottish Terrier
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-14 years
WEIGHT: Males are 19-22 pounds; females are 18-21 pounds
HEIGHT: 10 inches
SHEDDING: Low
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Double coat with longer fur on the face, legs, and lower body; coat color can be black, wheaten, or brindle
As one of the most noble breeds out there, Scottish Terriers are a great choice for anyone with an active lifestyle as they enjoy lots of walks and playtime. While they are a more independent breed than other terriers, Scottish Terriers are an extremely loyal dog. By nature, they are alert, energetic, and curious, and need a good amount of training to achieve their full potential. Scottish Terriers are a good choice for those with kids, as they are great with children. Despite their small size, this breed is determined and can make a great watchdog as they generally only bark if they must. Scottish Terriers are another breed known for not shedding much, but they do have a longer coat which requires grooming.
9. Brussels Griffon
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-15 years
WEIGHT: 6-12 pounds
HEIGHT: 7-10 inches
SHEDDING: Low
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Coat can be smooth or rough, and comes in red, black and tan, solid black, or belge (mix of black and reddish brown)
Brussels Griffon is an affectionate breed, which grows to about 7 to 8 pounds. They tend to choose one owner to bond with, usually wanting their human’s undivided attention. Brussels Griffons are known for being a funny and very intelligent breed, making them perfect for apartment dwellers. As an extremely agile breed, they do very well with adapting to small spaces. They enjoy many things from quick walks to lots of cuddles. It’s important to note that Griffons do bark often, so they require extra training to reduce this.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-14 years
WEIGHT: 13-18 pounds
HEIGHT: 12-13 inches
SHEDDING: Medium
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
TENDENCY TO BARK: Medium
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long, sleek, and silky coat, with feathering around their ears, feet, chest, and tail; four color varieties – Tricolor, Blenheim, Ruby, and Black and Tan
The last, but definitely not least, breed on the list of best breeds for apartment living, is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Growing to around 18 pounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly and affectionate, making them an extremely cuddly dog. Due to their gentle nature, they are a great breed if you have other pets in your home. They can also become accustomed to their human’s personality, so they don’t mind laying around in a small apartment all day, but they also enjoy hikes or long walks. While their long coat may seem daunting, it’s actually easy to manage and only requires weekly brushing!
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/pomeranian-dog-breed-profile-1117987
https://www.thesprucepets.com/boston-terrier-dog-breed-profile-4689861
https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-dachshund-1117959
https://www.thesprucepets.com/bichon-frise-dog-breed-profile-1117940
https://www.thesprucepets.com/french-bulldog-breed-profile-1117966
https://www.thesprucepets.com/basenji-dog-breed-profile-1117936
https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-greyhound-1117972
https://www.thesprucepets.com/scottish-terrier-dog-breed-profile-4782421
https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-brussels-griffon-1117946
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-full-profile-history-and-care-4691143