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Over 38 million Americans live in apartments, a number exceeding the entire population of Canada. An Apartments.com national survey highlights that nearly ninety percent of apartment renters are pet owners, indicating a strong desire for pet-friendly living environments with suitable amenities for pets. Despite the challenges posed by smaller indoor spaces and limited outdoor areas, many Americans are finding joy in keeping pets in apartments.
The Humane Society notes that while most leases that don’t specifically mention pets generally allow them, some communities and housing authorities impose restrictions on certain types of animals or dog breeds. When choosing a dog for apartment living, size isn’t the only consideration. Often, large dogs with calm temperaments can be more suited to apartment life than smaller, high-energy breeds that tend to bark more.
![](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
However, even high-energy dogs can thrive in apartments as long as they receive adequate daily exercise and opportunities for outdoor play. Now, let’s explore some of the best dog breeds for living in American apartments.
Contents
Best Dogs for American Apartments
1. French Bulldog
![Best dogs for American apartments](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000594_427_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 11-13 inches |
Weight | under 28 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Barking Level | Only To Alert |
Affectionately nicknamed “Frenchies,” French Bulldogs are quickly becoming America’s favorite dog breed, and for good reason! These charming pups are intelligent, playful, and even-tempered, making them a perfect fit for apartment living.
Their compact size and calm personalities are ideal for smaller spaces. Unlike some high-energy breeds, Frenchies have low exercise needs and are minimal barkers. This, combined with their love for companionship, makes them great for singles, couples, or even families living in apartments.
Frenchies do crave attention and dislike being left alone for long periods. So, if you’re looking for a cuddly companion to share your apartment with, a Frenchie might be your perfect match! However, it’s important to be aware of their potential health concerns.do crave attention and dislike being left alone for long periods. So, if you’re looking for a cuddly companion to share your apartment with, a Frenchie miFrenchies do crave attention and dislike being left alone for long periods. So, if you’re looking for a cuddly companion to share your apartment with, a Frenchie might be your perfect match! However, it’s important to be aware of their potential health concerns.
Day in the life as a frenchie at Story Apartments. #dayinthelifedog #frenchie #frenchbulldog #apartment #apartmenttour
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According to PetMD, regular vet checkups and ear cleanings are crucial to avoid infections. Some Frenchies also have allergies that might require special shampoos, medications, and additional vet visits to keep them healthy and happy.
2. Pug
![Pug](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000594_313_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 10-13 inches |
Weight | 14-18 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
Barking Level | Only To Alert |
Forget needing a sprawling backyard – Pugs are perfectly happy in an apartment! These affectionate little bundles of love are known for their quiet nature and love of lounging around. They’d much rather cuddle on the couch with you than bark at the neighbors.
While playful and social, Pugs don’t require constant activity. Think of them as furry little couch potatoes – a few short walks a day are enough to keep them happy. This, combined with their minimal grooming needs, makes them a low-maintenance breed perfect for busy apartment dwellers.
Just be aware that Pugs, like many of us, can be prone to overindulging! To keep them healthy, a little encouragement to exercise alongside their love for cuddles and playtime is key.
According to Greencross Vets, Pugs are real homebodies due to their short muzzles and breathing issues. They’re not fans of hot or humid weather because they can’t cool down easily. Watch out when the thermometer hits high, as Pugs can quickly get heat stroke, which can be really serious!
3. Chihuahua
![Apartment-friendly dogs in the USA](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000595_87_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 5-8 inches |
Weight | not exceeding 6 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 14-16 years |
Barking Level | Very Vocal |
Chihuahuas are an excellent choice for anyone living in an apartment. Their tiny stature and lively personalities make them a joy to have around, and they’re also quite low-maintenance, which is ideal for the hustle and bustle of city living.
Chihuahuas are very alert and will quickly notify you of anything unusual in their environment, making them effective little watchdogs despite their small size. They are known to be picky eaters, but their modest appetite helps keep the cost and effort of feeding them low.
Additionally, they only need a short walk each day and minimal exercise, perfectly suiting the limited space and busy schedules of urban dwellers.
On a real note be cautious and stay healthy friends #fyp #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #doglover #dogcommunity #dogvirus #chihuahua #chihuahuastiktok #chihuahuafanclub #smalldog #pet #puppy #ambrose
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According to the PDSA, whether your Chihuahua sports a smooth or long coat, they’re pretty easy to groom. Just a weekly brushing for the short-coated variety and two to three times a week for the fluffier, long-haired ones should do the trick to manage those loose hairs.
4. Shih Tzu
![Best small dogs for apartments in America](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000597_724_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 9-10.5 inches |
Weight | 9-16 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 10-18 years |
Barking Level | Occasional |
If you’re looking for a dog that’s ideal for apartment living, the Shih Tzu could be the perfect match. These delightful little dogs pack a lot of personality into a compact size that’s just right for smaller living spaces. Known for their playful and cheerful nature, Shih Tzus are sure to bring a smile to your face daily. While they do sport a lustrous coat that requires regular grooming, the effort is well worth it to keep them looking their best.
Shih Tzus have a regal history, originally bred as royal pets in lavish palaces, which perhaps explains their friendly demeanor and love for comfort.
Orvis states that they get along wonderfully with children, strangers, and other pets, and they don’t need a lot of exercise to remain healthy and happy. A Shih Tzu’s favorite pastime is curling up on their owner’s lap, enjoying some affectionate petting.
Another bonus is that Shih Tzus are relatively quiet. Unlike some breeds that are prone to frequent barking, Shih Tzus are known for being more reserved, which is a significant advantage in apartment settings where noise can be a concern. Some owners even note that their Shih Tzus rarely bark, making them exceptionally peaceful companions in any home.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
![Ideal dogs for apartment living in the US](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000598_641_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 7-8 inches |
Weight | 7 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
Barking Level | Frequent |
The Yorkshire Terrier makes a fantastic companion for apartment living. Small and adaptable, they are perfectly content to entertain themselves indoors, although they do still require regular walks. As with many toy breeds, Yorkies can be wary of strangers, necessitating plenty of socialization and training from an early age to ensure they develop into well-rounded pets.
Don’t be fooled by their diminutive size—Yorkies have the heart of a much larger dog. They are lively and curious, always on the move and eager to explore every corner of their home. Yorkie owners quickly learn that they have a constant companion following them around, often a noisy one at that.
Purina points out that this breed requires ample exercise and mental stimulation; they love long walks but also thrive on engaging indoor games to keep their active minds sharp.
When it comes to grooming, the Yorkshire Terrier demands a significant commitment. Their luxurious coat needs daily brushing with both a brush and a comb to remove tangles and prevent matting. Regular care of their iconic topknot—brushing it out and redoing it—is also essential to keep them looking their best.
6. Dachshund
![Low-maintenance dogs for American apartments](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000598_798_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature) |
Weight | 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature) |
Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
Barking Level | Very Vocal |
The dachshund, affectionately known as the ‘sausage dog,’ ‘Weiner dog,’ ‘Dashie,’ or ‘Doxie,’ is a breed that’s perfectly suited to apartment living. Available in both standard and miniature sizes and sporting one of three coat types—smooth, long, or wire-haired—these dogs fit well in smaller spaces.
Despite their short legs, dachshunds don’t need much exercise, which makes them ideal for the apartment lifestyle. However, their strong prey drive can sometimes lead to stubborn or impulsive behavior, making training a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, these curious dogs generally get along well with children and other dogs, provided they receive the right socialization.
how does this tiny puppy take over my entire apartment #dachshund #minidachshund #doxie #minidachshundpuppy #dachshundsoftiktok #puppy #fyp #apartment #city
♬ original sound – Cass & Maple
HillsPet notes that potential owners should be aware of the breed’s susceptibility to disk problems due to their long backs. Apartments with lots of stairs may not be ideal for a dachshund.
For those considering a smooth-coat dachshund, grooming is relatively straightforward—an occasional rubdown or brushing is all that’s needed to keep their coat in good condition.
7. Boston Terrier
![Top dog breeds for American city living](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000599_488_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
Height | 10-12 inches |
Weight | 12-25 pounds |
Life Expectancy | 11-13 years |
Barking Level | Low |
The Boston Terrier, a small breed, is ideal for apartment living. A daily walk is all it takes to meet their exercise needs and keep them happy. Despite their ability to lounge around indoors, Boston Terriers enjoy a good run and play session in the park when they get the chance.
Known for their excitable and joyful nature, Boston Terriers fit well into family life. They might show a stubborn streak, but they are also intelligent and highly trainable, thriving on human interaction. However, they do not like being left alone for extended periods, as they are very social animals.
![Yorkshire Terrier](https://kidsmakinghealthychoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715000600_765_7-Best-Dog-Breeds-for-American-Apartments.jpg)
According to Omlet, Boston Terriers, with their short muzzles, are prone to snoring and experiencing ‘reverse sneezing.’ While this might sound concerning, it is harmless to the dog. These dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can exacerbate breathing issues. Regular brushing is necessary to remove dead hair and maintain their coat’s health.
Conclusion
When considering the best dog breeds for American apartments, dog lovers have many dog breeds to choose from. The American Kennel Club highlights several breeds that thrive in a small space, such as the quiet and cuddly Bichon Frise, the hairless and hypoallergenic Chinese Crested, and the charming English Bulldog. These breeds, among others, are known for their adaptability and ease of care, making them perfect for life in a small apartment.
Each breed has its unique characteristics that can cater to different lifestyles. For instance, the Bichon Frise and the Chinese Crested are particularly good with families, especially children, providing both affection and entertainment.
Whether you’re living in a bustling city center or a quiet suburban area, there’s a breed that can fit into your living situation. From the compact and quiet to the friendly and active, these breeds offer something for every dog lover looking to share their small apartment with a furry friend.