10 Dog Breeds that are Great in an Apartment
Dogs have a wonderful way of making everyday life better. From having someone who’s eagerly awaiting you to come home, giving you an excuse to go outside and play, or even just a cuddle buddy who’s happy to lounge on the couch and watch a movie when the weather outside is too ugly to do anything else. Simply put, dogs are pretty amazing.
Because a dog adds such value to our lives, we want to make sure to return the favor, giving them the best and most comfortable life we can. This means plenty of food, fresh water, all the best toys, and ample space to romp and play. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of owning their own home with a big fenced in yard. So does that mean that renters shouldn’t be able to enjoy owning a dog, or that they are any less capable of taking care of one? Absolutely not! It’s just a matter of finding the right dog to fit in your life. If you live in an apartment and are looking to own a dog, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Breed Restrictions
While it depends on where you live and the type of apartment you have, more often than not, there is a breed restriction. This limits what type of dogs you’re allowed to keep in your home. While it might seem a bit unfair, this restriction list is there for a few reasons. Firstly, there is a large possibility that there are going to be a number of other dogs living in the area, especially if you live in an apartment complex. In addition to dogs, it’s also likely that there will be small children. Most of the dogs on the restriction list tend to be more aggressive or presumed as more aggressive, whether it be a high prey drive towards smaller animals, or a lack of patience when it comes to dealing with children. In either event, if the breed you want falls on the list, then it’s time to look at other breeds. The flip side to this is that most of the breeds on the list don’t make for great apartment dogs anyway. So don’t be discouraged if the breed you really wanted doesn’t happen to work out for your apartment, simply dust yourself off and let the search begin.
The “Goldilocks” Choice
Rather than giving you yet another list to choose from, it’s more important to understand what about the breed makes them a good choice for apartment living. You don’t want a dog that’s too big any more than you want one that’s too small. It has to be “just right”. So what qualities should you be looking for in this magical Goldilocks breed? Well, size is a pretty good place to start. The problem with larger breeds in an apartment is pretty obvious. With no room to maneuver, your dog is likely to bowl things over, creating a perpetual mess to deal with. However, that doesn’t mean you have to look for the smallest breeds on the market either. Depending on your apartment, as well as the density of your possessions, a medium sized breed should do just fine.
In addition to size, you also need to think about how your daily life plays out. Is there usually someone home throughout the course of the day? If not, how long would your dog be left to its own devices? Some breeds can handle being alone for extended periods of time without issue. However, other breeds, specifically ones prone to separation anxiety, don’t do well when they’re alone for too long. This could lead to them barking or howling the entire time you’re away (much to the chagrin of your neighbors) or they could engage in some destructive misbehavior.
10 Dog Breeds Great for an Apartment
While socialization will be important for any breed that you decide on, there are a number of breeds that will fit in both size and personality. It’s not a complete list by any means, but if you’re still drawing a blank, take a look at some of these breeds. They have been the personal choice for many apartment dwellers: