If you love the idea of dog ownership but are concerned that your apartment may not provide adequate room, don't fret, there are dog breeds that would find your smaller space comfortable. Here, our Springfield veterinary team shares the top five choices for small dog breeds that are suitable for apartment living.
Best Small Dogs For an Apartment
When you live in an apartment you may think that you are limited in your choice of pets, and you may assume that a dog is not one of those choices. But there are actually many breeds of small dogs that are suitable for apartment living. Some of these dog breeds are:
The French Bulldog
Height: 11 - 13 inches
Weight: Less than 28 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
The French bulldog is affectionately referred to as a 'Frenchie'. This small dog breed is known to be affectionate, playful, and intelligent dog is even-tempered and absolutely charming. Their sleek smooth coat, muscular body, flat nose and bat ears give this dog a recognizable look that you just can't help but love.
French bulldogs make a great pet for singles, couples or even families living in apartments. This may be because they are notoriously quiet dogs and don't require a lot of exercise. These small dogs crave companionship and love spending time with their people, children and other pets.
The Shih Tzu
Height: 9 - 11 inches
Weight: 9 - 16 lbs
Life Expectancy: 10 - 18 years
Get a Shih Tzu and you'll be giggling every day. These little dogs are the perfect size for apartment life, and are brimming with fun-loving character! While their lustrous coat does require a fair amount of grooming to keep it looking beautiful, you won't regret a minute of the effort.
Although these little guys do enjoy barking, they are friendly with strangers, children and other pets and don't require much exercise to stay healthy and happy. Shih Tzus absolutely find solace in curling up and snuggling with their owner to enjoy a good petting session.
The Hairless Chinese Crested
Height: 11 - 13 inches
Weight: 8 - 12 lbs
Life expect: 13 - 18 years
Some people would prefer minimal shedding and could do without the infamous 'dog smell'. For these people, the Hairless Chinese Crested may be perfect! These adorable dogs have a hairless body with spotted skin, and fluffy tufts of fur on their head, feet and tail.
Chinese Crested dogs are incredibly devoted to their people and will follow their owners around from room to room. This is the ideal breed for people who work from home, not those who are out for several hours each day. Fun and with very little need for outdoor exercise, these dogs are ideal for apartment living.
The Dachshund
Height: Miniature 5 - 6 inches | Standard 8 - 9 inches
Weight: Miniature under 11 lbs | Standard 16 - 32 lbs
Life Expectancy: 12 - 16 years
Immediately recognizable, whether you call this breed a 'sausage dog', 'Weiner dog', 'Dashie' or 'Doxie'. The dachshund is sized perfectly for small spaces such as apartments This breed is available in two apartment-friendly sizes (standard and miniature) and three different styles of coat (from smooth to long and luxurious).
Their tiny legs mean that they do not require (or tolerate) very much exercise, although this breed does have a relatively strong prey drive that can lead them to behave rashly or be stubborn. While it can be somewhat difficult to train these curious dogs to get along well with kids and other dogs.
The Pug
Height: 10 - 13 inches
Weight: 14 - 18 lbs
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Cuddling is a favorite pastime for pugs. These solid little dogs are an ideal breed for apartment dwellers! Typically very quiet, pugs are happy to lounge around at home and just hang out with their people.
Playful and loyal, these dogs are very social and require lots of social activity with their people, children or other dogs. Their laid-back and lazy personality does make them prone to weight gain so it's essential to be careful of their diet in order to keep them healthy.
Caring For Your New Dog
Once you've decided on the breed of dog you'd like, you will need to consider their ongoing care. This can include routine vaccinations and examinations.
In some cases, your furry friend may require specialized care. Don't worry, our veterinary specialists in Springfield are prepared to manage complex conditions that may affect your small dog such as internal medicine conditions, neurological concerns or even surgeries.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.