How to Choose an Apartment Dog

Just because you live in an apartment doesn't mean you have to live without man's best friend. Many dogs of all sizes are suitable for apartment living; the key is choosing the right one for you. Since not all canines do well in small spaces, follow this guide to choose the right dog for your space.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make sure your apartment building or complex allows dogs as pets. Find out if there are any restrictions on size or breed.

2. Determine what your needs are in a dog. You may want a dog that doesn't require much attention or you might prefer one that relishes the spotlight. If you don't wish to clean dog hair off of every imaginable surface of your apartment, you wouldn't choose a Shihtzu.

3. Narrow down your choice of breed by your requirements. Generally speaking, good apartment dogs tend to be among the smaller breeds, such as Pugs, Chihuahuas, and Dachsunds. But medium and even large dogs from quieter, low-energy breeds can work, too.

4. Locate a breeder for your pick of pooch. Ask them questions regarding temperament of the bitch and stud and let them know you are planning to raise the dog in an apartment. They might give you some tips and suggestion to sway your decision.

5. Take a trip to the breeder. Look at the puppies and dogs first hand to observe the health and temperament of each. Choose the dog or puppy that doesn't come off as overly aggressive or hyper. A more quiet and subdued dog is the better choice for apartment living.

6. Pay a visit to your local animal adoption center as this is an excellent way to give a loving dog or puppy a much needed new home. Talk to the shelter workers about each dog's personality. Decide if one of these dogs could be for you and start the adoption process.

7. Bring your new best friend home. Make sure you provide ample opportunities for your apartment dog to get exercise and relieve boredom daily—whether it's a trip downstairs in the elevator to walk to the corner store, a couple of laps around a playground or a blissful hour at a leash-free dog park.

Tips & Warnings

• Your apartment dog will benefit from firm, consistent training to reduce barking and avoid accidents and destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching.
• Consider having your apartment's carpeting and upholstery professionally cleaned on a regular basis to avoid accumulating pet stains and smells that might affect your security deposit.
• Terriers and guard dogs such as Dobermans and Pit Bulls do not make good apartment dogs. While terriers are small breeds, they are very high-energy and require almost constant exercise. Guard dogs adjust poorly to the frequent contact with strangers (other tenants, supers, maintenance staff) that apartment dwelling involves.

Resources

• Research breeds suitable for apartment life