Best dog breeds for apartments: Including Pugs, Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Greyhounds

Rental laws are changing in New South Wales from May 19 making it easier for Aussies who rent their homes to have their own pets.

The changing laws will mean landlords can no longer refuse pet requests without a valid reason, which is surely music to the ears of many pet-lovers.

But for those living in apartments, it can be tricky to know what kind of pets you can keep especially when it comes to dogs – animals that can be very energetic and have high needs.

READ MORE: Why your dog is well-trained at home but ignores you outside

If you want to keep a pet dog in an apartment, there are some important things to consider and some breeds that make better apartment dogs than others.

Things to consider

If you want to bring a dog into your apartment home, it’s generally a good idea to opt for a dog that is smaller, quieter and has lower energy requirements.

A big dog may take up way to much room in the small space of an apartment and a loud dog that barks a lot will annoy your neighbours to no end. Meanwhile, a dog with high energy needs may feel cooped up in a small apartment with no space to run free.

The best dog breeds for an apartment

Italian greyhounds

While Italian greyhounds are known for running at speed, they don’t need to run for hours. They are more inclined to get their energy out with a quick sprint on their morning and afternoon walk rather than needing hours of endurance running like other breeds.

This means when they are home from their walks they are more than happy to curl up at home. They are also relatively quiet dogs and low-shedding which is ideal for apartment living.

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Great Danes

You wouldn’t think this breed would be suited to apartment living due to their sheer size but these gentle giants can actually make for perfect apartment pets.

While they are big dogs, Great Danes are known to be very docile and happy to lounge around at home. They also don’t require much exercise in comparison to other breeds but still need some exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Of course, it’s important to consider their size especially in an apartment but if you have the space they can be great dogs for apartment-living.

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Pugs

Pugs can be perfect for apartment living. They are generally calm and affectionate dogs and while they can be energetic it doesn’t take long to tire them out. A quick 30-minute walk daily can be plenty to appease a pug, according to Greencross Vets.

This breed, however, is prone to snoring so make sure to consider that before inviting a pug to live with you in such close quarters. 

French bulldogs

Similar to their pug cousins, French bulldogs are also great for apartment-living. They are small and have relatively low-energy needs meaning they will be more than happy in an apartment. They are also known to have a friendly temperament making them ideal for families.

English bulldogs

English bulldogs are also great for apartment living due to their size and characteristic laziness. Like all dogs, however, they do still require physical and mental exercise which can include daily walks and interactive play, according to PetMD.

Pomeranians

Due to their small stature Pomeranians can be great for apartment living. However they can have a tendency to bark so its important to train them carefully especially if they will be living in an apartment.

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Shih tzus

Shih tzu terriers are perfect apartment dogs. This small breed makes for great lapdogs and doesn’t need much room to roam around – a short walk every day can be enough to keep these dogs happy. They are also known to be very sociable – provided they have the right training.

Maltese

Another small breed, Maltese dogs are excellent companion dogs and can be well-suited to apartment living.

Their small size means they will feel right at home in an apartment and also means they need very little exercise – a short walk or some play at home every day should do the trick.

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Russian toys

This adorable little breed thrives off human companionship. While they love a run around they don’t need too much exercise to would be well-suited to apartment living.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and playful nature. This coupled with their small size make them perfect for apartment living.

They can be quite energetic and require about an hour of walking every day but when they are at home they are content lounging on the couch.

They can be known for barking and will generally bark out of excitement when someone is at the door, but they generally don’t tend to bark excessively.

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Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds aren’t the smallest breed out there but their laid-back nature and minimal exercise requirements can make them perfect for apartment living.

Generally, these dogs are happy with a daily walk around the block, according to PetMD, and love their naps. However, their short stature can mean they have difficulty climbing stairs especially as they get older so a first-floor apartment or a building with a lift would be ideal.

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Basenji

These dogs do require ample exercise every day – at least an hour of walking daily – but if they get enough movement in they can be great apartment dogs.

Basenjis are generally quiet and relatively small dogs which is perfect for apartment-living owners. 

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Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas can be great apartment dogs due to their tiny stature and low energy needs. However they do have a tendency to bark a lot which is something to consider with apartment living.

READ MORE: The best dog breeds for families

Cavoodle

Cavoodles are generally considered to be among the best apartment dogs as they are relatively small and don’t need too much exercise.

Provided they are given enough mental stimulation, in the form of play, toys and walks, they can be very happy apartment dwellers.

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