Top 10 Apartment Dogs by Shedding, Noise, Energy & more

Having a furry companion in your apartment can bring joy and fulfillment, especially after a long day at work. If you have kids, the happiness of ending your day with a dog will be even greater. However, many people are hesitant to have dogs in apartments due to concerns about messiness and noise. Some dogs may shed a lot or bark excessively, but finding the right dog breed for apartment living can make all the difference. Here, we will discuss the best dog breeds for apartments, considering factors such as shedding, exercise needs, and noise levels.

1. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an affectionate furball, smart, and easy to train. This dog is not a heavy shedder, as its hair grows continuously. Regular trimming is required to keep its coat clean and neat. The Shih Tzu is a low-maintenance dog, making it a great choice for apartment living. Daily eye cleaning is necessary due to its big, protrusive eyes that secrete tears. Overall, the Shih Tzu ranks high in our list.

2. Greyhound

The Greyhound is known for being energetic and athletic, used for racing. However, it is also a big couch potato that doesn’t bark excessively. This breed loves long walks and outdoor activities but is content with lounging indoors. While the Greyhound sheds constantly, grooming is minimal due to its short coat. This combination of traits makes the Greyhound a good fit for apartment living, earning it a spot in our top recommendations.

3. Poodle

Poodles come in various sizes and make excellent apartment dogs. They are athletic and require moderate to high exercise levels but are intelligent and obedient. Poodles have continuous hair growth, necessitating regular grooming every 6-8 weeks. They are minimal shedders and moderate barkers, making them suitable for apartment settings. The Poodle’s combination of traits places it in the third position on our list.

4. Maltese

The Maltese is an adorable lap dog that is curious, affectionate, and energetic. This breed is a moderate shedder and requires daily brushing to maintain its coat. While the Maltese can be a moderate to high barker, it is energetic and needs regular exercise to prevent boredom. The Maltese’s grooming needs and energy levels make it a good choice for apartment living, earning it a place in our top recommendations.

5. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are calm and friendly dogs that do not bark excessively. They are content with moderate exercise and can be left alone for longer periods. While Frenchies are shedders, regular grooming can help keep their coat clean. The breed’s low to moderate energy levels and minimal grooming needs make it a good fit for apartments, placing it in the fifth position on our list.

6. Pug

Pugs are calm and easy-tempered dogs that are great for busy families. They require moderate to high grooming due to shedding and eye cleaning needs. Pugs are moderate to high shedders but are not overly noisy. With moderate to high energy levels, Pugs need regular exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Their trainability and ability to be left alone make them suitable for apartment living.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and intelligent dogs that enjoy being around humans. They are low shedders but can be moderate to high barkers. Regular grooming is required to maintain their coat, and they need high energy levels and exercise. Yorkies are highly trainable but may not tolerate being left alone for long periods. Their combination of traits makes them a good choice for apartment living.

8. Teckel / Dachshund

Teckels, also known as Dachshunds or “wiener dogs,” are loyal and intelligent companions. They are energetic and need regular exercise but can also enjoy lounging indoors. Teckels come in different coat varieties and are known to shed and bark moderately to high. Despite these traits, they make good apartment dogs due to their loyalty and intelligence.

9. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs were once royal Chinese dogs and are known for their courageous and affectionate nature. They are moderate shedders and require daily brushing to keep their coat neat. Pekingese have low energy levels and are not very noisy, making them suitable for apartment living. Regular walks and grooming can keep them happy and healthy in an apartment setting.

10. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world and are popular as purse dogs. They can be temperamental and bark a lot, making them noisy companions. Chihuahuas do not like being left alone and prefer a cozy couch to outdoor activities. They are moderate to high shedders and require regular grooming to prevent matting. Chihuahuas have low to moderate energy levels and can be trained but may not tolerate being left alone for long periods.

In conclusion, choosing a dog as a companion in your apartment can be a rewarding experience. By considering factors such as shedding, exercise needs, and noise levels, you can find a dog breed that suits your lifestyle and living situation. Each dog breed has its own unique traits, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your preferences and living conditions. With the right choice, you can enjoy the company of a furry friend in your apartment and create lasting memories together.