Just because you live in an apartment does not mean you can't share your home with a canine companion. Lots of people who love dogs keep them in flats with no gardens and as long as their pets get regular exercise, they are more than content to live in this environment.
However, some breeds would not do well living in an apartment particularly if they are very high energy dogs. They may well be so unhappy that they develop unwanted behavioural problems through no fault of their own. You need to do your research before deciding which sort of dog would suit not only your lifestyle, but the fact you live in an apartment with no garden too. Below is a list of some of the dogs who do well living in flats.
Although originally bred as a gun and working dog, the Cocker Spaniel is a great choice for people who live in apartments. The breed is quite mischievous by nature, but they are also incredibly affectionate characters too. With this said, they still need to be taken out for walks several times a day to keep them happy and healthy both physically and mentally. These small but loving and loyal dogs have been among the most popular family pets on the planet for decades.
The Dachshund is another great choice for people who live in apartments. Small in stature but larger than life characters, these little dogs are very affectionate and loyal to the people they love. However, because they are such busy little dogs, they need to be kept occupied because boredom tends to set in too easily which could lead to a few behavioural issues. They are also known to have a bit of a stubborn streak when it suits them which you should never pander to or it could lead to more serious issues!
Although small and a perfect choice for people who live in apartments, the cute Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen still needs to be kept busy and given lots of regular exercise. They are also pretty high maintenance because their coats need frequent grooming to keep them looking good.
The other problem could be the fact these little dogs like the sound of their own voices which means they may prove a problem with your neighbours if their barking is not nipped in the bud. With this said, these lovely little dogs make great family pets because they are particularly good around children and they do make wonderful companion dogs.
Although Corgis are pretty high energy dogs, they do adapt well to living in an apartment environment, but only as long as they are given lots of regular daily exercise. They also need quite a bit of grooming particularly during the spring time and autumn when they shed their coats that much more. Corgis are very loyal and loving characters which is why they have been such popular pets for such a long time.
The Bichon Frise is one of the cutest looking dogs on the planet and they are a great choice for people who live in apartments and who suffer from any sort of allergies. The reason being that these little dogs shed very little hair or dander. However, on the downside the Bichon is pretty lively by nature and are known to have sudden crazy bursts of energy which are referred to as the “Bichon Blitz”.
Just like any other dog that lives in an apartment environment, a Bichon needs to be given loads of regular daily exercise and they need to be kept mentally stimulated for them to stay happy, content and healthy.
French Bulldogs are very smart looking characters and they are extremely playful too. They are a perfect choice for people who live in apartments. However, you need to make sure they don't over heat because these little dogs do have a tendency to do so during the hotter summer months because of the shape of their muzzles.
French Bulldogs are comical little canines that boast kind natures particularly when they are children around. The other good news is that the breed is known not to be “barkers” so you should not have any neighbour trouble if you share your apartment with one of these delightful little canines.
The lovely Schipperke is a very energetic little character, but they are a great choice for people who live in apartments. However, they do need regular exercise and their coats need frequent grooming to keep them looking at their best. Schippies are not very good around strangers though which is all due to their very strong instinct to guard what they believe to be their territory. Nonetheless, they make wonderful companions being extremely loyal and affectionate by nature.
If you are not sure what type of dog to get because you are worried they might not well living in an apartment environment, there are lots to choose from. However, you need to think about your lifestyle too and whether or not you would have lots of free time to take them out for their daily walks because all dogs need to have regular exercise whether they are big or small. It helps keep them in good condition both physically and mentally stimulated, the bonus being having a dog is a great excuse to be out and about in the great outdoors!