Indoor Dog Breeds: 9 Best Choices for Apartment Living

Introduction

As many are moving into apartments, or homes with limited outdoor space, the popularity of indoor dogs has grown. But not all breeds of dogs are suited for being confined to an indoor environment.

What Makes a Dog Perfect for Indoor Living?

But, many people think that only small dogs can be happy indoors, which is not the case. Dogs’ exercise needs, temperament and personality are sometimes more significant than their size.

Size Isn’t Everything

While it’s true that most small indoor dogs thrive in apartment environments, size is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether a dog belongs indoors. There are some small breeds that are on the go all day long, and some large breeds that sleep a lot!

Calm Temperament

One of the most important traits for an inside pet is a calm personality. A calm dog breeds will be able to cope better with noise, visitors and daily life than an excitable dog breed.

Moderate Energy Levels

Dogs with moderate energy levels enjoy playtime and daily walks while remaining calm and relaxed indoors, making them excellent apartment companions.

A common error is picking a puppy whose needs are not compatible with their lifestyle. Herding, hunting, and working breeds may need several hours of mental and physical stimulation a day.

Low Barking Habits

One of the main complaints of apartment dwellers is noise. When a dog barks too much it can get on the wrong side of the neighbors and cause undue stress for the pet and the owner.

Easy Grooming and Maintenance

A lot of people don’t realize how much time dog grooming takes. Some breeds will require professional grooming every few weeks; others will require only simple brushing and occasional baths.

9 Best Indoor Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

After learning about the qualities of a great apartment-savvy and smaller home dog, let’s take a look at the first five breeds that often are considered best for apartments.

1. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs for the apartment and it’s no wonder. They are very affectionate, relatively low exercise dogs, and are great dogs to keep indoors.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and loving nature. These dogs are elegant, are companion-oriented and enjoy spending time with their families.

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are still very good indoor dogs many centuries after their creation as royal companion dogs. Their chief purpose in life is to spend time with their owners.

4. Pug

This is another great breed for a dog that lives in an apartment because they are happy and don’t require a lot of exercise. Pugs are social animals that are known to spend almost their entire life with their families.

5. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is an adorable dog that is smart, friendly and adaptable. They are happy little dogs that are all about people, and will typically be content in an apartment as long as they get daily exercise and mental challenges.

Continue the 9 Best Indoor Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

In the first half of this guide, we went over the traits that make some dogs great house pets, and we read about 5 great breeds. The remaining four indoor dog breeds will be introduced in this section, as well as some tips on selecting the right dog, keeping your dog indoors and some pitfalls to avoid.

6. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a little dog with a large heart. This breed was developed to hunt badgers and is very brave, intelligent and very loyal to its family.

7. Maltese

The Maltese is a dog that has been loved for thousands of years, and it’s no wonder why. This pretty little dog is gentle, loving and is the perfect house companion.

8. Boston Terrier

   

The Boston Terrier is so named “Boston’s Gentleman” because of its tuxedo-like markings and gentle nature, and is one of the most amiable apartment dogs on the market. The Boston is a smart, fun-loving, very adaptable dog.

9. Havanese

The Havanese is an affectionate, social and bright dog. This breed is an indoor companion dog and will not tolerate being left outside alone.

How to Choose the Right Indoor Dog Breed

But it’s not just about picking a breed from the looks of it. It will depend on your lifestyle, your schedule, the space you have and your experience with dogs to determine which breed will be best for you.

Consider Your Apartment Size

Temperament is more important than square footage when it comes to a dog. No matter the size, calm dogs do better than dogs with a lot of energy.

Match the Dog’s Energy to Your Lifestyle

Tell the truth about your day-to-day life. A moderately active dog breed may be a good choice if you like long walks and outdoor activities.

Grooming Commitment

All types of coats need upkeep. Some breeds may require brushing once a week, and others may need to be professionally groomed every couple of weeks.

Noise Tolerance

People who live in apartments may often be sharing walls with their neighbours. If noise is a problem, choose breeds that are quiet and start obedience training early to decrease barking.

Budget for Long-Term Care

There are expenses involved in the ownership of a dog, including feeding, vaccinations, grooming, medical costs, toys and bedding, and emergency medical costs. When you bring your puppy home, having a financial plan helps you ensure that you can care for your puppy for life.

Benefits of Keeping Indoor Dog Breeds

The Pros of an Indoor Dog Breed. Many owners find that the breeds of dogs suited for an indoor environment can enhance relationships within the family and seamlessly integrate into a contemporary lifestyle.

Better Bond with Family

Indoor dogs have more time to interact with family members, developing more emotional bond through daily companionship.

Easier Health Monitoring

Since an indoor dog stays close to the owner, changes in eating, behavior or health are immediately detected and thus are more likely to receive timely veterinary care.

Cleaner and Safer Lifestyle

While living indoors, there is less exposure to the harsh weather conditions, parasites, and environmental hazards. With many small indoor dogs that shed very little, regular cleaning becomes much easier also.

Ideal for Busy Professionals

There are many easy care dogs that only need moderate amounts of exercise and like to lounge around indoors when the owner is working at home and/or returning after a normal day at work.

Common Challenges of Indoor Dogs and How to Solve Them

Even the best apartment dogs can have problems if they are not getting their physical and emotional needs met.

Lack of Exercise

If the activity is not sufficient, the child may become obese, bored and destructive. Take your dog for daily walks, offer interactive toys and play indoors to keep them healthy.

Separation Anxiety

Some doggie companions get stressed out when they’re left alone. Establish a routine, allow more time alone and offer enrichment toys.

Barking Indoors

Too much barking can be due to boredom or poor training. Dogs must be trained to be quiet, get rewarded for being quiet, and have their schedules filled with exercise.

Weight Gain

Living indoors can decrease physical activity. Precisely measure the amount of food, do not give too much treats and keep regular exercise.

Boredom and Destructive Behavior

As well as physical exercise, dogs require mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and obedience training, scent games, and rotating toys help to prevent boredom.

Tips for Keeping Indoor Dogs Happy and Healthy

A healthy environment will give your dog a long and happy life.

Daily Walks

Even the most placid indoor doggies need to get some exercise and mental stimulation by getting outside.

Mental Stimulation

Intelligent breeds are entertained with training sessions, food puzzles, interactive toys and new experiences.

Comfortable Sleeping Area

Have a quiet, clean bed that your dog feels safe and secure in.

Proper Nutrition

Give a balanced diet suitable for your dog’s age, size and activity level and don’t over-feed them.

Routine Veterinary Care

Preventative care is key, including regular examinations, vaccinations, parasite control and dental checks.

Indoor Dog Breeds to Avoid in Small Apartments

While certain breeds can thrive with less space and activity, others tend to be more active and require more room to be happy. The VHEWDs are designed to accommodate the most energetic and exuberant dogs.

Extremely Vocal Breeds

A dog that is prone to barking could pose a problem in apartment complexes. Dogs that need lots of room to move around.

Dogs Requiring Large Outdoor Spaces

A happy dog and a more enjoyable experience of pet ownership comes from selecting a breed with a nature that is compatible with your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

The key in selecting the ideal dog for your household is selecting a fit for your lifestyle, personality and energy level that thrives in indoor living. Although there are many different breeds, the ideal apartment dog is most likely one that is loving, flexible, and feels at home in the family home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 indoor dog breeds?

French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Pug, Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Maltese, Boston Terrier, Havanese, Chihuahua are some of the best 10 indoor dog breeds. These breeds are easily trained, moderately active and cuddly in nature, making them great pets for the apartment or house.

Which large indoor dog breeds are good for apartments?

It’s important to note that although smaller breeds are preferred, some large breeds of indoor dogs can make apartment dogs as well, if they are exercised regularly. Greyhounds, Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, and Mastiffs are surprisingly calm house dogs, and spend a lot of their day resting.

What are the best indoor dogs with no shedding?

Some of the best non-shedding dog breeds for an indoor dog include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog. No dog is a “shed-free” dog, but these breeds shed fairly little and are often recommended for those that desire to have cleaner homes or might have mild allergies.

Which small indoor dog breeds are best for families?

There are a number of small breeds of indoor dog that are great family pets. Friendly, affectionate and generally good-natured with children, the Shih Tzu, Havanese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Pug, Maltese, and Boston Terrier are friendly, affectionate, and generally good-natured with children when properly socialized and trained.

Which indoor dog breeds are medium-sized?

Medium-size dog breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel, Whippet, Standard Poodle, Basenji, Bulldog, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier make popular indoor dogs. As long as they are given sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation these breeds can be house pet.

What are the best indoor dog breeds for first-time owners?

French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, Havanese and Pug are among the best first-time owner friendly indoor dog breeds. The breeds are friendly and easy to train and tolerant which makes them suitable for new dog owners as well as apartment life.