What are the best small dog breeds for apartments? This is a question that many apartment-dwellers ask themselves when they are deciding what to do with their new pet. The best small dogs for an apartment will be one of the best choices because it means you can keep your best friend close by, without having to worry about leaving them home alone all day. These breeds are not too big and have been known to get along well in tight spaces - perfect! Here we take a look at some great options.
1. The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the best small dog breeds for apartments; they are the smallest breed of all. They weigh about six to nine pounds and can measure up to eight inches in height at their withers (their shoulder blades).
These characteristics make them perfect apartment companions since they don't take up a lot of space but still enjoy your company. This animal's weight also makes it an ideal fit if you have children around because the dog is small enough that they won’t injure your kids. It also has the added benefit that most people find them cute and cuddly.
They are known for being really intelligent animals with an easygoing temperament or mood, which is why they also make great pets for people who don't have much time to spend with them during the day.
Learn more about the Teacup Chihuahua.
Benefits of Living with a Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has benefits: it's not only ideal as one of the best small dog breeds for apartments because they're tiny but also because their coats require very little grooming upkeep at all!
A final advantage that may be attractive about this breed is how protective they can be; since many apartment dwellers live alone these days, having a pet that keeps intruders away from your home could come in handy. You can learn more about this breed in our Are Chihuahuas Smart article.
2. The Papillon
This breed is a perfect small dog for apartments due to its size of 12 inches or less and weight of around seven pounds. The Papillon's wiry coat can be groomed regularly with brushing, bathing, trimming nails, removing hair from ears and eyes as necessary. Apartments are the best homes for this active breed which loves agility activities like climbing stairs and jumping on furniture in addition to walks outside.
The characteristics that make great apartment dogs include intelligence (to adapt well to new surroundings), independence (to keep themselves entertained while you're gone), and low activity levels when indoors alone. These three characteristics will ensure your pet enjoys living inside an apartment!
Benefits of Living with a Papillon
Papillons only need occasional brushing and bathing. This breed is intelligent, independent, low maintenance, and needs less exercise than most breeds. Papillons are great small apartment dogs due to their social nature.
They have a low activity level when indoors alone and will keep themselves entertained with agility activities such as climbing stairs, jumping on furniture in addition to walks outside.
3. The Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is the best small dog breed for apartments due to its size and characteristics. They are a very intelligent breed with an average weight of about six pounds, making them one of the smallest dogs around.
This makes it easy for owners who live in smaller homes or on tight schedules because they can spend less time cleaning up after these active little pups! These adorable pets have natural folds that allow them to clean themselves which means you won't be constantly wiping down this pup's fur all day long.
Benefits of Living with a Toy Poodle
They are a small breed so they can easily be accommodated in any home, apartment or condo. They have "natural" self-cleaning characteristics with their natural fur folds that make them easier to care for than other breeds.
This size also makes it easy to travel and take your pup anywhere you go! You'll never need to worry about leaving this dog at home when spending the day out exploring new places.
Toy Poodles require less maintenance due to their smaller size making it much easier on tight schedules and living spaces alike which is great if you don't want to spend hours every week caring for your pet. Toy Poodle are also commonly mixed with other breeds to create even more unique breeds such as the Schionpoo or Cavapoochon.
If you are looking for a poodle mix that is great for apartments than we recommend you read about a Mini Bernedoodle, Sheepadoodle, Whoodle, Teacup Goldendoodle, or other poodle mixed breeds.
4. The Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that was bred in China over two thousand years ago. They are often called “the little lion” because of their characteristics and appearance, with one exception - they have no undercoat so are not messy like some other breeds.
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog that has many characteristics of the larger Tibetan Mastiff. They are alert and intelligent with an independent spirit making them ideal for smaller living spaces.
Benefits of Living with a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus don't need big backyards to play in so they're perfect for apartments or condos. They can live up to 16 years if properly cared for which means you could enjoy their company well into retirement age! These dogs also make excellent watchdogs because they bark at anything unfamiliar which makes them great security guards as well.
Requires minimal grooming - just occasional brushing. Can live happily in an apartment or condo without the need for outdoor space. This makes them ideal pets for city dwellers who don't have yards (or time) to devote to their dog's exercise needs.
5. The Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is intelligent and easy to train. They have moderate exercise needs, which means that they are perfect for apartment life because of their size and activity level. This dog breed does not bark much or dig holes in your yard.
This dog also has characteristics such as a small but sturdy body, short hair with straight fur that sheds very little, a lively and cheerful disposition, and an affectionate personality. These characteristics make the Yorkshire Terrier a great choice for apartments without yards! Give this pup some love today.
Benefits of Living with a Yorkshire Terrier
The benefits of choosing these dogs include a low shedding coat (if you live in an apartment), a relatively inactive lifestyle so it won't bother the neighbors if there's any noise at all coming from your place, and some of these dogs can be hypo-allergenic.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a great all-around apartment dog! This breed makes for excellent companionship, their friendly demeanor will make you feel at ease wherever they go.
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