If you live in an apartment but still want a furry friend to share your life with, check out our top 10 low maintenance dogs who can be easily kept in an apartment. Everyone who loves pets knows that most dog breeds, especially medium and large size, need a lot of space to run around if they are to lead a happy life. However, there are low maintenance small dogs who can adapt to living in an apartment without becoming stressed and starting to chew on your furniture.
Before making up your mind and heading to the shelter or pet shop, you should know what makes a dog breed low maintenance. The main characteristics people look for in low maintenance dogs is general health, short coats so they don’t shed everywhere, minimum exercise requirements and an adaptable personality. Here are the best low maintenance dogs that you can keep in your apartment.
Top 10 Low Maintenance Dogs for Apartments
10. Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog originally bred in England which makes a great apartment pet. They have a short coat that eliminates the dread of vacuuming hair from your carpets, and they come in many different colors. The Whippet has a slender and elegant frame and is one of the most well behaved dogs out there. They are friendly, gentle and very silent as they noiselessly tip toe around the apartment which makes them a great option.
Another feature that recommends this breed for the city life is that Whippets are very polite towards people, as well as other dogs. They will not bark at your friends if you get them accustomed to visitors from an early age. They don’t have predispositions to any health issues, and they only require daily short bursts of intense running, a remaining feature from their hound ancestors.
9. Bichon Frise
This cute ball of fur is one of the loveliest dogs you can find. As you already know their fluffy coats require periodical grooming and washing, but other than that they are fairly easy to maintain. Their small size makes then a great choice even for the least spacious apartments, so that is a great plus when searching for a dog.
Bichon Frises are ideal pets for families and even small children as they are playful, energetic and affectionate. Gentle and loving, Bichons don’t develop health issues as long you offer them attention and daily walks.
8. Pug
Pugs are famous for their easily recognizable facial features and noisy snore. They make an adorable pet for families, and they have clownish, playful personalities. The thing to know about pugs is that they should be taken to the vet regularly ad they may encounter problems due to the unique shape of their face, so make sure you have the time for periodical check-ups. They do shed, but their coat is very short, so this is not a big issue to worry about.
The Pug is a popular choice among people who live in apartments because of their childlike nature that makes them gladly cuddle up to you in bed. Another big advantage is that they don’t require much exercise as Pugs tend to be lazy, little couch potatoes.
7. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier hardly needs maintenance, making it the best low maintenance dog to keep in even the smallest of apartments. Obviously, they are a small sized breed, and they come with tons of personality bottled inside their small bodies. They adore being held so if you want a companion that enjoys daily cuddles, the Toy Fox Terrier is your ideal choice.
They don’t shed and don’t develop major health issues as long as you keep them active and entertained.
6. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker is a favorite among dog owners due to its loving personality and good manners. Cocker Spaniels might develop health problems related to their droopy ears, but if you make sure you keep their ears dry and clean, they will be just fine.
They are sweet and loving, and they respect their owner’s authority which makes them easy to train and respectful with you, your family and your friends. They are one of the low maintenance family dogs that can make ideal pets as long as you make sure to control their protective, easily excitable personality.
5. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small-sized dog with short fur, so you will not have to worry about shedding if you opt for this breed. They are affectionate and playful, which means you have to offer them the attention they need on a daily basis. That doesn’t mean you can’t go to work and should become a stay at home mom or dad; it only means that you have to make a little time every day for a pleasant walk in the park.
Boston Terriers are ideal for apartments due to their small size, short fur and lack of health issues. They are energetic, but if you offer them enough daily exercise, Boston Terriers will be happy to lay and snore next to you on the couch every evening. This low maintenance breed comes with a soft, well-mannered personality which makes them easy to train and a joy to be around.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the low maintenance big dogs, but don’t let this aspect scare you. They are extremely intelligent, well-behaved and easily trainable, and they love being around children. A Lab Retriever will stay loyal to you and your family if you satisfy his basic needs: playing, daily running sessions and plenty of affection.
Keep their ears clean to avoid infections and be ready for some hair on your couch as they tend to shed. Skip the Labrador Retriever if you are looking for low maintenance dogs that don’t shed, but if you’re OK with this, go for this lovely dog that will fill your apartment with its enthusiasm.
3. Dachshund
The short haired Dachshund is a great choice for people who live in small apartments and are looking for a low maintenance dog to fill their life. Lively, curious and friendly towards other pets, this wiener dog makes a great watchdog, despite its small size. They are brave, sometimes loud and they will stay loyal to you and your family.
Dachshunds are one of the best low maintenance dogs for apartments as they come with a bubbly, clownish personality and require only moderate exercise to be kept in shape.
2. Miniature Pinscher
Cute, short coated and strong willed, this low maintenance dog breed requires daily activities to avoid boredom. Play around and don’t leave your Miniature Pinscher alone for long periods of time, as they tend to become bored if they don’t find a way to consume their energy. Miniature Pinschers don’t require a lot of care when it comes to bathing or visits to the vet as they are generally healthy.
Make sure you train them from an early age to avoid shyness and get ready for endless hours of cuddling, as the Miniature Pinscher could spend all his day on your lap or curled up on your chest.
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the undisputed winner of the title of most low maintenance dog to be kept in apartments. They have a bubbly; noisy personality manifested through their funny sounding barks, and their small size makes them easy to carry with you anywhere you go. Their health doesn’t require special treatment and their short furs pose no problems at all.
Go for a Chihuahua if you live in a tiny apartment and want a friend that is always ready to entertain you with its quirky and comical personality.
Don’t let your desire to acquire and raise a puppy be affected by the fact that you don’t have a big backyard. As you have seen, there are dog breeds which were created especially for city life, and you can certainly find one that will unconditionally love you and your family.
Choose from our top 10 list of low maintenance dogs and find the right breed for you! Then you can head to your local shelter and adopt a little friend that will fill your days with joy!