For many renters, the dream of having a furry friend is often met with the challenge of finding a pet-friendly apartment. However, it’s important to consider the type of dog you plan to get. Not all dogs are suited for apartment living due to their size, energy levels, and temperament. However, several breeds make excellent companions for those living in rental spaces.
Best Dog Breeds
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds and an excellent choice for renters. These dogs are known for their compact size and low exercise requirements, making them perfect for apartment living.
They typically weigh under 28 pounds, which makes them perfect for pet-friendly rental agreements. French Bulldogs are also known for their friendly and laid-back nature, which means they are less likely to disturb neighbours. They’re less prone to barking excessively, a highly valued trait in close-quarter living. Their coats are short and easy to maintain, so you won’t be vacuuming up pet hair every five minutes.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another breed well-suited to the renter’s lifestyle. These dogs are affectionate, adaptable, and relatively quiet, making them perfect for living in an apartment. They weigh between 13-18 pounds, which is a manageable size for most rentals. Cavaliers are also known for their sociable nature; they get along well with people and other pets, which makes them a great fit if you’re renting with others.
Keep in mind that this breed needs regular grooming due to their longer coat, but their easygoing temperament makes them worth the extra effort.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small breed, typically weighing 12-18 pounds, which makes them an excellent choice for renters. They are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which is a significant advantage for those with allergies.
Bichons typically have cheerful and affectionate personalities and can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments. They need regular grooming and daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, but their size and temperament make them well-suited for apartment living.
Greyhound
Although they’re a larger dog, Greyhounds are one of the best breeds for apartment living. Known for their racing background, these dogs enjoy lounging around. They’re affectionate, gentle, and typically weigh between 60-70 pounds. Despite their size, Greyhounds are quiet and low-energy indoors, making them suitable for apartment living. They need regular short bursts of exercise but are otherwise content to relax by your side.
Basenji
The Basenji, often known as the “barkless dog,” is a great choice for apartment dwellers. This breed is unique due to its inability to bark. So, if you’re in a rental situation where noise can be an issue, this is the dog for you.
Basenjis are small to medium-sized dogs weighing around 22-24 pounds. They are intelligent, independent, and require regular exercise. Their short coat is easy to maintain, and their quiet nature makes them an excellent companion for renters of all ages.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are another great option for renters. These small dogs typically weigh 9-16 pounds, making them a fantastic fit for smaller apartments. They’re known for their friendly and outgoing personality.
Shih Tzus do well in smaller spaces and can adapt easily to apartment living. They require regular grooming due to their long coat, but their affectionate nature makes the effort worthwhile. Shih Tzus are also relatively quiet and get along well with other pets and people, which makes them another great choice if you’re renting with roommates.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small, compact, and well-suited for apartment living. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Boston Terriers are great companions and do well in a huge range of living situations. They are known for their intelligence and how easy they are to train. These dogs are also relatively low-energy indoors, making them a good match for an apartment lifestyle.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, with their unique long-bodied appearance, are a popular choice among renters. They are small, usually weighing less than 30 pounds, and are known for their playful and curious nature. Dachshunds adapt well to apartment living but need regular exercise to manage their high energy levels. They can be a bit vocal, so training is essential to keep barking under control.
Pug
Pugs are an excellent breed for renters due to their small size and affectionate personality. They typically weigh between 14-18 pounds and are known for their sociable nature. Pugs are adaptable, which means they can thrive in small living spaces. You’ll need to clean their facial wrinkles regularly, but their other grooming needs are minimal. Pugs are also known for being relatively quiet, which is perfect for apartment living.
Chihuahua
Lastly, Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds – perfect for apartments of all shapes and sizes. They usually weigh between 2-6 pounds. Chihuahuas are also loyal and affectionate with their owners. However, they can be feisty and may require training to manage their temperament.
Conclusion
If you’re renting and still want a dog, there are many things you’ll need to consider, such as size, energy levels, temperament, and grooming needs. The breeds mentioned above are generally a good fit for the lifestyle and constraints of renting. Remember, regardless of breed, regular exercise, training, and affection are key to ensuring your canine companion’s happy and healthy life wherever you rent.
