Apartment living is an art. If you’ve ever shared a building with other tenants, you know exactly how tricky it can be to maintain harmonious relationships with neighbors. Plus, you’ve got to make the most of limited living space. Roughly 40 million Americans reside in apartments. Even more popular than apartment living? Dog ownership! Almost 64 million households in the U.S. have at least one pet dog. Yes, it’s possible to live comfortably in an apartment with a dog. No, not all breeds will enjoy the apartment lifestyle. The best dogs for apartments can adapt to limited space, aren’t reactive towards strangers and, for the most part, know how to stay quiet throughout the day.
And let’s remember: Every apartment is different! There are loft-style spaces with high ceilings and open-floor plans. There are studios with barely enough square footage for a full-sized bed. Think about whether or not you and your dog will run into other people frequently in the elevator. Is your dog allowed in the halls for short walks? Before adopting a dog or buying all the dog toys Chewy has to offer, it’s imperative you consider what your apartment can—and can’t—handle.
Finally, don’t be fooled by the size of the dog. Some small pups are too antisocial or vocal to make good roommates in a well-populated building. Some large canines are quiet couch potatoes that thrive in a tiny one-bedroom. As always, breed standards will only tell you so much about a particular dog. All dogs are individuals, and their behavior can vary depending on training, upbringing and confidence.
