Apartment dwellers can have dogs too. Here's what to consider before bringing a pup home

USA Today

21-02-2025

Apartment dwellers can have dogs too. Here's what to consider before bringing a pup home
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Dealing with noisy neighbors: A common challenge in apartment living
Encountering noisy neighbors is quite common, especially in large apartment complexes.
unbranded - Lifestyle
The joys of owning a pup aren't restricted only to single-family properties; people in apartments just have to do research and pay attention to the noise in their buildings, an expert told USA TODAY.
Whether it's a shelter, breeder or rescue, dogs can always be found waiting for their fur-ever homes. Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of communications at the American Kennel Club, said finding the right pooch is easier than some may think.
Questions about the dog's previous living situation, what type of family it lived with, age and socialization levels can make the search easy.
"I tell people, especially if you're in an apartment, listen to the sounds that happen," she said. "Sit for an hour at the busiest time when people are coming home from work, and listen to the sounds that happen, because that's what your dog is gonna hear."
More: Which are the best veterinarian hospitals? USA TODAY wants to know what pet owners think
What dogs are great for apartment dwellers?
Munden said any dog breed is suitable for apartments. She urged future dog owners to not focus on the breed, but on the qualities they need a dog to have to comfortably live in their home.
"There are some that just adapt faster than those, and there are some that really do survive on more space. So you want to give them what they need," she said.
The American Kennel Club, Apartments.com, pet stores and pet food manufacturers have lists of what's considered to be the best apartment-friendly breed.
A breed that may shock some people is the Great Dane, Munden said. The breed doesn't need as much exercise as smaller dogs and is comfortable as long as there's ample space for it to lie. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed may need two to three brisk walks per day.
Beyond it, she said French bulldogs aren't very reactive and are cuddle bugs; Shih Tzus and Yorkshire terriers tend to be great apartment dogs; regular and miniature poodles are also great but require a bit more exercise like long walks and Frisbee play.
More: The best veterinarian hospitals? Vets can help USA TODAY rank top animal hospitals
"Dachshunds are a really great breed to have in their apartment," Munden said. "People tend to really like them. They're very popular in New York City."
According to Apartments.com, pugs, bichon frisé and chihuahuas make great dogs for communal living. The home-listing website listed viable breeds based on size and ranked them based on cleanliness, barking, if the dog can be alone, exercise needs and friendliness to strangers.
But renters need to mind breed restrictions set by communities. Munden said the AKC doesn't believe in them as the rules are based on stigmas portrayed in media. Breeds like German shepherds, rottweilers, huskies or Belgium malinois can help complete tasks in apartments so as long they are socialized.
What qualities make a dog great for apartments?
To help in the dog search, Munden said there are qualities to look for, not just in the dog but also in the living unit.
That includes if the dog can live in a small space, if it's not reactive to doors closing or sirens, if it barks a lot and if the dog is not afraid of people or small children.
For renters who have hardwood floors and may not want to sweep or vacuum as much, Munden said those people should look at adopting any form of a poodle (miniature, toy and standard), the American hairless terrier, Great Danes and French bulldogs.
"I tell people with any dog, regardless if they tell you if it sheds or not, just keep a Swiffer close by, because it's gonna happen," she said.
People in smaller units are advised to look for larger dog breeds. Despite their size, Munden said they often require less exercise than smaller breeds. Those breeds include the Bernese mountain dog and mastiffs.
Pet supply company BullyBeds recommends adopting Basenjis and Shiba Inus if a person lives in a building with strict noise restrictions.
No matter the qualities of an apartment, Munden said the best place for a dog is with an owner willing to give unconditional love to the canine.
"The best characteristic for any apartment dog is that they just love being with their owner because they'll spend plenty of time with you," she said.
Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at [e-mail]. Follow her on X @KrystalRNurse, and on BlueSky @krystalrnuse.bsky.social.