Having a furry companion as an apartment colleague is fulfilling, especially after a long work day. If you’ve got kids, the joy of ending your day with a dog will be even greater.
But many people think dogs are messy and loud and avoid taking on new responsibilities. Some dogs may be shedders or bark too much, but we’re here to help you find the best dog breed to keep in an apartment, with all the pros and cons of shedding, exercise, and noise.
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate furball, perky smart, and easy to train. This dog isn’t a shedder, because its hair grows continuously. It does require trimming from time to time.
Many owners prefer completely trimming this dog’s hair in the summer because keeping clean is easier. In the colder season, brushing with a metallic brush and detangler will keep its coat clean and neat. However, this dog needs daily eye cleaning, because of its big, protrusive eyes that secrete lots of tears.
Because it’s a low-maintenance dog, it’s the number one dog in our top.
| Shih Tzu | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Very Low |
| Noisy | Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Energy | Moderate |
| Trainability and Obedience | Moderate |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
2. Greyhound
Everybody knows that the Greyhound is a very energetic and athletic dog, used for racing.
But this fellow is also a big couch potato, that doesn’t bark too much. This fellow loves long walks, where it can exhibit its running outbursts. Indoors, the Greyhound loves spending the afternoon sleeping and oozing. The Greyhound sheds constantly, but grooming is minimal, because of its short coat.
This is why the Greyhound comes second in our top.
| Greyhound | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | High |
| Noisy | Low |
| Grooming | Low to Moderate |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
| Trainability and Obedience | High |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
3. Poodle
The Poodle, with all its toy, miniature, medium, standard and mix varieties, makes a great apartment dog.
It is an athletic dog, that needs moderate to high exercise, but this compensates with obedience and intelligence. The Poodle hair growth is continuous and it needs regular haircuts every 6-8 weeks, but the shedding is minimal. This dog is a moderate barker, so the neighbors won’t mind it.
We think it’s a great dog that deserves the third place in our top.
| Poodle | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Very Low |
| Noisy | Low to Moderate |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
| Trainability and Obedience | High |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
4. Maltese
The Maltese is an adorable lap dog, curious, affectionate, and energetic. If not properly trained, the Maltese can be quite a barker.
The Maltese is very energetic, and needs twice-a-day walks and enough indoor playtime, to avoid becoming destructive out of boredom.
In grooming terms, things are easy. Because its hair grows continuously, it sheds very little. It will only need special de-shedding and brushing tools for the cold season when the hair starts to grow back.
These facts put it in the fourth place in our ranking.
| Maltese | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Very Low |
| Noisy | Moderate to High |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Energy | Moderate |
| Trainability and Obedience | Moderate |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a calm and friendly dog, that rarely barks. However, this fella’ compensates by snorting and grunting and some can be excessive snorers.
The Frenchie doesn’t require lots of exercise or lots of attention and can be left home alone for longer periods. Some chewing toys to keep it busy while indoors will do the trick. It is a shedder, so you’ll need the proper tools to keep your carpets clean.
The Frenchie ranks fifth place in our top.
| French Bulldog | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | High |
| Noisy | Low |
| Grooming | Moderate to High |
| Energy | Low to Moderate |
| Trainability and Obedience | Moderate |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
6. Pug
The Pug is a calm, easy-tempered dog, eager to please its owner.
It’s great for busy families, because it doesn’t need much exercise. It only needs two walks every day to meet it’s low energy levels.
The Pug isn’t a loud dog, so your neighbors probably won’t notice it. However, it is a big shedder, so regular brushing is a must. Also, the Pug’s eyes need special cleaning regularly, to avoid discomfort.
Overall, the Pug is a great apartment dog.
| Pug | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | High |
| Noisy | Low |
| Grooming | Moderate to High |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
| Trainability and Obedience | High |
| Can Be Left Alone | High |
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier loves being around humans. Its affectionate nature, combined with great intelligence makes it a lovely companion.
However, some Yorkies may develop anxiety disorder, so they can’t tolerate being left alone for too long. Regular trimming is recommended because its hair grows continuously. Because it’s a Terrier family member, the Yorkie needs more exercise than other small dogs and can be quite vocal.
We’ve placed the Yorkie in 7th place in our top.
| Yorkshire Terrier | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Very Low |
| Noisy | Moderate to High |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability and Obedience | High |
| Can Be Left Alone | Low to Moderate |
8. Teckel / Dachshund
The Teckel is almost always referred to as the “wiener dog”. This odd-looking fellow is a human lover; its loyal nature and intelligence make it a great companion.
This breed is used for hunting small prey, so it’s quite energetic and needs more exercise. But it won’t mind spending an entire afternoon lying on the sofa. The Teckel comes in three varieties: longhaired, shorthaired, and wired.
All varieties are quite the shedders and all can sometimes bark too much. But, overall, it makes a great apartment dog.
| Teckel / Dachshund | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | High |
| Noisy | Moderate to High |
| Grooming | Moderate to High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability and Obedience | High |
| Can Be Left Alone | Moderate to High |
9. Pekingese
Many people don’t know that the Pekingese was, for many centuries, the royal Chinese dog. This flat-faced buddy is courageous and loves being the center of human attention.
It is a moderate shedder, especially in springtime, and needs daily brushing to keep the coat shiny and neat. It compensates by having low energy levels and by not being too vocal.
Twice-a-day walks will keep this dog happy and healthy.
| Pekingese | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Noisy | Low |
| Grooming | Moderate to High |
| Energy | Low |
| Trainability and Obedience | Moderate |
| Can Be Left Alone | Moderate to High |
10. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is considered the smallest dog in the world, and many owners prefer such a purse dog. However, you’d better watch out for this fellow’s volcanic temper.
The Chihuahua is a big barker and can be extremely noisy. It doesn’t stand being left alone at home, even for shorter periods. It isn’t very energetic and always prefers a cozy couch to a walk in the park.
Longhaired Chihuahuas need more grooming than shorthaired ones, to prevent matting. Both are shedders, so they need regular brushing.
| Chihuahua | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shedding | Moderate to High |
| Noisy | High |
| Grooming | Moderate to High |
| Energy | Low to Moderate |
| Trainability and Obedience | Low to Moderate |
| Can Be Left Alone | Low to Moderate |
Note: Committing to a life with a four-legged friend will change your life. Considering the above guide, you will be able to make the best decision in choosing the dog that suits you, your home, and your lifestyle best.
