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Best apartment dog breeds
The American Kennel Club's own breed descriptions name apartment living for each of these five dogs.
Size runs from a few pounds to well over a hundred, so the table lists weight beside AKC's barking rating.
Apartment dog breeds for city apartments
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an excellent choice for apartment living, a fairly active little dog that is happy with slow walks or a fenced backyard. A stubborn streak means it should never go outside off lead.
English Toy Spaniel
This spaniel is an excellent companion for city dwellers in small apartments, provided it gets daily walks on lead. It is sedate and dignified at home and alert and playful outdoors.
Mastiff
Bred to guard hearth and home, the Mastiff has comparatively low exercise needs and lives happily in an apartment. A mile or two of walking a day is the benchmark for an adult.
Shih Tzu
A small dog bred to spend its days inside royal palaces, the Shih Tzu makes a great pet for someone in an apartment or without a big backyard. Short daily walks and indoor play satisfy it.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonkas were bred as the ultimate house pet for apartment living. They enjoy walks and playtime without needing a great amount of exercise.
Weight and barking from AKC
| Breed | Weight | AKC barking rating |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Chin | 7 to 11 pounds | 2 of 5 |
| English Toy Spaniel | 8 to 14 pounds | 2 of 5 |
| Mastiff | 160 to 230 pounds male, 120 to 170 pounds female | 1 of 5 |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 pounds | 3 of 5 |
| Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka | 6 to 9 pounds | 1 of 5 |