What Kind of Dog Does Best When I Live in Apartment?

What Kind of Dog Does Best When I Live in Apartment?

What are some common breed differences when living in an apartment?

All dogs can successfully be taught to live in an apartment. The success rate among dogs will be in the extra amount of time and effort that some dogs will need from the owner. Some dogs require more physical and mental exercise like herding, sporting and working dogs. Some dogs have longer coats which will require more brushing. 

Breed aside, some individual dogs may have issues with being left alone in a house without causing destruction. If this is known prior to moving in, then some behavior modification and training will be needed before the dog is left alone. The dog can be taught how to be inside without causing destruction. Perhaps some time at a doggie day care a couple of times a week to relieve some of the tension would help the dog to adjust to the new environment. 

If the dog is not 100% successfully housetrained than that issue must be dealt with. Perhaps working with a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant will help during the transition period. 

If an owner is committed to daily exercise, stimulation with training and games, trips to the dog park and regular grooming, than any dog can live in an apartment. 

Below is a generalization of dog sizes and their energy needs. 

Small dogs

A small dog may need less exercise, depending on the breed. High energy terriers, like the Jack Russell or Corgi, will need more exercise than say a more sedate larger breed like a St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog. Chihuahua, Yorkies and other less energy breeds will need less exercise, though there can be individuals within these breeds that may need more attention. However, all dogs will need regular daily walks

Medium size dogs:

Any sporting or spaniel will be very high energy and need long regular daily walks and runs and trips to the dog park. Any herding dog will be high energy and need extra exercise and physical stimulation. 

Larger breeds:

Generally retrievers and any working dogs are more high energy and thrive on regular attention and stimulation. Sighthounds, which include greyhounds and Afghans, can be more sedate than expected. They don’t need the large amounts of regular exercise that, say, a Jack Russell Terrier will need.