How to pick the right dog for an apartment

Narrated from: Choosing a dog

Many people think that they can’t have a dog just because they live in an apartment.

That is wrong! There are plenty of dogs that are perfectly suitable for a life in an apartment! You just have to consider some details before you pick the right dog.

First of all, if you have a landlord, you should check if he is OK with the idea! Some landlords won’t allow a dog in an apartment, or would charge the so-called “pet rent”. Second, you should check if there are specific breeds that are banned; in some cities dogs that are considered aggressive or dangerous are not allowed in urban buildings by law.

If you are allowed to have a dog in your apartment, you have to pick the right breed.

At first glance, the most important thing to consider is size; however, that is not always true!

When you choose a dog for your apartment, you have to examine the breed’s personality and energy levels. A small dog might seem perfect for a small apartment – but if you pick a breed that is energetic, lively and needs a lot of exercise and attention, it could be as disastrous as having a family of St Bernards.

Basically, if you have enough time and plan spending it with your dog – jogging with the dog for instance – there wouldn’t be a problem to take an active breed into your apartment. However, if your schedule changes and you don’t have time for the dog, problems may occur. So, the best idea would be to go with a less active breed.

Also, you should keep the noise level in mind. A dog that barks too loudly or too often may cause problems with your neighbors. You should try to pick a calmer breed with a quieter bark.

Generally, there are some breeds that are considered well suited for living in an apartment; however, picking the right breed can be no guarantee – things depend on the specific dog’s personality and your ability to train him!

Dog breeds suitable for an apartment are:

Small breeds – Chihuahua, Dachshund, Pug, Bichon Frise, Poodle, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier

Medium breeds - Clumber Spaniel, Bassett Hound, Basenji, Whippet, Boxer

Large breeds - Alaskan Malamute, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Great Dane

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