There are many dog owners who are living in condominiums and apartments instead of large houses with the typical backyards. Many people still desire to own a dog as their best friend. There are an insurmountable number of dog breeds that are available in most towns across the US. In many towns, finding a dog owner in a small space is not a huge issue. Remember, it is important that you never select a dog solely based on its appearance. It is advised that you choose a dog basked on its characteristics and behaviors and the amount of much time your new dog will spend in your home vs. the outdoors.

What Do You Desire In a Pet Dog

Several people believe that the best dogs for condominiums and apartments are small sized dogs and toy dogs. Even thought there are several small dogs and toy breeds that are great for an apartment or condo, not every small or toy dogs are. Let’s say that you desire to own a pet dog that you can compete with in obedience or agility events or even a dog that is excellent to bring along to the dog park for an everyday romp - then a toy breed just might be the perfect match. On the other hand, if you desire a lapdog that craves for attention and loves being around people then a small or toy breed is a perfect match.

Traits of an Apartment Dog

What is an apartment dog? It is one that is perfect for smaller apartments and condos. Amazingly, many medium and large sized breeds are flexible when it comes to living in smaller homes. You just have to make sure that the dog is walked on the outside regularly. For the medium to large breeds look for calm dogs that are very easy to socialize and have low territoriality traits.

In very general terms an apartment dog needs to be low to moderate activity or energy levels and also needs to be able to self-exercise or exercise indoors. They also need to a breed that is not prone to problem barking or engaging in noisy types of behaviors such as whining, howling or other vocalizations.

Grooming Routines

Since your dog is going to be inside more than out, knowing what type of shedding you can expect from the breed as well as how involved grooming routines may be are also important factors. Many of the best apartment breeds of dogs are the true low to almost no shedding breeds that also tend to be hypoallergenic. A good example of this type is the Poodle or Poodle crosses that have low year round shedding and no seasonal shedding.

Housetraining

Housetraining a puppy in an apartment requires more scheduling and often more time than trying to do the same thing in a house where you can just run the puppy or dog outside as needed. Many of the apartment breeds are small or toy dogs that are taught to either use a specific toilet area covered with paper or even use a litter box.