Question about small breed dogs for apartment?

Question

My mom and I are moving to a different country and are considering buying a small dog for our apartment. Can anyone tell me about a good, easy-going breed that would be happy living in a two-bedroom apartment? I looked at some answers for a smiliar question, and they were not helpful at all. The dog should be relatively small (but not so tiny that it will be too delicate to hold or get lost easily) and should have a relaxed temperment, not hyper or aggressive. Does anyone have any good ideas? Please answer only if you are knowledgable about the subject; answers coming off the top of your head probably won't get any points.

Answer 1

I really like Pugs. They are friendly, love attention, but content to be alone some, and have endearing traits. Be aware that they do snore, can not handle excessive heat, and, for a short hair breed, shed alot.

Chinese Cresteds are also a favorite of mine. They are friendly and fun loving, and don't tend to yap like other toy breeds. The hairless do need some skin care, and the puffs need grooming, but neither sheds alot.

Schipperkes are also great little dogs. A little bit more active than the other two mentioned, but always happy to see you! They also shed a bit, but I think they are worth it.

Some other small, but not tiny breeds to think about are: Shetland Sheepdogs(some are hyper or yappers, but many are not) American Eskimo (come in two sizes, can be yappy) Boston Terriers (also two sizes) Japanese Chin (quiet, and low coat care) Pekingese ( very stubborn, but regal little dogs) Italian Greyhounds (sweet, but can be nervous) and Papillons( tend to be BAD yappers, but sweet and mellow), almost forgot, French Bulldogs(tend to snore and wheeze, but low maintanance)

Be sure to do some research before deciding on a breed though. You didn't say how much you will be away from home, or how much exercise the dog will get, both are important! Also, many small or toy breeds have a large amount of coat care, how much time(or money) are you willing to put into that? One other thing, don't forget that shelters or rescues can be a wonderful place to find a dog!

Answer 2

I fostered small breeds for a rescue group, and will tell you what I've found-poodles are great if you want a lap dog that always wants to be near you and play all the time, chihuahuas can be hard to housebreak and may be more delicate than you are looking for, cavalier king charles spaniels and papillon are fairly energetic and have a friendly, easy going, playful attitude but don't do well when left alone for a long time. Many people enjoy pugs because they are pretty hardy and easy to live with, but some snore and wheeze. If you want a breed a little bigger (20-30 lbs) that would still do well in an apartment, try a sheltie, min. or standard schnauzer, or cocker spaniel. Smaller breeds tend to bark more in general, but are more likely to be accepted by apartment management.

Answer 3

Hi,
We live in a decent sized one bed room apt in NYC. We have a Yorkie and she weighs 8 lbs. Most yorkies ( unless they are one of those teeny toy ones) should be between 7 and 9 lbs. This is a great size for an apt. Not too fragile and not big. Our pup gets enough exercise when we throw the ball around the apt for her.
Apart from that she is quiet and relaxed dog ( she a a year old now) she definitely has her moment where she is very excited but for the most part she has a great temperament. Yorkies are very friendly and everyone who comes over and on the streets loves her. Also, - this is important in an apartment. She barely ever barks. My next door neighbor was surprised to know we even had a dog and we've lived here for 6 months now.
Yorkies are small enough to have them wee wee pad trained so if you are moving somewhere cold you don't have to run downstairs to walk them 2-3 times a day. And they don't shed! this is important in a small space.

Answer 4

I will suggest a Pekingese. Not just because I raise show quality pekingese, but because you have described one in what you would like.
They are laid-back, easy-going dogs that only bark if they have to and are very independent so don't need constant attention. They are perfect in an apartment. They usually don't get bigger than 10 to 12 pounds (the good quality ones), and they have short legs which keeps them off the furniture. They are also not a delicate breed. They are heavy-chested and bold in attitude and usually tough little guys.
A Pug might be another option for you too.

Answer 5

Pugs would be a great option, although they do like a nice walk around the block each day and will run circles around your furniture. Pugs are typically between 12 to 20 pounds, but if you feed them too much they will get really fat. My pug is 15 pounds and it petite and in good shape, but the pug downt the street is 38 pounds and waddles miserably.

Shih-tzus are another nice breed. They aren't too small that you would have to worry about them being too fragile.

If you choose to get your dog from a breeder, make sure to check out the parents. They will tip you off about the size of the puppy you get.

You may want to stay away from terriers. They have a lot of energy and need a yard.

I would suggest that you get the dog when you get to your new place. There are rules about bringing animals from one country to the next. You don't want to run into any complications.

Answer 6

I would recommend the shorthaired regular or toy Pekingese. They are great pets and very smart. Not too small, not too large. Minimal maintenance. Beautiful dog. Great choice.

You may also consider the Cavalier King Charles, or even a Corgi.

I had a Corgi mix that was my best buddy for 17-1/2 years. She passed on about 21 years ago, and I still miss her terribly, tho' I've had several pets since. I will never forget her. What a super companion she was! Went everywhere with me. Just the right size, too!

Good luck on your final choice!
.

Answer 7

contrary to what someone else said, beagles are horrible apartment dogs - they need LOTS of exercise, so don't bother for one of those until you get a house where they can run around and have a huge yard to dig in. good dogs for apartments (depends on taste too) toy poodle bichon frise cockapoo (combo of poodle and cocker spaniel) cocker spaniel bassett hound daschund cavalier king charles spaniel - these you won't find at shelters, but they are amazing dogs. They're good for apartments and look very classy, but they still love taking walks and exercising, so you can have an adorable small dog that you can take with you on a walk, or anything else. maltese chihuahua it all depends on what you want. i would recommend going to a shelter first to see what they have, although many smaller dogs tend to be less popular in shelters than say, labs, rottweilers and other bigger dogs.

Answer 8

PUGS. They are the most affectionate breed with the sweetest dispositions. Mine weighs 12.9 lbs. full grown. She is the most lovable and smart dog I have ever owned. The only dog I have ever met that likes to be hugged at night. Very smart. House trained after 2 weeks. I also own a Beagle also small but too hyper for an apartment. All I can say is I love my Pug her name is Eva and she is a Diva who thinks the world should revolve around her. She is affectionate, cute and fun to be with.

Answer 9

I live in a 2 bedroom town house and I'm a proud owner of a Yorkie not a teacup but a standard size. Its a perfect dog, perfect size and most important he loves to cuddle.... The only problem w/a Small dog is that they pee allot So, your going to have to get him paper trained... It will take you about 2 weeks or less

Answer 10

Miniature Poodles. I have a miniature poodle, and the only time he gets hyper is when I come home because he missed me. Not aggressive at all unless my husand is picking on me, then he'll grumble a little bit. They don't shed, they don't need a lot of space. They love to play, they fetch, are good at learning tricks. My dog is very obedient. If I ever get another dog I'd probably choose another min. poodle.