Top 11 Best Apartment Dogs: Breeds for City Living in NYC and Long Island

Finding the perfect dog for apartment living can be challenging, especially when space and noise levels are concerns in a bustling city like New York City (NYC) or Long Island. However, several dog breeds are ideally suited for apartment living, thanks to their size, temperament, and exercise needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 best apartment dogs, with an additional bonus breed for those who want something a bit bigger. These dogs are great companions for city dwellers and are particularly suited to rentals and smaller spaces.

1. French Bulldog

Why They're Great for Apartments:
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds for apartment living, especially in cities like NYC and Long Island. They are compact, typically weighing between 16 to 28 pounds, and they don’t need much exercise. Frenchies are known for their relaxed, lazy demeanor, making them ideal for a more sedentary lifestyle. A few short walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to meet their exercise needs.

Important Considerations:
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts that can cause breathing problems, especially in hot or humid weather. They also tend to shed quite a bit, so regular grooming is essential. Despite these drawbacks, Frenchies are excellent companions for children and make great family pets due to their affectionate nature.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and small in size, typically weighing between 13 to 18 pounds. Their calm demeanor and friendly personality make them well-suited for apartment living. They don’t require extensive exercise, though they do enjoy daily walks and playtime. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent for families, and they tend to get along well with children and other pets.

Important Considerations:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long, silky coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. They can also be prone to certain health issues like heart problems, so regular vet visits are important.

3. Pug

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Pugs are small, low-maintenance dogs that adapt well to apartment living. They are known for their playful yet laid-back personalities and do not require a lot of space or exercise to stay happy. Pugs are also brachycephalic, like French Bulldogs, meaning they can have breathing issues, but they are content with short walks and indoor play. Their friendly, social nature makes them ideal companions for city dwellers.

Important Considerations:
Pugs are prone to obesity if they don’t get enough exercise, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular short walks. They also shed a lot, so regular brushing is needed to keep their coats under control.

4. Chihuahua

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, typically weighing between 2 to 6 pounds, which makes them perfect for apartment living. They have low exercise needs and can get most of their physical activity indoors. Chihuahuas are very loyal to their owners and are often seen as “lap dogs,” enjoying cuddling and being carried around.

Important Considerations:
Chihuahuas can be prone to barking, which might be a problem in apartments with thin walls. They also tend to get cold easily, so providing them with warm clothing or blankets during colder months is essential.

5. Shih Tzu

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Shih Tzus are friendly, affectionate dogs that love being around people. Their small size (weighing between 9 to 16 pounds) and low-energy lifestyle make them ideal for apartment living. Shih Tzus enjoy short walks and playtime but are content to relax indoors for much of the day. Their calm demeanor makes them great for families, and they usually get along well with other pets.

Important Considerations:
Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that require regular grooming. They are also prone to breathing problems due to their short snouts, so keeping them cool in hot weather is essential.

6. Dachshund

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are small, adaptable dogs that do well in apartments. They are playful, curious, and don’t need a lot of exercise, although they do enjoy short daily walks. Dachshunds are also excellent watchdogs, often alerting their owners to any unusual activity.

Important Considerations:
Dachshunds have long backs and are prone to back problems, especially if they jump from high surfaces. Care should be taken to avoid injury by limiting their jumping and providing proper support when lifting them.

7. Boston Terrier

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Boston Terriers are known as the “American Gentleman” due to their tuxedo-like markings. They are small (weighing between 12 to 25 pounds), compact, and well-behaved, making them excellent for apartments. Boston Terriers are low-maintenance dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise, although they do enjoy playtime and short walks. They are also generally quiet, which is ideal for shared living spaces.

Important Considerations:
Like other brachycephalic breeds, Boston Terriers can have breathing problems, especially in hot weather. They also have short coats, so they may need extra warmth during colder months.

8. Bichon Frise

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Bichon Frises are small, friendly dogs known for their hypoallergenic coats, making them a great option for apartment dwellers with allergies. They are playful and energetic but don’t need a lot of space to burn off energy, making them perfect for smaller living spaces. Bichons are also known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and get along well with children and other pets.

Important Considerations:
Bichon Frises need regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition. They can also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small (weighing between 4 to 7 pounds) and adaptable, making them perfect for apartment life. They are energetic but don’t need a lot of space to run around. Yorkies are also low-shedding, which is ideal for indoor environments. They form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be very loyal.

Important Considerations:
Yorkies have long coats that require regular grooming. They can also be prone to barking, which may need to be managed in an apartment setting.

10. Greyhound

Why They're Great for Apartments:
Despite their large size (weighing between 60 to 70 pounds), Greyhounds are known as the “40 mph couch potatoes.” They are calm, gentle dogs that enjoy lounging around the house for most of the day. Greyhounds don’t require much exercise beyond short daily walks, making them surprisingly well-suited for apartment living.

Important Considerations:
Greyhounds are sensitive to cold weather due to their thin coats, so they may need extra warmth during winter months. They also have a strong prey drive, so caution should be taken when around smaller animals.

Bonus Breed: Great Dane

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Although it may seem surprising, Great Danes are often recommended as apartment dogs due to their calm and lazy nature. Despite their enormous size (weighing between 100 to 200 pounds), Great Danes are typically content with short walks and spend most of their time lounging indoors. They are gentle giants who are known for being great with children and other pets.

Important Considerations:
Great Danes need ample space to stretch out, even if they don’t require a large yard. Their size can also make them prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat, so regular vet check-ups are essential.

Utilizing Dan's Pet Care for Apartment Dogs

Dog Walking Services Long Island

For apartment dwellers, ensuring your dog gets enough exercise and bathroom breaks can be challenging, especially with a busy city lifestyle. Dan's Pet Care offers reliable and professional dog walking services across Long Island and NYC. Whether you need daily walks or occasional help, Dan’s Pet Care ensures your dog gets the attention and exercise they need. Regular walks help reduce behavioral issues and keep your dog healthy in small living spaces.

Dog Training and Puppy Training Services Long Island

If you’re welcoming a new dog or puppy into your apartment, training is essential to ensure they behave well in shared spaces. Dan’s Pet Care offers expert dog training and puppy training services tailored to your dog’s specific needs. From potty training to teaching basic commands, our professional trainers will help your dog adapt to apartment life while promoting good behavior.

Doggy Daycare Services Long Island

Living in an apartment can sometimes limit the amount of space and activity your dog gets. Dan’s Pet Care provides excellent doggy daycare services with spacious facilities where your dog can play and socialize with other dogs. Our daycare is perfect for keeping your dog entertained while you’re at work, ensuring they’re happy and well-exercised.

The 10 Best Apartment Dogs (+1 Bonus) for City Living

Finding the right dog for apartment living requires consideration of size, temperament, and exercise needs. Whether you choose a French Bulldog, a Bichon Frise, or even a Great Dane, the key is selecting a breed that matches your lifestyle. When you do decide to bring a dog into your apartment, remember that Dan’s Pet Care offers services like dog walking, training, and daycare to make city living more enjoyable for both you and your pet.