apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I agree! Greyhounds are great apartment dogs...very chill & very docile.
And the best part is you can easily adopt one from a Greyhound rescue group! Just go to www.petfinder.com and do a search.

Pugs. Ours sleep 21 hours a day, and when I was looking into what kind of dog to get, I read that "if you want a dog to jog, bicycle or go on long walks, a pug is not for you." I guess pugs are great for small spaces and lazy people or people who work a lot! They can be stubbron, highly energetic when awake and difficult to train, but their loving and good nature seems to more than make up for it. They are extremely loyal, loveable and cuddly. Plus, not unlike greyhounds, we get a lot of them in rescue (still a post-"Men in Black" trend we think).

Daschound dogs. I have one and they popular on my neighborhood ( lots of buildings). They are small and don't carry odors. Remembers short hair dogs shed all year .Excessive barking may require training. I have a blissful relationship and going strong with a beautiful short-hair female weiner.

Coonhounds. I have one (so, obviously, they're my favorite). Mine sleeps all the time when she's inside and hardly ever barks. They can be very stubborn, but they are usually very friendly to people and other dogs. Just don't ever let them off-leash in a non-secure area.

There are lots of coonhounds available for rescue, as well. Petfinder is a good source, as is RobDar's Houndsong Rescue in Hammond, Ind.

I have a pit bull mixed with something. When we're home he wants to be next to me. Even if I had a big place, by my feet is where he would be.

Plus because he's a 60 pounder, he doesn't have to whiz all that often. Little dog, little bladder.

I think any dog is a good apartment dog as long as they get their exercise. I think it more depends on the person's energy level than on their space.

Toy Fox Terriers (got one) exercise themselves by clowning around, which is perfect for apartment life, but they like to bark.
Greyhounds don't do much but sleep (friend has one), but they take up a lot of room! Plus, good for apartments, greyhounds don't bark!

pugs! definitely pugs!

Please DON'T choose your dog by breed, choose by temperament! First, to suggest by breed is to assume that it is best to purchase "a" breed - potentially from a breeder, which is a real shame when there are so many fantastic dogs waiting patiently for home in shelters or with rescue groups. Second, "breeds" can display enormous range of behavior, particularly if they are coming from more casual breeders, newer "designer" breeds (anyone met a puggle recently?) and their particular genetic makeup. While of course one can generalize to a certain extent, it is so much more important to meet lots of dogs and get a sense of their needs from their current custodians. And often the size of your home is sooo much less important than what you feel you can commit to your dog --

OK, I will step down from my soapbox now.

I agree that it's best to choose a dog based on temperament, but I don't think recommending a breed necessarily promotes buying from a breeder. A lot of rescue groups are breed-specific, and while every dog is different, it doesn't hurt to research common traits of various breeds when determining which dog is right for you.

PUGS! The best cuddlers! And ours is fine in our third floor walk up:)

I have a boxer pit in a tiny apt and he's just a peach. They are very social and will like to be near you. Short hair is a plus and not very barky. Pretty chill and content to nap quite often. I agree that you should go be temperament, but so many pits and pit mixes are available from rescue groups that can match you with a good dog for you. This breed gets such a bad reputation, but they are for the most part just big mushes. My dog had lots of issues because of neglect and abuse, but now I can lay on him like a pillow, go kiss him on the nose, trim his nails all with no problems. Also if you get a resuce dog, they are just so appreciative and grateful to be in home.

Stuffed. They never make a sound and they stay where you put them.

I have a mini schnauzer in my apartment. She's highly intelligent, docile (but a lot of that is breeding) and she doesn't shed, which is nice. I wish we had a backyard to take her out in, but she doesn't mind. She loves playing in the house.

Joanna,

What kind of coonhound do you have? I've always loved the breed (partial to Bluetick's) and have spent more than a few afternoons daydreaming at work while looking on RobDars and petfinder.

I've also heard that Mastiffs, Bernase Mountain Dogs, and some of the other large breeds are well suited for apartment living. They actually have very low energy levels and everytime I see them out being walked they do seem very lethargic and the owner is the one pulling the dog around.

Some day......Some day.....

As long as you can give the dog a lot of outdoor exercise, say in a park, it does not matter if you live in an apartment.

I have a bluetick coonhound. We got her from what used to be called Midwest Hound Rescue, which sort of merged with RobDar's/became National Animal Welfare Society of the U.S.

They seem to be pretty rare in the city, but there are a few of them around.

Great question. I have been dreaming about getting a dog for along while. I couldnt though because I had a job that required lots of travel. I am a medium to big dog person so have been trying to wrap my head around a smaller dog. I have always had beautiful mutts with great intelligence and good temperament.

I think all the points made above are good ones. The first thing you must do is get a realistic picture of your lifestyle. Ask yourself if you are a couch potato or you go jogging or hiking several times a week. Are you a first time dog owner? Once you have a good idea of your lifestyle then you can research. I think the best thing to do is to research breeds of dogs to understand what they were bred to do ie retrieve, herd, sit in your lap etc. Then once you have narrowed down some breeds based on your lifestyle and dog owning history you can do some research on temperament. Then you can be armed with this information when you go to the pound, rescue league or (god forbid) a breeder. You will have an idea of breeds that might work for you. Also you will be able to evaluate that a barky aggressive dog may not be right for you or the shyer older dog might work or the happy go lucky puppy though nice would take up too much time and energy for your lifestyle.

Handicapped dogs make great apartment pals. While limited in exercise ability, they still enjoy attention and lounging around.

:0)

Thanks Joanna! You are right, I don't think I've seen a single Bluetick in the city.

P.S. I am also available for dog-sitting.

I had a Rott in a studio and she loved it...

She didn't do anything but sleep whilel I was gone and when I came home, we stayed in the streets and parks. People always say that you should have a huge house or yard if you're going to have a large dog, but it's not the truth. What do you think your dog is going to do when there is no one there.....SLEEP!!

A rescue dog with good temperament, I agree with above that you shouldn't try to pick a dog only by Breed. In my life we have had 14 dogs and the best trained were always the mutts/mixes they also had the least of the health problems. With all animals you gotta connect so don't rush or think that a certain breed is for you. Take your time and mostly take time with the intended animal to make sure you're a good match. In terms of apartment space I think the temperament of the animal will decide if they are good for your space also. IMO all dogs need to be walked outside no matter how big the space or how much time you have, so space to me isn't really a factor. Another great thing about rescue dogs is that 90% of the time they are already house trained and the shelter can tell you a lot about the personality before you make the commitment. For first time pet owners I would highly recommend a rescue animal.

I have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (bought from very reputable breeders) and they are the best small dogs evah! Sweet, calm and easy-going.

Having said that, I'm all for buying pure bred dogs ONLY if their temperament suits the owner. Too many people buy pure breed dogs because their trendy at that moment and that can lead to a great deal of heartache and a large number of dogs given over to the pound.

Always do TONS of research into a breed and match the breed to your lifestyle and you can't go wrong!

The perfect dog for your apartment is the one that perfectly compliments your lifestyle, not your home. My Lab gets regular visits from the dog walker on days that I am at work. On days that I'm home, I make the effort to walk her for about 1.5 - 2 hours; we run errands together or do a 3-5mi walk along the lakefront or thru a nearby park. Then, she's sacked out for the next 14 hours. Seriously.

I have a Lab - big, cuddly, 10 years old. She is a fabulous, constant companion (although, really, what dog isn't?) and an impossing presence when we're walking together at night...even if she is just an 80lb baby.

If you're willing to do the work, then large, active dogs are just as comfortable inside apartments as are small dogs. If your lifestyle doesn't allow for extensive outdoor time, then a small, loveable bundle is just the ticket. Regardless, all dogs (big and small) require care and attention. Make the commitment and you will be rewarded.

i rescued a Corgi / Beagle mix almost 3 years ago and i am so happy that Bunny is part of my life! i've always told friends that she's the "perfect apartment dog" because shes small, easy to maintain, and barks only when necessary. she has never once gone to the bathroom inside the house and her only flaw is that she sheds like crazy (okay, that's a big flaw, but i love her anyway).

this is her:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49538177@N00/1393574935/in/set-72157602010412642/

if you're thinking about getting a dog, ADOPT ONE PLEASE!!!
if you read the numbers about how many dogs end up in "humane societies"/pounds, then it just seems ridiculous to buy a dog from a breeder!

my co-worker and i were talking about our dogs, he has a pug and i have my mutt. he was telling me all of the problems he had with his purebred pug- respiratory issues, hip problems, special medicine, special food, special handling, multiple vet visits, special areas at the dog park....ugh! and on top of that, he paid in the hundreds to buy this dog! i thought to myself how lucky i am that i RESCUED a dog who was going to die the next day for $39 and can feed her Trader Joes Holistic food and have never had any other problems. she can hang with all types of people and all types of animals.

please please please, visit your local animal shelter and take a rescue dog into your life. they will love you forever because you did.

(jumps off soapbox)

Greyhounds, greyhounds, greyhounds. I always pledged I wouldn't become one of those crazy people who rants about their breed, but they are the most fantastic animals. All the benefits of having a dog, all the ease of having a cat.

There are many no-kill shelters who house some of their dogs in foster homes to allow them to take in more animals. Not only will you be adopting an animal who would love a family, but you'll be able to talk to people who have gotten to know the dogs in real life circumstances (some dogs behave differently when they aren't constantly surrounded by other dogs in a shelter, for example). Foster parents can tell you how the dog likes car rides, cats, children, thunderstorms, etc.

I started out fostering my pit mix (hooray for pits!), and she's lovely. Just a little plug for some darling and misunderstood pooches.

Hey Jen DC,

I have no idea what a "puggle" dog is but I know that "puggle" is the name for a baby echidna.

I totally agree with your comment on taking dogs from shelters. I have 3 dogs one (Leah a Blue Heeler aka Australian Cattle Dog) came from a breeder but only because she was my childhood canine companions offspring and held a special place in my heart, the others were rescue dogs. Brandy, a half breed Kelpie and Blue Heeler came from an RSPCA is Western Australia they found her half alive on the end of a chain beaten and starving. She is shy and well tempered and LOVES kids. Polly, a ...brown dog? was found trying to wander around on the side of the road by myself and my father. She was less than 4 weeks old, she still had blue eyes and no teeth. She was also covered in ring worm and had no fur. Sadly we found a sack filled with her brothers and sisters who didn't make it. People disgust me. We took her home nursed her to health and she's a big (she's up to my mid thigh at the shoulders :S) goofy gorgeous girl now.

All my dogs are very much yard dogs but thats not the point you can find almost every type of doggie and kitty in an animal rescue, even small apartment dogs! And in my opinion half breeds or mixed breeds are gorgeous, good tempered and well worth rescuing!

OH and by the way goodnightdean your Bunny is GORGEOUS!!!!!

Our Boston Terrier, is the best apartment dog ever.

Ever.

He sleeps less than Pugs do, and is the most loyal loving animal.
And besides, who doesn't love the snorting. Seriously.

Our (rescued) Boxer is a fabulous apartment dog. He is quite lazy and is content to be right next to whomever is home. His short nose makes long stretches of exercise impossible. He really cannot take too much excitement, so an apartment is just fine. Best of all, he is incredibly quiet. I used to have dacshunds growing up and loved them dearly. But now that I have known the Boxer, I would never go back to small and exciteable doggies. While he has short hair, he does shed. So you need to brush them regularly or deal with little hairs everywhere.

Adopt a rescue dog!! It's been said a few times already (Jen and tornadoangel said it so well) but the point could use repeating. They do take a bit of work initially, as do all dogs, but the rewards are totally worth it (for both you and the lucky dog). Provided you have the time to properly take care of your dog, your surroundings are secondary. Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision, so make sure that your lifestyle it suited for the energy level of the dog and vice versa. When you go to pick a dog, know that the dog chooses you, not the other way around, so look for the dog that needs the amount of love an attention you can provide and it will be a match made in heaven!

We have two identical but unrelated wonder mutts from a rescue centre in Sydney (doggierescue.com) and they're absolutely precious. One has the temperament of an angel and the other has adjusted to being loved after what we think must have been a traumatic puppyhood.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11973010@N00/961826706/
They are fairly energetic (we think they are crosses of a couple of terriers) but as long as they get their two walks a day, they are content sleeping the rest of the day. I can't imagine my life without them!

I know it doesn't seem like breed is important but it really is. Certain breeds have temperaments that are conducive to a lot of activity and others are happy to curl up and sleep. Terriers, for instances, are hyper dogs, larger dogs need to have a purpose when active, greyhounds are happy to curl up on your lap. Please do research before adopting a dog. And please - ADOPT A DOG. Buying a dog promotes more sick puppies from puppy mills.

Greyhounds are generally reduced to a miserable life on the track and discarded after their "use" in no longer needed. Adopting a greyhound is a wonderful thing. But as an animal rights activist, I believe adopting any pet is a wonderful thing. And there are rescue groups that specialize in most breeds so read up and take it from there.

Oh, one last thing - each breed has a certain temperament but mutts are don't. That's where you judge the dog on it's personality. Mutts are great dogs. Hey, just look at the "We're for Dogs" commercials. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJNY64cQeuo

Mutts are don't ?? Sorry, I meant mutts don't.

Thanks for the fantastic comments, everyone. Yes, we are looking into rescue dogs (like the Greyhound Rescue group mentioned in the post above). Yes, we have a crazy schedule that will have to change a little before dog adoption is possible. And we're dealing with my husband's allergies, which are random and require a little time spent with the dog in the shelter to see if they trigger attacks or not.

Sarah C, going to the shelter to see if that triggers your husbands allergy attacks isnt really similar to how it would be at home. Sure a dog that sets him off in the shelter is a maybe good indicator ( but when was the dog last cleaned, how many other dogs are around? etc etc). But a dog that doesnt really set off your husband doesnt mean much or approximate what close and prolonged proximity will do. There is no really good way to see if a dog will provoke allergies at home.

Try to stick with breeds that have hair rather than fur. And also perhaps look into allergy shots for your husband if you are really committed to having a dog. ( I once had a veterinarian who was allergic to dogs and cats but so loved small animal medicine that she took years and years of allergy shots to be able to be trained and practice as vet!)

We have a Yorkie who is on the small side for the breed. She has been a wonderful apartment-dwelling companion, with a great personality and a real love of cuddling. She goes to doggie daycare when I'm at the office, but since she tips the scales at just under four pounds, she has plenty of room to play indoors when necessary. Oh, and the best part: she doesn't shed and is hypoallergenic -- qualities that weren't important to us when choosing a dog, but which have turned out to be wonderful perks.

I agree with pugs! I have a pug mix and live in a condo where she has to stay inside during the day. I walk her around the complex a few times a day so she can do her business and snuggle with her in the evenings and she's happy.

I've yearned for a Border Collie for years--partly because they're incredibly smart and partly because the crouch like wolves. I don't know, I love them. But in fairness, there's no way my 600 sq ft and my lifestyle would be fair to one. So I researched breeds and decided a Cairn Terrier would suit. They're pretty smart and not big. I got a rescued Cairn through a friend. I've never liked small, cute dogs. But suddenly, small, cute Wolsey was mine! He's a wheaten fellow with the longest, roughest coat that could be packed on his frame. He's also as dumb as a bag of hammers. He's everything I've ever said that I didn't want, and I love him utterly with all my heart. He was 7 when I got him two years ago, and he loves his daily walk down by the river, but is happy snoozing the rest of the time, except for a few extra trips outside.

I'd actually feel ashamed to get anything but a rescued dog.

We have a Shih-Tzu that was rescued from the mean streets of Mississippi three years ago. He is the perfect small house dog. He sleeps ALOT, doesn't chew on anything, wants to cuddle, and only barks if someone he doesn't know enters the house. When we first got him, he barked any time someone stepped on the front porch - he's gotten better (older) since then and now only barks at the mailman when he dropped loud mail in the slot. The best things about Otto are that he is exceptionally loving and mellow, and he doesn't shed since he has hair instead of fur. The only downside is that his hair will begin to mat if it gets too long, so we can't go more than 10 weeks between groomings.

There are so many wonderful dogs waiting for a home - (active, sedate, saucey or shy) at a shelter, where we selected ours based on her sedate temperment though you may want a more active personality. Ours is a real couch potato and right for us. Small was 35 pounds. The shelter will help you because they get to know the personalities and you will want to spend time with several. A DNA test on your mixed breed to see the parentage can be done if you become curious. There are too many wonderful breeds to limit yourself by that. Also, mixed breeeds tend to be healthier, so that will save you money down the road!

Dachsunds all the way and well, I'm kind of biased as I grew up on the breed and my Mom currently has 2. Both black and tans however one is a small standard smooth haired male, the other is a minitature long hair female.

Bart, and a previous Dachsund named Charlie (a red smooth male) were both purchased from breeders as pups, Charlie had a disc in his back go out and had to be put down, Bart is still around, now 10 Years old, blind and deafish but a sweet, gentle thing.

Heidi is a rescue and is 7 YO and is just a joy.

Both can be quite funny when they want to be and provide her with lots of attention and love and oh yes, they love to be by her, under her feet and nearby in their baskets if nothing else. :-)

When I'm down, I have at least Bart in bed with me which is nice.

A high school friend of mine had a greyhound. It was a great dog - quiet, calm, well behaved.
I think that most dogs can adapt to apartment living, though. Training and making sure they get enough excercise is what's really important. I have a Basenji myself, and luckily she's really adapted to my (lazy) lifestyle. She also doesn't bark, can hold it all day if need be (there goes the small dog, small bladder theory!), and knows that my stuff is off limits. On the down side, she's very shy and nervous around people she doesn't know.
www.basenjirescue.org

My family has never bought a dog before. We have either saved one from the pound, or got one for free from the paper or from other family members. I would never buy a dog from a store or a breeder, but it's still very important to research a dog that will best work for your lifestyle. Most big dogs don't do well in confined spaces, but some such as greyhounds do very well.

Not all small dogs do well in apartments either. Jack Russlle's are one of the smartest dogs, but man are they hyper and boy do they need attention! Jack's need thier space to run and have fun or they will go batshit crazy, so having a place with a decent sized yard is probably a better situation for them.

The current issue of Animal Wellness has a feature on the 10 best dogs for apartment living.
Whatever breed you choose,remember the "Rs": research, rescue, responsibility for a lifetime, raw diet and riotous amounts of affection and understanding (when a pet misbehaves it it trying to communicate that it has a physical or emotional problem).

I adopted a 20 lb mutt 6 months ago. She's a year and a half and requires constant exercise. I run with her daily and take her on a long walk in the evening. I work from home, so we play fetch regularly during the day too. I actually wanted a larger dog for hiking/camping, but fell in love with this one. I've toyed with the idea of getting a dalmatian in the future, but friends and family say I'm crazy to bring such a "hyper" dog breed into an apartment (and into my life in general). I say I already have a pretty hyper dog and as long as I make the commitment to plenty of exercise, then it shouldn't matter....of course there are the winter months to consider. Does anyone have experience with Dalmatians? I hear they are pretty happy-go-lucky, which is what my dog's personality is like as well.

WELL :P for me is all about the schnauzer... any size, they're so loving, loyal and they bring live to what ever place they're at... also i have to other dogs both frech poodle, love them too. But the schnauzer is the best

I know this is an old link, but I want to add... Great Danes! Yes Great Danes. I am currently on my second Dane... and yes they are huge, but they are lazy lap dogs who think they weigh 10lbs. All of our Danes have been strictly inside dogs and spend most of their time on the couch. And actually, because of their large body's and small hearts, they should only be walked for 30mins- 1hr each day. But they do need to be exercised!!! They really do make great apartment dogs if you don't mind sharing your home with a gentle giant.
Oh- and so do dachshunds. The pair together make a hilarious combination (I have them both) :-)

Almost any dog is fine as long as you exercise them and offer mental stimulation. If you come home every day and plop down in front of the TV, you will have an unhappy dog. Oh, and get a Roomba. Great little helper when you have pets. I never have a dust/hair bunny.

Keep in mind that when you get a dog, you are getting a pet who will be both physically and emotionally dependent on you. They are also pack animals and need companionship to thrive.

Everybody has to work these days and those can mean a lot of lonely hours for a dog. For every happy ending story you've read here, there is another where the dog's separation anxiety resulted in destructive behaviors.

If you can't be home enough to meet your dog's emotional needs, consider getting him a buddy. A pair of dogs or a dog with a cat might be a better arrangment than leaving Bowser home alone all day.

If none of these are possible, think about getting one or two cats. They seem to be more independent souls who know that they are the superior being and have blessed you with their companionship.

My current best friend is a rescued dachshund. His family gave him up when he was six years old because he was too territorial to be around little kids. My elderly mother moved in with me when she couldn't live alone and they are good company for each other. Our dachshund is loyal, well-behaved, and any home invader would not be left with an ankle to call his own. Besides, he keeps my back warm during cold Chicago winters.

Preface: To my mind, the very worst part of dog ownership is the fact that every dog lover feels they have the right to tell the rest of the world what they SHOULD or SHOULD NOT do. Therefore a discussion like this comes along and every Sally & Sue feels she has the right to tell others where they ought to get a dog, what kind of dog they should get, what age the dog should be, etc...etc...etc....

My opinion on the good choices for apartment dwellers is as follows, but let me hasten to add that my opinion is simply that - an opinion.

In my experience the more populous a breed the more variable the temperaments of the individuals of that breed. Therefore one would need to be more vigilant in evaluating the individual if one gets a dog of a popular breed (say a Yorkie for instance).

Second - doing well in an apartment is more a result of the lifestyle of the owner - and whether they can get the dog out for enough exercise and stimulus.

Also, all dog breeds that tend to bark a lot would probably be bad bets for those with neighbors on the other side of a wall....(Shelties, Schnauzers, Dobermans and others come to mind).

Personally, I've known many different successful apartment dogs. As a child my family lived in France for a year - in an apartment and we brought our Standard Schnauzer with us. She did very well - but there was a mum and four kids to keep her amused.

In Queens, NY we had family friends with 2 Newfoundlands in an apartment.

My sister lived in an apartment in Chicago with a Chow Chow. It was a perfect fit for her (although a nasty creature to strangers).

There was an Irish Wolfhound that lived in that same building. The owners had no problems, except that that breed is so short lived that it was too old to do the stairs by the time it was 6 - so waiting for the elevator was the only option for it's walk.

I've known many a standard poodle in Manhattan and always thought they were great apartment dogs (even though, like most folks I don't like the look).

I also have a friend with a drop dead adorable Pembroke Corgi who is a perfectly sweet, sociable, healthy individual purchased (hold your breath people...) from a PET STORE- who is a great apartment pal. BTW: He is nicer than any Corgi I've met and I've met many from "reputable breeders" and many from "rescue". Go figure.

Sorry for the long post.

Good Luck!

I would encourage anyone and everyone to rescue a racing greyhound. Mine just passed last year and she was the sweetest docile and most loving couch potato out there. I have never met a greyhound here in nyc, or anywhere else that the owner wasn't head over heals for.
Save a kind soul!

A cat!!!

Pugs!!!

I can't recommend a breed but I will highly recommend a book.

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/products/cesarsway.php

P.S. I have 2 chihuahuas in my studio. They are tiny but are very high energy. So there goes any size theory!

It'e been said before, but I'll say it again- PUGS!! Most definitely pugs. AND they're great with kids.

Rescue Rescue Rescue!

* Many are already housetrained.
* You're not encouraging petstores or backyard/hobby breeders. The earth has enough cute, purebred, well-behaved dogs already thankyouverymuch.
* You know what you're getting- its hard to discern future temperament from a puppy. When you adopt (especially from a rescue that cares for adoptable dogs in a foster home), you can learn about the dog before you take him home.

Rescued labs who then go blind from a disease totally rock. :)

I have a westie, they make great apartment dogs. I think they are great dogs all around. Perfect for my personality and lifestyle.

I would like to get a greyhound, they look nice and I've heard are low maintenance. I wonder if they are good with other animals?

I have two kitties already, so it would take some time for them to warm up to the idea of having a canine companion.

pets in an apartment of 400 sq. feet is PURE cruelty.

i have a lakeland terrier and she is perfect. i couldnt ask for a better one for apartment living.

If you live in Rochester, NY (or near it) there's a great greyhound named Grace up for adoption at Lollypop Farm. Met her this morning doing walks for the dogs and she's a gem!

Rescue dogs are the greatest - every pup I walked this morning knew how to heel, sit, and lie down, and that's BEFORE hooking up with a loving family!

French Bulldogs -- we have two, and their natural temperment makes apartment or small dwelling spaces ideal -- they LOVE being with you at all times and our two boys will follow us from room to room. Smaller spaces make it easier for them to find us ;o)

Ditto PP -- definitely take your own lifestyle into account and consider rescues, which it seems like you already are. Our older Frenchie is a rescue, pulled from a puppy mill, and we're glad to provide him a happy, restful retirement.

I would recommend a Pug, from personal experience. I have a 4 year old that I rescued and she loves her new life in my apartment with my cat and my sofa! She is the best dog ever, I just have to vacuum a whole lot.

Shelter! :) I'll say it, too!

A good matured dog is a good match for you. As long as you are faithful with walking, you should be fine.

Any older dog will work, as they will sleep a lot and not be very energetic. Just make sure they're docile and housebroken, and you'll have a wonderful animal. You can help them live out their golden years in cushy comfort.

Having a pet in a small apartment is only pure cruelty if you never take the pet outside. I have a high-energy dog (Jack Russell Terrier) in a small apartment, and we spend a great deal of time on long walks through the city, in parks playing with other dogs and on occasional jaunts to the beach. At home, he's a sweet cuddly little guy who never wants to be more than six inches from my side. Out in the world, he's a speed demon who can jump five feet in the air and chases anything that moves. He loves both the lounging and the adventure equally.

I had a co-worker who convinced me that my next dog should be a Great Pyrenees (he's involved in a local rescue organization). They're big and cuddly and adjust well to apartment living, are incredibly mellow, don't require an inordinate amount of exercise...
...and they match my flokati rug.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are awesome! They are just content to lie in a warm lap most of the time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28373086@N07/2777606157/

Definatley a pug!!! Yes, they shed, but just so adorable

French Bulldog

My French Bulldog is basically a cat, He sleep's 24/7 and active when he needs to be, takes up little space, and small enough to ride the trains with me to work and play in my office.

My biggest concern for bigdogs in the city is the size of their "waste" - can you imagine picking up a Mastiff's "waste" with your hands and a baggie? seriously....no way.

-KW

I have dachshunds and they are awesome. Both of mine are purebreds but have almost opposite personalities, so definitely pay attention to the temperament of any dogs you meet, regardless of their breed.

Dachshunds are happy in small apartments but like any dog can turn into a terror with inconsistent or lack of training. I think that because small dogs are adorable and easily to physically restrain, it is tempting for owners to put in a half-hearted effort at training. Thus the dogs don't learn to be quiet or stay or perform other extremely basic commands and instead are obnoxious yappy little twerps. Just saying, little dogs can be great but they have to be trained too.

I love French Bulldogs and they're definitely on my short list. #1 used to be pugs, but it seems like they have a ridiculous amount of health problems...that and everyone in this city seems to have one. I love Corgis, too, but I'm afraid they are very hyper (though I don't know). My husband really loves Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and beagles.

I went to the Greyhounds Only site to read about them after a lot of positive comments. I'm not a big dog person, but I would really like to interact with a Greyhound in person to see what their temperament is like.

I'm not a designer dog person and would be happy going to the Anti-Cruelty Society to find someone sweet. Once my husband and I finally buy a home and settle in, that will be our number one priority!

We are on our third male mini-schnauzer in 20 years - Elvis, Kipper and now Mr. Wiggles. I absolutely love this breed. Awesome watchdog, snuggly sweet, very smart, NO SHEDDING, toughies but small (15-20 lbs), and they try like hell to talk - vocal dogs. The $60 haircut every 6-8 weeks is a chunk but he is such a handsome fellow.

We love our 2 greyhounds. They are the sweetest dogs, and despite their larger size are not intrusive in our small space. Depending on where they have been fostered, they normally come from the rescue well trained and ready to be included in a new life. We actually had to teach them that it was okay to get on the couch with us or the bed, otherwise they would have been perfectly happy to rest in the corner on their bed.

Another big plus for apt dwellers is greyhounds RARELY bark. The only time either of ours will bark is if they are trying to protect us. It was probably over a year before we even heard our first one bark when another dog was getting a little close for her comfort. It was one of those "wow" moments. "I didn't know she could even do that!!" They are also very easily trained and as loyal as can be.

I've got a 9 month old Pug puppy and he is the perfect apartment dog! Out of all the breeds I've had and fostered, he has been the easiest to train by far. He's also quiet (the breed doesn't bark too much but they let you know when someone is coming in) and doesn't chew things. He just has a few beds and comes up on the couch with me when I'm on my laptop or watching TV. Seriously, they are so wonderful.

Greyhounds are great dogs too but they can be a bit fragile. I know a lady who resuces them and she has a lot of problems getting them onto a good diet.

Also another note about greyhounds, while I used to thing that i would never get a dog if I didn't have a yard or someplace for them to run around on their own, I would have to think about that again. We have a yard currently but the only time our grey's ever go outside is to take care of business or for our occasional walk...they like the A/C and their bed...

I would love to have a greyhound but I'm allergic to dogs. I love going to the festivals they have around the city and petting the ones from Greyhounds Only - especially cute are the ones that wear the little coat with pockets for money.

First off...Bunny is SO cute! We have a Pembroke/Cardigan Corgi mix. While he requires exercise with the herding in him, he's been a great indoor dog. I consider him small, but he has the thick stature that makes him easily to play and rough house with without feeling like he's going to break in half. Gets along great with other dogs and people. He likes attention and to play but when it's time to sleep he's out for the whole night!

I have a puggle and yes I bought him. He is the best thing that ever happened to me and I will NEVER regret I didn't do a shelter or adopt. I am though in the midst of talking to a rescue pug shelter looking at adopting a previously owned pug.

I can't help myself...After reading all the posts, I have to also say that PUGS ROCK! I have three of them. The first was an impulse buy from a pet store (which ended up having a lot of health issues) but my husband and I adopted the other two from a pug rescue. Adoption is totally the way to go, especially for apartment living, because you don't have to train an adult dog that has most likely already grown out of the crazy puppy stage. I just adore my pug trio, and I think they are great companions, wonderful with kids, and they bring a smile to my face every time I look at them.

I will say this...my sister has rescued 2 mixed wirey terriers from the shelter and i don't think I've ever been around a sweeter dog. both of them have never barked, easily trainedd for crate and potty. i hear a lot that italian greyhounds are perfect for apartments or small spaces. never been around one though.

I think that the temperament of the dog one chooses should be tied to a realistic assessment of lifestyle. We have two medium sized dogs of a very high energy breed that is generally (and realistically) not recommended for city dwellers, yet our dogs are just fine. The difference is that we are very active and the dogs are very much included on most excursions. Between regular exercise and the fact that they keep each other company, they seem to be very happy and non-neurotic.

That said, I think that rescues Greys make fantastic pets!

My great dane is shockingly the best apartment dog I've ever had! She sleeps all the time and goes on 2 20-minute walks a day.

It seems that posting YOU NEED TO ADOPT A RESCUE DOG doesn't help people who are looking for a compatible apartment dog.

I would love to adopt a golden retriver from a rescue, but I also know that a golden would not be happy in 400 sq feet with me working all day. (My parent's vet jokes that thieir golden requires 50 acres and a flock of sheep to chase all day) It is not fair to the dog, rescue or not. It also seems if you look around on rescue websites, dogs often end up being surrended to shelters and rescue organizations because the owners picked a dog (purebred or not) that was not compatible to their lifestyle.

JuliaL - have you ever seen the Ugly Dachshund (1966)? It is the funniest movie about Great Danes and Daschunds!

And I second..err.. would like to reiterate rescuing a dog. I'm not pure bred, why does my dog need to be?

You should definitely find a mutt (or purebred) from a rescue dependent on your needs! My dog, Lucy, is part German Shepherd, part Rat Terrier, both fairly hyper breeds, but she is the calmest, sweetest dog ever. I got her at 12 weeks and all she did was sleep, sleep, sleep. She is 1 1/2 now and more active, but not crazy! She was a great apartment dog, and now she is a great house dog.

mally313,
Greyhound rescue orgs cat test "greyts", many are cat friendly!
GoldenStateGreyhound rescue says that they need to be crated when you're gone, which dogs generally like, as some have separation anxiety; they also confirm that they're actually couch potatoes, but do need regular walks, like any dog. Also, greyts can't be off leash, except for in enclosed dog parks.
They seem like a very supportive and communal organization.
(i'm hoping to foster one soon and really look forward to adopting one or two some day).

Otherwise, i have to join the mutts, mutts, mutts! chorus, partly because i worked at an SPCA for a few years.
And bull terriers, the ones raised normally of course, are the sweetest, big mushes is right.

Dachsunds are great for apartments. They are smart so they are easy to train, they are happy spending time by themselves and don't need a lot of room. Short hair daschsunds don't smell or shed. They also get along with cats and other animals and if socialized with children are great with them. Not to mention they make great feet warmers in bed.

Unlike many small breeds they are not high strung since they were breed as hunting dogs and they usually don't have as many health issues as pugs or other smaller dogs.

I have a dachshund. My next dog will be a greyhound.

Two comments on dachshunds:

They really, really shouldn't go up & down stairs any more than necessary. we have a 2-story house, but our dog usually just goes up & down the stairs once a day. If you're going to do much more, I guess my advice would be to plan to carry your dog in the stairwells. It's so bad for their spines.

Second, and I'm surprised to say this, but our dog is much, much happier in our new house than she was in the previous apartment. The apartment didn't have any windows at her height; maybe that was the problem. Or maybe it was the cold Minnesota winter where she was confined to 900sf for months on end. But for whatever reason, this 10-year-old dog bounds about like a puppy in the new house. That sight alone makes the mortgage payments worthwhile. :)

I also have a mini schnauzer in my apartment. She can be pretty high strung if she gets upset by something, but when it's just me and my husband (the majority of the time) she mostly sleeps and follows us around.

I grew up with rescued greyhounds and they are lovely (and don't need much space). When I had an apartment that was even too small for a greyhound, I did research on other breeds. I settled on a rescued boston terrier, because they have a surprising amount in common with greyhounds--short hair, lazy, not loud, don't need a ton of exercise, etc. I'm thrilled with my boston. However, it is important to choose the right specific dog. I do know nutty bostons as well as lazy ones (partly owner induced, I'm sure).

we sure do have a lot of dog lovers on AT!

Whippets are really sweet and love to sit next to you all night.

i say, go to shelters around you and adopt a little dog that you fall in love with.

another note on temperament--the way the dog behaves in a shelter may not be the way it behaves at home. Especially true if the dog is sick with something like kennel cough.

Between the two of us, my daughter and I have rescued five dogs -- two chihuahuas, a pug, a spaniel/beagle mix, and a lab mix. All of them -- including the 65-lb lab, who thinks she's the size of the chihuahuas -- are great in small spaces. Although I own my home, I prefer smaller dogs and, like many other ATers, only feel comfortable with rescue dogs. My daughter rents, but her landlord is quite comfortable with the pug and lab mix.

I'd love to adopt a rescued greyhound the next time I get a dog!

My experience in LA has been a disaster trying to get a dog from a rescue org. They won't consider you unless you live in their concept of an ideal home. Many charge as much for their rescued treasures as breeders for pups.

Tried the greyhound/whippet route. Because I live in an apartment, alone, and my apartment is on the 2nd floor I got a flat "No way". Multiple rescues stated that all sight hounds will chase anything that moves and will absolutely jump off the balcony. I'd only be considered if I put a 9' fence inside the railing! (Not gonna happen.) Also told greyhounds can NEVER EVER in their lives be off leash; they can jump 8 ' fences and won't stop until they drop dead or get hit by a truck. End of greyhound fantasy.

Very calm dogs. VERY clean. Take up less room than some cats. Fur like silk. Great 'leaners'. Ah well. The search continues.

My recommendation - go to a good animal shelter and shop around. Good shelters will let you have a "trial period" with your new pet, which means that if things honestly don't work out, you can try again. A good shelter's goal is to match the right person with the right pet - they don't want a dog to come back to them in six months because you're completely at the end of your rope.

I work with animal shelters, and I see so many dogs abandoned because of needing to move, and landlords who just won't allow dogs. Where I live, a good 80% of apartments don't allow dogs. So I recommend holding off on the dog until you can own your own space, instead of rent. Unless, of course, you happen to live in an urban area that's more accepting of dogs in apartments.

Small dogs are often noisy, big dogs have a lot of energy to burn. I recommend finding something right in the middle. Some of the best dogs I've known have been complete mutts.

My Sheltie, love her as I do, is FAR too noisy for apartment living. Twelve years of attempting to train her and she still barks at absolutely everything.

I'm with Kimg924 . . . get a cat. You don't have to walk them; you don't need a pet sitter while you're at the office; you can leave the cat alone for a weekend; cats will sleep on your bed or your body, if you let them; cats are generally quieter than dogs and take less room than a lot of dog breeds do. But, if your heart is set on a dog . . . the animal shelter is the best choice. There are lots of unwanted dogs that need your love, care and attention.

Ldevere...given your experience, I'd suggest you try a whippet breeder, not rescue. Whippets are the perfect apartment dog. It's true that they have no car sense so off-lead adventures can be limited in opportunity but they're not impossible.

We got our first whippet while living in a condo in a downtown area. You really have to be diligent about walking them when you're in an apartment; otherwise, they'll be "self-exercising" inside.

Rat terriers are cool, they're like Jack Russles but less...crazy/energetic? Mines a rat terrier mix, or so the shelter said, and he is a couch potato. But if you're looking into the greyhounds I think you're on the right track. My sisters best friends works for a greyhound rescue and they are supposed to be great dogs. Good luck!

I have a Shih-Tzu - (Lotus Blossom, or Princess PooFace to her friends). They're lovely, even tempered, not yapper-type dogs. It's like having a cat but more interesting and she loves me back! She's very content in the apartment and only needs short walks, but sturdy enough for nice long walks too. Also Shih-Tzus don't shed, a big plus.
My daughter recently got a rescue LhasaPoo (Lola) and she is also working out very well in a studio apartment.

I have 2 rescue dogs, one is a German Shepard/Aussie mix and the other a Bluetick mix. We live in a house now. They are great dogs, have traveled a lot and fairly adaptable. I was hoping that someone could give me advice on how to ease them into city life if I get the opportunity to move. They bark at strange noises and I do not want to tick off the neighbors. Also, how to get them used to loud street noise and crowds. Does it just take time? Anyone had experience with this?

Basenjis! They're small-medium sized, BARKLESS dogs from Africa. They have very short fur and shed only a tiny bit if at all. Very intelligent and known for their cat-like independence. Ours is even litterbox trained--a must for a top floor apartment in a building whose elevator is broken 85% of the time!

Of course, no dog should be expected to spend ALL day in an apartment alone! Owning a dog REALLY is like having a kid so consider where you're going to board your dog while you're away at work. Also consider how close/far the nearest dogpark is, exercise and socializing ANY breed is key to having a happy & healthy relationship with your pet!

Too much responsibility/financial burden? GET A FISH!!

PS you can see our Basenji here:
http://flickr.com/photos/7540042@N07/sets/72157600037120107/

and info on the breed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basenji

You have to be really honest about your ability to take care of a dog.

I have read all the tips and found them helpful in guidance, but I know it's just a fantasy. I commute about an hour each way to work by public transportation. Having a dog means no errands or taking classes after work - have to come alllll the way home first and then go back out, it wouldn't work. I have had some neighbors whose dogs bark all the damn day. The owners are oblivious about how disturbing their little babies can be, not to even mention, what the poor little doggie is feeling. How would I have any way of knowing if my dog was that unhappy and causing misery in others? I'd be mortifyingly irresponsible to coop up a dog for that long, and to be causing grief in my building.

Then there's the whole matter of do you just need a doggie to cuddle or are you going to really take care of it? I live on the 3rd floor. Even on a great day, I come home, and I might just not want to turn around and go back out to walk a dog, much less take it on a tour of the neighborhood. I know I don't want to wake up in the wee winter morning hours and take an urgent dog out for its personal business. I do not see myself as picking up dog poop with nothing between me and it but a plastic shopping bag on my hand. I see enough dog doo on the sidewalks of my street to think... some people just don't want to fulfill their responsibilities, they just want something snuggly and cute with an adorable loving personality.

That said, if you love dogs, have dogs, have had dogs, need to get a dog, just do your neighborhood a favor and be a responsible dog-haver. Researching which breeds or temperaments are favorable for apartments is a good idea, but give yourself an honest assessment about the daily impact of ordinary dog needs on your own routines. This doesn't even address the expense of food and veterinary visits. I do have a cat, and just making side trips for food and displacing my groceries with cat litter is a constant consideration.

I just adopted a cocker spaniel about a week ago who's a rescue from a puppy mill. He's adorable and adjusting quickly.

I have had cockers before and knew about their personality traits (very loving and loyal but they get very emotionally attached and quickly). Robbie hooked on to me the same day I got him, and once we got home he acted as if he'd been here all his life.

My experience and advice is whatever breed you select, be sure you can meet the needs of that individual dog. Find out all you can about him or her as an individual beforehand. For example, the rescue woman told me he was used to being in his crate but he wasn't at all. I've spent this whole week teaching him to use the crate for feeding, etc., because he has serious separation anxiety issues (whining, scratching at the door and barking loudly when I leave) and I don't want to treat him chemically or negatively (i.e, punishment). I don't want to be "that" neighbor, nor do you.

The separation anxiety has been the biggest issue so far but otherwise he's a great dog, smart and learns quickly and I'm very focused on assertively training him consistently right now because I'm off work and have the time. When I return to work I know he'll be ok all day on his own in the crate. Once I get him adjusted and mold his behavior to be the way we all want our dogs to act (i.e., not jumping on people, not going toilet indoors, etc.), then I may get him a playmate.

Meanwhile we're having a good time playing at the park - a dog is a GREAT way to meet people - and he keeps me company.

My advice: make sure you know what you need to do to be happy with your dog so he/she will be happy, too.

Robbie pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/geofftucker/

I can't speak for myself, but I know someone who adopted a rescued greyhound and it DESTROYED her apartment. The dog chewed up her couch and a few other pieces of furniture. Plus it barks all the time, so now her neighbors all hate her.
But I guess this is really rare for a greyhound... maybe she just got a crazy one? And she leaves the dog at home by itself a lot.
Hmmm... maybe I shouldn't have mentioned this - I don't want to discourage anyone from adopting!! I've otherwise heard that greyhounds are wonderful pets.

I meant to add that it's not really the breed of dog, it's how well you can take care of it.

That sounds about the size of it boldcitygirl. Having an idea if the dog has the right temperament for an apartment is only one piece of the puzzle. The dog still needs to be trained, it still needs attention.

Getting a dog can be a wonderful thing if the owner has the right temperament for adjusting to the responsibility of doing what is needed to care for the dog. I see and hear a lot of behaviors that indicate some people just rush into it because dogs are cute. I want a dog for the same reasons, believe me, but for reasons described above, I opt to do the right thing for both me and my potential dog. For it to work, you need to be cute for them as well, i.e., responsible and caring. I don't want to say mean things about it, but there's no point in rescuing a dog if all you're going to do is get them out of the pound. Give them a nice life while you're at it, and know what goes into it (and be willing to do it) before you commit, y'know?

We have 2 pugs and a greyhound in our townhouse, which has a very small back yard. The pugs don't need more exercise than just running around the house (which they do like crazy for about 10 minutes every morning and evening) and the grey is fine with being walked around the neighborhood a few times a day. Maybe a long walk on the weekends for fun too.

I think both breeds are good for apartments, although I would hesitate to get a pug if you don't have lots of time to train it. Housebreaking is difficult for pugs, and I appreciate having a yard that I can let them into quickly. I can't imagine if i had to take them out of the apt, down the stairs and outside to use the bathroom that we would have been very successful at potty training. We had lots of accidents right by the door when we weren't looking!

The only other negative of either breed is the shedding. I can not overstate the shedding! Both breeds shed a lot, and
I have to sweep and vacuum all the time. Seriously, be prepared, especially in the warmer months.

Other than that, I adore both breeds. Pugs are so silly and funny and snorty and wiggly. My husband says he will never live without one again. And the greyhound is so calm and low maintenance and grateful for being rescued. I don't think you could go wrong with either breed....although having them both in a small space is quite an adventure!

A breeder story.

A friend had a FABULOUS Tibetan Terrier - smart, cuddly, funny, hypoallergenic. He went back to the same reputable breeder for his next Tibetan Terrier who is cute but insanely high strung and neurotic. The dog needs meds to be in a car, won't let guests play with him, pet him. UGH.

Get a rescue!

I have to agree with everyone who says you're better off selecting an individual dog and not a breed. I've had two rescues: one a Shetland Sheepdog/Beagle/something mix and the other a Border Collie/Red Heeler. Both would be considered unlikely apartment dogs, and both were great in my one bedroom. The Sheltie mix was an older dog and loved nothing more than curling up in her bed and sleeping. I rescued the Border Collie mix when he was six months old. I'd been hoping to get a smaller, older dog and swore I'd never get a Border Collie of any sort, but when I saw my dog, my heart just melted. He very calmly stepped out of his cage, did a few cute puppy spins, and then curled up in my lap and fell asleep. He's still the same way years later, which I never would have expected from his breed, but certainly knew to expect when I met him for the first time. He's destroyed one toilet paper roll and thrown up a couple of times over the years, and maybe once every six month he howls inside the apartment for thirty seconds or so. I take him for an hour-long walk in the morning and a shorter walk when I come home. We usually go for another at night and play games in the apartment in the meantime.

Seriously: rescue dogs. Even if the breed seems like an unlikely match for you, give the dog a chance. It's not that difficult to tell which dogs in the shelter would be right for you.