Breeding has transformed the wolf into hundreds of distinct breeds. We help you understand the characteristics of breeds to best select an apartment dog.
A dog is a dog is definitely not a dog. Breeding has transformed the wolf into hundreds of different breeds of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Dogs were traditionally bred for their physical abilities and temperament, but that varies widely between dogs. In this article we will discuss the characteristics of dog breeds that make the best apartment dogs.
Remember, a dog’s behavior and ability go hand in hand with their individual training and socialization. Just because a Shih Tzu is small doesn’t mean it will necessarily make the best apartment dog. Remember that any dog requires a significant amount of training and socialization to be a well-tempered and happy dog.
Drive
All dogs are energetic. Aside from a few of the notoriously lazy breeds, most dogs enjoy long days of running and play. Energy in a dog is different from drive.
High drive dogs are unrelenting in their pursuit. This may be game retreival, livestock herding or pest management. These traits are selected for because their motivation makes them highly valuable as workers.
Examples of high-drive dogs:
- Border Collie
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Germain Shorthaired Pointer
These breeds have an impressive level of focus and attention. However, this level of drive does not translate well to the small apartment settings. High drive breeds will need a significant amount of training, stimulation and exercise to be content apartment dogs.
High drive breeds who are not properly trained or not given an adequate outlet for their motivation will often fulfill that need on their own. Herding dogs may turn their attention to fast moving children or pets. Terriers may find chewing on a loose corner of carpet a suitable replacement for a catching rodents. It is safe to say that a high drive dog without proper training can wreak havoc on an apartment.
However, this does not mean that high-drive dogs cannot become happy apartment dogs. For these breeds to feel fulfilled, they need a higher than average level of exercise and mental stimulation. This level of training will not suit all dog owners. Exercise caution before you choose a high drive breed, no matter how adorable they might be.
Size
It is not surprising that a Yorkshire Terrier will make a better apartment dog than a Newfoundland. There is simply more room for a smaller dog to move around a small apartment than a large dog. But, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. In fact some small breeds like Jack Russell Terriers can be very difficult as apartment dogs. Some large breeds like Greyhounds seem to do well with a simple small space to doze away their afternoons. So choosing the best apartment dog based on size is merely a starting point. To select the right breed you need to dive deeper into their particular tendencies and temperament.
Large Breeds That Make Good Apartment Dogs:
- Great Dane
- Greyhound
Coat
Dogs shed a lot. Dogs will shed all over a designer couch or carpet, especially during the shedding season. If shedding is a concern, you may want to reconsider getting a dog in the first place.
Dog coats come are usually a part of what they are bred to do. Water breeds like Newfoundlands and Golden Retrievers have oily double coats with long outer guard hairs covering a downy undercoat. These thick double layer coats are meant to insulate a dog that spends long hours in water. Similarly, dogs bred to withstand arctic cold like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have an equally thick coat.
Consider your future dog’s coat wisely if you plan to move them into your apartment. Dogs that shed a lot will certainly add to the daily chores. But, consider the climate in the house. Is your house cool during the day? Does it get cold in the winter? Does it get a lot of sunlight and warm up on summer days? What may feel comfortable to you may be way too hot or cold for the pup. A Siberian Husky will not do well in an apartment in Tucson, AZ.
Trainability
Your dog will need some level of trainability to succeed as an apartment dog. They will need to come with you and go potty in a reasonable amount of time, or respond to your command to lay down or quit playing. Some dogs are simply more trainable than other dogs. What we consider “trainability” has less to do with their intelligence than their willingness to work with you. Some breeds are notoriously independent and unwilling to follow your rules.
Difficulty in training isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Some dogs are actually bred to be independently minded and their stubbornness is seen as an asset in specific situations. Scent hounds, for example, are valued for their ability to put the “blinders” on and follow their nose to kingdom come. However, they are notoriously difficult to train in terms of obedience or tricks. Do your research, or visit with owners of breeds you are interested in to get a feel for their willingness to work with you in your smaller apartment.
What we consider “trainability” has less to do with their intelligence than their willingness to work with you.
Breed selection for the apartment dweller is so complex that we could easily write a book about it. If you have specific questions about dog breeds take a look at our Deep Dive posts. Make sure you consider dog breed characteristics carefully when choosing your apartment dog.