As a Veterinary Technician, one of the most often asked questions I get is how to choose the right dog. Without knowing your living situation, this is a hard question to answer. Today, I am going to give you a list of dogs that I feel are best for apartment living. The most important thing to think about when getting a new dog is how much time you will have to spend with it. Next is where to purchase it? I always suggest adopting from a shelter or breeder. Never buy a dog from a pet store because, they get their puppies from Puppy mills. You need to research the breeds that have the best temperament for your needs. If you have children, it’s important to get a dog that will be good around them. After that, you need to consider health issues for certain breeds, and the cost of Vet care. I would urge you to look into mix breeds as well. Just because it’s not a pure breed does not mean they will not make a good dog. The following dogs are my picks that do well in an apartment setting.
Japanese Chin 
These dogs are ideal for apartment living. Japanese Chins are gentle, friendly, and obedient. They have no odor, rarely bark and love to be held. Full grown Chins weigh 7 pounds.
Shih Tzu 
This beautiful dog is quiet, easy going, very trusting, great with kids and needs minimal exercise. They weigh 16 pounds fully grown. Require weekly brushing.
Pekingese 
Their small size makes them a good choose for apartment life. They do not require a yard and need minimal exercise. Pekingese are intelligent, good natured and opinionated. May not be the best dog around small children. They also need weekly brushing.
Chihuahua 
These little guys are perfect for living in small quarters. Chihuahua’s are protective, confident, brave, curious, playful and not good for small children. They only weigh 4 pounds fully grown.
Yorkshire Terrier 
These darlings don’t require a lot of exercise. They are intelligent, assertive, make good watch dogs, travel well, and have a big personality in a small package. A full grown Yorki weighs 7 pounds.
Boston Terrier 
Known as the American gentleman, these dogs make incomparable companions. They can be mischievous, affectionate, good with other dogs, and great with kids. They only need moderate exercise and require minimal grooming. Only get 24 pounds fully grown.
Pug 
Pugs are big eaters and are said to be a lot of dog in a small space. They adapt easily, are great family dogs, even tempered, and outgoing, with a loving disposition. They do shed but require little grooming and posses a great charm.
Miniature Schnauzer 
Always willing to please, these dogs do love to bark and be a watch dog. They are fearless, alert, intelligent, strong and quick to learn. They are obedient and easy to maintain. At fully grown they get to be 18 pounds.
