Best Apartment Dwelling Dog Breeds

Living in an apartment has both advantages and disadvantages, but for many pet owners around the world, choosing the right pet for your apartment -- or vice versa -- is essential to maintaining a healthy and happy life for both of you. Just because you live in a small space in an overcrowded city, or are renting a renovated apartment in someone's basement or attic to save some extra cash, it doesn't mean that you need to leave Fido behind. In fact, some dogs thrive in apartments, seeing the space as a safe, comfortable, and happy place to call home.

When it comes to apartment-dwelling dogs, the Pug tops the list of the most suitable choices. A small, lovable bundle of fur with a pushed-in nose, chances are good that your pug will be happy anywhere you are. Since this breed rarely grows over 25 pounds and is much more of a couch potato than a long-distance runner, a pug is the perfect pet for a single person or a young couple living in a smaller apartment. Pugs typically prefer the company of people to that of other dogs, which means that as long as you pay them the attention they need when you're at home, they'll be perfectly content to watch TV and sleep the day away when you're not.

Terriers are also wonderful apartment pets, but the type of terrier you choose is largely dependent upon your personality and your lifestyle. The Yorkshire Terrier is the smallest of the bunch, typically weighing under 10 pounds and having a calm, affectionate demeanor. However, the trade-off is that you're likely to spend many Saturdays at the grooming salon, since your Yorkie isn't exactly low-maintenance about its appearance. The Scottish Terrier is a more spunky, tougher version of the Yorkie, and typically 15-20 pounds in weight. The Scottie is a faithful companion, devoted to its human companions, and needs regular exercise and play in order to keep from growing bored and destructive when you're out of the house. However, they need far less grooming than their Yorkshire counterpart.

The West Highland white terrier, also called a Westie, is another popular apartment companion. Energetic, affectionate, and typically devoted to one owner, the Westie is an ideal pet for a single city apartment dweller who likes an evening run after work, and doesn't mind a bundle of white fur tagging along. For those who enjoy the personality of the Westie, but need a more low-key canine companion, a Cocker Spaniel is a good choice. A loving 25-pound couch potato who needs minimal grooming, a Cocker Spaniel will also play well with the cat, should you have one in the apartment.

The Welsh Corgi, Schnauzer, and Schipperke are also great breeds to consider if you're a pet owner with a big heart, but short on space. At 25 pounds, the Corgi is the largest of this bunch, while the average Schipperke and Schnauzer weigh in at 15-18 pounds each. All are bright, energetic, inquisitive pets that want nothing more than to be an important part of the family -- and to be exercised on a daily basis. If you work late hours and look forward to PJ's and a glass of wine at the end of the day, you may need to consider a companion that's a little more mellow.

Two dogs that are part of the Greyhound family, the Whippet and the Italian Greyhound, are among the most loving and affectionate breeds, as having a family member to cuddle with is a far better treat than bacon for these pooches. Other good choices for small spaces are the often maligned, high-maintenance lap dogs, the Poodle and the Bischon Frise. While both are known for their grooming needs, the Poodle is a bit more of a diva than the happy-go-lucky Bischon Frise. Both breeds are excellent choices for apartment dwellers with allergies, since they shed less than average.

The Boxer is the largest of the apartment dogs, since they are most definitely not small, but their medium size and highly adaptable personality make them a natural choice for those who want a companion that doesn't need to be picked up and carried. Although they're not large enough to frighten those who see them in person, the Boxer's bark often gives an impression of a much larger breed, making them an excellent watchdog.

Depending on your schedule, style, and personality, living in a small space doesn't have to keep you from the joys of pet ownership; in fact, you're more likely to form a meaningful bond, since smaller dogs are typically more interested in their human friends than in the call of the outdoors. Take the time to look around, because, undoubtedly, there's one that's right for you.