When you live in Chicago, you may think that owning a dog is impossible until you live in a house. However, as long as you live in an apartment that allows dogs, and you will be home often enough or can pay a dog walker, there are many dog breeds that are perfect for apartments! While you will want to wait until you are not in a studio apartment, follow this guide to help you determine what kind of dog is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Size
Naturally, smaller breeds are going to be better for apartments. Traditionally, you will want to ensure that whatever dog breed you choose is no more than 25 pounds when full-grown. Though there are exceptions, such as a bulldog because of their lazier lifestyle, it is a good general rule. Terriers, such as Yorkshires, Toy Fox, or Boston, are great choices for small apartments. Other particularly small dogs include Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Pomeranians.
Noise and Training
One thing you will want to take into consideration when living in an apartment is how noisy the breed tends to be. Dogs that bark a lot will need to be trained early, so if you are getting a dog for the first time, consider a breed that barks less. This includes the Basenji, pugs, and a Schipperke. Additionally, dogs that bark a lot are not ideal when you are looking to stay in the good graces of your neighbors!
Exercise
In general, if you are going to be gone for long periods of time, and you don’t have a roommate or partner to help with your dog, you should wait to get a dog. However, if you will be home, or have someone to help, a dog is a great companion! Dog breeds that are satisfied with a daily walk and some playtime at night include bulldogs, a Japanese Chin, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Keep in mind that this is a general guide to certain dog breeds; there are definitely exceptions to every breed. However, when you are looking to get a dog for your apartment, size and activity/bark level will be important!
Courtesy of: Dog Time
