Which dog breeds are best suited for apartment living?

I have a 41.5 lb 1/2 Pit mix(unfortunately don't know what else is in her) and live in an apartment and she does great. I do walk her plenty though. She's very quiet, only time she's ever barked was around the 4th of July from fireworks. And even then it was one single bark and that's it, nothing sustained. There's another dog down the hall that barks whenever I walk by to take mine out but even when other bark at Cleo, she just doesn't care and doesn't make a sound. In ever possible way she's the most gentle and well behaved dog one would want. I couldn't ask for a better one.

Some bigger dogs can actually do well in apartments as long as they get outside, but be sure to check your building for breed restrictions.

Of the ones you listed, Rotties and GSD's tend to be restricted in most buildings. Golden's and Labs are manageable as long as they get plenty of exercise. http://doghub4.me/calm-dog-breeds/ (DogHub has a list) of calmer breeds for apartments that you should check out.

Any dog will do fine in an apartment, and I agree with everyone else! As long as you can let them release that energy on a daily basis and taking them out for play dates, etc. They'll be happy. :)

I have a beagle and live in a 750 sq foot apartment. He definitely needs exercise outside regularly, but he seems happy in the apartment. We've sat for a bunch of larger dogs and I agree with what other said, large low-energy dogs, like Great Danes are perfect apartment pets. Actually, as puppies, it's recommended that Danes not be too active because they are vulnerable to skeletal/joint issues, so a small space is preferred.

However, I think any dog can be an apartment dog, some just require more time outside of the apartment than others.

Shitzu, hotdog, corgi, beagle, basset hound, etc.

I would check out the rules at various apartments/condos. Most have a size limit--such as under 25 pounds. You will want to get a dog that meets the usual size requirements because if you ever have to move, you will be able to find another place that will accept the dog.

Hi Kathryn, Of the breeds you listed: dachshund, rottweiler, poodle, boxer, yorkshire terrier, bulldog, beagle, golden retriever, german shepherd, labrador retriever, there are several that won't be allowed by the majority of the apartment/condo companies due to limits on dogs over 75 lbs. Keep searching tho, and you'll find some that are large-dog friendly.

Other factors to consider are costs associated with different breeds and sizes of dogs. Larger breeds have higher food and medical costs. Breeds requiring grooming mean you'll be paying out $ every 6-8 weeks.

However, before deciding on a breed, I highly recommend you research "temperament", "activity level", "barking" and "house training" and match these characteristics with your own needs. Be honest! If you're a couch potato yourself, don't get a yellow lab because you think it'll be good motivation to make you exercise 1-2 hours every day.

Great resources: Barking: http://www.barkingdogs.net/excessivebarking.shtml (http://www.barkingdogs.net/excessiveb...) Temperament: American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page1/ (http://atts.org/breed-statistics/stat...) Honest advice about dogs: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/ (http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogb...)

Hope you find your perfect pup!

Small dogs, Yorkie, Dachshund, small poodle...

I worked in a pet store and we would not sell bigger dogs to people who lived in apartments. Simply because bigger dogs need more room, need more space to run around, roll around on the carpet, not be in between your legs constantly if you are walking. Dachshunds are good because they can run on the smaller size. Poodles are okay because you can get a teapot poodle which also can run smaller but be about 30-40 pounds. Terriers are VERY energetic dogs. This might not be good if you don't have a lot of space for the pup to run around. Bulldogs are great because they are lazy dogs, so they won't be hyper and need a lot of space. Beagles are good but they are hunting dogs so you may need to walk them more.

Another important factor in my opinion is barking and how the dog reacts to noises outside the door. In an apartment building that has an elevator, the dog could react by barking every time the elevator door opens and closes. Also, if there are people walking in the hallway, the might bark at them, disturbing neighbors all the time. My dog barks whenever anyone climbs the front stairs or sits on them, plus I have people pacing in front of the house at night talking on their cellphones. I must have a hotspot out front, as restaurant patrons like to have their phone conversations there, instead of around the corner where they won't disturb anyone. But I digress... The dog's propensity to guard and bark should be taken into consideration since it could be a big disturbance to your neighbors. If it is a condo building and you are renting, the home owners association would have rules about pets.