15 Dog Breeds Surprisingly Suited for Apartment Living
A guide from Quartz debunks the assumption that only small dogs fit apartments, highlighting 15 breeds that thrive in small spaces based on energy level, noise tendency, and independence. Large breeds like Great Danes and Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy indoors, while small breeds like French Bulldogs and Bichon Frises require minimal exercise but need climate control and grooming. The list includes French Bulldog, Greyhound, Basset Hound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pug, Italian Greyhound, Great Dane, Havanese, English Bulldog, Maltese, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Basenji. Each entry details size, exercise needs, grooming, health issues, and temperament. Key considerations include brachycephalic breeds' heat sensitivity (French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog), separation anxiety in companion breeds (Cavalier, Bichon, Havanese), and health costs (Great Dane's short lifespan, Cavalier's heart disease). The article emphasizes that size is less important than behavior, and renters should prioritize quietness, low destructiveness, and adaptability.
Key facts
- Greyhounds sleep 12+ hours daily despite being sprinters.
- Great Danes need only moderate exercise despite their size.
- French Bulldogs are brachycephalic and require climate control.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have high rates of mitral valve disease.
- Bichon Frises shed minimally but need frequent grooming.
- Basenjis are barkless but yodel and are strong-willed.
- Italian Greyhounds are prone to leg fractures.
- English Bulldogs commonly require cesarean delivery.
- Maltese dogs weigh 4-7 pounds and need daily brushing.
- Chinese Shar-Peis have wrinkles requiring regular cleaning.
- Pugs overheat easily due to extreme brachycephaly.
- Havanese are Velcro dogs prone to separation anxiety.
- Boston Terriers are relatively quiet and low-shedding.
- Basset Hounds bay loudly and need ear cleaning.
- Shih Tzus have large eyes prone to irritation.
Entities
Institutions
- Quartz
Locations
- United States
- China
- Cuba
- France
- Central Africa
- Massachusetts
Sources
- Quartz —