Can You Get A Dog If You Live In A Small Apartment?

There is no reason you cannot have a dog if you live in an apartment. But rather than bringing a dog home on an impulse, take the time to speak to a friendly welfare officer, a vet or a trainer to understand how to bring home a doggie that suits your space and your lifestyle.

More than just size: Small breeds don’t necessarily suit apartment living. For example, despite their small size, Chihuahuas are not great for apartments because they tend to be ardent barkers which close neighbours may not appreciate. On the other hand, senior Greyhounds who have retired from the track love a low key lifestyle.

Energy levels and requirements: The characteristics and temperament of various breeds have been well documented. Read up and ask plenty of questions before you choose. For example, Beagles are known to require a lot of mental and physical stimulation and are high energy. So if you cannot keep up, opt for a breed that is happy to snuggle with you and can make do with a smaller space.

Adult or Senior Pets:  People often forget that bringing home a dog does not necessarily mean bringing home a pup. There are plenty of lovely, friendly adult doggies looking for homes and will shower you with as much love as a pup would. Visit your local shelter and explain your lifestyle, they will have loving doggies that you can take home. Adult dogs are generally lower maintenance than pups because they come to you potty trained. Your local shelter will be able to give you the right doggie for your lifestyle.