Choosing the right dog to live with can be a rewarding but tricky decision. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back companion who loves to relax by your side or a playful pup who’ll keep you on your toes, the breed you choose can make all the difference in creating a peaceful, harmonious living space. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect roommate—one who will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, and another set who might just leave your calm life a bit upside down.
1. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is like that easy-going roommate who’s always up for a movie night but never causes a mess. With their small size and charming personality, they’re ideally suited for apartment living. Frenchies don’t need excessive exercise, and their calm demeanor means they won’t be racing around or knocking things over. While they love attention, they don’t demand it 24/7, making them great for anyone who works long hours. Just make sure they don’t get too hot in warmer months—air conditioning is their best friend.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful companion with a naturally affectionate nature. They’re small, friendly, and relatively quiet, which makes them perfect for close quarters like apartments. This breed is happy to lounge with you on the couch but is also content with a few daily walks. They adapt easily to different living situations and are good with strangers, making them ideal roommates for most people. The only downside? They love attention, and when they want it, you’ll know!
3. Shih Tzu
With their silky coat and charming face, Shih Tzus are like living teddy bears, especially for apartment dwellers. They’re small in size and mellow in temperament, making them an excellent choice for those who want a dog without the hustle of constant playtime. They enjoy lounging, but a few short walks will keep them content. Shih Tzus don’t require tons of space to thrive and are generally easy to train. If you’re looking for a quiet, easy-to-care-for companion, this breed could be your perfect roommate.
4. Greyhound
Known for their speed, Greyhounds may surprise you with their relaxed nature at home. Despite being former racing dogs, they’re surprisingly couch-potato-like when indoors. A few short walks a day is all they need to stay fit. Their calm demeanor makes them an ideal roommate for smaller spaces, as they don’t need constant stimulation. However, Greyhounds are very sensitive to cold, so be prepared to keep them warm and cozy, especially during winter. They’re laid-back, gentle, and easy to live with.
5. Pug
Pugs have a way of winning hearts with their playful, charming personalities. They’re low-energy, making them perfect for apartment life, as they’re just as content to nap on the couch as they are to play around for a few minutes. Their small size and gentle nature mean they won’t make a ruckus or take up too much space. Though they do tend to snore and can be a bit gassy, their adorable face and sweet temperament make them perfect for those who enjoy the company of a relaxed but entertaining pet.
6. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are the kind of roommate who loves to take life at their own pace. Known for their incredible sense of smell and laid-back attitude, Basset Hounds don’t demand much in terms of exercise or attention. They’ll be content lounging around, sniffing around for food, or quietly following you from room to room. While they do tend to get a bit drooly and can be stubborn, their calm and relaxed nature means they’re a good fit for a quiet apartment lifestyle.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas might be small, but they have large personalities. They’re the kind of roommate who keeps you on your toes, with a lot of energy packed into a tiny body. While they don’t need much space, they do require plenty of attention and stimulation to keep them content. Chihuahuas can be noisy, often barking at any sound they hear, and they can become possessive of their space. However, for someone who enjoys a lively, affectionate, and fiercely loyal companion, they can be an excellent fit.
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds are charming little dogs with a big personality. Though small, they have a strong-willed nature and can be a bit stubborn, but they’re usually very affectionate and enjoy being around their owners. Their small size makes them great for apartment living, but they can be a bit noisy, especially if they get bored. While they enjoy a good walk, they’re also content to relax with their people. Their loyalty and unique personalities make them endearing, but they might need a bit more patience with training.
9. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a bundle of energy and intelligence, and this can make them less than ideal for apartment life. This breed thrives on activity and mental stimulation, meaning they’re not suited for small living spaces where they can’t work off their energy. They need a lot of physical and mental exercise, or they can become frustrated, leading to destructive behaviors. They’re an excellent fit for an active family or farm but not the best choice for a quiet, sedentary environment.
10. Siberian Husky
Known for their strength and energy, Siberian Huskies are not the best roommates for apartment dwellers. They’re highly active and need plenty of room to run, as well as mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Huskies are also notorious escape artists, and their independent nature means they can be challenging to train. They tend to be loud with their howling, which might not be the most peaceful for a quiet living space. Their temperament and needs require a lot of attention and patience.
11. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent breed that requires constant activity to stay happy. While they make excellent working dogs, their high energy levels mean they’re better suited for homes with lots of space and room to roam. They can easily become bored and may develop behavioral issues like chewing or excessive barking in a confined apartment. They’re affectionate and trainable but need more stimulation than a typical apartment can provide.
12. Beagle
Beagles are adorable and friendly but not ideal for small apartments. They have a strong prey drive and love to follow scents, which can lead to endless exploration and potential trouble around the house. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, which can be challenging to provide in an apartment. Beagles are also known to be vocal, and their baying can be disruptive. While they are friendly and great with families, their energetic and curious nature needs more room to roam.
13. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy, intelligence, and curiosity. They’re small but mighty, and their constant need for physical activity can be overwhelming in an apartment setting. They can be very vocal and prone to barking if they’re bored. They require a lot of attention, training, and exercise to keep their behavior in check. While they’re incredibly loyal and fun-loving, their high energy and need for stimulation make them a challenge to live with in smaller spaces.
14. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their independent, sometimes aloof personalities. While they are loyal and protective, they’re not particularly social with strangers or other animals, which can make them difficult to live with in close quarters. They require consistent training and can be stubborn, so living in an apartment with limited space and little room to roam can lead to frustration. They’re calm indoors but need proper management to ensure they don’t become territorial or overly dominant in a confined space.
15. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are another breed that’s better suited for homes with yards or more space. They’re independent, strong-willed, and can be quite vocal, making them challenging to live with in an apartment. Their strong prey drive means they’ll chase after anything that moves, and their stubborn nature can make training a bit difficult. Shiba Inus are incredibly clean dogs but require a lot of patience and consistent training, especially in a small living space where their independence may lead to destructive behavior.
16. Basenji
The Basenji is known as the “barkless dog” because of its unique vocalizations, but that doesn’t mean they’re quiet in other ways. They’re independent, intelligent, and have a strong prey drive, often causing them to be more active and adventurous than apartment living would allow. While they don’t bark, they can be quite noisy with their howling or yodeling. Basenjis are also notorious for their love of escaping and need lots of stimulation. Their independent nature means they require consistent training to fit into an apartment environment.
Love Pets as Much as We Do?
Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!