If you’re looking for a dog to join you in your apartment, know that you aren’t only limited to small breeds. While size can be a factor when you’re choosing the right breed for your apartment, what really matters is the dog’s energy levels and trainability.
There are plenty of medium-sized dogs that can do well in apartments. It’s important to pay attention to each individual breed’s traits to make sure that they not only fit within your building’s rules but also with your lifestyle.
Here is a list of the best medium-sized dog breeds that will be able to live comfortably with you in an apartment.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are short, stocky dogs, measuring 14 to 15 inches tall. They weigh in at around 40 to 50 pounds, and though they were originally bred for the violent sport of bullbaiting, you’ll find bulldogs to be loving and docile animals.
Bulldogs have fairly low exercise needs and are generally low energy. You’ll have to be mindful that you make sure to walk him once or twice a day, both to allow him to relieve himself and also to keep him from becoming obese, which this breed is prone to.
They also tend to do better in temperate, moderate climates as they can easily overheat. Make sure that your apartment has functional AC and heating before you bring in one of these loyal, affectionate companions.
Basset Hound
These iconic dogs have long bodies, short legs, and long, floppy ears. They stand up to 15 inches and weigh between 40 to 65 pounds.
Basset Hounds are friendly, low maintenance dogs, making them great for apartments. They have a very low need for exercise, and will only need a walk or two per day. The rest of the time you’re more likely to find them lounging on the bed or your couch rather than racing around your apartment.
These dogs do tend to be stubborn, so you’ll have to be very patient and consistent when it comes to training.
Basenji
Originating from Africa, the Basenji will measure 16 to 17 inches tall and weigh around 22 to 24 pounds. These are quiet dogs who have also been called the “barkless dog” because of the yodeling sound they make rather than barking.
Because Basenjis are pretty quiet dogs, they are well-suited for apartments. They are also very active, so if you enjoy going for jogs, hikes, or want to sign him up for a dog sport, the Basenji will match your pace without a problem.
You’ll need to make sure you can fit this kind of exercise into your daily schedule to keep your Basenji from getting bored and showing destructive behavior.
Keeshond
Weighing between 35 to 45 pounds and measuring 17 to 18 inches tall, the Keeshond is a friendly, fluffy breed originated from Holland.
Keeshonds are incredibly adaptable dogs and will do just as well roaming around a farm as they will in an apartment. The Kees needs a regular amount of exercise, so a walk or jog a couple of times a day will be required.
When bringing a Keeshond into your home, know that you’ll need to remember to brush their thick coats weekly. Once their shedding season hits, daily brushing will probably be necessary.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel measures at about 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh around 20 to 30 pounds. These are friendly, affectionate dogs with large, expressive eyes and flowing coats.
Cocker Spaniels are part of the sporting dog breed group but don’t require an excessive amount of exercise. Taking them for a walk or jog or two every day should satisfy their energy levels. Their high levels of intelligence make them extremely trainable, which is exactly what you want in a dog for your apartment.
Cocker Spaniels require a lot of professional grooming, so make sure you have enough room in your budget to bring him to the groomer.
Australian Shepherd
As the name implies, these dogs first came from Australia. They stand at 18 to 23 inches tall, and weigh somewhere between 40 to 65 pounds.
You’ll find that your Aussie is an active, intelligent dog. This breed is great if you want something medium-sized that can also keep up with you on your daily jogs. They also tend to be incredibly loyal and close to their owners.
If you’re thinking of getting an Aussie, understand that this is one of the most high energy breeds on this list. You’ll have to make sure that you have the time to exercise him so he doesn’t become destructive. Consider signing your Aussie up for dog sports like disc or flyball to help burn some of that energy.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows weight between 45 to 70 pounds, and measure 17 to 20 inches tall. These dogs come from ancient China, and despite their aloof nature make wonderful companions.
One of the best things about this breed is their cleanliness. It will be easy to housetrain your Chow Chow, which is great if you live in an apartment. They are also highly intelligent, which is both a blessing and a curse. His intelligence gives him a stubborn streak, but with consistency and patience, you’ll be able to train him to be a polite neighbor.
Chow Chows don’t do well in a lot of heat, so if you’re thinking of getting one you’ll need to make sure your air conditioning is fully functional.
Whippet
The Whippet is a skinny, lithe dog weighing 25 to 40 pounds and standing 18 to 22 inches tall. These dogs might look delicate, but they are a sturdy, resilient breed.
Although Whippets were bred for racing, they were built more for speed than for endurance. They are active dogs who will require a few walks or jogs a day, plus some indoor playtime. These are great dogs if you live in an apartment but want to stay active.
Whippets are very intelligent, which can lead to stubbornness. Don’t give in to his stubbornness and stay consistent to train these dogs.
Chinese Shar-Pei
This breed is recognizable for its hippo-like face and loose skin. Standing at 18 to 20 inches and weighing 45 to 60 pounds, these dogs make great companions in an apartment.
Chinese Shar Peis are very adaptable dogs who will be able to easily adjust to your preferred levels of physical activity. This means that whether you prefer jogging and participating in dog sports, or a couple of short walks per day before spending some time on the couch with a good book, the Chinese Shar-Pei will match your speed.
These dogs can be standoffish around strangers, so you’ll want to socialize him as early as possible in his life to avoid any problems with aggression around your neighbors.
Barbet
The Barbet is 19 to 24.5 inches tall and weighs 35 to 65 pounds. You’ll recognize these dogs by their thick, curly, wooly coats.
The Barbet is an athletic dog who loves swimming especially. If you happen to live near a beach, your Barbet will be an incredibly happy dog. Otherwise, their exercise needs can be satisfied by one or two walks or jogs a day, plus some indoor playtime.
One thing to keep in mind with this breed is that they don’t tend to do well alone for too long. If you work full time outside of the home and can’t spend most of the day with your Barbet, you might want to consider a different breed.
