Top 5 Toy Breeds for Apartment Living

Toy breeds can also make great companions for city slickers, with an unbeatable combination of cute looks, charm, and practicality when living in a small space.

Published Updated 16 September 2024 7 min read Categorized as Toy Breeds
Toy Breeds

A dog with a heart of gold who’s also a huge ham and so tiny, to boot she makes her home in an apartment.

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So in this article, we will discuss the 5 best toy breeds for apartment living.

Ideal Dogs For The Apartment Life

Small Size, Big Personality

Sometimes toy breeds are small in size but big in character. Even though they are small, these dogs love and are loyal to their owner and deserve all the attention they can get.

These traits combined with their ability to bond with their owners lovingly are perfect for an apartment lifestyle because you may have limited space, but the love of your dog will never be limited.

Low Exercise Requirements

Even if all dogs need a certain amount of exercise, toy dogs usually require less training than large breeds.

A few casual strolls or some indoor playtime can usually fulfill their exercise requirements, which is what makes this breed perfect for those of us who work long hours, travel, and do not live close to vast outdoor grounds.

Ease of Living in Tight Spaces

Not all small dogs are suitable for apartment living, but toy breeds often do pretty well in cozier digs.

They do not require large expanses of space to run in and can easily be satisfied with a bed of their own, some toys, and a comfortable place on the couch.

Most of the toy breeds are content to live in an apartment or indoor lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Toy Breed

Temperament

Toy breeds are not all the same and it is important to think about what type of personality fits best with your lifestyle.

While some breeds are more independent, others want nothing more than to be your constant shadow.

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Recognizing the nature of a particular breed is going to help you out in finding out whether it’s any kind of match.

Grooming Needs

Toy breeds range from super easy to minimal grooming phases. Some have longer coats that need regular brushing, while others are low-maintenance with shorter hair.

If you find time and effort to be unpleasant, then the groomer needs to consider this before picking a breed.

Noise Level

Some toy breeds, for instance, are more vocal than others. Maybe a barky breed isn’t the best choice if you live in an apartment with paper-thin walls Got a neighbor who calls the cops whenever your dog is barking?

Health and Longevity

Many toy breeds are still being bred for particularly small sizes and in many Toy breed dogs such as the Chihuahua, the so-called ‘Teacup‘ or very tiny version is often a very sick dog.

There are no guarantees, but many of these tiny live longer lives.

These little guys will be around to love you for years to come. So make sure to do your research on whatever health issues the particular breed you are interested in has.

Best Toy Breeds for Apartment Living

Chihuahua

Personality and Temperament

Despite being the tiny little dogs that they are, Chihuahuas have strong and bold personalities.

These dogs are known for being very loyal to their owners and can even make good lap dogs.

Even still, they are cautious around strangers which can make them solid protection dogs.

Exercise and Grooming Needs

Chihuahuas only need a little bit of exercise and short walks or indoor playtime is plenty to keep them happy.

Jacks with short coats are easy to groom, and they can be groomed for 10 minutes every day.

Ideal Apartment Environment

Chihuahuas also do well in an apartment setting, they are small dogs and adaptable.

They live best in smaller areas and like to stay close to their owner, be it on the sofa or a snug bed.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Personality and Temperament

Pomeranians are vigorous, intelligent, and gregarious. Shihtzus are alert, obedient, and affectionate pets that tend to be very loyal to their family. But they can be a little aloof, so get early socialization.

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Exercise and Grooming Needs

Pomeranians do not require a great deal of exercise, but they should have regular opportunities to go outside to stretch their short legs and romp.

They have very dense and woolly felt that requires constant grooming to maintain them in top form.

Ideal Apartment Environment

They are favored among apartment residents because of their small build and lively persona. With proper love and care, they do well even in smaller living quarters.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Personality and Temperament

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel The Cavalier is a small spaniel classed as a toy dog by The Kennel Club.

It’s known as one of the most affectionate, sweet, and gentle. These extremely social dogs make superior condominium-dweller companions that get along effectively with folks and different animals.

Exercise and Grooming Needs

These dogs have a medium energy level and need daily walks. Long-haired, their hair needs to be brushed daily to prevent it from tangling and matting up.

Ideal Apartment Environment

Cavaliers do quite well living in an apartment or condo as long as they get enough exercise and companionship.

They enjoy being with their owners so leaving them alone for long periods may not be a good idea.

French Bulldog

French Bulldog

Personality and Temperament

French Bulldogs are calm and cuddly dogs, praised for their agreeable nature.

Great as companions and generally good with kids, family-friendly and other animals around; suitable for people living in apartments.

Exercise and Grooming Needs

They have low exercise requirements and are easily satisfied with a brief stroll outdoors or an indoor play session. They have short coats that are low maintenance to take care of.

Ideal Apartment Environment

French Bulldogs Are Among The Best Breeds For Apartments Quiet, peaceful, and space savers, making them perfect for small homes.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier - toy breed

Personality and Temperament

Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies also called), despite being small and fragile. But like other strong breeds of dogs, have many features that make them so cool.

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They are very friendly with their owners, and they will keep an eye out for strangers.

Exercise and Grooming Needs

Daily walks and social play are essential to keep Yorkies from becoming hyperactive. Their beautiful long coats need steady brushing and grooming to remain soft and tangle-free.

Ideal Apartment Environment

Their size makes Yorkies the perfect fit for apartment living, and their energetic natures also mean they enjoy running around while confined to an apartment.

Finnish Spitzes do not require a lot of space, but they will want to be with their masters and stay busy inside.

Toy Breed: 5 Tips to Keep Them Happy

Turning them wildProviding Adequate Mental Stimulation

Toy breeds are generally very clever little things and like something to keep their brains ticking over.

To keep them engaged and avoid boredom, incorporate puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions.

Providing a Comfortable Atmosphere

Ensure that your home is an enjoyable and stress-free environment for your dog. Give them a place with a comfy bed, some toys to play with, and one spot where they can snuggle or feel safe.

Dealing with Possible Barking Problems

Toy breeds in particular are quick to sound an alert when they feel anxious or bored.

For barking behavior, training and utilizing positive reinforcement can decrease nuisance barking and bring peace back to the living situation.

Toy Breeds Are Perfect For Apartments

Apartment living is the reason toy breeds were created: for companionship, adaptability, and charm.

They are one of the best indoor pets because they are small in size, have fewer exercise requirements, and have a friendly personality.

Conclusion

Ultimately, deciding on the best toy breed depends in large part on factors like personality, grooming requirements, and whether you are a match for its suitability for your lifestyle.

Properly cared for toy breeds can flourish in an apartment setting and make their owners very, happy.