9 Incredible New Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Apartment Living Newly recognized dog breeds that are ideal for pet parents living in average-sized apartments.

Finding a dog that can live happily in a city apartment is somewhat challenging. Some dogs make way too much noise and have high energy levels, which makes them suited for homes with yards.

Thankfully, there is a long list of well-known dog breeds that are known to be perfect apartment breeds. These dog breeds are generally calm and you can trust them to be alone in an apartment. Right from French bulldogs and pugs to medium-sized breeds such as chow chow, there are more than a few dog breeds that adapt really well to apartment living.

However, this is not a post that focuses on all apartment-friendly dogs. In this post, we aim to talk about newly recognized dog breeds that you probably never heard of. Apart from being newly recognized, all of the 9 breeds we are going to talk about have one trait in common. They are all perfect apartment dogs.

What Do We Mean by Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds?

Size plays a critical factor. Small dog breeds are usually much more suited to live comfortably in a limited space. Although that doesn’t mean we included all new small dog breeds or blindly excluded medium-sized breeds. That’s because there are other factors at play. Even giant dogs such as a Great Danes can be good apartment dogs thanks to their calm and lazy nature.  Apart from size, overall demeanor and adaptability played critical roles in our selection.

Cirneco dell’Etna

This breed originates from Italy and it gets its name from Mount Etna where these dogs were used to hunt small animals. A typical cirneco is highly affectionate and gentle. While they do require regular exercise, they make great apartment dogs. A cirneco dell’ etna do require a bit of pampering and attention. These dogs are known to follow certain family members around the house.

Average Weight:  Female: 17 to 22 lbs, Male: 22 to 26 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

Puggle

A cross breed between pug and beagle, the puggle is still not recognized as a new breed. This breed takes all the best traits of pugs and beagles. For example, puggles love their homes and staying indoors just like a regular pug but they are also highly trainable and fun-loving like a beagle. Puggles are also a robust dog breed that’s free from certain health risk that plague pugs. Considering both beagles and pugs are apartment-friendly breeds, it should be no surprise that the puggle made into our list.

Average Weight:  15 to 30 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

Sloughi

Originating from North Africa, the Sloughi was recognized as a new breed by the AKC as late as 2016. This is the first medium-sized dog to make it to our list. While they can adjust to a life in an apartment, Sloughis have strong hunting instincts. Thanks to this trait a  Sloughi is not suited to live with a cat or a small animal unless both animals are brought up together. Sloughis are highly agile and they are known to be escape artists. That’s why they are safest when they live in an enclosed space such as an apartment.

Average Weight:  35 to 50 lbs

Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Pyrenean Shepherd

Highly enthusiastic and affectionate, a Pyrenean shepherd is perfectly suited for someone with an active lifestyle. While they do have a tendency to bark, they are also highly alert and they make excellent guard dogs. This medium-sized breed is perfectly suited for apartment living but they do require a fair bit of socialization and exercise. The Pyrenean shepherd is found in two coat varieties, rough-faced and smooth-faced. While this particular dog breed has a long history of being used as herding dogs in an around the Pyrenees mountains of France, it was recognized by the AKC in 2009.

Average Weight:  15 to 30 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 16 years

Boykin Spaniel

In every way, the Boykin Spaniel is the perfect family pet. Highly adaptable and affectionate, this breed loves their human pals and they typically have glossy dark chocolate colored coat. AKC recognized the Boykin Spaniel as a new breed back in 2010, which makes it a relatively new breed. These incredible dogs are no couch potatoes as they love to play and are known to have heightened energy levels. They would also not pass out an opportunity to swim or frolic in the water. While they make great apartment dogs, Boykin spaniels do require long walks on a daily basis.

Average Weight: Male: 30 to 40 lbs, Female: 25 to 35 lbs

Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Xoloitzcuintli

Deriving its name from the Aztec god Xolotl, Xoloitzcuintli is also known as the Mexican hairless dog or simply referred to as xolo. While these dogs have a history that dates back 3000 years, this breed was recognized by the AKC in 2011. The hairless appearance makes them look distinctively different from other dog breeds. They have a lean hairless physique and a somewhat wrinkled face. Lacking the natural protection of hair, Xoloitzcuintli cannot endure long durations under the sun. This is why it’s best to take them out early in the morning or after the sun has set. A perfect apartment dog, a Xoloitzcuintli typically has a calm and loving nature and they form strong bonds with their human companions.

Average Weight: Toy: 10 to 15 lbs, Miniature: 15 to 30 lbs, Standard, 30 to 55 lbs

Life Span: 13 to 18 years

Rat Terrier

This dog breed gets its unusual name because it was originally bred to control rat populations in farms. Apart from its highly competent hunting prowess, this dog breed has a generally happy demeanor and they can be perfect for apartments. Thanks to their intelligence, rat terriers do require mental stimulation, lack of it can cause these dogs to be destructive. Rat terriers are also highly inquisitive. This means you need to invest in dog proofing your apartment before bringing home a rat terrier puppy.

Average Weight: 10 to 25 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 18 years

Portuguese Podengo

The final medium-sized breed to make to our list, the Portuguese Podengo is an energetic hunting dog with an independent personality. They make excellent guard dogs and are highly trainable. Introducing new small animals in a home that already has a Portuguese Podengo is not the best of ideas. Their hunting pedigree may cause them to view the small animal as a prey. A Portuguese Podengo is always eager to please its humans and are generally highly adaptable to varied living conditions. Its adaptability and eager-to-please nature helped it secure a place in our list.

Average Weight: Large: 44 to 66 lbs, Medium: 35 to 44 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 18 years

Coton de Tulear

Perhaps no other pet dog breed personifies the phrase “cotton ball” as much as Coton de Tulear. This small dog breed gets its name from its cotton-like fur (the French word for cotton is coton) and the city called Tulear in Madagascar. Categorized as a toy breed, Coton de Tulear dogs are intelligent and happy canines. Their small physique coupled with their gentle nature also makes the Coton de Tulear ideally suited for apartment life.

Average Weight: Male: 9 to 15 lbs, Female: 8 to 13 lbs

Life Span: 12 to 18 years

Scroll over for a few more choices that you can consider.

Dog Breeds For Apartment Living

You adore larger dogs. You would dearly like to keep one as a pet. However, there is a problem: you live in an apartment. Now, apartment dwellers are known for keeping small dogs. Bigger sized canines are thought to be owned by people who reside on a ranch or a villa.

Apartment And Larger Canines

Yes, you can keep larger canines as pets in your comparatively smaller apartment. Many big dogs are suitable for flat living. Contrary to their image as fierce creatures, the bigger breeds are more relaxed compared to their smaller friends. As puppies, they can be active. When they mature, these breeds are usually satisfied to sleep on the bed or sofa. They are quieter than their smaller brethren as well. Do not be intimidated by their huge appearance. Your large dog will prefer to give love, not snarl or fight.Although larger dogs make excellent apartment pets, due care must be taken before you bring such a breed home. Ensure that you have all the necessary facilities in the building like an elevator to take the dog to the vet when it's sick. Your flat must open to the outdoors. This is required for the initial potty training. You must have the time or hire someone to take it for walks every day. If it is the second option, are you adequately prosperous to hire someone to do the task? If the answer to all the above questions is in the affirmative, then you can adopt any one of the larger canine breeds.

Breeds For Modern, Smaller Homes

The huge Mastiff breed dog makes an excellent apartment dog. Other than the puppy stage, the adult dog is a stately one, with a clear aristocratic air. This dog will attract attention on the streets and in the park.Another super companion is the Great Dane. This breed's huge size belies its calm demeanor. These dogs were bred specially to sit adjacent to the throne of the king of the land. Although they are calm and mellow creatures, they look huge and intimidating. Best of all, they are not much active. A Great Dane will be more than happy to sit with you in your home. You will find them on your comfortable sofa, happily snoozing the day away.If you want a big and cut dog, consider the Basset Hound. These dogs have cute short legs, making them appear smaller than they actually are. These dogs are heavy, with a typical specimen weighing anywhere between 50 pounds to 65 pounds. This breed loves to smell anything and everything. Running or moving fast is not its style. They are also excellent social animals, enjoying the company of new people. You have to take it to the park every day to keep it happy.