20 Great Dogs for First-Time Owners in Apartments (With Pictures)

Humans and canines have a relationship dating back up to 40,000 years ago thanks to domestication.¹ People have since selectively bred them for different purposes, from hunting companions to ratters to guardians of livestock. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes 370 breeds.² However, not all are appropriate for first-time pet owners, let alone apartment dwellers.

Even if a breed fits these criteria, it doesn’t mean you’re likely to find a pup in the United States. Remember that the FCI includes international breeds. That’s where our round-up starts. We’ve done the heavy lifting to find the best dogs for novice pet owners.

The 20 Great Dogs for First-Time Owners in Apartments:

1. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is one dog that will always have you smiling because of its adorable face. It begs for attention, which may explain why this pup doesn’t like to be alone. It’s one breed that you can spoil to your heart’s content.

This dog is intelligent and will adapt well to city life. While it’s not uber-high energy, this pup will appreciate regular walks for exercise and mental stimulation.

2. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is a friendly pup that is always ready and willing to play. The breed comes in three size classes: toy, miniature, and standard. It is a smart pup that is easy to train. It is also kid-friendly and highly adaptable.

While it does shed, it is a healthy dog that is cold-tolerant. This dog keeps its coat quite clean despite its white color.

3. Basenji

The Basenji is a dog like no other. Its lineage diverged from a common ancestor of other canines to forge its own genetic path. At first glance, this pup seems poised and almost cat-like in its behavior and mannerisms. Of course, the most striking trait about it is its bark, or lack of one. It makes more of a yodel sound and rarely does so unless it senses danger—a boon for apartment dwellers.

4. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an adorable pup that is intelligent and easy to train. It makes an ideal companion because it’s so adaptable and friendly. It’s also one of the few breeds that don’t shed, making grooming a piece of cake.

The breed’s history is a tale of royalty, ocean voyages, and life as a circus performer. Of course, adaptability is one of the Bichon’s strong suits.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the cutest pups you can find. Its face shows its love for playing and friendly nature.

This dog is adaptable and eager to please. It’s not as active as some breeds on our list. However, you’ll have to make sure your pet gets regular walks because of its propensity for gaining weight. This pooch is dog and kid friendly.

6. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a feisty pup for its stature. It comes in two sizes, miniature, and standard. Its name means “badger dog” because that’s what it did historically. That says a lot about this canine’s personality.

Interestingly, a mutation of a single gene is responsible for its unique body shape. That fact doesn’t get in the way of this friendly and adaptable pup.

7. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds in the country, second only to the Labrador Retriever. It’s easy to see why. This pup is so cute that it’d be hard not to fall in love at first sight. It’s a playful and friendly pet that will adapt well to city life. It gets along famously with other dogs and children, making it an excellent choice for families.

8. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is an active dog, as its name indicates. This breed has a long history as a companion animal, but it also has the speed to make a delightful and playful family pet.

While it was a hunter, it also was a favorite of royalty, who were captivated by the pup’s sweet face and loyalty. It’s essential to keep this pet on a leash since it still has a strong prey drive.

9. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer will make an excellent family pet. It is an intelligent and obedient pup that won’t mind being alone occasionally. It’s a trait it shares with many hunting breeds. While it doesn’t shed a lot, you should groom its wiry coat regularly to keep it matt-free. This pooch is a hardy canine that can handle roughhousing with the kids.

10. Papillon

The Papillon looks like it would be a delicate lapdog. However, its appearance belies the fact that this pup wants to play—a lot! Its history goes back at least to the Renaissance. Its beautiful coat and stately looks made it an ideal subject for many famous artists, including Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt. While it’s eager to please, the Papillon can also be a barker if not trained properly.

11. Pekingese

The Pekingese’s history goes back to ancient China, where it was a cherished canine companion. This legacy makes it a perfect pet for apartment dwellers. It’s an easygoing breed that doesn’t demand much except for your attention. This pup is adaptable. However, it’s best suited in a household without any other pets or small children.

12. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It’s easy to see why she loved them so much. This pup is a sweetheart that’s intelligent and easy to train.

It’s a robust breed, given its history as a livestock herder. It’s also an active dog that will fit in well with a family with children. This pooch may even try to herd your kids!

13. Pomeranian

It’s hard to believe the Pomeranian is related to sled dogs many times its petite size. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its bold and feisty personality. This pup will make an ideal companion for someone who can give this pooch all the love it wants. It is an affectionate dog that will make taking care of your home its job.

14. Poodle

The Poodle’s personality is nothing like the dainty, well-groomed dog you may associate with this breed. This pup is all about playing and showing off its intelligence.

The larger Standard Poodle is an excellent hunting companion in the water and the field. Its coat is well-suited for this job. Apartment dwellers must ensure this pooch gets enough exercise and mental stimulation with daily walks.

15. Pug

You’ll never have a dull moment with a Pug in your life. This pup is such a natural clown that it almost seems like it was selectively bred to be funny and adorable. It may not be the smartest canine, but it more than makes up for it with its playfulness.

The Pug likes everyone and every dog it meets, making it an excellent choice for an apartment dweller.

16. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is the consummate companion animal. It’s easygoing, lovable, and very affectionate. First-time pet owners will have an ideal pet that will get along with everyone in your apartment building.

It’s an intelligent dog that is eager to please. However, regular exercise is a must-do because of its propensity for obesity. Keeping your pet in a puppy cut will cut down on grooming costs.

17. Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is appropriately named for its gorgeous coat. It may look like a Yorkie, but this breed hails from Australia. It was selectively bred with this dog, resulting in the Silky Terrier.  It’s the typical terrier with a big personality and plenty of energy. It’s very affectionate and loyal to its family. This pup is playful and certainly will keep up with the kids.

18. West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier is a delightful dog that is intelligent and easy to train. It is a confident animal with a protective nature when it comes to its family.

This pup needs plenty of exercise to provide the necessary mental stimulation. It’s playful and will likely entertain you and your family with its funny antics. The Westie has an independent streak that first-time pet owners must know upfront.

19. Whippet

Few pups are as sweet and gentle as the Whippet. As you may surmise, this dog is quite energetic. It would make an ideal running companion on the trails. It’s a playful pup that will thrive with lots of exercise and attention.

The Whippet is about as friendly and lovable as it gets with its family. It will adapt well to city life. Luckily, this breed doesn’t bark a lot, either.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier has a lot of energy for a little dog, making it an excellent choice for families with children. This pup is playful and always ready for a game of fetch or tug-a-war. It’s a very friendly dog, even with strangers.

The Yorkie prefers to be around people and doesn’t like to be alone. Novice pet owners will have a loving companion with this pooch.

Factors to Consider Before Getting a Dog

It’s essential to think about the impact getting a pet will have on your life. It’s a significant responsibility on all scores. Owning a dog is like having a toddler, with a canine’s intelligence estimated at 2–2.5 years old. Remember that they call them the terrible twos for a reason. You have to keep a puppy occupied. Then, there’s training, exercise, veterinary care, and feeding your pet.

Dog ownership is also a financial responsibility, with an average annual cost of nearly $1,500. Of course, your experience may vary. However, the takeaway is that you shouldn’t take this decision lightly. For those who choose to invite a puppy into their homes, we can promise you a rewarding experience like no other.

It’s imperative for prospective dog owners—especially for first timers—to get a puppy over 8 weeks old. The little ones need that time with their mothers and littermates to develop properly mentally and physically. After all, raising a pet is hard enough without setting yourself up for additional burdens of behavioral problems.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, you have plenty of choices if you want to take the plunge and become a dog owner. Many breeds we included are naturally small since space is probably an issue for apartment dwellers. Nevertheless, these pups offer an excellent way to enjoy the companionship of having a pet in your life. It’s worth noting the purpose of many of them is just that, a canine best friend.

See also:

• 15 Best Dog Breeds for Single Women Living Alone (with Pictures)

• 12 Tips for Apartment Living with Dogs & Things to Consider

Featured Image Credit: A Traves del Prisma, Shutterstock