Small Dogs, Small Spaces: Which of Our Breeds Suits Apartment Life

All three of our breeds can thrive in an apartment. Whether they actually do comes down to noise, exercise and time far more than square footage.

People assume small dog means easy apartment dog. Size helps, but the traits that make or break apartment living are how much a breed barks, how much exercise it needs, and how it handles being left alone. Here is how our three compare.

Maltipoo: the natural apartment dog

Small, quiet indoors and content with moderate exercise, the Maltipoo is arguably the best suited of the three to apartment life. The one thing to manage is attachment: build up alone-time early so a working day does not become a stressful one. A well-prepared Maltipoo is a wonderful neighbor.

Cavapoo: works, if you commit to the walks

Cavapoos adapt happily to apartments, but only if the exercise is real. Their friendly nature means they are rarely a barking problem, but their energy needs an outlet. Two solid walks, some play and a bit of training will keep an apartment Cavapoo calm and content. Skimp on that and you will hear about it.

Dachshund: charming, with a caveat

Dachshunds are small and moderately exercised, which suits a flat, but they are alert little watchdogs with an opinion about every footstep in the hallway. With early training you can manage the barking, and stairs deserve a little thought for back health. Give them that, and their personality fills any space.

Making any apartment work

• Nail the potty routine early. No yard means you set the schedule, so be consistent from day one.
• Build a settle spot. A crate or bed that means quiet time helps a small dog switch off in a small space.
• Manage barking kindly. Reward quiet, do not reward the alarm, and give alert breeds something better to do.
• Protect against the stairs for Dachshunds, and use the elevator while they are young.