2023 Best Dogs for Apartment Residents
One of the first things I did after leasing my first apartment was adopt a cat. This set the stage
for me becoming more of a “cat person” than a “dog person”. Years later, while working as a
leasing consultant, it was a non-issue if an applicant (sorry, a future resident) told us they had a
cat. However, if they said they’d be sharing their abode with a dog, that was a different story.
Our management company would only accept dogs that weighed thirty pounds or less. There
were certain breeds that wouldn’t be considered due to their aggressive nature. It wasn’t
unusual for us to conduct a “pet interview” so we could meet our potential four-legged resident
and sometimes we’d even pull out the scale so we could see if there’d been some numberfudging
on weight. (Come on, who doesn’t fudge a little on their weight?!)
It's understandable why management companies have pet policies in place. It wasn’t a “thing”
when I was leasing, but charging residents pet rent also makes sense. I wasn’t a big fan of the
doggie DNA companies at first but now, as a dog owner, I am. With the doody DNA tesKng,
property managers can easily idenKfy residents who are not cleaning up after their pets.
And speaking of pooches who reside in multi-family communities, a 2023 online survey suggests
the twelve best dogs for apartment dwellers. (Living With Pets/Pet Compatibility by Chad Taylor,
May 10, 2023). The top-twelve made the list due to their ability to live quietly and happily in
smaller spaces:
1. Bichon Frise – One of the most affable, adorable breeds on the planet, the Bichon Frise
is a happy-go-lucky people pleaser. They make excellent companions and are usually
quite content to spend long stretches napping. Weighing in at around 15 pounds, they’re
not going to drive downstairs neighbors nuts.
2. Greyhound – Although greyhounds are known as the dog kingdom’s fastest dogs, they
have two speeds—napping and sprinKng! So, while they’re happy to accentuate an
acKve outdoor lifestyle, life inside an urban dwelling should be A-ok!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Highly intelligent and deeply loyal, these dogs are also
quiet, friendly and small enough to fit into even the coziest of studios with ease.
4. Bulldog – As sturdy as a fireplug, bulldogs are heavy-framed and tend to spend long
hours stretched out for naps.
5. Boston Terrier – A great apartment dweller thanks to their size and temperament.
Almost universally friendly, loving dogs, Boston terriers are also small enough to be able
to get most of their exercise needs indoors and not annoy nearby neighbors.
6. Italian Greyhound – Coming in at about 20 percent the size of their racing cousins, the
Italian Greyhound brings most of the attributes people love about the greyhound
breed—except in a smaller, lighter, and even quieter package.
7. Basset Hound – Steadfast and loyal companions, basset hounds are typically happy with
one good walk a day. The rest of the Kme, they’ll be perfectly happy napping or engaging
in some light play on the living room rug. Potential considerations though would be their
propensity to drool and their BIG voices.
8. Chihuahua – This one’s a no-brainer when it comes to size. And, since they are so small,
their exercise needs are lower. Chihuahua’s can be yippy though so this could be an issue
for neighboring residents.
9. Coton de Tulear – A companion dog through and through, the Coton is an excellent
choice for people with mobility issues or those who work from home. Barking isn’t an
issue for these happy lap dogs who also tend to be low shedders.
10. Basenji – If you’re looking for a quiet apartment companion, the Basenji is an awesome
choice. Although not a completely silent dog, this breed will vocalize through a kind of
grunt that has been described as somewhere between a chortle and a yodel. They
typically weigh under twenty-five pounds and are also light shedders. Some have
described the Basenji personality as “cat-like” as they are difficult to train.
11. French Bulldog – A long-Kme favorite for urban dwellers, the French bulldog doesn’t
tend to bark a lot and enjoys quiet indoor play. A daily brisk walk should be all they
require and then they’re content to stretch out for long naps.
12. Shih Tzu – Compact and extremely loyal. These lap dogs have been one of the top-picks
for apartment dwellers for many years. The breed requires low exercise and typically will
only bark when excited or frightened. As an added bonus, with regular brushing and
care, shedding is minimal.
That’s quite a list, eh? Of course, not every prospective resident arrives at your leasing office
with a pedigreed pooch. In fact, since 2020, the number of canine adopKons through shelters
has risen dramaKcally. And, since the all-around Heinz 57 mu&s are just as loveable as their
pure-bred brethren, if they comply with your property’s pet policy, keep the welcome mat
ready. After all, when it comes to Man’s Best Friend, there’s no reason most any dog can’t also
be “Man”ager’s Best Friend too!
Monica E. Simmons, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JDC Enterprises, LLC, has worked in the multi-family industry in several different capacities since 1987. She is a published author whose books include; I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!, It Happened in The Hill Country, 30-Love and it's sequel, Match Point.
Contact her at: Monica@TheVendorGuide.com
