No. 1 'Best Dog Breed for Apartment Living' Is an Adorable, Easy-Going Pup
Many people want a dog, but finding the right dog breed for your current living situation can be tough. While loving breeds like Golden Retrievers are popular choices for dog parents, they may not be the best dogs to bring into a small space. So when living in an apartment, you have to carefully consider the pros and cons.
Luckily, ApartmentRatings recently published an article that can help with your decision. They highlighted their choices for the best dog breeds for apartment living, and their number one suggestion may surprise you.
Related: Quaker Parrot Grooming Her Pet Dachshund Is So Full of Love
Why Dachshunds Are Great for Small Apartments
Dachshunds topped the list. Often called wiener or sausage dogs due to their long bodies and short legs, their smaller size is a key reason why ApartmentRankings considers them ideal for apartment living. Just think about it. If you're someone who doesn't want to take long walks multiple times a day, they're perfect. Those little legs mean shorter walks, and for future dog parents who live in tiny apartments or have an apartment in a busy town or city, that could be a huge plus.
While Dachshunds may have tiny legs compared to other dogs, their personalities more than make up for it. According to the American Kennel Club, these pups are smart, self-sufficient, but they can be stubborn at times. Though they're also super lovable, and they have natural protective instincts, which is another reason they're a popular breed. ApartmentRankings describes Dachshunds as being great for kids, as they get along well with children. No doubt they'll have fun running around the apartment together!
A bonus that they didn't include but should be mentioned is that Dachshund's don't shed as much as some other dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. They're pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. The only thing you really need to worry about is cutting their nails on a regular basis.
Honestly, there's so much about Daschunds that makes them perfect for apartment living, aside from these great traits. So if you're considering getting a dog, and you're living in an apartment, please keep these pups in mind.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 7:20 AM.