Lisa O
If you’re looking for the perfect dog, there are some breeds you definitely want to avoid, kind of like dodging greedy landlords. Some of these pups require a ton of exercise, love to bark or struggle with house training, which doesn’t mix well with apartment living next to neighbors. To keep both you and your future furry friend happy, pause for a second and think twice before bringing home one of the 15 worst dog breeds for apartments.
German Shepherd
This big, intelligent breed needs way more exercise and mental stimulation than what apartment life usually offers, and its territorial instincts can make things a bit dangerous in hallways and elevators. Plus, German Shepherds have very sensitive ears, so they can get very stressed out by noises from nearby apartments. Your neighbor’s blasting music could drive the dog crazy and, at the very least, make it bark. Loudly.
Yorkshire Terrier
It makes sense that a tiny space would need a tiny dog, but many small breeds just can’t resist barking whenever someone walks down the hall or stomps around in the apartment above. Sometimes, they’ll bark for no reason at all! The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the biggest offenders on this noisy list. These pups tend to bark a lot, especially if you leave them alone all day.
Dachshund
With its small size and moderate exercise needs, the Dachshund seems like a perfect fit for apartment living. But there’s one little issue: they can be nearly impossible to fully housebreak. This means if your Dachshund doesn’t have easy access to a backyard, your rugs and floors will end up being their bathroom (at least in their eyes).
Chihuahua
Those tiny, shaky legs of a Chihuahua don’t need a ton of exercise, but this breed doesn’t do well in apartments because they tend to bark a lot and might not always wait to do their business outside. Unless you’re home all day to give your Chihuahua plenty of potty breaks (or can carry them around in a purse), they probably aren’t the best choice for apartment living.
Labrador
Labradors are super high-energy dogs that need a ton of exercise and attention. If you don’t take them out for regular walks and playtime, your apartment and stuff are going to pay the price. They might start acting out and cause some damage by chewing or digging if they don’t get enough exercise. So, how much is enough? Way more than you think.
Border Collie
Border Collie is the ultimate working dog, built for herding, which means it’s always alert and needs tons of exercise. If you keep a Border Collie in an apartment, it might start pacing and go a bit nuts. Plus, its instinct to herd can cause trouble if it tries to round up kids or other dogs in your building.
St. Bernard
St. Bernards are working dogs that were originally bred in the Alps. While they can manage in smaller spaces, they thrive in a home with room to stretch and roam. Plus, their thick fur can get stinky pretty fast, which isn’t great for apartment living since that smell and fur can seep into the carpet and mess with your pet security deposit.
Dalmatian
When you think of Dalmatians, you probably picture that classic fire department dog running around all the time. Dalmatians are super active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation several times a day. They don’t handle being left alone for long periods very well, so keeping them in an apartment isn’t the best idea.
Jack Russell Terrier
Sometimes called “Jack Russell Terrors,” the Jack Russell Terrier is a breed built for a fast-paced life. They’re high-energy, super vocal, and not exactly friendly with strangers or other dogs, so they don’t really thrive in big apartment buildings or city settings without space to run and play. Your apartment may not be the best spot for this little guy.
Golden Retriever
Like Labs, Golden Retrievers are awesome family dogs but need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy, fit, and well-behaved. A small apartment probably isn’t the best spot for raising a Golden Retriever. Plus, they shed a ton and need regular grooming and upkeep to keep things in check.
Beagle
This friendly and social breed is built to bay, which is a loud howling sound that many hunting dogs make. That baying is definitely going to drive your neighbors crazy. If you work from home and can take your Beagle on long walks, it might just work out; however, if you plan to leave the dog at home all day, you can expect to get plenty of complaints from those who are home.
Siberian Husky
Have you ever heard a Husky howl or throw a fit? If you have, you totally get why this breed isn’t the best for apartment living and why so many building managers restrict them. Siberian Huskies aren’t really fans of being stuck indoors, either. Most of them would much rather be outside all the time if they could, and a lot of apartments just don’t have that easy outdoor access.
Australian Cattle Dog
A high-maintenance, the Australian Cattle Dog is more like an Energizer Bunny than your typical family pet. Bred to herd and handle cattle and sheep, these dogs are fearless and physically impressive. For the average dog owner, keeping this breed active enough in an apartment is a huge challenge. They need lots of space to burn energy.
Bluetick Coonhounds
Originally bred for hunting and their amazing physical stamina, Bluetick Coonhounds are nearly impossible to tire out and can quickly become destructive when they get bored. Like most hounds, Bluetick Coonhounds bay, which is a type of barking that sounds like a deep, super-loud howl. The bay of a Bluetick is definitely loud enough to rack up a few noise complaints, and the mess a bored Coonhound could make in your rental can get pretty pricey fast.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois is the dog breed we recommend most dog owners steer clear of. This magnificent dog has incredible intelligence, strength, and working intensity, making it honestly too much dog for the average person. If you live in an apartment in the city, have a busy lifestyle, and need to leave your dog alone for long stretches, you definitely shouldn’t choose a Belgian Malinois.