Dogs are loyal and adorable pets. But, opting one to fit in your lifestyle and family requirements is a difficult one and comes up with a lot personal concerns.
A common concept that we might have in our heads before we get a dog for ourselves is that we need a spacy area, a big fenced outdoor to successfully adapt a dog.
Well, it is true in some cases because dogs do need a lot of attention, care and space to perform all of their required tasks to live a healthy and happy life.
But, of course there are some exceptions that do not require a lot of space. These breeds are happy in small apartment and are good watchdogs as well that can detect the suspect very quickly and can run to owners to inform.
Watch dogs vs guard dogs.
For the people who want a watch dog or a guard dog for their apartments it is important to clarify a basic concept to you.
Watch dogs and guard dogs are not the same. What’s the difference?
This table will help you distinguish!
| Watch dogs | Guard dogs |
| Barks at the suspect to inform. | Fights with intruder to protect. |
| Can be small large in size | Should be larger and stronger. |
| The real power is the voice. | The real power is the strength |
| Almost all dogs are watch dogs. | Guard dogs are specifically trained |
| Best for apartment life with small areas. | Ideal for farms, warehouses, security suspect areas. |
So in this read, we’ve listed 6 dog breeds best for apartments that can watch dogs as well.
1. Beagles
Beagles are of small size and friendly nature. They fit in this category well if trained and socialized properly. They are low-maintenance dogs and bath very often.
However, their hunter dog nature needs to be properly managed and the owner should look like the alpha boss that beagle would love to please.
Most of the time they are happy around the apartment and walk and run on the furniture but they should be taken for a walk or other outdoor activities.
Beagles can also be very good watch dogs because of their different vocals. Thus they sound bigger and terrier than they actually are!
2. Yorkshire terrier
Yorkshire terrier is perhaps among the best breeds for apartments because of its miniature size and weight. It is only 23 cm and weighs around 6-7 pounds only
Moreover, it is a hypoallergenic breed and is a very intelligent and observing breed. And because of that their training is quite easy.
They are not over-energetic. A normal walk around the town for 25-30 minutes once a day is good enough for them.
They do not bark or chew things excessively and thus are not annoying to the apartment communities.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS)
Cavaliers, despite being designed for royal life, love to live in small spaces as well. Thus, are on the no 4 spot of dog breeds best for apartments list.
All they need is some care and regular walks. A 20-minute daily walk can satisfy their excitement and can keep them healthy.
This breed weighs around 6 to 8 kg and is very smart and agile in training sessions. They love to cuddle and stay close to their owners. Thus should not be left alone for longer periods.
They can also go well as kennel dogs.
4. Havanese
Havanese are the Cuban companion dogs and are perhaps the most loyal ones in the list of dog breeds best for apartments.
They are also called Velcro dogs because they stick to their owners and thus do not require a lot of space to roam. They are loveable affectionate and adoring but on the other hand, these companion doggies are very sharp and intelligent. Thus their training is quite easy.
They are not hyperactive and not yappy at all. They appreciate positive reinforcement and are nice and quiet.
Their small size is a plus point for their addition to the list of dog breeds best for apartments.
5. Basenji
Basenjis range from 9 to 12 kg and are a bit larger than normal apartment pups. But there are other things in this breed that make him a perfect fit in the list of dog breeds best for apartments.
For example, they are literally bark-less breeds. Which is an amazing property for apartment life, but in case of any intrusion they can bark to inform.
Their larynx has a unique physiology and thus it allows occasional barking only.
Also, they are self-sustained and groom themselves on their own, and do not shed a lot as well. So, good at the pocket for maintenance issues.
Watch-outs: this breed can be stubborn in the beginning so you have to stay consistent at first. Moreover, they should not leave alone for long periods of time.
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds, despite being known as a speedster, is a slow pace at mind and thus comes in the list of best dog breeds for apartments.
There are several reasons for this selection.
First things first, they are lazy at heart. Well, they also merrily play fetch and chase down the tracks but if not interrupted they love to lay down simply and thus do not bother the owner with extra care and attention.
They are good to ears because they do not bark much.
Because they are chasers, they can scare the intruders and can also bring them down as they are big in size and heavy in weight. But still a good apartment dog for the person looking to have a friendly, quiet, and watchful doggie.
