12 Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds For Apartment Living

Are you searching for a medium-sized dog breed that will be able to adapt to life in your apartment?

If you live in an apartment in a city but you’re unsure which breeds could do well in such a setting, this is the article for you.

There are plenty of medium-sized dog breeds that can do well in an apartment provided they still get sufficient mental and physical stimulation.

In this article, we’re going to highlight 13 medium-sized dog breeds that are best for apartment living.

We’ll hear from nine experts, ranging from veterinarians to dog behaviorists, pet experts to dog trainers, to hear their suggestions for the best medium-sized dog breeds for life in an apartment.

German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd is a working breed that was originally bred to hunt down game animals. Today they are still used for hunting and protection work.

These dogs have been known to guard livestock, protect children, and even help police officers find missing people. They are great at guarding their homes and families, making them perfect for apartment living.

Suggested by James, Founder Of Neurodoglux.com

Basset Hound

When choosing to take a dog on in an apartment, it’s crucial we consider their welfare needs. Most dogs have a natural desire to spend time outdoors and require at least an hour of exercise each day.

Some dogs are more suited to apartment living than others. While toy breeds are usually the best choice for smaller homes, some medium sized dogs work well in an apartment.

The Bassett Hound is another sensible consideration. These dogs have a laid-back temperament and don’t tend to be too needy. As prone to getting over-weight, do ensure they are given at least an hour of exercise each day.

Linda Simon, Consulting Veterinarian At Five Barks

Whippet

Stay away from any active or working breeds such as the Border Collie or Belgian Shepherd. These active dogs need lots of outdoor access and can become destructive in small homes.

I’d also not advise getting a dog prone to separation anxiety and barking, like the Australian Shepherd. Your neighbours would not appreciate living beside such a noisy dog.

I think the Whippet is a great option here. When outside, they run like the wind, but they actually do not need a great deal of exercise or physical stimulation. They are calm and quiet and most cope well with apartment life.

Linda Simon, Consulting Veterinarian At Five Barks

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve ducks from ponds. Today these dogs are known for being friendly, loyal, and loving companions. They make excellent family pets and are good around kids.

They are smart, trainable, and love attention. If you live in an apartment complex, then golden retriever might be the best choice for you.

Suggested by James, Founder Of Neurodoglux.com

Bulldog

The Bulldog is a short-haired dog breed with a wrinkled face and a stout body. Despite its appearance, the Bulldog is actually a very gentle dog breed that is good with children and other pets.

Bulldogs are also known for being relatively calm dogs, which makes them good apartment dogs. Bulldogs do require some exercise, but they don’t need a lot of space to run around.

Suggested by Jeff Netzley, Dog Trainer And Creator of Dog Training Near You

Corgi

These guys are just huge. We love ’em, especially if you live in a city where parking is hard to find. They’re great at guarding stuff and good at being couch potatoes (which means no running around). While they might be bigger than most other breeds, their bodies are still relatively compact.

Their heads are proportionately smaller than other breeds, making them easier to fit in tight places. They look cute with little tuxedo tails, and many folks swear by their long coats as protection from cold weather. Overall, these guys are pretty tough and will last longer in a colder climate than others. And since they don’t require a whole lot of exercise, they make for a nice cozy pet.

Suggested by Alex Romilly, Editor And Pet Expert at MyDogBreed.com

Shar Pei

These beautiful medium-sized dogs with unique wrinkly looks are great apartment guarding dogs. It is important to give them early training and help develop their socialization skills to prevent issues.

These calm dogs do well with moderate levels of exercise. They are independent and loyal and would make a great companion for apartment living.

Suggested by Paola Cuevas Moreno, Veterinarian, MVZ And Behaviorist with Hepper.com

Beagle

A Beagle makes a great apartment dog. Beagles are easily recognizable because to their small stature, pleasant demeanor, high energy levels, and high intelligence. Beagles are social dogs that get along well with everyone they meet.

The temperament of a Beagle is very even. Neither nervous nor unduly elated, they are in a comfortable middle ground. Their mild-mannered nature makes them perfect family pets.

Suggested by Vikesh Ram, Writer At www.animalhowever.com

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, affectionate, and playful. They are
often used as guide dogs for the blind and hearing impaired. They are also
known for being good with children and other animals.

Labradors are not
only good for apartment living, but also for those who want a pet that is
both active and independent.

Suggested by James, Founder Of Neurodoglux.com

Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you’re living in an apartment but prefer a medium-sized dog, you can opt for a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affection. towards people. They are very intelligent and easy to train.

They are great with children and other pets. They don’t bark much, but when the need comes, they will let out a loud howl that can scare people away! Apartment living is a great option for these dogs because they don’t need a lot of exercise. A couple walks around the block each day should suffice for their needs.

Downside to this dog is that they shed a lot and are known for their strong prey drive. Nonetheless, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are still adorable and great companions.

Suggested by Jen Jones, Professional Dog Trainer, Behavior Specialist And Founder Your Dog Advisor

Pitbull

Pitbulls are an amazing breed with a bad reputation. Keep in mind some places still will not accept Pitbulls. Whether it be the apartment’s rule or county laws, please pay attention to your area.

That all said, Pitbulls are such a versatile breed. I would definitely recommend getting to know the dog, but there are some that love to be couch potatoes. They want nothing more then to lounge around and wait for you to get home.

There’s also Pitbulls that make great police dogs or agility dogs. There’s some that are the perfect nanny dog and watch over children. These dogs are better approached by the individual vs the breed, but I have personally seen some great Pitbull apartment dogs.

Suggested by Lindsay Warren, Veterinary Technician And Pet Blogger at
fromfourlegstotwo.com

Poodle

Poodles are small dogs that originated in Germany. They are considered lapdogs and are generally gentle and obedient.

They are extremely popular and are often seen in commercials and movies. Poodles are great for apartment living because they don’t require much space.

Suggested by James, Founder Of Neurodoglux.com