What do I need to know about living in an apartment with a dog?

You need to look for a dog that doesn’t require a lot of space and time running around. Some breeds need more than others. If you live alone, you also want to look for a breed that can handle being alone while you are gone. You’ll need to consider potty training, obedience training, feeding, vet bills, and what your apartment’s policy is on dogs. Which way you potty train may depend on the dog. Some things are better suited for certain breeds, so once you find the breed you want, you can plan more from there. You could also look into adopting an older dog that is already trained.

In my apartments we charge “pet rent”. It is basically an increased rent if you have a pet. It could be anywhere from $20, to $100 more per month. First thing is to check with your manager about deposits, fees and breed restrictions.

I would definitely look into rescuing an older dog that is already housetrained, as big as it will get, and past the chewing stage. I would look for a very quiet dog- neighbors hate barking dogs.

You could always try to find an older one that doesn’t require potty-training. Probably one that doesn’t bark at every little noise, for the sake of not making the neighbours mad.
As for exercise, just take him/her for a walk, or a run. No big deal.

It would be best if you decide to get a smaller dog. Certain apartments limit the pet weight to below 20 or 30 pounds, even if your current apartment has no weight limit, it may make it more difficult to find a new apartment if you ever need to move.
Research dog breeds before you pick one out. You would be better off getting a purebred if you want a puppy, because you will know exactly how much it will weigh. (It becomes iffy with mixed breeds.)
If it will be your first dog, you might be better off getting a rescue dog, because it will already be trained.
Finally, certain dogs just bark more than others. This can be a big problem in an apartment. A good way to find out if your puppy is likely to bark is to meet it’s parents. If they bark, your puppy will bark. It is very difficult to train an instinctual behavior like barking out of a dog.

@athenasgriffin

“You would be better off getting a purebred if you want a puppy, because you will know exactly how much it will weigh.”

This is only true for well-bred dogs- and then you just have an idea, not an exact weight. Those from puppy mills, pet stores, or backyard breeders may be far larger than the breed standard.

I think, as I mentioned, that an apartment dweller is better starting with an adult dog. Then you are absolutely sure how big it will be, whether it barks, how much it sheds, etc.

Most of the main points have been covered but I have some specific advice.

Don’t get a Basenji. A lot of people recommend this breed because it ‘doesn’t bark’. That’s true, it doesn’t but what it will do is howl and yowl and to a neighbor who doesn’t know that breed it sounds like animal abuse. I had a neighbor who was great, very nice. They had a Basenji but we didn’t see the dog for months, and all day every day it yowled and cried. We were pretty convinced it was being abused. As soon as we saw the dog we realized why it sounded like that and it was in great condition, happy, loving and friendly.

And that’s not the only Basenji I’ve heard through a wall. :(

On the other hand they’re a wonderful breed. :)

Look into small breeds like French Bulldogs, Maltese, Chihuahua, Dachsunds, Boston Terriers, etc. They have small needs for food and space and are great companion dogs. They don’t call the lap dogs for nothing! But purebred dogs have more health problems, look around a shelter for a middle aged mix of small breeds. They’ll be healthier generally, stay small and you’ll be providing a good home.

Bonus, small breeds are highly unlikely to be on a list of banned breeds.

@asmonet

Basenjis are also wicked smart, fiercely independent, destructive, and escape artists! I love them, but I could never live with one.

Pure bred dogs do not automatically have more health problems. If you buy from a reputable breeder they will have done numerous health checks before they ever even considered breeding their dog. If you pick up a mutt, there is no guarantee it is not inbred, you can bet its parents have had no health checks, it could be the progeny of 2 pure bred dogs, in which case if pure breds were less healthy then it too would be twice as less healthy.

@crisw had an excellent suggestion if you want a mixed breed, adopt a mature dog.

If you want a pure bred, then I suggest you go to a dog show, look at all the breeds and when you see one you like speak to the owner/breeder. They are not in it for money, they want to place pups in forever homes so they will give you the straight dope on their breed.

If you want a pure bred but don’t want to go through the puppy stage, then do as above to determine what breed you like then google rescue groups for that particular breed. These dogs will have been temperament tested as well as health tested and you can be sure of what you are getting personality, health and size wise.

Most of all you must be prepared to walk in rain snow sleet and hail, it comes with the territory and is really good for you and your dog!