Finding the best dog breeds for kids and your apartment requires that you gather the right information on size, care, temperament, and energy levels. Use our pros and cons charts to decide which dog breed is right for your family home and the ones that would fit right into your apartment.
| PRODUCT | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bichon Frise |  | Check Price |
 | KEECHOND | | Check Price |
 | DACHSHUND | | Check Price |
 | LABRADOR RETRIEVER | | Check Price |
 | MALTESE | | Check Price |
 | BOSTON TERRIER | | Check Price |
 | PUG | | Check Price |
 | BOXERS | | Check Price |
 | GREYHOUNDS | | Check Price |
 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | | Check Price |
 | Bulldog | | Check Price |
 | SHIH TZU | | Check Price |
 | GERMAN SPITZ | | Check Price |
 | HAVANESE | | Check Price |
 | Bedlington Terriers | | Check Price |
 | Chinese Crested | | Check Price |
What You should watch out for in picking the right dog for your family home or apartment
Size
Do you want a small or big dog in your family home? What is the available space that you have in your apartment for a dog? While the question seems easy to answer, size greatly affects an animal’s behavior and actions. Also, make sure the size of your space can comfortably accommodate the breed you choose.
Energy Levels
What type of energy do you require of your friend? Do you imagine bringing home a sleepy lap dog or an overly energetic running pal? The animals on this list vary from low-to-high energy pets (one to three paw prints on our energy level scale), and you can also expect some variance within each breed, too. Meet your prospective dogs in person before you adopt them. This is to help you know their personality
Care
Of course, you’re going to be a dedicated, loving pet owner, but animals come with many different needs. All want to be fed nutritious, healthy meals, though some will eat much more frequently than others. All require grooming, but some may need daily efforts, while others only need light attention every so often. Know the amount of effort you’re willing to put into a pet before you take a step closer to adoption.
Temperament
All of the dogs on this list would be a good addition to your family. However, each breed has its personality quirks, so make sure to think about the types of temperament that would blend best with your family. For example, some dogs may be overly affectionate, while others avoid kissing — especially from the youngest members of your clan. Some dogs adapt well to new places, while others might be more skittish and follow closely to the pack leader before acclimating to the entire pack.
We have a rundown of five different breeds that you can choose from highlighting their pros and cons and how they fit for your purpose.
Bichon Frise
If you want a dog who reminds you of a little white powder puff, look no further than the Bichon Frise. These pups have been popular throughout history, as early as 16th-century French royal courts, and have also made a name for themselves as an American circus dog.
Unlike other small dogs who may want to lounge the day away, the Bichon Frise has the energy to keep up with a busy family. They’ll make a loyal and affectionate addition to your “pack” so long as you put effort into regular grooming and consistent home training.
KEECHOND
The fluffy Keeshond loves attention very much. They are a family-friendly breed and they look like a smaller version of a Samoyed or Husky. They may seem like they are smiling most times, and sometimes they appear as if they’re wearing glasses. This is because of the colored-fur contrast around their eyes. Keeshonds adjust fast to becoming a part of a family. They are great playmates for kids of all age range.
DACHSHUND
“Weiner dogs” or “doxies,” as they’re fondly called, carry a spunky personality in their small bodies. They tend to be loyal lap dogs and cuddlers and they easily give kisses. The Dachshund originated from Germany, wherein the older times they are raised as hunters.
LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Labradors may appear in black, chocolate, and yellow color variations, but they are families’ best friends. They’re a perfect fit for families who actively spend a lot of time outdoor. Whether it is for swimming, games, sports, or playing in the snow, labs are always down for a good time. Although they are generally gentle dogs, they have big and strong bodies with tails that could knock over little children.
Labs are very popular dogs,, there are many labs and lab mixed breeds that you can find in a shelter.
MALTESE
Maltese dogs are generally known to be sweet and gentle pups. They love to please. While they enjoy playing with kids, they are also content to spend downtime inside. The Mal-Shi or Malt-Tzu, a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, is a hybrid breed that also scored great reviews for its good balance of energy and gentleness. They are perfect for an apartment too.
BOSTON TERRIER
These black-and-white buddies have the “big-dog” feel of a boxer in a much smaller package. They tend to have a playful yet patient personality and are pretty sturdy dogs despite their small size. The breed originated in Boston in the late 1800s when bulldogs and white English terriers were crossbred. Some consider Boston terriers to be the national dog of America, as it is one of the very few breeds that hail from the U.S.
PUG
Most pugs love human attention and clowning around but are also low-key and gentle enough with kids. Pugs are an easy-to-care-for breed, though they are at risk for health concerns in overly warm weather. Just be prepared for snoring and snorting due to their short noses.
BOXERS
Boxers appear very tough and muscular, however, they are very gentle giants underneath. They do so well with children that they may even start to treat the children as their pup! Boxers also need a lot of walking and active exercise. Although they also like to be indoors most of the time, unlike in the case of some other large dog breeds.
Living in a rather small space doesn’t mean you can’t own a dog. While for you to adopt a large breed like a shepherd, you may need a large enough space for your dog to roam. But lucky for all dog lovers, there are quite a several small dog breeds that would thrive well in your cramped apartments.
However, there are criteria we considered in choosing the dogs on our list, they include size, personality, shedding abilities, adaptability to city living. Check out our round-up of the best breeds for apartments.
GREYHOUNDS
Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds you can find. Don’t let that fool you, they are not only comfortable in large family homes but also adapt well in lesser space. They love to relax most of the day. You can take them to the dog park for a good exercise session. This will wear them out to sleep while you go about your business.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a cute toy dog that enjoys walking around the block and also a spot in your lap. At only within the range of 13 to 18 pounds, even a tiny studio can comfortably create room for one of these silky beauties.
Bulldog
Although bulldogs appear to have well-built muscled frames, bulldogs also have the reputation of being lazy dogs. Brisk strolls are okay as exercise. And you will appreciate that they are friendly and loyal companions. Cities with hot climates do not make them the most comfortable.
SHIH TZU
Shih Tzu is a Chinese dog breed that is bred for palace living. However, they will get comfortable in your more modest apartments without ado. Parents should take note: these affectionate little dogs are especially great with kids and other dogs in the same space.
GERMAN SPITZ
You don’t need to worry about your dog’s devotion to the German Spitz dog breed. Their fox-like appearance may be sweet but be careful with these attentive fellows. They can get comfortable barking at strangers if you’re not mindful. Fortunately, there always especially eager to please and willing to learn.
HAVANESE
Havanese are typically a 10-pound fluffball. They have their ancestors based in the Cuban capital. Havanese dogs do well in downtowns, always so content to goof around inside your apartment. You have a new best friend if you desire an outgoing pup with a default entertainment ability. You can leave their silky fur to grow long or you may choose to clip it short to have a much easier grooming routine.
Bedlington Terriers
Bedlington Terriers possess a distinguished fleecy fur, that makes them stand out from the crowd. However, they don’t want to be alone, they love bring part of the family and of course the fun. They are quite sprightly whenever they are out and about. This new furry friend will require extensive walks and a lot of play sessions. Also, you will get the reward of a dog who is very loyal and loving to the core. The good thing is despite how they look, they don’t shed much.
Chinese Crested
If you own a Chinese Crested, you will stand out on your block. They come in two versions the powderpuff and the hairless variety. The powderpuff variety of Chinese created appears in silky cost cover, while the hairless one possesses Tufts on their head, feet, and on the tail. This is perfect for dog owners that need a hypoallergenic breed. However, be mindful of their skin you take extra care to protect the exposed area of their skin from UV rays from the sun.
Finally, don’t just choose a canine companion without getting the relevant basics and determine their compatibility. This would make you enjoy your friend better!