Tag: dog breeds

Good Neighbors: 9 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Apartment Living

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Taste of the Wild

Who says you need a fenced-in yard before you can adopt a dog? There are plenty of dogs in apartments that adore the lifestyle as much as you do. All they need is a short walk and plenty of time to loll on the couch with you.

But not every dog breed will feel at home in a high-rise. Generally, you’ll want a breed with an easygoing personality and low to moderate exercise needs. Out of consideration for your neighbors, look for breeds that aren’t excessive barkers and who can greet tenants in the hallways and elevators with courtesy and a friendly tail wag.

Surprisingly, size is not always a determining factor, as long as the space allows and your building doesn’t have particular breed or size restrictions.  It’s a good idea to check to see if there are extra fees for pets (such as pet deposits) and if there’s a limit to how many pets you can have.

Here are just a few of the dog breeds that can fit happily into apartments.

Boston Terrier

Averaging around 15 pounds, Boston terriers are both adaptable and affectionate. They’re generally happy to cuddle with children and quick to make friends with neighbors and even cats. They don’t shed much, making it easy to keep your space tidy. Bostons are typically quiet, except when it comes to sleeping: They can be boisterous snorers.

Bichon Frisé

With a French name that means “curly coated,” bichon frisé dogs don’t shed much, which means less dander for those prone to allergies. While they don’t require a lot of exercise, they are known for the “bichon blitz,” a wild, full-speed race in which they lap the living room several times, then collapse into your comforter for a snooze. A word to the wise: bichons often need professional grooming and can be a challenge to housetrain.

Shiba Inu

The most popular companion dog in Japan, shiba inus rarely bark. Averaging 25 pounds or less, these independent dogs can be the perfect size for apartments. Available in several coat colors, such as sesame, cream, or black and tan, those with red coats are often likened to a fox. These adorable dogs typically blow coat twice a year and are escape artists, so be careful opening your apartment door.

Greyhound

These gentle dogs are often known as 45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes because after a high-speed dash around the dog park, they’re happy to couch surf with you while you binge Netflix. They’re generally quiet, affectionate and easy to groom. Even retired racers can be satisfied with a short walk and a long nap. Greyhound puppies, however, typically need quite a bit of exercise, so consider adopting an adult for your apartment.

Pekingese

Small in stature, the Pekingese is big on personality. These dogs like to rule the household, as they did in Chinese palaces long ago. They will also guard your apartment fiercely but aren’t overly yappy to disturb the neighbors. Pekingese get along well with children if they’re brought up with them, but otherwise prefer adult company.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These toy dogs will follow their owners everywhere until they can use those big, brown eyes to earn a seat in your lap. They’re big on snuggling but prefer not to make a lot of noise. Always walk your Cavalier on a leash because they’re apt to chase after birds and squirrels without warning.

French Bulldog

Frenchies require very little exercise, and are the perfect match for who live in confined spaces. They love almost everyone they meet and are likely to flirt with your neighbors in the hallways. Frenchies can be destructive with their toys, so make sure not to give them anything that can be chewed up and accidentally swallowed.

Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, Havanese generally get along with other dogs, cats and children. Typically happy with a springy gait, these dogs are at their best in the company of their owners — consider another breed if you can’t spend much time at home. With low exercise requirements, the Havanese sheds very little and is a cheerful and loving addition to any apartment.

Pug

Beneath the wrinkled brow and worried expression beats the heart of a truly devoted companion. Eager to please, pugs are good sports about being dressed in embarrassing costumes, from dinosaurs to butterflies. They require little grooming or exercise, but you might need to have a vacuum at hand for shedding. If you need a full night’s sleep, consider sound cancellation headphones because pugs have a propensity for snoring.

And don’t forget about mixed breed dogs — there are plenty of good-natured mutts that also make perfect apartment roommates.

Behind the Breed: Standard Poodle

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A black standard poodle with curly fur standing outside in green grass with green trees in the background.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of a dog breed? In our “Behind the Breed” series we’ll dive into the history, personality and physical appearance of a particular breed. We’ll also cover some of the FAQs about the breed and maybe some fun facts, too!

When you picture a standard poodle, you might imagine an elegant, impeccably groomed dog with a distinctive coat and an air of sophistication. But there’s much more to these dogs than their glamorous appearance. So how did the standard poodle become one of the world’s most recognizable breeds?

History of the Standard Poodle Breed

Although they are commonly referred to as “French” poodles, these dogs actually have their origins in Germany. The standard poodle dates back at least 400 years and was initially used as a duck-hunting dog. The breed’s hunting history is reflected in its name: the English term “poodle” is derived from the German word “Pudelhund,” which combines “hund” (meaning dog) and “pudel” (meaning puddle), stemming from the term “pudeln,” which means “to splash about in water.”

In 1887, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed. However, it wasn’t until the aftermath of World War II that poodles truly captured the hearts of dog lovers across the United States. In fact, they were the AKC’s most registered breed from 1960 to 1982.

What Were Poodles Bred For?

Standard poodles were originally bred as working water dogs, prized by hunters for their intelligence, agility and natural retrieving ability. Similar to another curly-haired dog breed, lagotto romagnolo, they were trained to retrieve waterfowl. These dogs would leap into ponds and rivers to retrieve downed birds; the standard poodle has a remarkably gentle “soft mouth,” which helped prevent damage to the game. Another trait that makes the standard poodle such a great water dog is that they have webbed paws that allow them to swim efficiently.

So beneath that elegant haircut is a dog built for action. The distinctive poodle clip was not originally designed simply for fashion, either; it was intended to balance warmth and mobility, leaving hair over joints and vital organs while keeping the rest of the coat relatively short for easier movement when swimming.

Today, you can find poodles competing in dog shows across the country. Active, athletic and highly intelligent, they excel in conformation, obedience and agility events.

Types of Poodles

Poodles are recognized as three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Regardless of size, all poodles belong to the same breed, and most of their characteristics are similar. However, there are some differences among the sizes.

The toy and miniature poodles are believed to have been bred from standard poodles around the 1400s. Toy poodles were developed as companions for royalty in France, while miniature poodles were used for hunting forest truffles.

Poodle Sizes

Standard poodles are the largest, standing over 15 inches tall at the shoulder, while miniature poodles are over 10 inches but no more than 15 inches tall. Toy poodles are the smallest, standing 10 inches or less. No matter what size poodle you choose, they can make a wonderful companion, depending on a family’s lifestyle and preferences.

Generally, standard poodle pups will weigh around 10 to 16 pounds at 8 to 10 weeks old. Their body will continue to grow rapidly, and they typically reach their full mature size of approximately 60 to 70 pounds between 12 and 18 months of age.

Do Poodles Shed?

Poodles do shed, but they are considered a low-shedding dog breed. Unlike dogs whose loose hair falls easily around the house, a poodle’s fine, curly hair and dander tend to become trapped in the fur. Because poodles also have a long hair-growth cycle, they shed slowly rather than losing large amounts of hair at once.

However, poodle hair continues to grow and can quickly become tangled if it is not properly maintained. Regular brushing and combing to remove loose and dead hair are essential to prevent matting, knots and tangles in their curly coats. Without routine grooming, the curls can tighten and form cords or severe mats that can become difficult to remove. Regular baths, along with brushing, help keep the coat clean, healthy and free of matting. Grooming and regular trimming are especially important for maintaining a manageable poodle coat.

Their low-shedding coat makes poodles a popular choice for people who prefer less hair around the house. Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, poodles are often considered a good option for people with mild allergies because they typically shed less than many other breeds. Still, their unique coat needs to be frequently cared for to keep those beautiful curls soft, healthy and tangle-free.

How Long Do Poodles Live?

The typical standard poodle lifespan is 10 to 18 years, although individual lifespan varies. Proper nutrition, mental stimulation, genetics, routine veterinary care and regular exercise all help support a healthy life.

Standard poodles can be prone to several inherited and genetic health conditions, including hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally and can lead to joint instability, pain, and arthritis over time. It’s important to watch your poodle’s food intake to ensure they maintain a healthy body weight, which can help reduce stress on their joints. Regular, age-appropriate exercise helps support muscle strength, mobility and overall joint health.

Von Willebrand disease is an inherited blood-clotting disorder that is recognized in standard poodles. This condition is caused by a low concentration of the von Willebrand factor protein. Interestingly, von Willebrand disease can also occur in humans. Breeders may use DNA testing to identify genetic risks before breeding.

Another health concern for standard poodles is epilepsy, including idiopathic epilepsy, which is characterized by recurrent seizures without an identifiable underlying cause. Idiopathic epilepsy is an important cause of recurrent seizures in dogs and most commonly first appears in dogs between the ages of 1 and 5 years.

Additionally, some poodles may be predisposed to eye disorders, thyroid issues, gastric dilatation and volvulus (bloat), Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) and sebaceous adenitis. Pet parents should consider discussing with their vet appropriate screenings based on their dog’s age, family history and individual risk factors. Not every poodle will develop these conditions; owners need to work with a vet to monitor their dog’s behavior, eating habits, movement and overall health.

The standard poodle is a well-known dog breed recognized for its intelligence, energetic nature and athleticism. Standard poodles are typically eager to please their owners, making them wonderful companions for families with children and individuals alike. With proper care, diet, training and attention, standard poodles can be loyal and loving pets for many years.