I'm a dog trainer these are the best breeds for apartments

May 2024 · 3 minute read

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This is the ultimutt list for apartment renters.

Florida dog trainer Garret Wing says pugs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Shih Tzus are ideal for small-space living.

“The reason we are suggesting these breeds over other smaller dog breeds are because these dogs are not as yappy and won’t piss off your neighbors,” Wing, owner and founder of American Standard Dog Training, told the Daily Mail in an interview published Saturday.

Pugs earn the No. 1 spot because “it’s small, it’s friendly, and it doesn’t bark a lot, and it does not require a lot of exercise,” Wing explained in a 35-second clip posted to TikTok in March.

Most pugs grow 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They have been known as “the mischievous companion of Chinese emperors, and later the mascot of Holland’s royal House of Orange,” according to the American Kennel Club.

Garret Wing is a professional dog trainer who shares tips on TikTok. @americanstandardk9/Instagram

The Cavalier King Charles, meanwhile, is “very friendly with other dogs and pets and great for older folks who might live in an apartment,” Wing said.

With British roots, this breed of toy spaniel typically weighs between 13 and 18 pounds and reaches 13 inches in height.

The Shih Tzu comes in third place because it’s a “small, easy-to-train dog that’s very happy to be with its owners and socialize as well with other people and dogs.”

Sometimes referred to as “little lion dogs,” Shih Tzus can weigh 9 to 16 pounds.

The Shih Tzu is known to be a friendly dog that doesn’t require much exercise to be content. Getty Images

The three breeds’ small statures make physical activity challenging for them, and they can quickly tire from a brief walk.

Stairs may also present a struggle.

“Going up and down the stairs can put a lot of wear and tear on their shoulders and hips, so either carry them or take them on the elevator,” Wing told the Daily Mail.

Cavalier King Charles are great companions for elderly people. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Wing received paw-sitive feedback on his TikTok clip, which drew nearly 460,000 views.

“My shih tzu rarely barks, only if he is playing or we are eating pizza 😅,” one person shared.

“My shihtzu barks at anything that moves or makes noise,” another disagreed. “Shih tsu are doorbell dogs 🐶 they bark every time.”

“Cavalier king Charles are so good with kids and so gentle,” a third declared.

The pug is considered the best dog to live in an apartment. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A few pug owners expressed surprise their breed made Wing’s list.

“My pugs bark! A lot! Over any little sound 😂 only have to put a cup down to hard and it sets them off,” one admitted.

“My pug is louder than my brothers arguing,” quipped a viewer.

Others argued their dog deserves a spot.

“The Italian greyhound! I have 2 in my condo! They don’t say a peep, can be trained to use a doggy bathroom and are content to sleep all day!” proclaimed one dog mom.

“I have a French bulldog and he’s a great apartment dog, he loves to sleep 80% of the day,” insisted another owner.

In a separate video, Wing said the border collie, Australian cattle dog and Jack Russell terrier are the worst dogs for apartment renters.

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