11 Best Medium Size Dogs for Apartment Living

There are many people who want to keep dogs. But they are confused as to what dogs they should keep. Some like small breeds while others prefer large breeds. If you are among those who want neither too small nor too big then this list will certainly come in handy. And yes, if you are looking for medium-size dogs for apartment living then look no further. We have a list of dog breeds that will make your search a lot easier.

In this article, we will discuss breeds that are from almost all of the breed groups which include sporting, nonsporting, working, hounds, and terriers. If you are a novice in dog keeping then remember to do research and find out the one suitable for you and your family. If you are keen on adopting, then make sure that you adopt animals from reputable sources or respected animal breeders or shelters.

So let’s find ourselves our best-midsized dogs for apartment living.

Medium Size Dogs for Apartment Living

Golden Retriever

This famous dog breed that is very popular for apartment living is the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are an exuberant Scottish gun-dog of great beauty. They are the quintessential family pet, but are also known for their hunting and fieldwork, as guides for the blind and also search and rescue dogs. Golden Retrievers are known to be among the lowest barkers and plus they do not have bad breath. Every Golden Retriever has its unique traits and characteristics. They are very versatile and are among the favorite dogs to be welcomed into homes.

Golden retriever or golden as they are fondly called were developed in the 1860s with an immense love for the water and the desire to retrieve. Following are the characteristics of golden retrievers which makes them such a loveable breed of dogs and a great family dog.

Golden Retrievers are known for their good behavior, trustworthy and outgoing nature. They are always willing to work with the people they are bonded with. In short, they are always ready to please their families. Golden Retriever has a dense water-repellent coat with a rich shade of golden coloring. A puppy’s coat is always lighter than what it will be when it is an adult. It is advised to look at the ear of a puppy to determine what shade it will be when it grows up. Goldens can adapt to any environment provided they get their share of exercise. They have a fairly high energy level so you can take them for jogs or runs and they will be as happy as they can be.

Golden Retrievers have some health problems like hip dysplasia which can be quite painful and will require medical help. It is advisable to consult a vet if your dog shows any signs of discomfort.

Golden Retrievers are very easy to train. They love kids.  It is their eager nature to please which makes them such a favorite among families. But remember they can be mouthy and a biter. So training them early is a must to inhibit them from biting. They are not a guard dog- they would probably tell the intruders to take everything as long as they play with them. Jokes aside, there is probably no other better pet than Golden Retriever for your family and kids. It is their versatility and their good behavior which makes these dogs so popular in the family circle.

Early socialization is a must when it comes to having good and obedient dogs no matter which breeds.

Height: Female: 51–56 cm, Male: 56–61 cm

Weight: Female: 25–32 kg, Male: 30–34 kg

Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years

 

Labrador Retriever

If you are looking for a dog with a zeal for life, then the lab is a great choice. The Labradors are medium-sized dogs and are known for their friendly nature. They are great for company and they bond very well with the whole family along with socializing with the neighbor’s dogs and humans alike.

Labs are very energetic breeds. They love to swim and play. They have webbed paws which make them the strongest canine swimmers in the world. Labs have a layered slightly oily coat which keeps them warm, helps them float, and also keeps them drip dry. Labradors come in three colors- black which is the commonest of all, yellow, which is very popular, and chocolate which is uncommon of all.  Labs have a unique ability to learn. You don’t need to be the best trainer in the world. You just need to make an effort and the dog will do the rest.

Labs can remember up to 300 human phrases. It is their intense desire to please that makes lab such trainable dogs of all. From bomb-sniffing to search and rescue dogs, no breed is in greater demand than the Labs. Although the labs are great adult companions, they can be quite mouthy while puppies. So be prepared while raising them. It is imperative to teach them from a very young age what trainers call bite inhibition i.e. to be really careful with their razor-sharp teeth.

Labs have a high activity level. So they might not necessarily be best for some people. This is a dog that needs room to run as he is a sprinter. So if you are someone who loves to run, then get a lab and he can be your best partner.

However, on the health front, Labs do have some health issues such as hip dysplasia.

They do not require much grooming. They shed moderately in fall and spring. Labs are athletes who adapt well to cold environments. However, they thrive well in any kind of environment. So if you are looking for a dog for apartment living, then Labs can be a great choice. Labradors have an impeccable temperament and so they adapt well with families and pose a low risk for bites. It participates well in family activities. Labs are easy to train and they are always eager to please. But it is very important to start their training and socializing early and young.

Labradors are an adorable breed of dogs. If you think you can match up to their level of energy, then they can be great for you and your family.

Height: Male: 57–62 cm, Female: 55–60 cm

Weight :Male: 29–36 kg, Female: 25–32 kg

Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years

You May also want to read: 

1. 5 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments for Families with Kids
2. 5 Awesome Benefits Of Owning A Dog That Will Change Your Life Forever
3. 10 Must-Follow Responsibilities That Make You a Good Pet Parent

Keeshond

Another great medium dog for apartment living is the Keeshond. These adorable pooches are the national dog of the Netherland and are known as the smiling Dutchman. The Keeshond is known for their remarkable temperament and is affectionate, friendly and always stick to families like glue. They are also referred to as cuddle dogs and are compared to a teddy bear, but with a heart.

Intuitive, and sensitive, the Keeshonds are great at barking and loves to bark all the time. So they can be a little noisy. However, you might think that with all this barking they would make a great guard dog. Well here’s to disappoint you. The Keeshonds are all bark and no bite. These fluffy dogs do not make great guard dogs. All the Keeshond want to do is be around people and participate in all the family activities.

A distinctive characteristic of the Keeshond is their double coat fur and their plush plumed curled tail which curves around the back. So when it comes to the grooming department you will need to pay attention. The Keeshonds need to be brushed every day or every other day. These overtly friendly dogs are smart, obedient, and intelligent and as such training, them is a walk in the park. But make sure to start early.

The Keeshond can adapt to any environment. So bring them to an apartment as long as they get their daily dose of exercise. The breed is pretty healthy but can suffer from hip dysplasia, skin problems, and heart diseases.

All in all, if you are looking for a great family dog, then this is it. The Keeshond is an amazing family dog with a very good temperament and is very tolerant. They have a very pleasing personality and do well with humans as well as other dogs. But socialization is still important as early as possible.

Height: 43 – 46 cm (Adult, At Shoulder)

Weight: 14 – 18 kg (Adult)

Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years

 

Basset Hound

If you are looking for a breed that is funny yet lovable then the Basset Hound is for you. This breed is very relaxed and easy-going. They are known to have the longest ears which help them to gather scent while they are hunting for critters. They also have a very powerful nose and can differentiate a lot of scents. So make sure your doors are locked because once it gets the smell of something, it will not care for anything else.

The basset hound is however a very stubborn and independent breed. So you might have to have a lot of patience while training it. But fret not; they do well with positive reinforcement training methods. The basset hounds are kind of in-between dogs. When they are outside they are highly energetic and it seems that they will never tire easily. However, when indoors, they can become calm and exhibit lazy attributes. They also make great watchdogs as they are always alert. They are really dependable and wonderful family dogs.

When it comes to apartment living, these lovable dogs do well in small spaces as long as you take them out to exercise and walk. Healthwise basset hounds have few health issues and are low shedders. But they require to be cleaned regularly because they tend to get dirty quickly. They are social dogs and do great with children, people, and other animals and as such make a great addition to the family.

However, early socialization is a must.

Height: Female: 28–36 cm, Male: 30–38 cm

Size: Female 20-27kg, Male 23-29 kg

Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years

 

Portuguese Water Dog

 

Another breed of dog which is best suited for apartment living is the Portuguese Water Dog. These breed of dogs share some of its origins from the Poodle. Known for their gentle temperaments, the Portuguese Water Dog known also as PWD are very intelligent dogs.

They are generally water dogs and love to play in the water.  If you are thinking about keeping this breed you should also know that President Obama has two PWD’s. These dogs are friendly, with a great sense of humor, and are merry and affable. The PWD has a good rapport with humans as well as other animals. Because of their good temperament, these dogs do well in apartment living or anywhere for that matter. Being intelligent, Portuguese Waterdogs are easily trainable and are also used as service dogs in many places. They require moderate exercise but give them enough mental stimulation otherwise they can get bored.

The PWD’s are a pretty healthy breed and have a good life span, but nonetheless are prone to hip dysplasia, cataract, and sometimes rare heart conditions. Another good thing about this breed is that they do not shed much. But keep in mind to brush them regularly as their dense hair is prone to matting. Overall the Portuguese Waterdogs are the best choice for families and kids for apartment dwelling. These spirited dogs crave human attention and love to hang out with his family at all times.

Height: Female: 43–52 cm, Male: 50–57 cm

Weight: Female 16-23 kg, Male 19-27 kg

Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years

 

English Bull Dog

Looking for a dog who is very confident and lovable then you definitely need to have an English Bulldog. These medium-sized dogs are powerfully built so don’t be fooled by their size. They have a very sweet personality and so they do very well with family and small kids. The English Bulldog is a great addition to your family if you are looking for companionship as well as someone to look after the home. They are great guard dogs; however, they tend to bark less. So this makes them ideal for apartment living. Training an English Bulldog is slightly tough as they want to do things their way. They can be a little stubborn so you will need a lot of patience to train them. But once they do focus on something they tend to do it well.

Grooming wise, the English Bulldog does not require much effort. Although, you will need to clean that wrinkly face every day to avoid skin infections. One major problem with this breed is their health issues; they tend to have a very short life span. The English Bulldog has many congenital (inborn) and hereditary diseases like heart diseases or orthopedic problems. They do not require much exercise. A simple walk every day will do just fine. Too much exercise may lead to breathing problems. They also do not do well in the heat.

Overall, this breed given its health problems is a very good option for those residing in cities. Its temperament is very amiable and it does well with other humans and animals alike. However, the thing which I keep mentioning over and over is to socialize it or any breed for that matter at an early age to avoid developing any sort of aggressive behavior.

Height:  Female: 31–40 cm, Male: 31–40 cm

Weight: Female: 18–23 kg, Male: 23–25 kg

Life Expectancy:  8 – 10 years

 

Boston Terrier

If you look at a Boston Terrier you will realize that it is wearing a tuxedo ( Yes because of their coat). Also known as the ‘American Gentleman’, the Boston Terrier is a lovable, lively, and intelligent dog which can be great for apartment living. These dogs provide an endless amount of entertainment and are a fun dog to have around. Boston Terrior’s are also known to be a good companion dog breed for seniors.

Boston Terriers are good for apartment dwelling because they do not bark much, unless very necessary. But this cuddly canine has some issues with heat or high temperatures which can lead to respiratory problems. Given this minor hiccup, the breed is fairly healthy and has a long life.

In the grooming department, they are of low maintenance and do not shed much. Exercise is an integral factor to keep this dog healthy (or for that matter any breed healthy) as they can be prone to obesity. They are adorable dogs and are good with humans and small children. Given their high degree of intelligence and determination, they are easy to train. As I keep on reiterating, early socialization is very important to raise good and obedient dogs.

Height: 38 – 43 cm (At the withers)

Weight: 4.5 – 11 kg

Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years

 

Dalmation

Now here’s a dog that is really eye-catching and quirky looking. The Dalmation or Dals as they are loving called is a very lovable medium-sized white dog with black spots all over his body including his mouth. But they are not always covered with spots. When a Dal is born, they have no spots at all. The spots develop as they mature. The Dalmatians were bred originally to guard horses and coaches and this protective and guarding instinct still remains in their blood.

The Dals are even famous for their portrayal of ‘Disney’s 101 Dalmations’. But keep in mind that you should take the movie with a grain of salt. If you have a Dalmation or are planning to get one because of the movie then you need to know that they are highly independent and stubborn dogs with a boatload of smartness. Because of this, they can at times feel like they are the boss ( sorry to break your dream bubble )and not you. So early, consistent and patient training is a must to get them to become obedient.

Another thing that can be a little annoying is that they have what is known as selective hearing. (Yes you heard me right). Because they know they are super smart, they won’t listen to what you are saying until and unless it’s something important to them.

The Dals have a very stocky body and strong muscles, which allow them to run all day long. If you are a couch potato they should give this breed a miss.

Grooming wise, the Dalmatians do not require much effort. These bundles of energy do have some health issues like allergies, urinary stones, and joint problems. It is better to look for good breeders to avoid some breeding related issues.

The Dalmatians do very well in open spaces, but that doesn’t mean that they are unable to live in apartments. Dals can do equally wonderful in apartments provided they get to run in the park every day. So people with an active lifestyle may find this dog highly catered to their needs.

Again this is a very independent dog, so training them at an early age is essential. And remember to socialize it as a puppy to avoid any aggression.

The Dalmatians are none the less very good dogs, loyal and protective with high levels of stamina, and does very well with families and kids.

Height : Female: 56–58 cm, Male: 58–61 cm

Weight:  Female: 16–24 kg, Male: 15–32 kg

Life Expectancy: 10 – 13 years

 

Basenji

A dog that doesn’t bark but it can definitely bite. Meet the Basenji’s. This breed of dog is perfect for apartment living. Basenji’s are independent dogs but they tend to be aloof. They are known for their calm and quiet disposition but are super loyal to their owners.

Even if you are a first-time dog owner, the Basenji is a good fit for you. They are intelligent dogs and are also very smart. Training a Basenji can be a little hard. You will need to devote a lot of time, energy, and dedication. But when you put your time and effort to train them, they can make a wonderful companion.

Another interesting feature of the Basenji is its cat-like characteristics. They do well with everyone but they tend to bond more with mostly one or two members of the family. The Basenji’s are great for city or apartment dwellers. If you are a neat freak, then you can get this dog as they shed less. But they do not do well in too cold temperatures because of their thin coat. The Basenji’s are easy to groom. Remember to brush them regularly and bathe them once in a while to keep this breed in good condition.

Let’s talk about training. Well, being super intelligent and smart dogs, Besenji’s need to be trained at an early age. They have a very strong prey drive as they were mostly bred as hunting dogs. So early socialization is the key to avoid any unruly behavior later on. Another thing to remember is that these dogs have a high level of energy. So a good exercise daily will keep them in check for any untoward incidences. As mentioned earlier, Besenji’s do well with mentally stimulating exercises because a well-exercised dog is a happy dog.

Height: Male: 41–43 cm, Female: 38–41 cm

Weight: Female 9-11 kg, Male 10-12 kg

Life Expectancy: 12 – 16 years

 

Chow Chow

If you have seen a Chow Chow, then you will know that it looks like a lion. These beautiful and admired dog is sure to make heads turn. The Chow’s have a reputation for being aggressive and ranks among the most dangerous dog breeds. But this should not deter you from having this cute and cuddly pooch.

Almost all properly trained and socialized Chow’s make wonderful and loyal companions. Remember that these dogs have a very warm and loving spirit. The Chow’s origins can be traced back to China where they were used as all-around working dogs. The Chinese emperors used them for hunting, drawing sleds, and most importantly for guarding.

One very fascinating characteristic of the Chow Chow is that they have 44 teeth, unlike other dogs who have 42 teeth. Plus they also have a blue-black tongue(interesting isn’t) which is said to ward off evil spirits. However, Chow puppies are born with pink tongues that darken as they age.

Another prominent feature of the Chow Chow is their dense double coat which is either smooth or rough. Chow’s come in 5 colors, Red (being the most common), black, cream, blue, and cinnamon.

Because of their strong guarding instinct, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners and as such make excellent pets. They make a great companion for adults but do not display the same towards kids. They are not an active breed, so they are an excellent choice for people living in apartments. But they do need a little exercise to keep them healthy. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, lethargy, and Chow’s being cranky at times.

Chow’s do not do well in warm climates. They prefer the cold as they are prone to heat strokes.

Chow’s shed seasonally but you will have to religiously devote some time to its grooming as it requires regular brushing.

Chow Chow‘s can be very territorial and so they take their home and family very seriously. Training and socialization need to done early on to avoid Chow’s being aggressive. It is important that they meet other pets and people so that they can bond well.

When it comes to health issues, Chow’s are not the sturdiest breeds. They can have a lot of health issues most common being hip and elbow dysplasia and eye issues.

If you want to keep a Chow Chow, then you will have to be patient training, and socializing it. It is an intelligent but stubborn dog and is not best for first-time dog owners but will do wonderfully with experienced adult families.

Height: Male: 48–56 cm, Female: 46–51 cm

Weight: Male: 25–32 kg, Female: 20–27 kg

Life Expectancy: 9 – 15 years

 

Sharpei

If there’s any place where wrinkles look really good it’s on a Sharpei. Yes, these unusual looking dogs are quite unique from all the other dog breeds. The wrinkly skin of the Sharpei helps to protect their internal organs when they got into a fight. These dogs are very independent, strong-willed, and intelligent. They can be territorial and as such, they make good guard dogs. Sharpei also displays reserved characteristics towards strangers but they are very loyal and devoted to their family members.

Since these breeds are quite strong-willed, it is best advised to train them at the earliest. Early socialization is also a key to raise them into not being aggressive. Given their intelligence, Sharpei learns things very quickly, but being stubborn they require a lot of patience to train them. Don’t bore them with long tiring sessions.  Instead make their training fun and short and you can have a dog who will love to obey you. Keep on having positive reinforcements which will give them the impetus to learn more.  If you are a novice then it is better to have some experienced trainer to train them.

When it comes to living conditions, the Sharpei can fit anywhere. Be it on a farm or an apartment. With moderate exercise and a good diet, they can live a healthy life. You can take them out for a walk or a jog and that’s it. However, Sharpei does have some health issues like eye problems, allergies, and skin problems. Make sure to regularly clean those wrinkly folds to avoid getting any bacteria getting trapped in them.

In short, Sharpei does very well with adults but they do not do so well with small children, so if you are a person living alone in an apartment looking for a loyal companion then Sharpei can give you all the love and adulation you can ask for.

Height: Female: 46–51 cm, Male: 46–51 cm

Weight: Female 18-25kg, Male 25-29 kg

Life Expectancy: 9 – 11 years

 

Here was my list of Best Medium-Sized dog breeds for apartment living. Do let us know which is your favorite breed and if you have any other breed suggestions for apartment dwelling then don’t forget to mention in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts on it.