Nearly 100 million Americans have a canine companion at home. And it's no wonder.
Owning a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk of asthma and allergies in kids, and lower stress levels.
Now, you might think the size of your home should determine the size of your ideal dog… but, that's not always true.
Turns out, tiny dogs, like the Yorkshire Terrier, tend to have a big set of pipes with an even bigger attitude.
According to Gina Dinardo, executive secretary at the American Kennel Club, “A lot of small dogs, they're naturally really good, alert dogs. They're good little watch dogs. And they're going to bark when they hear people waking down the hall or talking in the lobby passage ways.”
Not a great attribute if your neighbors live a few feet away.
So, what should you look for in an apartment-friendly pooch?
“Dogs sleep about 16, 17 hours a day, and as long as you can provide a dog with the right amount of mental and physical stimulation and exercise, even a big dog can be happy in a small place.”
For starters, you want a dog who’s not a big barker, is sociable with new humans and other dogs, and is comfortable with loud noises and crowded streets.
Mixed breeds can make an amazing apartment pet, but if you're looking for purebreds, there are the blue ribbon winners for apartment living according to the American Kennel Club.
Find out on which dog breeds are the best for apartment living on the next page:
