Looking for a dog that adapts well to condo living? Whether you’re enjoying the views at Grandview at Bay Beach or settling into any high-rise home, some breeds are naturally better suited for smaller, indoor-focused lifestyles. Here are 8 dog breeds that tend to thrive in condos based on energy level, grooming needs, and overall temperament.
Here are some of the best breeds that are built for condo living:
1. English Bulldog
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Energy Level: Low
English Bulldogs may look tough, but they’re actually gentle, calm, and famously lazy. Their compact size and low energy make them ideal for small spaces. Their short coat is easy to maintain, though they do drool quite a bit.
2. Boston Terrier
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Energy Level: Hyper
Easy to house train, Boston terriers are easygoing dogs that are friendly and get along well with other pets and people. They do need to be walked once a day, but a brisk walk or jog is more than enough to burn off their excess energy. Grooming is also easy because they have short coats and you don’t have to worry about them drooling a lot.
3. French Bulldog
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Energy Level: Low
Small and compact in size, the French bulldog is a perfect pet to have in condo apartments. They have low energy levels and thrive best with plenty of human contact. They are easy to house train, though some can be a bit stubborn.
Their short coat is low-maintenance, though they may struggle with cold weather, making Florida a perfect environment for them. They are also perfect as watchdogs because they don’t bark without an obvious reason.
4. Pugs
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Energy Level: Moderate
Funny and playful, pugs are adorable companions and their small size means you can take them with you anywhere. They are easy to house-train but can face a lot of health complications, particularly breathing problems.
Pugs are also sensitive to extreme temperatures, so care needs to be taken regarding this, especially during a Florida summer.
When getting a pug, it is recommended that you get a puppy from a reliable, ethical breeder to ensure that you get a healthy puppy. They also tend to bark unless properly trained, so obedience training is recommended.
5. Corgis
- Grooming Requirements: High
- Energy Level: High
Corgis are adorable and hard to resist with their stubby feet, fluffy features, and adorable personalities. While some corgis can be lazy, they do have a high prey drive and herding instinct, which can be difficult to manage if they are poorly trained or not exercised enough. They are easy to train, but their high intelligence tends to make them stubborn or get them in trouble, particularly if they are bored.
The grooming needs of the corgi are high as they have a rich coat, which sheds seasonally. They can also be rather vocal and bark at almost everything they see.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Grooming Requirements: Moderate
- Energy Level: Moderate
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels take well to apartment living and are very sociable, intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and are naturally quiet; not barking unless provoked.
They do need to be walked daily to keep them happy and healthy and proper training is needed to reduce separation anxiety as they tend to bond strongly with people and can become anxious and destructive when left alone. Grooming the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is relatively easy, but during shedding season, brushing at least twice a day is required.
7. Shih Tzu
- Grooming Requirements: High
- Energy Level: Low
Shih Tzus are the perfect apartment dogs because of their small size and their low levels of energy. They tend to be more than happy following you around your apartment and this will be enough exercise for them.
Shih Tzus are very sociable and love spending time with humans and other pets.
Grooming the Shih Tzu can take up most of your time if you want the long-haired look and you will have to either trim, wash, and brush their fur to keep it free of tangles or send them to the groomers. The good news though is that their fur doesn’t shed. Instead, it just grows out and needs to be cut regularly.
8. Italian Greyhounds
- Grooming Requirements: Low
- Energy Level: Moderate
Sleek and agile, Italian greyhounds are more than happy to curl up in your lap like cats. They love to climb on high places and windows, which can result in accidents and broken bones. House training them can be difficult because they’re extremely intelligent with a short attention span. With high sensitivity, they cannot handle extreme climate changes.
Grooming is very easy with their short coats and they don’t shed a lot.
Schedule a visit to learn more about Grandview, where breathtaking, panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay from your luxury waterfront condo will allow you to look in any direction and see how far you’ve come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breed is best if I work long hours?
Breeds that handle alone time well include French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs. Cavaliers and Italian Greyhounds may struggle with separation anxiety.
Which small dog breeds are quiet for condo living?
Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being naturally quiet and calm.
Are high-energy dogs bad for condos?
Not necessarily—but they require consistent exercise. Corgis and Boston Terriers can thrive in condos if they receive daily physical and mental stimulation.
How much exercise does a pug need in a condo?
Pugs need short daily walks and light indoor play. They are moderate-energy dogs but should avoid overheating, especially outdoors in Florida.
