After a long day at work, nothing beats going home to your apartment and having your dog greet you with a few slobbery kisses. Having a dog is a blast; they have the same enthusiasm to see you every day, can be loyal to a fault and cheer you up on a down day. And in return, they just want a cool place to sleep, food and some love.
However, when you’re living in Phoenix, Arizona and renting an apartment, being a dog owner can be a little more complicated. A lot of dogs need space to run around in, and apartments sometimes lack a yard for pups to stretch their legs. Factor in how hot it gets in Arizona, and getting a dog with a thick layer of fur might not be the best idea, unless you want to clean up after all that shedding.
Fortunately, there are still some great dog breeds for apartment living that can also handle the hot weather.
Dachshund
Don’t let the German name confuse you: We’re talking about wiener dogs. When it comes to apartment living, the dachshund’s compact build makes it the ideal housemate for a smaller space. Plus, they’re very smart dogs and they respond well to training, so finding surprises when you get home won’t be a normal occurrence.
Dachshunds do have a decent amount of energy, but they don’t require extensive exercise. Playing with them will be enough to keep them happy and healthy with an occasional walk. Grooming isn’t a hassle either, especially if you get a short-haired dachsie.
While they may be on the smaller side, they can have a little bit of a temper, so supervision when they’re around kids is probably for the best, especially when meeting for the first time.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are among the most popular dogs, and for good reason – they’re so cute! They also make great companions for your apartment because they’re incredibly laid back. They have no issue relaxing at home while you’re at work all day. Since they don’t make a lot of noise, your neighbors will be a fan, too. Bulldogs are incredibly friendly, so while they might be a beefy 50 pounds or more, they’ll get along with everyone, including kids.
Grooming them isn’t a hassle either. They have short hair, so shedding isn’t an issue, but it is important that the wrinkles on their face get cleaned regularly to avoid infection.
English bulldogs don’t require too much exercise, but it is important to be careful when taking them outside. Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means they have some breathing issues because of their short snout. Fortunately, they want to spend as much time in the heat as you do… as in not much!
Beagle
If wrinkly faces aren’t your idea of cute, maybe floppy ears will do the trick. Beagles are also a household favorite because they make great family pets as well as rating well in the cuteness factor. They’re usually 20-plus pounds, so they’re a great size for your apartment.
Beagles are a bundle of energy, so if you do decide to get one, it’s probably best to make sure you’re ready to give them a little more time to burn some energy. Their short coats, on the other hand, mean they’re easy to clean, and you won’t have to sweep up hair all the time.
Border Collie
Border collies might just be the smartest dogs around. Bred to herd animals, they are very responsive to training, and are always grateful to be outside, no matter the temperature. They usually come in around 30 pounds, and they adapt well to living in an apartment.
Border collies are definitely to be avoided if you’re not an active person. A little roughhousing when you get home won’t be enough to keep them happy, but that’s the tradeoff for having a dog that can handle the outdoors as well as a border collie.
While they do have slightly longer hair, they don’t shed any more than a short-haired dog, so a weekly brush and checking for anything caught in their fur is enough to keep them comfortable in the heat.
Labradoodle
A mixed breed between a Labrador Retriever and poodle, labradoodles capture all the best aspects of their origin breeds: They’re highly sociable, smart family dogs that don’t shed a lot and can handle being left alone inside all day.
Not all labradoodle coats are the same, and with the heat it’s a good idea to give them a shaving at the start of the summer months. Other than taking some time for a weekly brush to avoid their fur becoming matted, they’re easy to keep fresh.
Heers Management
Just because you live in Arizona and are looking for an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog, and Heers Management has dog-friendly apartments to accommodate you and your furry friend. Contact us to set up a tour today.
