Best Dog Breeds for Condos in the Philippines

If there’s one saying that’s especially true in the Philippines, it’s that no man is an island. Filipinos are sociable and need community, and sometimes that sense of companionship is provided by an adorable furry friend. We’ve previously discussed the popular dog breeds in the Philippines, the Philippines’ favorite small dog breeds, and pet-friendly restaurants in Metro Manila. Today, we’ll move a little closer to home— your home, in fact.

It’s no secret that there’s been a real shift in priorities in the real estate market over the past couple of decades. Take a trip to anywhere in the Metro and you’re likely to see at least one condominium development under construction. Condos are becoming ubiquitous, and with space a premium in a congested metropolis like Metro Manila, they’re likely to be the standard living space over standalone houses.

The numbers show it, too. Inquirer reports that demand for condominium units were at an all-time high in 2018, rounding in at around 54,000 unit presales. And as spaces begin to shrink in Metro Manila, it’s likely that the demand for condos will continue to grow.

Pets in Condos

But what does this mean for our furry friends? While keeping a pet in a standalone house wouldn’t have been much of a problem, pet owners in condominiums face a different situation. Because condos are designed, constructed, and maintained by specific developers, there’s no one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to pet ownership in Philippines.

While there’s no official legislation that deals with pets in condominiums, the Philippines does have several laws pertaining to pet ownership in general. These laws are RA 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act and RA 9482 or the Anti Rabies Act and Responsibilities of a Pet Owner, and can be read in full online. Regardless of whether you live in a condominium unit or in a standalone home, you are required to follow these laws. In particular, you should be keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date, with an updated vaccination card and pet registration.

Pet policies vary from developer to developer, so if you have a pet or are thinking about getting one it’s best to check what the rules are. Because of size, noise, homeowners association, and maintenance restrictions, condos have to be pretty strict when it comes to pets. DMCI Communities has a list of tips and considerations for pet owners on their properties, for example, but there are other developers that ban pets outright. Before investing in a condo unit or in a pet, it’s a good idea to check their pet policy first.

Once you’ve got that all sorted out, however, it’s important to take a look at what kind of pet will fit your unit. Fish and cats may be mostly quiet, but if you’re a dog lover, you’ll want a specific breed. Condo living is pretty compact, so you’ll need a breed that’s not too large, not too noisy, and doesn’t need that much exercise. Here are a few examples of some of the best apartment dogs in the Philippines.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed with a cheerful and lively personality. While this breed does require some exercise to keep its energy in check, it’s ideal for condo living because of its small size. This breed is enthusiastic and intelligent, and can adapt well to the structure of apartment life. They also tend to shed less than other dog breeds, which is great for smaller spaces. The Bichon Frise is also a friendly and sociable dog, which cuts down on territorial behaviors and barking.

Boston Terrier

Originally bred to be fighting dogs, the Boston Terrier is now a compact, affectionate breed that can adapt to any kind of living situation. In particular, they’re especially good for apartment living thanks to their small size and friendliness. Boston Terriers are pretty adaptable, and can handle being left alone. They will, however, require some amount of regular exercise to keep energy levels manageable. Shedding is minimal and they’re also easy to groom, making them ideal pets for small spaces living.

Bulldog

At first glance, the bulldog— whether American Bulldog or English Bulldog— might not seem like the ideal condo pet. They’re big, stocky, and look like they take up a lot of space. Despite appearances, though, they’re one of the most adaptable breeds to apartment living, and are great choices for new owners. They can tolerate being left alone, are friendly and affectionate pets, and have lower energy levels than other breeds. Still, they are prone to weight gain, so make sure to set aside time for regular walks.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Although bred to be a sporty dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fantastic companion breed. Its smaller size means that it can fit perfectly into nearly any condo living situation, and it’s highly intelligent, trainable, and good for novice owners. These are exceptionally friendly dogs, but they do require a lot of TLC, and may not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They’re fairly easy to groom and require regular exercise, but on the whole are a great choice for condo pets.

Chihuahua

Probably one of the smallest, if not the smallest dog breed on earth, the Chihuahua has a personality that makes up for its size. These dogs can be yappy and wary of strangers, but they’re incredibly affectionate towards kids and family. They’re incredibly compact, which makes them ideal for apartment life. Additionally, they have an average energy level that’s soothed by regular play and walks. If you’re looking for a small dog, it can’t get any smaller than this one.

Corgi

Also known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the Queen’s Corgi, the Corgi dog has boomed in popularity over recent years. It’s not hard to see why. With its short stubby legs and roly poly shape, the Corgi is definitely cute. It’s also great for condo living, and is easy to train and can handle being left alone. However, it is a sports dog, so requires regular exercise and play. They’re pretty popular so a Corgi price an set you back quite a bit of money, but they’re well worth the investment. Your Corgi puppy will be sweet, affectionate, intelligent, and sociable, making it a great companion for anyone.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are small scent hounds that saw their origins as hunting dogs, but these pups have adapted well to city life. They are affectionate and great with kids, but can take a bit of patience to train. Highly intelligent, a Dachshund puppy can be a bit mouthy, so it’s important to train them out of their yapping stage early on. Regular exercise and a bit of sporty play is great for these dogs, but you should make sure to keep an eye on their diets as they can gain weight quickly. Overall, they’re playful, sweet, and good at handling themselves, so they’re a pretty good choice for condo pets.

French Bulldog

Like its English and American cousins, the French Bulldog is a stocky, muscular dog. However, its smaller size makes it easy to see why it does so well with apartment living. It’s a good-natured, affectionate dog that is great with kids, strangers, and other dogs. Additionally, it’s also highly trainable and great for first-time owners. However, it does need a lot of companionship, so pet owners should be careful not to leave it alone for too long. With regular walks and play, your French Bulldog is sure to be a happy companion in your apartment for years to come.

Poodle

Typecast as one of the most elegant dog breeds around, it’s not hard to see why a poodle could do so well in a condo or apartment setting. While poodles come in a range of sizes, your best choice if you’re planning to live in a condo is the toy poodle. The poodle dog is highly intelligent and affectionate, and will quickly adapt to any rules in your new living space. They hardly shed, so clean up and grooming isn’t hard at all. Despite their elegant image, poodle puppies are sports dogs, so they do require a fair amount of regular exercise and play. Overall, however, they’re fantastic apartment dogs and great companions.

Pug

Known for their iconic, wrinkly faces and coloring, the Pug is a lap dog with a huge personality. Their small size obviously makes them a great choice for condo life. Additionally, their affectionate nature, sociability, and adaptability are all pluses for a lovable dog. Pug puppies are sweet, kid-friendly, and fairly easy to train, which makes them great choices for new owners. Pugs are prone to certain health conditions, so it’s important that you get yours from a reputable breeder. On the whole, they’re playful, wonderful companions, and make great condo dogs.

Shih Tzu

Last but not least is the Shih Tzu. Popular all over the Philippines thanks to their cute appearance and compact size, the Shih Tzu is an obvious choice for condo living. A Shih Tzu puppy makes a great companion, and is fairly easy to train and quite intelligent. They’re so popular that you’ll easily find a Shih Tzu for sale if you’re on the market for one, and their low energy levels mean regular play is enough to keep them happy. The Shih Tzu princess type, while not an official classification, is bred to be a smaller size, so might be a better choice if space is a consideration. Overall, the Shih Tzu temperament means that it’s adaptable and friendly, and great for condo living.