ForTheBreed
Good for flats Moderate barker

Are Shorkies good apartment dogs?

Shorkies are one of the better breeds for flat living. Size, noise, and energy all line up in favour of small-space life.

Apartment suitability
High
Size
Small
Barking
Moderate
Energy
Medium
Daily exercise
60 to 90 minutes a day
Weight
3–6kg

Flat living with Shorkies

Noise and neighbours

Shorkies bark a moderate amount. Manageable in a flat with training, but worth staying on top of so it does not become a habit that carries through the walls.

Energy in a small space

Shorkies have moderate energy. 60 to 90 minutes a day keeps them content, and a couple of good daily outings make up for the lack of a garden.

What actually matters in a flat

Square footage counts for less than people assume. A calm temperament, moderate noise, reliable toilet habits, and an owner who commits to daily walks matter far more than floor space. Set up a defined resting spot, use enrichment toys for the hours you are out, and build a predictable routine so the dog knows when the next walk is coming.

What Shorkies temperament means in a flat

Playfulness in an apartment needs a structured outlet. Without it, the flat becomes the outlet. A spirited dog feels the contrast between outdoor stimulation and indoor confinement sharply. Regular, substantive exercise is not optional with this type in a flat. Constant alertness means everything that happens in or around the building gets processed. In a block of flats, that's a lot of processing.

Ground floor or upper floor?

An upper-floor flat means every toilet trip is a stair trip, which matters most with puppies, older dogs, and larger breeds. Ground-floor or lift access makes life easier, especially early on during house-training or if the dog is ever unwell and hard to carry.

Full guide to Shorkies

Read the complete Shorkie guide →

More questions about Shorkies

Do they shed?Do they bark a lot?Are they good with kids?Are they good with cats?Are they easy to train?Are they hypoallergenic?Are they good family dogs?Are they aggressive?How long do they live?How much exercise?How much do they cost?Good for first-time owners?Good for seniors?Good in hot weather?Good in cold weather?Good guard dogs?Good running dogs?Can they be left alone?Good with other dogs?Easy to groom?