I remember sitting on my couch (all 4 feet of it), scrolling through adoption profiles while holding a coffee in one hand and delusion in the other.
All I knew was:
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I needed a dog.
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I lived in a 500 sq. ft. apartment.
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And I wasn’t giving up either of those facts.
But then reality slapped me:
“Not every dog is built for small space living.”
“Some breeds need acres to run or will go full demolition mode in your hallway.”
After too many Reddit threads, dog blogs, and actual human conversations, I narrowed my choices down to two wildly different breeds people kept recommending:
✅ Mini Goldendoodle (tiny, cute, smart)
✅ Greyhound (giant, lazy, quiet)
And what I found surprised me.
Let me break it down for anyone else standing at this fuzzy crossroad.
✨ First Impressions: Instagram vs. Real Life
Mini Goldendoodle:
You see them everywhere.
The aesthetic, curly teddy bear look. Non-shedding. Perfect for influencers and toddlers alike.
But no one tells you this:
They’re Energizer bunnies wrapped in fluff.
Cute? Yes.
Chill? Eh… only after 5 games of fetch and a half-mile walk.
Greyhound:
Wait. Isn’t that a racing dog? Don’t they need a farm or a track or… a desert?
Surprisingly, nope.
They’re called “45-mph couch potatoes” for a reason.
Greyhounds love sleeping. Like, professionally.
They’ll sprint for 2 minutes and then nap for 5 hours.
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🛋️ Apartment Fit: Which Breed Actually Feels Right in a Small Space?
🐩 Mini Goldendoodle in an Apartment:
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Size-wise? Great. Most minis are 15–30 lbs.
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But they get bored fast. And bored = chewy, barky, chaos.
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You’ll need to walk them multiple times a day and rotate toys like a toddler with ADHD.
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That non-shedding coat? Yeah, it needs brushing. Like every few days.
Verdict: Manageable, but high maintenance.
🐕 Greyhound in an Apartment:
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They’re tall, sure, but they’re like sleepy giraffes.
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Incredibly quiet. Rarely bark.
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Don’t smell. Don’t shed much. Don’t care about your furniture.
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One long walk a day and they’re good. Some even need less.
Verdict: Shockingly perfect. As long as your building allows big dogs.
😅 What Nobody Warns You About
With Mini Goldendoodles:
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Separation anxiety is real.
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They’re velcro dogs.
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If you work long hours outside home? Expect whining, destructive chewing, or both.
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Grooming costs = $$$ every 6–8 weeks unless you learn to DIY.
With Greyhounds:
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You may have to teach them stairs.
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They can be sensitive to hard floors, loud noises, or sudden hugs.
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You’ll likely get one off the track with zero toy experience or leash manners — but they learn.
💡 So… Which One Should You Choose?
Pick a Mini Goldendoodle if:
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You’re home most of the time
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You want a dog that’s smart and trainable
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You’re okay investing time in daily mental stimulation and grooming
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You love cuddles — and energy
Pick a Greyhound if:
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You want a low-drama, low-maintenance roommate
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You don’t mind a bigger body in a smaller space
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You appreciate independence and long naps
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You don’t need constant attention and affection (they’re more aloof)
❤️ My Decision (and Why I Nearly Changed My Mind)
I went with a Mini Goldendoodle.
At first, I panicked. The zoomies. The barking at hallway noises. The sheer energy in such a small space.
But once I got into a rhythm — puzzles, morning walks, frozen peanut butter toys — it worked.
Still, some days when I pass a peacefully lounging Greyhound in the park…
I wonder.
Would I have slept more? Cleaned less fur out of crevices? Had fewer “sorry about the barking” convos with my neighbor?
Probably.
But here’s the deal:
There’s no perfect dog for apartments.
Just the right match for your energy, your patience, and your lifestyle.
🐾 Final Thoughts from a 1-Bedroom Dog Parent
Both breeds can work beautifully in apartments.
But don’t choose based on what looks cute on Instagram. Choose based on how you actually live.
If you’re the chill type who just wants a couch buddy?
Greyhound. No question.
If you want a playful, smart fluffball you can take everywhere (but also keep busy constantly)?
Mini Goldendoodle. Just be ready for the upkeep.
Either way, your apartment will feel a whole lot more like home.
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