Living in Nevada’s arid climate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a furry friend. Many apartment residents worry about dog hair covering everything from furniture to clothing.
Luckily, several low-shedding breeds adapt beautifully to desert apartment living, combining minimal fur maintenance with heat tolerance and modest space requirements.
1. Chihuahua
Small but mighty, these pint-sized companions pack more attitude into six pounds than dogs triple their size! Chihuahuas thrive in Nevada’s heat thanks to their Mexican desert heritage, making them natural desert dwellers.
Their minimal shedding means less vacuuming in your apartment, while their tiny bladders require frequent but quick potty breaks. perfect for apartment living. Despite their size, these feisty furballs need proper training to prevent ‘small dog syndrome.’
Chihuahuas have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any dog breed, explaining their sharp intelligence and sometimes stubborn nature!
2. Basenji
Ever heard of a dog that doesn’t bark? Meet the Basenji!
Instead of woofing, these clever canines make unique yodel-like sounds called ‘barroos’ when excited, a blessing for thin-walled apartment complexes.
Originally from Africa’s hot regions, Basenjis laugh in the face of Nevada’s summer temperatures. Their short, fine coats shed minimally and require just occasional brushing to stay gleaming. Cat-like in their cleanliness habits, they’ll spend hours grooming themselves.
Independence runs deep in their blood, so expect an apartment companion who respects your space while maintaining their dignified aloofness.
3. Greyhound
Speed demons on the track, lazy loungers at home! Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds transform into professional nappers once indoors. These gentle giants (who aren’t actually that giant) have ultra-short coats that barely shed, making them cleaner roommates than many humans.
Their laid-back temperament perfectly suits apartment living. They’re content with short, brisk walks followed by hours of couch surfing. Greyhounds handle heat like champions thanks to their lean builds and minimal body fat.
Retired racing Greyhounds often need homes, so you might rescue a grateful companion while gaining a low-maintenance, apartment-friendly friend!
4. Saluki
Ancient Egyptian artwork features these elegant sighthounds for good reason – they’re literally bred for desert life! Salukis have graced the sands of the Middle East for thousands of years, making Nevada’s climate practically vacation weather for these regal beauties.
Their silky coats shed surprisingly little, requiring just weekly brushing to maintain that aristocratic appearance. Quiet and dignified indoors, Salukis transform into speed demons during their exercise time, then happily return to being calm apartment dwellers.
5. Chinese Crested
Can’t shed what you don’t have! These unique pups come in two varieties – truly hairless (except for silky tufts on head, feet, and tail) or “powderpuff” with a soft, minimal-shedding coat. Both types excel in Nevada’s scorching summers, though the hairless needs sunscreen on sunny days!
Weighing under 12 pounds, Chinese Cresteds fit perfectly in compact apartments. Their affectionate, almost velcro-like attachment to their humans means they’re happiest when you’re nearby – ideal for apartment residents who want a shadow with paws.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
“Showlo-itz-queent-lee” might twist your tongue, but these dogs (nicknamed “Xolos”) won’t twist your vacuum with fur! Another hairless wonder, Xolos come from Mexico where they’ve handled desert heat for over 3,000 years.
Available in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), there’s a Xolo for every apartment. Their intelligent, calm demeanor makes them surprisingly adaptable to apartment living despite their primitive appearance. Without fur to trap oils, they’re virtually odorless – a fantastic feature for close quarters!
Legend has it Xolos guided souls to the underworld in Aztec culture, but today they’re content guiding you to the couch for Netflix marathons.
7. Poodle
These curly-coated geniuses rank among the smartest dog breeds and come in three apartment-friendly sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Their hypoallergenic coats trap shed hair within their curls instead of on your furniture.
Poodles thrive on mental stimulation, making them perfect for apartment dwellers who enjoy training sessions and interactive games. Their athleticism means they adjust well to Nevada’s outdoor lifestyle when temperatures permit, while their people-oriented nature makes them excellent indoor companions during heat waves.
Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles might be the only dogs on this list who actually miss humidity!
8. Afghan Hound
Flowing locks that would make a shampoo commercial jealous don’t necessarily mean excessive shedding! Afghan Hounds sport hair similar to human hair that grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally like fur. Regular brushing keeps loose hairs contained.
Developed in Afghanistan’s mountains where temperatures swing dramatically, these elegant sighthounds handle Nevada’s climate variations with aristocratic grace. Inside apartments, Afghans are surprisingly calm and quiet, conserving their energy for occasional bursts of playful activity.
Historically used for hunting in rough terrain, today’s Afghan is content hunting for the most comfortable spot on your apartment sofa, preferably with a good view.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Made famous by Bo and Sunny Obama, these webbed-pawed workers were originally bred to help Portuguese fishermen – a far cry from Nevada deserts! Their dense, curly coats don’t shed much but do require regular grooming to prevent matting.
Adaptable and athletic, Portuguese Water Dogs adjust well to apartment living provided they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Their moderate energy levels mean they’re equally happy accompanying you on a desert hike or chilling in air-conditioned comfort when temperatures soar.