Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of having a furry companion. In fact, many dog breeds thrive in smaller spaces and actually prefer the cozy intimacy of apartment life. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or an experienced dog lover downsizing to city living, choosing the right breed can make all the difference between harmonious apartment life and constant stress. The key isn’t just finding a small dog – it’s about discovering breeds with the right temperament, energy levels, and lifestyle compatibility for compact living spaces.
French Bulldogs: The Ultimate Urban Companion
French Bulldogs have earned their reputation as one of the absolute best apartment dogs, and it’s not hard to see why. These big-eared buddies are dogs that don’t bark a lot, but they love to play and thrive on human contact. Their compact size combined with their calm demeanor makes them ideal for close-quarters living where noise levels matter.
What truly sets Frenchies apart is their adaptability to their owner’s lifestyle. They’re perfectly content with indoor playtime and short walks around the block, making them ideal for busy professionals or those with limited mobility. Frenchies have a short, low-maintenance coat that comes in a variety of color combos. You’ll need to keep this dog cool; bulldogs are susceptible to overheating because of their short snout, so apartment air conditioning becomes a blessing rather than a luxury.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Gentle Souls in Small Spaces
Adaptability is the strong suit of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which makes the breed an excellent pick for apartment life. Bred to be a lapdog but descended from sporting dogs, this small spaniel is game for outdoor adventures but also relishes time spent snuggling with human companions. These dogs seem to have been designed specifically for apartment living, combining the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
With a mature height of 12–13 inches and weight of 13–18 pounds, this dog breed doesn’t need much room to spread out and can easily live in small spaces, including condos or apartments. Their gentle nature means they’re unlikely to disturb neighbors, and their moderate exercise needs can be satisfied with daily walks and indoor play sessions. Think of them as the perfect roommate who’s always up for adventure but equally happy with a Netflix marathon.
Pugs: Quiet Companions with Big Personalities
With their laidback attitude, quietness, and size, the Pug earns a spot on our list of the best dog breeds for apartments and condos of all sizes (as long as you can get used to some snoring). These little dogs are even-tempered, affectionate, and jovial companions. They do not bark loudly, so keeping your neighbors happy won’t be a problem.
Pugs are the comedians of the dog world, providing endless entertainment without the noise complaints. Pugs are also quick to befriend people of all ages and get along well with other pets, especially if they’re socialized at a young age. Indoor playtime and short walks will meet your pug’s exercise needs – no backyard required! Their low-maintenance exercise requirements make them perfect for apartment dwellers who want companionship without the commitment of lengthy daily runs.
Boston Terriers: The All-American Apartment Dog
This breed is perfect for fairly active apartment dwellers. Loving, devoted, and enthusiastic, your Boston Terrier will enjoy sitting on your lap, snuggling under the covers, and joining your excursions. While Boston Terriers need a daily walk to subdue their energy, a few trips around the block should suffice.
They are ideal apartment pets because of their size and coat; they rarely get larger than 25 pounds, and their short coat is easy to maintain with a simple brushing. Not to mention, they’re quick learners and highly trainable dogs. Boston Terriers are like having a best friend who’s always dressed for success with their distinctive “tuxedo” markings. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make apartment training a breeze, whether you’re teaching them elevator etiquette or quiet time commands.
Shih Tzus: Living Teddy Bears for Small Spaces
Translated literally from Mandarin as “little lion”, the Shih Tzu is a lively toy dog breed with an easygoing and affectionate temperament. Their small size means they don’t need a large space to meet their exercise needs. Chasing after a toy in your apartment a few times per day is usually enough to keep them physically healthy.
These tiny dogs weigh 9 to 16 pounds and are 9 to 10.5 inches tall, and the breed’s lively and affectionate nature makes them enjoyable companions. Shih Tzus are essentially living stuffed animals that happen to have winning personalities. Their exercise needs are so minimal that you could practically fulfill them during commercial breaks, making them perfect for people who want a dog but have unpredictable schedules.
Italian Greyhounds: Elegant Miniature Racing Dogs
Weighing less than 15 pounds, and with an affectionate and playful temperament, the Italian Greyhound can be a great companion in an apartment setting. One thing to note about Italian Greyhounds is that they are sensitive dogs who don’t do well in noisy or chaotic environments. If they live with just their owner, they will bond for life and thrive in an apartment of any size.
These graceful little dogs are like having a piece of Renaissance art that happens to love belly rubs. Coming in at about 20 percent the size of their racing cousins, the Italian greyhound brings most of the things people love about the greyhound breed – in a smaller, lighter, and even quieter package. While they don’t tend to be quite as idle as the racing greyhound, typically weighing 7 to 14 pounds, the Italian greyhound makes the “best apartment dogs” list because they’re low-maintenance and quiet enough not to be a nuisance.
Havanese: The Perfect Family Apartment Dog
The Havanese dog can be a great hypoallergenic dog and suit apartment living well. They were bred for companionship and are known for their springy gait. The Havanese is an affectionate, friendly, and devoted companion. These dogs seem to have been specifically engineered for apartment life, combining all the best traits you’d want in a small-space companion.
They are generally quiet and have a loving and playful personality. The Havanese is a great choice if you have a family and live in an apartment, as they really like kids. Think of Havanese dogs as the Switzerland of the dog world – they get along with everyone and adapt to any situation. Their hypoallergenic coat is an added bonus for apartment living, especially in buildings with strict cleanliness standards.
Maltese: Tiny Dogs with Royal Attitudes
Their low energy levels, trainability, gentle temperament, and hypoallergenic coat make the Maltese a great fit for apartment living. However, they don’t enjoy spending time alone. If left alone for long periods of time, they can become jealous or resentful of other dogs or humans.
Maltese dogs are like having a tiny, white-haired celebrity living in your apartment. They’re perfectly sized for small spaces but have personalities that fill entire rooms. Their main requirement is companionship, making them ideal for people who work from home or retirees who want a constant, loving presence. Just be prepared for them to act like they own the place – because in their minds, they absolutely do.
Basenjis: The Mysterious “Barkless” Dogs
Basenjis are known as the “barkless dog” due to their unique vocalizations, which sound more like yodels than traditional barks. This makes them an excellent choice for apartment living, where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Basenjis are small to medium-sized dogs with a sleek and athletic build.
For an active companion that also makes a good apartment dog, consider the Basenji. This dog breed requires extended exercise every day (plan for at least an hour of walking or jogging) but other qualities make the Basenji an excellent fit for small spaces. For instance, Basenjis are rarely vocal, so barking won’t be an issue. The breed also has a reputation for cleanliness and will even self-groom like a cat. They’re like having a cat in a dog’s body – independent, clean, and mysteriously quiet.
Great Danes: Surprising Gentle Giants
This might shock you, but Great Danes are PERFECT dogs for apartment living. These gentle giants are complete couch potatoes at home and suit apartments well. It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes the biggest dogs make the best apartment companions because they’re surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to energy levels.
Great Danes may not seem fitting for this list, but they’re so mellow that their size – 110 to 175 pounds – shouldn’t discourage you. Their calm, quiet nature and unparalleled trainability make these friendly giants perfect for your apartment (if there are no weight restrictions, of course). In fact, Great Danes are better suited for apartment living than many smaller, more active breeds due to their peaceful temperament. Think of them as living furniture that occasionally needs walks – they’re perfectly content to be your oversized lap dog.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect apartment dog isn’t about choosing the smallest breed available – it’s about matching a dog’s temperament, energy level, and needs with your lifestyle and living situation. From the quiet elegance of an Italian Greyhound to the surprising gentleness of a Great Dane, there’s an apartment-perfect companion for every type of person and living space.
The most important factor isn’t square footage but rather your commitment to meeting your dog’s physical and emotional needs within your available space. Whether you’re drawn to the comedy of a Pug, the loyalty of a Boston Terrier, or the regal presence of a Maltese, apartment living can be just as fulfilling for dogs as house living – sometimes even more so, given the closer bond that develops in shared small spaces.
Remember, the best apartment dog is ultimately the one whose needs align with your lifestyle, regardless of size. Are you ready to transform your apartment into the perfect home for both you and your future four-legged roommate?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
