Living in an apartment doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the dream of having a dog. It really doesn’t. There’s this common assumption that only tiny, yappy dogs can handle small spaces, but honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Think about it. The size of your apartment matters less than you’d imagine. What really counts is finding a pup whose personality and energy levels match your lifestyle and living situation. Some of the calmest, most easygoing dogs come in surprisingly large packages, while certain small breeds could have your neighbors calling noise complaints before you’ve even unpacked. So let’s dive in and explore twelve unexpected breeds that prove apartment living and dogs are a match made in heaven.
1. Greyhound: The 45 MPH Couch Potato
Greyhounds are often referred to as couch potatoes and enjoy lounging around after a good run or walk. I know it sounds absolutely crazy for a dog famous for racing to be perfect for your studio, but these sleek athletes are surprisingly low maintenance indoors. These amazing athletes can sprint up to 43 mph on the track, yet they’re actually relaxed couch potatoes who happily lounge around after brief exercise sessions.
Greyhounds need around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, making them well-suited for owners with varied activity levels. Picture this: your Greyhound zooms around a dog park for twenty minutes, then comes home and naps for roughly eighteen hours. Greyhounds are generally gentle, friendly, and good-natured, making them ideal apartment companions who won’t disturb the peace.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Lap Dog Perfection
These dogs were originally bred for British nobility, as they fit perfectly into laps. Their calm nature and minimal exercise needs make them absolute naturals for apartment dwellers. These little charmers adapt to your routine beautifully, whether you’re binge watching shows or working from home.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not demand long runs or hours of playtime, only moderate exercise. They’re friendly with everyone, from strangers to kids, and they genuinely love cuddles more than chaos. Bred to be a lapdog but descended from sporting dogs, this small spaniel relishes time spent snuggling with human companions. Honestly, they’re perfect if you want a shadow who follows you from room to room without being demanding about it.
3. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder
Often called the barkless dog, the Basenji is famous for making yodel-like sounds instead of barking. This alone makes them apartment gold, especially in buildings with thin walls. Your neighbors will thank you, trust me. 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 independent, intelligent, and surprisingly low maintenance for an active breed. Basenjis require extended exercise every day but other qualities make them an excellent fit for small spaces. Plan for about an hour of walking or jogging, and your Basenji will be content lounging at home the rest of the day.
4. French Bulldog: The Ultimate Urban Companion
French Bulldogs are one of the top choices for apartment living with their calm demeanor and they don’t require too much space. These bat-eared buddies have stolen hearts across cities worldwide for good reason. They’re affectionate without being needy, playful without being hyper, and they absolutely love lounging on your couch.
Frenchies are one of the most popular quiet dog breeds for city living, they’re affectionate, low-energy, and rarely bark without cause. Their compact size combined with their easygoing personality makes them ideal for smaller spaces. Just keep them cool since they can overheat easily, and you’ll have the perfect apartment companion who’s always ready for snuggles or a short stroll around the block.
5. Shih Tzu: The Little Lion with a Big Heart
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 truly don’t need much space to thrive. Chasing a toy around your apartment a few times daily keeps them physically happy and healthy.
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy breed originally bred as excellent companion dogs for Chinese royalty and their compact size makes them perfect for apartment living. They’re friendly, alert, and enjoy following you around indoors without demanding extensive outdoor exercise. Their luxurious coat does need regular grooming, but their gentle nature and adaptability to confined spaces make them wonderful apartment residents.
6. Pug: The Charming Clown
Pugs bring an easy, low-key calm wherever they go and their cheerful expressions and minimal exercise needs make them natural stress-relievers. Let’s be real, these wrinkly bundles of personality are apartment living experts. They’re social, funny, and absolutely thrive on being near their humans.
These small dogs love being by your side and are perfect for apartment living because they adapt to limited space easily. They only need a few short walks and some indoor playtime to stay content. Despite their playful and curious nature, Pugs are surprisingly quiet and rarely bark excessively. Just watch their breathing in hot weather, and your Pug will be a cheerful, low-maintenance companion.
7. Great Dane: The Gentle Giant Surprise
Here’s the thing that shocks people most. Great Danes may not seem fitting for apartments, but they’re so mellow that their size shouldn’t discourage you, and they’re better suited for apartment living than many smaller, more active breeds due to their peaceful temperament. These enormous dogs think they’re lap dogs and honestly, who are we to argue?
Great Danes are often called gentle giants for their serene nature and despite being one of the biggest breeds, they adapt well to apartment life. They love lounging around the house and only need leisurely walks to stay happy. Yes, you’ll need space for them to stretch out their long legs, but their calm indoor demeanor makes them surprisingly manageable in smaller living spaces.
8. Mastiff: The 200-Pound Lap Dog
Calm, dignified, docile, and affectionate, the Mastiff’s gentle temperament and low activity level make them a surprisingly remarkable apartment companion. I realize suggesting a dog that can weigh over two hundred pounds for apartment living sounds absurd, but bear with me. Mastiffs may be huge, but they are among the best large dog breeds for apartment living with their calm demeanor and easygoing nature.
A Mastiff may be kept in an apartment, but care must be taken to give it enough exercise. They’re surprisingly low-energy and spend most of their time lounging beside you. Daily walks and light play keep them healthy, but they’re generally quiet dogs who make excellent indoor companions. Just be prepared for the drooling.
9. Whippet: The Quiet Snuggler
Whippets are gentle, affectionate dogs who relax deeply once they’ve had their daily sprint and their quiet nature and love of lounging create a peaceful atmosphere. Think of them as the Greyhound’s smaller cousin with the same couch potato tendencies. They’re perfect for apartment dwellers who want an athletic-looking dog without the constant exercise demands.
Whippets combine surprising speed with a laid-back temperament and enjoy short bursts of activity but quickly settle into a calm, affectionate companion at home. After a quick sprint at the park, they’re content to curl up against you for hours. Their gentle, people-focused temperament has a grounding effect that truly helps create a calm living environment.
10. Bichon Frise: The Fluffy Social Butterfly
The small size and intelligent nature of the Bichon Frise make this breed one of the best dogs for small apartments. These cheerful white fluff balls are adaptable, social, and absolutely love apartment life. Bichon Frisés are among the best dogs for apartments due to their size, low shedding, and positive disposition.
A daily walk or indoor game of fetch typically satisfies their exercise needs. They get along wonderfully with other pets, kids, and roommates, making them ideal for various living situations. Their curly coat is considered hypoallergenic and low-shedding, so you won’t be constantly battling dog hair in your small space. Just remember they don’t like being left alone for extended periods.
11. Boston Terrier: The American Gentleman
The Boston Terrier is an energetic and playful dog breed and they shed very minimally and adapt to living in an apartment quickly. These tuxedo-wearing charmers earned their nickname as the American Gentleman for good reason. They’re playful yet manageable, friendly yet polite, and their compact size makes them natural city dwellers.
They are quiet, calm, and their easygoing attitude makes them perfect for apartment living and they do not require extensive exercise. Although they have higher energy than some breeds on this list, introducing various indoor games provides a great outlet. Their minimal shedding and adaptable nature make them relatively low-maintenance companions who thrive in apartment settings.
12. Maltese: The Tiny Treasure
The Maltese is one of the most popular small dog breeds weighing less than 10 pounds and they are sweet, playful, affectionate, and adaptable dogs which do well in small spaces. These elegant little dogs were bred specifically to be companion animals, and they excel at it. Their gentle nature and love of attention make them wonderful apartment pets.
The Maltese is a small, affectionate toy breed known for its gentle nature and adaptability to apartment living. Short walks and indoor play sessions usually meet their activity needs perfectly. Their low energy levels, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat make them an excellent fit for apartment living. Just know they don’t enjoy spending time alone and can become resentful if left for long periods.
The Real Secret to Apartment Dog Success
Dogs that receive an appropriate amount of exercise, stimulation, and nutrition will be just as happy in an apartment as a house, including large dogs. The secret isn’t really about size at all. It’s about temperament, energy levels, and your commitment to meeting their needs.
The size of your living space isn’t the only consideration because many large breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa. Some small breeds are far more demanding than gentle giants. Consider your dog’s bark tendencies, exercise requirements, and how polite they are with neighbors. Daily walks, mental stimulation, and proper training matter infinitely more than square footage. Your apartment can absolutely become a dog’s dream home with the right match and dedication.
What surprised you most about this list? Did you expect to see Greyhounds and Mastiffs making perfect apartment companions? Share your thoughts and experiences with apartment living and dogs in the comments below!
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
