Looking for the best dog breeds for apartment living? You’ve come to the right place. Many people assume that apartment living means saying goodbye to dog ownership, but that’s simply not true. Plenty of breeds thrive in smaller spaces, especially those with lower energy levels and adaptable temperaments.
This guide covers 18 excellent dog breeds that make fantastic apartment companions. We’ll explore breeds that won’t bounce off your walls, disturb your neighbors with constant barking, or require marathon exercise sessions. From tiny lap dogs to surprisingly chill medium-sized pups, you’ll discover dogs that fit your lifestyle and living situation perfectly.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent downsizing to city life, these breeds offer the companionship you crave without the space demands you can’t meet. Let’s dive into the top apartment-friendly breeds that will make your compact home feel complete.
Why These Breeds Work in Small Spaces
When choosing a dog for apartment living, size, temperament, and energy levels are the critical factors that determine whether a pup will thrive in a compact space.
Small breeds typically adapt best because they require less room to move and can usually meet their exercise needs with indoor play and short walks.
Their compact size, coupled with calm dispositions and low-energy requirements, makes them ideal companions for city dwellers and those living in smaller homes.
Size matters
Because apartment living demands strategic dog selection, size plays a crucial role in determining which breeds will thrive in compact spaces.
Small dogs like Chihuahuas and Maltese naturally fit apartment layouts, needing minimal floor area for resting and play.
Medium-small breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels offer flexibility, tolerating moderate exercise routines.
Even larger low-energy dogs like Greyhounds can adapt surprisingly well, requiring just one daily walk.
The key is matching a dog’s size, energy level, and grooming needs to your living environment—ensuring both you and your furry friend are comfortable and content.
Temperament counts
Finding the right apartment dog goes far beyond physical size—temperament determines whether your furry companion will thrive or struggle in a compact living space. Low-energy dogs with calm dispositions make the best apartment pets, preferring quiet lounging to constant activity.
Look for breeds that aren’t easily stressed, bark minimally, and can handle brief periods of solitude. Independent dogs who remain patient in elevators, around strangers, and during routine handling will adapt seamlessly to urban living.
Their ability to remain composed in tight spaces and shared environments makes them ideal companions for city dwellers seeking a harmonious pet-owner relationship.
Energy levels
Energy levels play a crucial role in determining whether a dog will successfully adapt to apartment living. Low-energy dog breeds aren’t just about size—they’re about matching a pup’s activity needs to confined spaces. I’ve learned that apartment suitability depends more on a dog’s exercise requirements than its physical dimensions.
| Breed Size | Daily Exercise | Mental Stimulation |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 20-30 mins | Puzzle toys |
| Medium | 30-45 mins | Training games |
| Large | 45-60 mins | Interactive play |
Understanding your furry friend’s energy profile helps create a harmonious apartment environment, preventing restlessness and potential behavior issues.
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs frequently steal the hearts of apartment dwellers with their compact size and low-maintenance lifestyle.
These adorable pups stand around 11-13 inches tall and weigh just 16-28 pounds, making them perfect for small living spaces.
Their exercise needs are minimal—short daily walks and indoor play keep them happy and healthy.
While they’re incredibly affectionate and people-oriented, Frenchies can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long.
Their short, smooth coat requires weekly brushing, and they’re relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement, though they can be a bit stubborn and tend to vocalize through snorts and alert barks.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re dreaming of a small, loving companion that’ll thrive in your apartment, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might just steal your heart. These apartment-friendly pups stand 12-13 inches tall and weigh just 13-18 pounds, making them perfect for compact living spaces. They’re affectionate and social butterflies who crave human interaction, so they’ll be happiest shadowing you around your home.
With moderate exercise needs—about an hour of daily walks and play—Cavaliers adapt beautifully to smaller environments. They’re easy to train, quiet, and get along wonderfully with people and other pets, cementing their status as ideal apartment companions.
3. Pug
Pugs are absolute champions of apartment living, offering a delightful blend of compact size and loving personality that’ll make any small space feel like home. These adorable pups weigh just 13-20 pounds and stand 10-13 inches tall, perfect for cozy apartments.
My pug friends enjoy short walks and cuddle sessions, preferring indoor comfort to marathon runs. They’re low-maintenance with minimal grooming needs, though their facial wrinkles require regular cleaning.
Just be mindful of their sensitive breathing and heat tolerance. With controlled portions and gentle exercise, a pug can be the most affectionate, adaptable apartment companion you’ll ever meet.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises knock it out of the park as perfect apartment companions, blending compact size with an irresistibly cheerful personality that’ll win over any dog lover’s heart.
These adorable pups stand just 9–12 inches tall and weigh 12–18 pounds, making them ideal for small apartment spaces. Their low-shedding, hypoallergenic white curly coat requires regular professional grooming, but they’re worth the extra care.
With modest exercise needs—short daily walks and indoor playtime—Bichon Frisés thrive on human connection. Just be prepared: they can develop separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for owners who can provide plenty of love and attention.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas reign supreme as the ultimate small-space companion for apartment dwellers who want a pint-sized pooch with maximum personality. These small dogs pack enormous attitude into a tiny frame, perfect for compact living spaces.
| Size | Exercise | Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| 5-8″ | 20-30 min | Weekly |
| 6 lbs | Indoor play | Short coat |
| Bold | Low energy | Easy care |
With short daily walks and minimal exercise needs, Chihuahuas adapt brilliantly to apartment life. Their vocal nature requires consistent training, but early socialization transforms these tiny guardians into delightful companions. They’re affectionate, alert, and surprisingly protective – proving great things truly do come in small packages.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus frequently charm apartment dwellers with their adorable, compact size and loving temperament. These low-energy dogs thrive in small spaces, standing just 8–11 inches tall and weighing 9–16 pounds. They’re perfect companions who’ll happily follow you around without demanding extensive exercise.
Their double coat requires daily brushing, but professional clipping can simplify maintenance. Because they’re brachycephalic, they’re sensitive to heat, so indoor climate control is crucial. Short walks and 20–30 minutes of play keep them healthy and happy.
While affectionate and adaptable, they can become anxious if left alone too long, making them ideal for attentive apartment owners who enjoy constant canine companionship.
7. Boston Terrier
Just as the Shih Tzu won hearts with its compact charm, the Boston Terriers emerge as another apartment-friendly superstar that’ll steal your affection.
These adorable pups thrive in tight spaces, weighing just 10–25 pounds with minimal grooming needs. Their short coat requires only weekly brushing, making them low-maintenance companions.
Boston Terriers adapt brilliantly to apartment living with their friendly demeanor and easy trainability.
They need just 30–60 minutes of daily exercise through short walks and indoor play. Just be cautious during hot weather—their short faces make them heat-sensitive, so monitor their activity carefully to keep them comfortable and healthy.
8. Maltese
Maltese dogs frequently charm apartment dwellers with their petite size and loving personality, making them an ideal companion for those living in compact spaces.
These low-maintenance dogs typically weigh under 7 pounds and stand just 7–9 inches tall, perfect for small living areas.
They require minimal exercise—about 30 minutes daily—and adapt well to indoor play.
While their long, silky coat needs daily grooming to prevent matting, Maltese are surprisingly low-shedding.
They’re affectionate companions who bond closely with owners, though they can become anxious if left alone too long.
With early socialization and positive training, these playful pups make delightful apartment friends.
9. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles frequently emerge as top contenders for apartment dwellers seeking an intelligent, adaptable companion. These low-energy pups stand 11–15 inches tall and weigh just 12–20 pounds, making them perfect for compact living spaces. Their hypoallergenic, curly coat requires regular grooming, but they’re worth the effort.
Don’t let their small size fool you—miniature poodles need 30–60 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Highly trainable and social, they thrive on interaction and can quickly learn apartment etiquette. Just be prepared to provide plenty of companionship, as they don’t enjoy long periods alone.
10. Havanese
If you’re searching for a charming, small companion that’ll thrive in your apartment, the Havanese breed might be your perfect match. These adorable pups are ideal for compact living spaces, standing just 8.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing a mere 7–13 pounds.
| Size | Energy | Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Low | High |
| 8.5-11.5″ | 30 min/day | Daily brushing |
Havanese excel in apartment living with their modest exercise needs and social nature. They’re affectionate companions who crave human interaction, making them perfect for owners who enjoy constant canine companionship. Just remember they’ll need consistent training to manage their vocal tendencies and maintain good apartment manners.
11. Yorkshire Terrier
Dive into the world of Yorkshire Terriers, compact canines perfectly designed for apartment dwellers seeking a pint-sized companion with big personality.
These small lap dogs stand just 6–7 inches tall and weigh a mere 4–7 pounds, making them ideal for tight living spaces.
Don’t let their size fool you—Yorkies pack serious spunk! They’ll need daily brushing to maintain their silky coat and about 20–30 minutes of exercise through short walks or indoor play.
While trainable, they can be vocal, so early socialization helps curb excessive barking.
Their intelligence and adaptability make them charming urban companions who’ll steal your heart.
12. Cocker Spaniel
Frequently praised for their sweet temperament and adaptability, Cocker Spaniels emerge as delightful apartment companions that can thrive in compact urban spaces. These medium-sized dogs fit perfectly into city living, needing just 30–60 minutes of daily activity through short walks and indoor play. Their people-oriented nature means they bond closely with owners, though they’ll require gradual training to prevent separation anxiety.
Grooming is key for Cocker Spaniels in apartment settings. Their silky coat demands regular brushing and professional trims every 6–8 weeks to manage shedding and prevent matting. With consistent socialization and positive training, they’ll become the perfect urban pet.
13. Dachshund
Dachshunds, affectionately known as “wiener dogs,” excel as apartment companions with their compact size and adaptable temperament.
These apartment-friendly pups come in standard and miniature sizes, perfect for smaller living spaces. With moderate energy levels, they’re content with two short daily walks and indoor playtime.
Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, though early training helps manage vocal tendencies. Owners should be mindful of their long backs, avoiding stairs and jumping to prevent potential health issues.
Different coat types—smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired—offer variety while requiring minimal grooming, making Dachshunds an ideal choice for urban dwellers seeking a low-maintenance, charming canine companion.
14. Pomeranian
Pomeranians consistently rank as one of the most adorable apartment-friendly dog breeds, packing a ton of personality into their tiny, fluffy frames.
- Perfect for small living spaces
- Minimal daily exercise requirements
- Low-maintenance grooming needs
- Adorable watchdog potential
These pint-sized companions are ideal for apartment living, standing just 6-7 inches tall and weighing 3-7 pounds.
They’re energetic yet adaptable, needing only 30 minutes of daily activity through short walks or indoor play.
Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, but their compact size makes grooming manageable.
While they’re alert and can be vocal, early training helps manage their tendency to bark.
Pomeranians thrive on companionship and can struggle with separation, making them wonderful pets for attentive apartment dwellers.
15. Greyhound
Although Greyhounds might seem like unlikely apartment companions due to their racing heritage, these gentle giants are surprisingly well-suited to urban living. These 45‑mph couch potatoes sleep 18–20 hours daily, making them perfect for small spaces.
| Exercise Needs | Grooming | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour/day | Weekly brushing | Gentle, quiet |
| Short walks | Occasional baths | People-oriented |
| Safe sprints | Cold-sensitive | Low-maintenance |
Potential owners should understand their strong prey drive and need for secure, fenced spaces. With proper socialization and leash training, Greyhounds can be calm, loving apartment pets that adapt beautifully to city life.
16. Bulldog
English Bulldogs frequently steal the hearts of apartment dwellers with their compact size and laid-back personality. These low-energy dogs are perfect companions for those with limited space and minimal exercise routines.
- Compact 14–15 inch frame ideal for small living spaces
- Weekly grooming requirements are minimal
- Calm, people-oriented temperament
- Minimal exercise needs perfect for busy urban lifestyles
Their brachycephalic nature means owners must monitor heat exposure and avoid strenuous activities. While adorable, English Bulldogs require careful weight management and regular veterinary check-ups to prevent obesity and respiratory complications. Their loyal disposition makes them wonderful indoor companions who’ll happily lounge beside you, transforming any apartment into a cozy home.
17. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers frequently emerge as top contenders for apartment dwellers seeking a compact, charismatic companion that thrives in smaller living spaces. These pint-sized pups pack personality into a modest 12–14 inch frame, weighing just 11–20 pounds. Their moderate energy levels make them perfect urban pets, requiring only 30–60 minutes of daily exercise through walks and playful interactions.
With intelligence and trainability, Miniature Schnauzers adapt beautifully to apartment life. Their wiry double coat needs regular grooming, and early socialization helps manage their natural watchdog tendencies. Healthy and living 12–15 years, they’re a delightful, low-maintenance companion for city dwellers.
18. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers shine as compact, spirited companions perfectly designed for apartment life, offering urban dwellers a small but mighty furry friend.
These pint-sized powerhouses bring big personality to small spaces without demanding excessive exercise.
- Apartment-friendly size at 9-10 inches tall
- Moderate exercise needs of 30-60 minutes daily
- Weather-resistant double coat with minimal shedding
- Alert and intelligent with trainable temperament
While their curious nature means they’ll bark at unfamiliar sounds, consistent training transforms Cairn Terriers into ideal apartment companions.
Their intelligence and adaptability make them perfect for city living, proving that great things truly do come in small packages.
What to Consider Before Choosing Your Pup
When choosing a puppy for apartment living, you’ll want to carefully evaluate three key factors: exercise needs, noise levels, and grooming requirements.
Each of these elements can dramatically impact your daily life and your dog’s happiness, so it’s crucial to match a breed’s characteristics with your living situation and personal capabilities.
Exercise needs
Exercise needs are crucial when selecting the perfect apartment dog, and you’ll want to carefully match a breed’s daily activity requirements to your lifestyle. Low-energy, apartment-suitable dogs can thrive with minimal exercise, but grasping their specific needs is key.
- Match daily activity to your routine
- Consider exercise intensity and format
- Factor in age and health variations
- Incorporate mental stimulation strategies
Some toy breeds are content with just 20-30 minutes of daily activity, while others might need 60 minutes of walking and indoor play.
The secret is creating a consistent schedule that includes physical movement and mental enrichment through puzzle toys, training, and short interactive games. This approach prevents boredom and supports your pup’s overall well-being.
Noise levels
After ensuring your apartment pup has the right exercise routine, you’ll want to tackle another critical apartment living factor: noise management.
Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to barking, and in close quarters, a vocal pup can quickly become a neighbor nuisance. The Basenji, a low-energy breed known for its unique “yodel” instead of traditional barking, might be your secret weapon. Some small breeds like Pomeranians can be surprisingly loud, so research breed-specific tendencies.
Early training and mental stimulation are key—boredom often triggers excessive barking, regardless of breed. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a peaceful apartment companion.
Grooming requirements
Grooming requirements can make or break your apartment dog experience, so you’ll want to choose a breed that matches your time, budget, and cleaning tolerance. Low-energy dogs like the Maltese aren’t always low-maintenance—their silky coats demand daily brushing to prevent painful mats.
Key grooming considerations:
- Coat type and shedding frequency
- Time commitment for brushing and maintenance
- Professional grooming needs
- Skin and climate care requirements
Different breeds have unique needs. Hairless or thin-coated pups require sunscreen and occasional clothing, while breeds with facial folds need regular cleaning. Your lifestyle and grooming patience should guide your perfect apartment companion’s selection.
Making Your Apartment Dog-Friendly and Safe
Setting up a dog-friendly apartment requires strategic planning to keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and happy in a compact living space.
Create a secure, designated resting zone with washable bedding and non-slip surfaces where your pup can relax without sliding on hard floors.
Childproof potential hazards by securing electrical cords, blocking stairways and balconies, and installing window stops to prevent curious dogs from falling.
Establish an indoor potty area with pee pads or artificial turf, cleaning it daily to manage odors and accidents.
These simple modifications will transform your apartment into a dog-friendly haven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Calmest Apartment Dog?
In my experience, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the calmest apartment dog. They’re affectionate, compact, and content with short indoor play and minimal exercise, making them perfect for small living spaces.
What Is the Best Dog for a Low Energy Person?
I’d recommend a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Pug for low-energy folks. These small breeds need minimal exercise, adapt well indoors, and are content with short walks and cuddle sessions, making them perfect companions for less active owners.
What Dog Breeds Can Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?
I recommend Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, and Bullmastiffs for 8-hour workdays. They’re low-energy breeds that can rest quietly. However, always provide morning exercise, mental stimulation, and a midday break to ensure their well-being and prevent potential separation anxiety.
What Is the Most Low Energy Dog Breed?
I’d say the English Bulldog takes the crown for most low-energy dog breed. They’re content with short walks, love lounging indoors, and won’t demand much exercise, making them perfect for relaxed owners who prefer a calm companion.
In Conclusion
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a four-legged friend. When considering the best dog breeds for apartment living, focus on those with lower energy levels, quieter temperaments, and adaptable personalities. By choosing a breed that matches your space and lifestyle, you’ll create a harmonious home for both you and your furry companion. Remember to prioritize daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training regardless of which breed you select.
The key to successful apartment living with a dog lies in understanding that size isn’t everything—temperament and energy levels matter far more than weight or height. Whether you opt for a laid-back bulldog, a gentle cavalier, or a compact French bulldog, the right match will transform your apartment into a cozy sanctuary.
To set your new companion up for success, check out our dog supply reviews where we’ve tested and evaluated everything from space-saving feeding stations to quiet indoor toys and training essentials. These carefully selected products can help make apartment living with your dog easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
