15 Best Dog Breeds for Small Apartments

Are you dreaming of getting a furry friend but worried about your small living space?

Don’t fret!

Many dog breeds can thrive in apartments. With the right choice, you can enjoy all the joys of dog ownership without feeling cramped.

The key is to pick a breed that fits your lifestyle and space. Some dogs need less exercise and are naturally quiet, making them perfect for apartment living. Others are small enough to comfortably live in tight quarters.

By choosing wisely, you and your new pup can share a happy home, no matter how cozy it may be.

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are perfect for small apartments. These adorable pups are compact and don’t need much space to be happy. They’re known for their low energy levels, so you won’t have to worry about them bouncing off the walls.

Frenchies are also quiet dogs. You’ll rarely hear them bark, which is great for apartment living. They love to cuddle and will be content lounging on the couch with you.

These little dogs are friendly and get along well with people and other pets. They’re easy to groom and don’t shed much, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

You’ll love having a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in your small apartment. These sweet pups are gentle, happy, and adaptable to indoor living. They’re known for their friendly nature and calm demeanor.

Cavaliers have a medium energy level, so they won’t bounce off the walls in your cozy space. Daily walks and fun games will keep them content. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment life.

These dogs get along well with kids and other pets. They’re affectionate and love to cuddle with their families.

With their cute faces and silky coats, Cavaliers are sure to charm you and your neighbors.

3. Havanese

Havanese dogs are perfect for small apartment living. These cute, fluffy pups don’t need much space to be happy. They’re small, typically weighing 7-13 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall.

You’ll love how friendly and social Havanese are. They thrive on human companionship and get along well with other pets. These little dogs are smart and easy to train too.

Havanese don’t require a ton of exercise. A few short walks and some playtime indoors will keep them content. Their soft, silky coat needs regular brushing, but they don’t shed much.

With their cheerful personalities and adaptable nature, Havanese make wonderful apartment companions for city dwellers.

4. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are tiny bundles of fluff that fit perfectly in small apartments. These little dogs are full of energy and personality despite their small size.

You’ll love how adaptable Pomeranians are to apartment living. They don’t need much space to be happy and can get plenty of exercise indoors.

Their fluffy coats shed less than you might expect. Regular brushing will keep your Pom looking great and your apartment fur-free.

Poms make great watchdogs too. They’ll alert you to visitors without being too noisy for apartment life.

With their cheerful nature and compact size, Pomeranians can be wonderful companions in your cozy apartment home.

Also read: 6 Effective Tips to Potty Train Older Dogs in Apartment

5. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are fantastic companions for apartment living. These small, compact dogs typically weigh between 10-25 pounds, making them perfect for cozy spaces.

Their playful and easygoing nature means they can adapt well to indoor environments. You’ll love their friendly personality and affectionate demeanor.

Boston Terriers don’t need excessive exercise, which is ideal for apartment dwellers. A few short walks and some indoor playtime will keep them happy and healthy.

Their short, smooth coat is easy to maintain, requiring minimal grooming. This means less shedding and easier cleanup in your apartment.

6. Dachshund

Dachshunds are great companions for small apartment living. These little sausage dogs don’t need much space to be happy. They’re playful and affectionate, making them perfect for cuddling on the couch.

Your Dachshund will need daily walks to stay healthy. But their short legs mean they don’t require long hikes. They’re social pups who love being around people.

Keep an eye on their weight, as extra pounds can cause back problems. With proper care, your Dachshund can live up to 16 years. Their small size and big personality make them ideal for apartment life.

7. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are perfect for small apartments. These tiny pups rarely grow taller than 15 inches and weigh only 7-14 pounds.

You’ll love their elegant, graceful appearance. They have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to care for and doesn’t shed much.

Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and gentle companions. They’re happy to spend time lounging on the couch with you.

These dogs are sensitive, so use positive training methods. They respond well to praise and treats.

While energetic, Italian Greyhounds don’t need tons of exercise. Short walks and indoor play sessions are enough to keep them content in your small space.

8. Pug

Pugs are perfect pals for small apartment living. These compact canines don’t need much space to be happy. Their small size and easygoing nature make them ideal for cozy homes.

You’ll love how adaptable Pugs are. They’re content to lounge around with you or go for short walks. Their exercise needs are minimal, fitting well with busy city lifestyles.

Pugs are known for being affectionate and playful. They’ll keep you entertained without demanding too much activity. Their wrinkly faces and big eyes will melt your heart every day.

Remember, Pugs can snore and shed a bit. But their loving personality more than makes up for it in a small living space.

9. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are perfect for small apartments. These little dogs don’t need much space to be happy. Their small size and low energy make them great for tiny homes.

You’ll love how affectionate Shih Tzus are. They enjoy cuddling and being close to you. These dogs are also quiet, which is great for apartment living.

Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of exercise. A short walk each day is enough to keep them healthy. They’re content to lounge around the house most of the time.

Their long, silky coat needs regular grooming. But this can be a nice bonding time for you and your furry friend.

10. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are great dogs for small apartments. These fluffy white pups are small and don’t need much space to be happy.

They’re friendly and love to play, but they don’t need tons of exercise. A short walk each day is enough to keep them healthy.

Bichon Frises are smart and easy to train. They like to learn new tricks and will enjoy spending time with you indoors.

These dogs don’t shed much, which is good for keeping your apartment clean. They’re also good for people with allergies.

Bichon Frises are happy dogs that get along well with everyone. They’ll make your small apartment feel like a fun, loving home.

11. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are perfect for small apartments. These tiny pups weigh just 6 pounds or less, making them easy to carry and care for in tight spaces.

You’ll love their big personalities packed into such small bodies. Chihuahuas are spirited, loving, and often act like they’re much larger than they are.

These little dogs don’t need much exercise. A few short walks or indoor play sessions will keep them happy. Chihuahuas are content to lounge around your apartment most of the day.

They’re loyal companions who form strong bonds with their owners. You’ll have a devoted little friend by your side in your cozy apartment home.

12. Maltese

Maltese dogs are perfect for small apartment living. These tiny pups weigh just 4-7 pounds and stand about 7-9 inches tall. Their compact size means they don’t need much space to roam.

You’ll love how quiet Maltese dogs are. They rarely bark, making them great neighbors in apartments with thin walls. Their gentle nature also suits close quarters.

Maltese dogs have low exercise needs. A short daily walk and some indoor playtime will keep them happy. This makes them ideal for busy apartment dwellers.

Their long, silky white coat is beautiful but needs regular grooming. Brushing a few times a week helps keep their fur tangle-free and your apartment clean.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are perfect for apartment living. These tiny pups weigh only 4-7 pounds, making them ideal for small spaces.

Yorkies are energetic and playful, but their exercise needs can be met with indoor play sessions.

You’ll love their feisty personalities and adorable looks.

Despite their small size, Yorkies are brave and confident. They make great watchdogs, alerting you to visitors or unusual sounds.

Yorkies have long, silky coats that need regular grooming. But they don’t shed much, which is good news for keeping your apartment clean.

With proper training, these smart little dogs can adapt well to apartment life. They’re loving companions who will be happy curled up on your lap.

14. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are great dogs for small apartments. These little pups weigh just 10 to 20 pounds, making them perfect for compact spaces.

They’re lively and affectionate, always eager to be part of your daily activities. You’ll love how these dogs want to be involved in everything you do.

Miniature Schnauzers are known for their friendly nature. They get along well with families, singles, and seniors alike.

These dogs are generally healthy and can live 12 to 15 years. With proper care and attention, your Miniature Schnauzer will be a joyful companion for many years to come.

Remember, these pups need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Short walks and playtime in your apartment will keep them happy and healthy.

15. Papillon

The Papillon is a perfect choice for your small apartment. These tiny dogs weigh only 4 to 9 pounds and stand 8 to 11 inches tall.

Papillons are known for their intelligence and trainability. You’ll find them easy to teach and eager to learn new tricks.

Despite their small size, Papillons are lively and playful. They’ll keep you entertained with their antics but won’t need too much space to burn off energy.

These adorable pups are also quiet, making them great neighbors. Their low-shedding coat is another bonus for apartment living.