Living in an apartment can limit your options when it comes to choosing a dog, but several breeds are well-suited to compact spaces.
Whether you’re looking for a small, quiet companion or a low-energy friend, these breeds can adapt beautifully to apartment life.
I concluded a list of dog breeds that make perfect apartment pets, highlighting their unique traits, ideal living conditions, and care tips.
13. French Bulldog
Frenchies are renowned for their friendly nature and easygoing personality, making them a favorite among apartment folk.
Despite their muscular build, they don’t require much exercise, perfectly suiting a cozy apartment lifestyle.
They enjoy short walks, but their primary love is lounging around the house. Due to their compact size, they fit well into small spaces, and their low barking tendency means they are unlikely to disturb neighbors.
French Bulldogs are also known for their adaptability to different living environments, quickly adjusting to the rhythms of apartment life. Their affectionate nature makes them great companions who thrive on human interaction. Regular vet check-ups are advisable as they can be prone to specific health issues.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known for their gentle temperament, they get along well with children and other pets, adding to their appeal in family apartments. Their silky coat is a defining feature, requiring regular grooming to maintain its beauty.
Cavaliers are moderately active and enjoy short play sessions, making daily walks sufficient for their exercise needs.
Their friendly nature means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so they’re best suited to homes where someone is usually present.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are charming little dogs with a big personality, well-suited to apartment living. Their small size and minimal exercise demands make them ideal for those with limited space.
Historically bred as companion dogs, Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly demeanor. They enjoy being around people and are happiest when involved in family activities. Their long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles.
This breed is adaptable to indoor play and short walks, making them low-maintenance in terms of exercise.
Their alert nature can sometimes lead to barking, so early training can help manage this trait. Shih Tzus are excellent for individuals or families looking for a loving, low-energy companion.
10. Pug
Adorable, compact dogs that thrive in apartment settings due to their charming personality and moderate activity level.
Their small stature allows them to fit comfortably in small spaces, and they are known for being great indoor companions.
Their playful and affectionate nature makes them wonderful family pets, always ready for a cuddle. Pugs do not require much exercise, but regular short walks help keep them healthy and happy. Their distinctive wrinkled face and curly tail add to their unique appeal.
It’s important to monitor their diet and exercise as they can gain weight easily. Pugs are prone to certain health issues, so regular vet visits are recommended to ensure their well-being. With their fun-loving attitude, Pugs can bring joy to any apartment home.
9. Bichon Frise
They are delightful little dogs known for their cheerful disposition and hypoallergenic coat, making them a great choice for apartment living. Their small size and friendly nature mean they fit well into compact living spaces and are easy to manage.
Bichons are social animals that love human company and get along well with other pets, enhancing their suitability for apartment life. Their curly coat requires consistent grooming to prevent matting and keep it healthy.
They need only moderate exercise through short walks and playtime. With proper care and attention, they can thrive in an apartment setting and provide endless companionship and joy. Their bright, happy personality is infectious and can bring a smile to any household.
8. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas, with their tiny stature and bold personality, are well-suited for apartment living. They require very little space and are content with short bursts of exercise, making them ideal for those with a busy lifestyle.
Despite their small size, they are known for their big personalities. They can be quite vocal, so training may be needed to manage barking. Chihuahuas thrive on human companionship and can become attached to their owners, making them loyal companions.
They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, though they enjoy being pampered. Because they are susceptible to cold, providing them with a cozy space in your apartment is ideal. Chihuahuas are great for individuals or couples looking for a lively, devoted pet.
7. Greyhound
Despite their large size, Greyhounds are surprisingly well-suited to apartment living. Known for their gentle and laid-back nature, they are content with spending most of their time lounging around.
These elegant dogs require minimal exercise compared to other breeds, with a short walk or a quick run in a safe space being sufficient to meet their needs. They are generally very clean and quiet, making them perfect apartment companions.
Greyhounds are easy to care for, with their short coats requiring minimal grooming. They appreciate soft bedding and a warm spot to relax.
Their sweet temperament and low-maintenance lifestyle make them ideal pets for urban environments. With the right care, Greyhounds can adapt well to life in a cozy apartment.
6. Dachshund
Their small size makes them perfect for tight spaces, although they do have a playful side that enjoys exploring.
These curious dogs are known for their loyalty and often form strong bonds with their owners. They require regular, moderate exercise, such as walks and playtime, to maintain their health and happiness.
Dachshunds are intelligent and can sometimes be stubborn, so consistent training is beneficial. Their smooth or long-haired coats require basic grooming to stay clean and healthy. With their affectionate nature and manageable size, Dachshunds can bring warmth and joy to any apartment setting.
5. Boston Terrier
Often called “American Gentlemen”, these terriers are well-suited for apartment living due to their friendly and adaptable nature. Their small but sturdy build makes them ideal for smaller spaces, and they are known for their affectionate personalities.
These dogs are quite energetic and enjoy playtime, but they don’t require extensive exercise, which fits well with an apartment lifestyle. A couple of short walks and some indoor play can keep them happy.
Boston Terriers have a smooth coat that is easy to groom, and their expressive faces often bring smiles to those around them.
Known for being good-natured and intelligent, they can easily adapt to various living situations, making them perfect companions for city dwellers.
4. Maltese
I believe this breed is among the most popular when it comes to apartment living. Maltese dogs are small, elegant companions known for their friendly and gentle disposition. Their petite size allows them to navigate small spaces easily, and they thrive on human interaction.
These dogs are known for their beautiful, silky white coats, which require regular grooming to maintain their appearance. Maltese enjoy indoor play and short walks, which are sufficient to meet their exercise needs.
Their affectionate nature means they are excellent companions for both individuals and families. They can adapt well to various living conditions but appreciate a calm environment.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians, with their fluffy coats and spirited personalities, make excellent apartment dogs. Despite their small size, they have a bold and lively nature, often acting as if they are larger than they appear.
They require moderate exercise, which can be met with short walks and playtime inside the apartment. Pomeranians are intelligent and often eager to learn new tricks, making them delightful companions.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their thick, double coats in good condition. These dogs are known for their alertness and can be vocal, so training might be needed to manage barking. Their cheerful and outgoing personality can bring energy and joy to an apartment home.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities, making them well-suited for apartment living. Their compact size and minimal exercise needs align perfectly with urban lifestyles.
Yorkies are known for their affectionate and spirited nature, enjoying playtime and interaction with their owners. Despite their small size, they have a confident and sometimes feisty demeanor.
Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Yorkies are adaptable to various living conditions but appreciate a routine. With their charm and lively nature, they can be delightful companions in an apartment setting.
1. Havanese
Isn’t this pooch just adorable? Havanese are probably one of my favorite dog breeds ever! Their small stature and gentle nature allow them to fit comfortably in compact spaces, while their social disposition makes them excellent companions.
They are known for their silky coats, which require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. Havanese are moderately active, enjoying short walks and indoor play sessions, which are sufficient to meet their exercise needs.
Their affectionate and playful nature makes them well-suited for families and individuals alike. With the right care and attention, Havanese can thrive in an apartment, bringing warmth and joy to any home.