This roundup covers the best apartment dogs, the breeds that settle into a small space without losing their minds. You’ll get a feel for how each one behaves indoors and what it takes to keep them content, so the two of you actually enjoy the place.
An apartment is not a dealbreaker. Sure, a few breeds need acres to burn off steam. Plenty of others, small, medium, and a couple of genuinely large ones, do just fine in 600 square feet as long as they get their walks and your attention.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At 13 to 18 pounds, the Cavalier is built for couch life. It will trot around the block with you, then fold up next to you for three episodes of whatever you’re watching. Gentle, easy, glad to be near you.
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This breed leans on its people. It bonds with other pets too, but left alone for long stretches it gets anxious, so it suits a home where someone is usually around. The silky coat picks up tangles behind the ears and on the feathering, so run a brush through it once a week before knots set in.
What Makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Suitable for Apartment Living
- Calm and easy to live with.
- Wants to be wherever you are.
- Polite with neighbors and other dogs in the hallway.
2. Bichon Frise
Never owned a dog? The Bichon is a forgiving place to start. This 12 to 18 pound charmer takes to apartment life quickly, does well around kids, and picks up basic training without much fuss.
Most are white, though you’ll see the odd cream or pale apricot pup. It also lands on plenty of lists of apartment dogs for people with allergies as they don’t shed the way most breeds do.
Cheerful, busy, and a bit of a show-off. The catch is separation anxiety, so don’t expect to leave it home alone all day. It needs a daily walk, loves learning little tricks, and the curly coat mats fast. Budget for a professional groomer every four to six weeks.
What Makes the Bichon Frise Suitable for Apartment Living
- Outgoing dog that loves an audience.
- Quick to learn tricks.
- Easygoing with kids.
- Loose hair stays trapped in the curls instead of your couch.
3. French Bulldog
The bat ears give it away. Under 28 pounds, the Frenchie is small but stocky, with a surprising amount of muscle packed onto a short frame. It’ll play in bursts, then sprawl on the sofa for hours while you work nearby.
First-timers do well with this breed because training feels like a game to the dog, keep sessions short and silly and it follows along. A Frenchie rarely barks for no reason, so it makes a decent low-key watchdog. One real warning: it handles heat badly. The flat face means it overheats fast, so skip midday summer walks and never leave it in a warm car or a stuffy room.
What Makes the French Bulldog Suitable for Apartment Living
- Low exercise needs.
- Quiet most of the time.
- Average shedder that’s easy to groom.
4. Havanese
The Havanese loves just about everyone: you, your guests, the neighbor’s dog, even the cat. At 7 to 13 pounds it fits a busy household with several people and pets, mostly because it hates being on its own. Some end up as therapy and assistance dogs thanks to that people-first wiring.
The long silky coat needs regular brushing or it tangles. This is an energetic little dog, so daily play and a walk keep it from getting restless indoors.
Thin walls and a vocal dog don’t mix, and the Havanese will speak up, so weigh that if your building has noise rules. Wipe under the eyes daily too, since tear staining shows up quickly on the light fur.
What Makes the Havanese Dog Suitable for Apartment Living
- Affectionate to a fault.
- Friendly with people and other pets.
- Smart and sociable, happy to greet strangers.
5. Greyhound
People are always surprised a 60 to 70 pound sighthound makes a good apartment dog. Here’s the trick: greyhounds are sprinters, not marathoners. A couple of short bursts and they’re done. The ancient breed once kept company with royalty, and it isn’t aggressive, though it will let you know when someone’s at the door.
Take it jogging and it’ll keep pace happily, then crash on the couch the second you’re home. Thin coat, thin skin, almost no body fat, so it feels the cold. When the temperature drops, put a coat or sweater on it before heading out.
That prey drive is real. Keep it leashed on walks, because a squirrel can send it bolting before you react. The short coat is easy, a quick daily once-over with a rubber brush does it.
What Makes the Greyhound Suitable for Apartment Living
- Smart and independent.
- Gentle with toddlers and older kids.
- Would sleep all day if you let it.
6. Pug
That squashed face is hard to resist. Pugs are clowns who love a good game, but they’re stubborn, and housetraining a 14 to 18 pound pup can test your patience. What you get in return is a dog that adores its people and shadows them around the apartment.
Older apartment dwellers tend to click with pugs. The short coat looks low effort, yet it sheds a shocking amount, worst of all in summer, so keep a lint roller handy.
Indoors a pug is basically a furniture cushion with a tail. Watch the breathing in heat, and ask your vet about Pug Dog Encephalitis, a brain condition that shows up almost exclusively in this breed.
What Makes the Pug Suitable for Apartment Living
- Playful and goofy.
- Happy with light exercise.
- Alert without barking at nothing.
7. Bulldog
The Bulldog’s ancestors were bred for brutal pit sports. The modern version, 40 to 50 pounds of wrinkles and snores, is about as mellow as dogs come, which makes it a low-key apartment companion.
Bulldogs are good with kids but would rather be slumped against your leg than anywhere else. You’ll have to talk it into walks some days, since enthusiasm for exercise is not its strong suit. Clean and dry the folds on its face every few days, because trapped moisture leads to skin infections fast.
What Makes the Bulldog Suitable for Apartment Living
- Affectionate and low energy.
- Social and sweet-natured.
- A solid watchdog.
8. Chinese Crested
Devoted to its family, the Chinese Crested can turn wary or snippy with strangers if it wasn’t socialized early. Go slow with young kids around it. At 8 to 12 pounds with fine bones, it’s easy to hurt, so teach children to handle it gently and never let them roughhouse.
Keep it on a leash outdoors, since it’s an escape artist with a real knack for slipping away. It’s also chatty, so a quieter dog might suit you better if barking carries through your walls.
Heat doesn’t bother it, but cold does, the hairless variety especially needs a sweater in winter. The exposed skin needs sunscreen in summer and a regular bathing routine to stay healthy.
What Makes The Chinese Crested Suitable for Apartment Living
- Great family dog.
- Clean and nearly odorless.
- Loving little dog that doles out kisses.
9. Boston Terrier
The “American Gentleman” earns its nickname. Smart and affectionate, the Boston Terrier makes an easy apartment companion at 12 to 25 pounds. It’s bright, which cuts both ways, expect a stubborn streak the first few weeks of training.
It’s great with kids and other dogs, so it fits a full household. Grooming is simple, and it sheds less than many breeds on this list. Keep an eye on those big eyes, though, and call the vet at the first sign of redness or irritation, because the breed is prone to eye trouble.
What Makes The Boston Terrier Suitable for Apartment Living
- Quick and easy grooming.
- Affectionate and clever.
- Gets on with kids and dogs alike.
10. Maltese
Sweet, mellow, and playful, the Maltese rarely tips the scale past 7 pounds. That gentle temperament makes it a kind first dog for someone learning the ropes.
The flowing white coat is the breed’s signature. There’s no undercoat, so it sheds very little, and some allergy sufferers tolerate it better than other dogs.
Tiny as it is, the Maltese makes a sharp watchdog. The downside is separation anxiety, and a pampered one can turn touchy with strangers or other dogs. The common owner mistake is babying it constantly, which only feeds the clinginess.
What Makes The Maltese Suitable for Apartment Living
- Pocket-sized.
- Smart and trainable.
- People-loving and sweet.
- Barely sheds, friendlier for allergy-prone homes.
11. Shih Tzu
Bright, cheerful, and a touch independent, the Shih Tzu weighs in around 9 to 16 pounds. Housebreaking the puppies is the hard part, expect it to take a few months of patience, but stay consistent and it clicks.
It’s a lovely companion for adults and kids, though small children should be supervised so the play stays gentle. Lively and steady, it works well for a single person or a retired couple.
It loves a game and will announce visitors. Watch it in the heat, the flat face makes it prone to overheating, and don’t skip the daily brushing and combing or the long coat mats overnight.
What Makes The Shih Tzu Suitable for Apartment Living
- Adapts to any size space.
- Friendly with a lively streak.
- Not overly active.
12. Great Dane
Yes, a 110 to 175 pound dog can live in an apartment. Danes are famously low energy indoors, content to lounge once they’ve had a walk. Living solo, you’ll have a gentle giant keeping watch. The one thing to know: you need floor space, because that long tail clears a coffee table with one happy wag.
For all its size, the Great Dane is soft and affectionate. It’s deeply people-oriented and wants nothing more than to please you.
It’s good with kids and doesn’t shed much. Like the greyhound, it feels the cold, so keep a coat by the door for winter walks.
What Makes the Great Dane Suitable for Apartment Living
- Wants to be near its person.
- Can jog with you once its joints have finished growing.
- People-oriented and great with kids.
13. Yorkshire Terrier
All seven pounds of Yorkie carry the confidence of a dog ten times the size. It’s a devoted companion, but it’ll bark at strangers and unfamiliar dogs, a habit worth curbing early in an apartment. Raised alongside cats or other dogs, it gets on with them fine.
A game of fetch down the hallway burns off most of its energy. It dislikes cold and damp, can be a fussy eater, and although it sheds little, the silky coat still demands plenty of grooming.
What Makes The Yorkie Suitable for Apartment Living
- Small dog, huge personality.
- Loves to cuddle and stay home.
- Single coat that sheds little.
14. Poodle
Few dogs train as easily as a poodle. Alert, athletic, and genuinely clever, it once kept company with royalty, and that sharp mind shows, it picks up house rules in days, not weeks. For an apartment, the toy or miniable size fits best, while the standard suits a larger place.
If allergies are a concern, the poodle is a strong pick, since it barely sheds. The trade-off is the coat. It’s high maintenance, and you’ll need professional grooming every four to six weeks to keep it from matting.
What Makes the Poodle Suitable for Apartment Living
- Devoted to the whole family.
- Fast learner.
- Barely sheds.
15. Basenji
The basenji is the “barkless dog.” It doesn’t bark so much as yodel, which makes this 22 to 24 pound African breed a quiet neighbor. It’s clever and a little aloof, it may not obey every command, but it’s an entertaining companion and a fine playmate for an active kid.
Worried about noise complaints? The basenji is one answer. It sheds little and grooms itself like a cat. One caution: that hunting drive is strong, so don’t trust it loose around cats, hamsters, or squirrels.
What Makes The Basenji Suitable for Apartment Living
- Barely sheds and rarely barks.
- Loves playing with active kids.
- Keeps itself spotless.
16. Dachshund
That long body and lively streak have made the dachshund a favorite of cartoonists and toy makers for a century. Standards run 16 to 32 pounds, minis stay around 11. It wants to be close to you and slots into family life easily.
It’s a barker, and the voice is deep enough that you’d swear a much bigger dog lives in your unit. Here’s the part owners forget: that long spine is fragile. Always support the back when you lift it, and block its access to high furniture, because a bad jump can slip a disk and even cause paralysis. It doesn’t shed much, but it still needs regular brushing.
What Makes the Dachshund Suitable for Apartment Living
- An indoor dog at heart.
- Loves to cuddle and stay close.
- Low maintenance coat.
17. Pomeranian
Three to seven pounds of pure attitude, the Pomeranian acts like it runs the building. It’s outgoing and friendly, loves being part of the family, and pokes its nose into everything going on.
Want a watchdog? The Pom volunteers for the job. Trouble is it doesn’t always know when to quit, and it’ll square up to dogs five times its size, so teach a “quiet” cue early.
It’s a good match for older owners since it isn’t overly needy. It sheds moderately, and the fluffy double coat needs brushing at least twice a week to stay tidy.
What Makes the Pomeranian Suitable for Apartment Living
- Great for busy or older owners.
- Curious and happy to meet new people.
- Can get along with other animals.
18. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon has one of the most human faces in dogdom, and people swear it reads their moods. Around 8 to 10 pounds, this affectionate little dog usually picks one person as its favorite while still being civil to everyone else and the cat.
It’s the right dog if you want a true shadow rather than an independent type. Active for its size, it needs a daily walk to stay trim. The rough-coated variety benefits from hand stripping a few times a year, which keeps the wiry coat looking its best.
What Makes the Brussels Griffon Suitable for Apartment Living
- Attaches to one person and adores them.
- Friendly with other pets.
- Makes a decent watchdog.
19. Chihuahua
For a lot of city dwellers, the Chihuahua is the apartment dog. Under six pounds, it needs almost no room.
Get a Chihuahua and you’ve got a friend for life. It’ll trail you everywhere, including a quick run to the corner store tucked in your jacket. Give it a sweater when it’s cold, because it shivers in low temperatures and when it’s nervous.
Don’t let the size fool you, these little dogs compete in obedience and agility right alongside the big ones. It’s a poor fit for homes with toddlers, since rough handling injures it easily. It sheds moderately, and regular brushing keeps the loose hair in check.
What Makes the Chihuahua Suitable for Apartment Living
- Long-lived and bonded to its owner.
- Makes a sharp watchdog.
- Generally free of major health problems.
20. Basset Hound
The droopy, sweet-faced Basset Hound earned the old “Hush Puppy” fame for a reason. This 40 to 65 pound hound is a champion lap-warmer, family-friendly, and a little lazy by nature.
Daily exercise isn’t optional, because the Basset Hound can gain weight easily and those short legs already carry a heavy frame. It drools, a lot, and sheds year round. Baths are rare, though, since the coat naturally shrugs off water and dirt.
What Makes the Basset Hound Suitable for Apartment Living
- Good with kids and other animals.
- Fiercely loyal to its owner.
- Generally healthy.
21. Coton de Tulear
Easy to train and big on cuddles, the Coton de Tulear weighs about 8 to 15 pounds. It follows its person room to room and is perfectly happy parked next to you while you work or study.
It learns new tricks fast and adjusts to change without drama. This small dog enjoys a walk or a trip to the dog park but doesn’t demand much exercise. It sheds little, which makes it a reasonable choice for allergy-prone homes, though the cotton-fluff coat does need regular brushing to stay free of mats.
What Makes The Coton de Tulear Suitable for Apartment Living
- Compact size.
- Modest exercise needs.
- Manageable coat.
- Loves playtime with its person.
22. Japanese Chin
Bred as a companion for over a thousand years, the Japanese Chin knows its one job: stay close. At 7 to 11 pounds it’s ideal for a small apartment, and it tends to glue itself to whoever it loves.
The silky coat looks fancy but is refreshingly low effort, a wash-and-go dog by reputation. It’s smart and well mannered, and a couple of short play sessions cover its exercise for the day.
What Makes the Japanese Chin Suitable for Apartment Living
- Perfect for people who can’t manage long walks.
- Tends to mirror its owner’s temperament.
- Responds to a calm, firm tone rather than force.
23. Mastiff
A Mastiff would pick the couch over the great outdoors any day. Tipping the scale anywhere from 120 to 230 pounds, it’s far too big for a studio, so be honest about your floor plan before you commit. What pulls people in is the temperament, calm, devoted, and gentle despite the bulk.
Fair warning: it barks, snores, and snorts at a volume your neighbors may notice. A rubber hound glove handles the short coat and keeps shedding under control.
What Makes the Mastiff Suitable for Apartment Living
- Homebody through and through.
- Will step between squabbling family members.
- Calm but protective of its people.
24. Lhasa Apso
Once a sentinel in Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso still takes guarding seriously and will sound off to protect its people. It’s smart and independent, and it matures slowly, hanging onto that goofy puppy attitude until around age three. Most weigh 12 to 18 pounds.
Be ready for grooming, the floor-length coat is a real commitment unless you keep it clipped short. It bonds best with adults and older kids. Short walks and brief play sessions keep this small dog satisfied in an apartment.
What Makes the Lhasa Apso Suitable for Apartment Living
- Playful and full of character.
- Happy indoors and not overly active.
- Handles alone time better than many breeds.
25. Miniature Pinscher
Often called the “King of Toys,” the Miniature Pinscher is a tightly wound 8 to 10 pound watchdog that thrives on family attention. It isn’t a beginner’s dog, so go in ready to put in the training time, otherwise its bossy streak takes over.
If you run regularly or just want an active small dog, the Min Pin keeps up easily. It plays the class clown to win your attention, and it’s a breeze to groom, a bath only when it rolls in something it shouldn’t.
What Makes the Miniature Pinscher Suitable for Apartment Living
- Keeps the household laughing.
- Can get along with other pets.
- Simple to care for.
26. American Hairless Terrier
Allergy sufferers, take a look at the American Hairless Terrier. This 12 to 16 pound dog is a snuggler that does best in a full house with kids and other pets, because being left alone is its least favorite thing.
It plays happily with active kids, though you’ll want to supervise given its size. It raises the alarm at anything unusual and needs almost no grooming, with only a bit of dander instead of shed hair. Without a coat, mind the temperature, sunscreen in summer and a sweater in winter.
What Makes the American Hairless Terrier Suitable for Apartment Living
- Thrives as part of a bigger family.
- Barely sheds, friendlier for allergy-prone homes.
- Content with moderate exercise.
27. Pekingese
For centuries the Pekingese was the lapdog of Chinese royalty, and it still carries itself that way. Under 14 pounds, it’s a bit stubborn to train and shuts down completely if you get harsh with it. Keep it positive and upbeat, and it grows deeply attached to its family, even while staying suspicious of strangers.
Give it time to warm up to other dogs. It’s content indoors but enjoys a stroll with you too. Brush the long coat regularly, the dense fur tangles and mats if you let it slide.
What Makes the Pekingese Suitable for Apartment Living
- Loving companion that alerts you to trouble.
- Prefers the indoors.
- Smart with a good-natured streak.
28. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu has a bold, fearless streak and can get possessive over its toys and food, so set boundaries early. At 17 to 23 pounds it’s apartment-sized, but keep it leashed outdoors, that hardwired chase instinct flips on the moment it spots something small and fast.
Want a loyal dog with an independent mind? This is it. It alerts you to anything off and picks up tricks quickly. Grooming is minimal day to day, but brace yourself, the Shiba “blows” its coat heavily twice a year, and the fur gets everywhere for a few weeks.
What Makes the Shiba Inu Suitable for Apartment Living
- Loyal and confident with a mind of its own.
- Enjoys play and shared activities with its person.
- Needs a bath only every few months.
29. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, all 7 to 10 pounds of it, never runs out of comedy. The name means “monkey dog,” and the wiry face plus the antics earn it. It’s eager to please and learns tricks readily, though it gets wound up easily, so keep training sessions short.
It naturally gravitates to adults and older kids and takes their protection as a personal mission. This little dog doesn’t shed much, but the rough coat should be hand stripped a few times a year to keep its shape.
What Makes the Affenpinscher Suitable for Apartment Living
- Happy with short walks and light exercise.
- Lives to make its people laugh.
- Prefers the company of adults and older kids.
30. American Eskimo Dogs
Bright white and even brighter in the head, the American Eskimo Dog is a natural watchdog that flags every footstep in the hall. It comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, so anywhere from 6 to 35 pounds, and it gets on well with other dogs, pets, and kids.
It’s busy and playful when young and mellows into a cuddler as it ages. The thick double coat needs frequent brushing, twice a week at least, to head off mats and keep the white fur from coating your apartment.
What Makes the American Eskimo Dogs Suitable for Apartment Living
- Turns into a cuddler with age.
- Plays nicely with other pets and kids.
- Quick to protect its people.
31. Keeshond
The Keeshond aims to please and falls in line with your house rules quickly. It’s cautious with strangers yet welcomes anyone you bring home. At 35 to 45 pounds it loves playing with adults and kids, and it hates being left on its own.
It’s full of personality with a mischievous edge. The breed spent generations as a barge dog on Dutch canals, so cramped quarters don’t faze it, and light to moderate exercise keeps it happy.
That plush gray coat looks like a lot of work, but upkeep is straightforward most of the year. Expect heavy shedding twice a year, when the undercoat blows out in clumps.
What Makes the Keeshond Suitable for Apartment Living
- Settles happily into a small apartment.
- Modest exercise needs.
- Gets along with adults and children
Final Thoughts
A small apartment doesn’t shortchange your dog. The breeds that do best here would rather be on the couch beside you than alone in a yard anyway, and that’s the whole point.
Any of these 31 best apartment dogs can thrive in a city home. Some are pure companions, a few double as watchdogs, and the right fit depends on your schedule and tolerance for grooming and barking. Match the breed to your real routine, stay on top of its coat and training, and you’ll both be glad you did.
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Frequently asked questions
Can big dogs really live in an apartment?
Yes. Energy level matters far more than size. A calm Great Dane settles into a flat better than a wound-up terrier, as long as it gets a proper walk twice a day.
Which dog breeds bark the least in apartments?
Greyhounds, Basenjis, Bulldogs and Cavaliers are among the quietest. Any dog can learn to be calm, but these simply start at a lower volume.
How much exercise does an apartment dog need?
Most do well on 30 to 60 minutes a day split into two walks, plus a little indoor play. Cut that short and the barking and chewing usually start.