Small in size, big on love—and here for the long haul. When it comes to choosing the perfect apartment dog, you want more than just compact dimensions. You want a dog that fits your lifestyle, behaves well indoors, and stays by your side for years to come. Thankfully, many small dog breeds for apartment living also happen to be among the longest-living pets you can have.
These tiny dogs are proof that good things do come in small (and mighty) packages. With proper care and a cozy home, they can live well into their teens—and bring joy, cuddles, and laughter every step of the way. Best of all, they’re perfectly content in an apartment setting, as long as they get daily walks and your undivided attention on the couch.
Let’s meet these pint-sized pups that are easy to manage, low on maintenance, and high on lifespan. Whether you’re in a studio or a penthouse, these small dog breeds will warm your heart—and your lap—for many years to come.
Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments with a Long Lifespan
1. Papillon
Lifespan: 14–16 years
The Papillon, tipping the scales at just 5 to 10 pounds, is light in weight but huge in personality and charm. With its long, silky, straight coat and iconic butterfly-wing ears (hence the name “Papillon”), this little beauty brings glamour wherever it goes. Its coat is mostly white with elegant patches of black, red, sable, or lemon—basically, it’s walking fine art.
Their standout feature? Those fringed, upright ears that flutter when they move, making them look like a living, breathing butterfly with a tail. According to the AKC, Papillons are excellent agility dogs and are consistent winners at the sport’s highest levels; less ambitious owners can train them to do all kinds of tricks.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Small but super agile—great for tight spaces and even tighter zoomies
Happy to lounge or play indoors—total adaptability queen
Smart and eager to please (aka your future trick champion)
Personality
Papillons are lively, alert, and wickedly intelligent. Don’t let their dainty looks fool you—they’ll outwit you with one paw tied behind their back and still look adorable doing it.
Grooming
Moderate brushing is all you need to keep this pup’s silky fur looking sharp. And since they don’t shed much, your furniture will thank you.
Fun Fact
Despite their fancy appearance, Papillons were once used as rat catchers in European homes and castles. Yes, your little butterfly hunter comes with a resume.
2. Shih Tzu
Lifespan: 10–16 years
The Shih Tzu, weighing in at a comfy 9 to 16 pounds, is your personal snuggle therapist wrapped in royal fluff. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, they still carry themselves like emperors of the living room. With a long, flowing coat that could give any shampoo commercial a run for its money, this small dog breed is all about grace, charm, and serious hair goals.
Their signature look? A round, adorable teddy bear face with a short muzzle, large dark eyes, and a luxurious coat that cascades to the floor (or gets put in that adorable topknot).
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Calm and cool—won’t turn your hallway into a racetrack
Gets by with short indoor play and daily strolls
Exceptionally friendly with people and pets alike, making them great family dogs.
Personality
Gentle, affectionate, and always up for a cuddle. Shih Tzus are the ultimate lapdogs—social butterflies who want to love and be loved (and maybe judge your Netflix choices from your lap).
Grooming
If you keep the coat long, be ready for daily brushing. Prefer low-maintenance? Go for the teddy bear or puppy cut. Either way, they’re fashion icons.
Fun Fact
“Shih Tzu” means “Lion Dog” in Chinese—but don’t worry, they’re all roar and zero bite.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Lifespan: 13–16 years
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” may only weigh 4 to 7 pounds, but this little dog has big boss energy. With a floor-length, silky coat that flows like champagne and a confident strut, Yorkies were made to be admired. They often come dressed in a signature steel-blue and tan combo, like a tiny Victorian rockstar.
Their signature look? A perfectly parted coat (if you’re fancy) or a sassy topknot and puppy cut for everyday cuteness and comfort.
PetMD says that Yorkie dogs don’t tolerate cold weather well, so you might need to protect them with dog coats or stylish sweaters.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Small size = easy to carry and perfect for small-space living
Doesn’t require tons of outdoor exercise
Happy to patrol the apartment and alert you of… everything
Personality
Feisty, brave, curious dogs, totally unaware of their size. Yorkies are fiercely loyal, bold, and often think they run the household (because… they kind of do).
Grooming
High-maintenance if kept long—daily brushing needed to avoid tangles. Many owners go for the short-and-sweet look, which requires less upkeep but still maxes out the cute factor.
Fun Fact
Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills. Now, they mostly catch compliments—and the occasional snack dropped on the floor.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Graceful, elegant, and sweet enough to melt hearts on sight, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog with royal roots and a golden personality. Weighing 13 to 18 pounds, they strike the perfect balance between lap dog and adventure buddy. Their silky, medium-length coat flows in waves and comes in stunning color combos like Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor, ruby, and black & tan.
Their signature look? Big, soulful eyes that could convince you to hand over your snacks, money, and probably your Netflix password.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Calm and affectionate—professional cuddle partner
Adaptable to your lifestyle (Netflix marathon or park stroll? They’re in.)
Small and quiet, with a bark that’s more polite than persistent, considered as best apartment dogs.
Personality
Cavaliers are friendly, gentle, and always happy to be with their people. They’ll follow you from room to room, offering unwavering loyalty and soft, loving gazes (and some expertly-timed guilt trips for treats).
Grooming
Weekly brushing will keep their flowing coat tangle-free and fabulous. They do shed moderately but nothing a good lint roller can’t handle.
Fun Fact
This breed was a royal favorite—King Charles II was such a fan, he was rarely seen without two or three trailing behind him. You’re adopting royalty.
5. Maltese
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Weighing just 4 to 7 pounds, the Maltese is a dainty darling with diva vibes and a heart of gold. Their iconic long, white coat flows like silk and gives serious fairy tale energy—but don’t be fooled, this toy breed has enough spunk to run a household.
Their signature look? Floor-length white fur, dark expressive eyes, and a high-maintenance glow that screams, “I woke up like this.”
Given that the average dog lives around 12 years, the Maltese has a relatively long lifespan compared to many other breeds, as noted by Pawlicy Advisor.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Tiny size = huge win for city living
Doesn’t need much space or intense exercise
Quiet and well-mannered—ideal for shared walls and elevators
Personality
Gentle, playful, and oh-so-lovable. Maltese are affectionate lapdogs who live for companionship and are always up for being pampered (bonus points if it involves a plush blanket).
Grooming
High-maintenance if kept long, daily brushing is essential to avoid matting. Many owners opt for a puppy cut for easier upkeep and extra cuteness.
Fun Fact
Maltese dogs date back over 2,000 years and were favored by ancient royalty. Basically, Cleopatra and your dog would have been besties.
6. Poodle
Lifespan: 10–18 years
Don’t let the fancy fluff fool you—the Poodle is one of the smartest, most versatile breeds around. Whether Toy Poodle (4–6 pounds) or Miniature (10–15 pounds), they pack brains, beauty, and bounce into one well-groomed package. Their curly, hypoallergenic coat comes in every color imaginable, from classic white and black to café au lait and apricot.
Their signature look? That perfectly sculpted curly coat, whether rocking the show cut or a low-maintenance teddy bear style.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Doesn’t shed much—hypoallergenic superstar
Easy to train—can learn house rules faster than your roommate; positive reinforcement works best.
Small, polite, and no excessive barking— perfectly suited for apartment dwellers, and your neighbors will love them too
Personality
Clever, alert, and eager to please. Poodles are the straight-A students of the dog world. They love mental stimulation and bonding time with their humans—and yes, they know they’re fabulous.
Grooming
Regular grooming is a must to keep that curly coat from turning into a poodle puff explosion. Schedule trims every 4–6 weeks and brush often between appointments.
Fun Fact
Despite their French reputation, Poodles actually hail from Germany, where they were used as water retrievers. Yep—your pampered pup has rugged roots!
7. Pomeranian
Lifespan: 12–16 years
The Pomeranian, weighing just 3 to 7 pounds, is a compact-sized ball of fluff with a personality that could fill a stadium. It sports a thick double coat—fluffy and voluminous on top with a soft underlayer that gives it that iconic puffball appearance.
Their signature look? A foxy little face paired with a lion-like mane, making them the ultimate tiny royal lion strutting through your living room with serious main-character energy.
Apartment-Worthy Traits
Doesn’t need much space (fits comfortably in a purse, a slipper, or your heart)
Spunky personality provides endless entertainment
Alert and talkative—your unofficial doorbell
Personality
Sassy, bold, and sometimes under the illusion that they are 120 pounds instead of 4. Poms are confident little charmers with zero chill and maximum drama.
Grooming
Grooming this little showstopper requires moderate to high effort; a few brushes a week will keep that glorious mane from turning into a mini tumbleweed.
Fun Fact
Queen Victoria had a Pomeranian, and the breed’s popularity exploded afterward. Yours may still expect royal treatment.
Conclusion
When living in an apartment, finding the right canine companions is essential, especially if you’re working with limited space. Fortunately, many small dogs are well-suited for apartments while also offering a long lifespan, making them ideal for pet parents looking for a loyal, long-term companion. These breeds may be small in size, but many have a big personality and are known to form strong bonds with their families, including other pets and other animals in the home.
Other dog breeds like the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Bichon Frise, Miniature Pinscher, Mini Schnauzer, Chinese Crested Dogs, Italian Greyhounds(companion dog), Japanese Chin, and the charming Biewer Terrier are not only compact and charming but also adaptable to indoor living. While some of these energetic dog breeds, such as the Miniature Schnauzer or Italian Greyhound, require regular exercise and daily activity, their size and temperament make them manageable in smaller living areas.
Proper dog training, consistent training, and regular walks will help these breeds thrive both physically and mentally. Many of these dogs also make good watchdogs, alerting their dog lovers to any unusual sounds without being overly aggressive. Whether you’re drawn to the playful Boston Terrier, the elegant Japanese Chin, or the long-lived Chinese Crested, these breeds prove that you don’t need a large dog like the Bernese Mountain Dog to enjoy a rewarding and lasting relationship. With proper care of your dog’s body and a little room to play, these small breeds offer everything apartment dwellers could want in a dog, with a side of longevity.
