If you live in a high-rise or an elevator-dependent apartment, you know the struggle. Your furry friend might love walks and cozy couches—but stepping into that magical moving box (a.k.a. the elevator)? Panic mode: activated.
Not every dog handles elevators well, especially the easily startled or overly sensitive ones. But don’t worry—some breeds are naturally calmer, more adaptable, and totally cool with the ups and downs of vertical travel. They won’t bark at every ding or scramble like it’s a rocket launch.
This guide is for city dwellers, apartment renters, and anyone whose building comes with an elevator ride between potty breaks. Whether you want a small dog that doesn’t mind a tight space or a large breed with nerves of steel, we’ve rounded up the most elevator-friendly companions.
These cool-headed canines are ready for high-rise living—and no, they don’t mind a quick lift to the 15th floor. Leash up, press the button, and enjoy the ride.
Dog Breeds With Low Elevator Anxiety
1. Shih Tzu
Famous for their cuteness, charm, and overall adorableness, Shih Tzus are a relatively recent addition to the U.S. dog scene. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1969.
Originating from China, many believe the Shih Tzu is a mix between a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso. Interestingly, their name translates from Chinese as “lion.”
Shih Tzu is a pint-sized pooch with a big personality and even bigger tolerance for elevator rides. If elevators were a throne room, this breed would sit right in the center, cool as a cucumber, with a mane that would make any royal jealous.
Strange noises? Moving floors? Close quarters with strangers? They barely raise an eyebrow. Instead, they settle in like it’s their favorite nap spot, giving you major “I got this” energy.
These little lions aren’t barky elevator passengers; they’re calm companions who know the art of blending grace with a touch of sass. If the elevator ride gets a bit bumpy, expect your Shih Tzu to casually fluff their fur and give you a look that says, “Relax, human. I’ve got this covered.”
If you want a dog that treats elevators like their personal royal procession—calm, confident, and maybe a little fabulous—the Shih Tzu is the perfect ride-or-die for your vertical adventures.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, affectionate small breed found in the non-sporting group. Despite their energetic and bubbly nature, they’re quite compact, usually under 12 inches in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds.
If you’re hunting for a dog that’s both elevator-savvy and totally at home in an apartment, the Bichon Frise is your fluffy soulmate. Thanks to their petite size, Bichon Frises are well-suited for apartment living and adapt easily to various home environments, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Bichons are social, cheerful, and super adaptable, making them ideal for apartment living. They don’t need a giant backyard to burn off energy—they’re just as happy curling up on your couch or hosting a tiny dance party in your living room.
Elevators? They handle them like fluffy little zen masters, calmly riding along with a wagging tail and a smile that says, “No worries, just good vibes.” Quiet, friendly, and compact, Bichons make the perfect urban companion who’s equally happy on the move or just chilling at home.
Bichon Frises are lively and full of energy, yet they easily adjust to different environments. These qualities contribute to why they generally get along well with young children. PetMD noted that due to their minimal shedding, Bichon Frises are often labeled as a “hypoallergenic” breed, and can be a suitable choice for some individuals with dog allergies.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is like a tiny superstar in the elevator and the apartment alike. With their silky white coat and confident charm, these pint-sized pups glide through elevators with zero anxiety and a ton of grace.
The Maltese is a small toy breed, typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing around 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, graceful build with delicate bone structure.
Their signature feature is a long, silky, and straight white coat that flows elegantly, complemented by dark, expressive eyes and a black button nose that stands out beautifully against their snowy fur.
Apartment living suits Maltese perfectly—they don’t need much space to feel like royalty. Cozy corners, soft blankets, and lots of lap time are their idea of paradise. Plus, their calm nature means they’re not the noisy neighbor who disturbs everyone with barking marathons.
When it comes to elevators, Maltese pups treat them like VIP entrances, strutting in with poise and settling down for the ride like they own the place.
The Maltese’s silky white coat is a big attraction for many potential owners, but this breed thrives best in homes where daily grooming is part of the routine. While they’re lively and energetic, Maltese dogs don’t need extensive exercise, making them a good fit for families with busy schedules.
4. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are the ultimate low-energy, laid-back pals who cruise through elevators like they’re riding a slow-moving chariot. Their droopy eyes and relaxed vibe mean they’re not easily fazed by close quarters or moving floors — they just flop down and enjoy the ride.
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs known for their distinctive long ears, droopy eyes, and short legs that give them a low-slung, sturdy build
Apartment life? Perfect for these mellow hounds. They don’t need acres of space to be happy; a cozy corner and a comfy spot to stretch out will do just fine.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Basset Hound has an extraordinary sense of smell—only the Bloodhound is believed to have a more precise nose among dogs. While they’re gentle and easygoing at home, Bassets can be quite determined and stubborn when following a scent trail, often barking with a loud, resonant voice.
And thanks to their calm demeanor, Bassets tend to keep the noise down, which makes them excellent neighbors in apartment buildings.
So if you want a dog who treats elevators like a leisurely Sunday drive and apartment living like a permanent chill zone, the Basset Hound is your laid-back bestie.
5. Chihuahua
Don’t let the Chihuahua’s size fool you—these tiny dynamos own every elevator ride like a CEO in their office. They’re confident, alert, and totally comfortable in small spaces, making elevators just another part of their kingdom.
Chihuahuas make wonderful companions and are especially known for being great lap dogs. They’re tiny, usually weighing up to 6 pounds and standing between 5 to 8 inches tall.
When it comes to apartment living, Chihuahuas shine. Their small size means they’re perfectly suited for cozy urban life, and their big personality ensures they keep things lively without needing a ton of room.
Plus, their love for cuddling means they’re great companions who’ll happily snuggle up on your lap during elevator rides or binge-watching sessions.
Their shedding is moderate, and while grooming needs vary depending on whether they have short or long hair, overall, their coat care is fairly easy to manage.
If you want a pint-sized protector who rules the elevator and apartment alike with attitude and heart, the Chihuahua’s got you covered.
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested Dog is a mostly hairless breed, though it actually comes in two distinct varieties—hairless and powderpuff—both of which can appear in the same litter, as per Wikipedia. These dogs are well-suited for seniors or apartment living, thanks to their low exercise needs and small size.
With their unique looks and calm demeanor, the Chinese Crested is the ultimate elevator expert who can handle tight spaces with poise and style.
Whether sporting their signature hairless elegance or fluffy powderpuff coat, these pups glide through elevators like they’re on a runway—calm, collected, and totally unbothered.
Apartment life suits them perfectly. They’re small, low-energy, and love cozying up in warm spots (bonus points if it’s near a heater or your lap). Their quiet, gentle nature means they’re not the kind of dog who’ll turn your apartment into a barking zoo, making them ideal urban companions.
They’re typically content with indoor play or simply relaxing on the couch, making them an easygoing companion for quieter lifestyles. So if you want a dog who combines fashion-forward vibes with zen elevator rides and apartment comfort, the Chinese Crested is your chic, chill sidekick.
7. Greyhound
Despite being the world’s fastest sprinters, Greyhounds are surprisingly mellow and elevator-savvy. In tight spaces like elevators, they transform from speedy athletes into zen couch potatoes, folding up neatly and exuding calm.
Greyhounds are classified as a large breed, typically standing 27 to 30 inches tall and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds. Their sleek, aerodynamic build starts at their narrow heads and continues along their lean bodies.
Greyhounds are perfect for apartment life because they’re low-energy indoors and content to lounge around most of the day.
They do need their zoomies outdoors, but inside your cozy urban home, they’re quiet, gentle, and surprisingly lazy. Known for their gentle nature with people, they make wonderful companions when their exercise needs are satisfied.
Training can be a bit challenging since they were bred for independent hunting and tend to prefer making their own choices rather than following commands, so patience is key during their training.
If you want a dog who’s a speed demon outside but a chill, elevator-friendly, apartment-loving companion inside, the Greyhound is your ultimate balance of fast and calm.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are the little jokers of the dog world, effortlessly turning elevator rides into mini comedy shows with their snorts, wiggles, and trademark bat ears. But underneath all that playful charm lies a dog who’s totally cool with tight spaces and close quarters.
French Bulldogs, affectionately known as “Frenchies,” this small breed is cheerful, laid-back little dogs that make devoted companions.
Their friendly nature, lively personality, and compact size have helped them rise to become one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Frenchies are especially favored by city residents and rank among the world’s top small dog breeds.
When the elevator doors close, the Frenchie is more likely to give a goofy look than freak out. Their laid-back attitude and love for snuggling make them perfect apartment buddies who don’t need acres of space to thrive. They’re happy chilling beside you, soaking up the vibes, and maybe sneaking a nap mid-ride.
If you want a dog who can keep you smiling through elevator rides and apartment living alike, the French Bulldog is your perfect little comedian and chill partner.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is famously linked to British royalty, named after 17th-century kings Charles I and Charles II, who particularly adored the black-and-tan variety.
Their big, soulful eyes and silky coat make them the kind of dog people want to pet, and their gentle nature means they’re unfazed by the hustle and bustle of elevator rides.
Perfect for apartment living, Cavaliers are friendly, adaptable, and love being close to their humans. They don’t need sprawling yards—just a cozy spot and lots of love. When the elevator moves, they settle quietly at your feet or in your lap, radiating calm and charm.
WebMD says these dogs thrive on companionship and don’t do well when left alone for extended periods. Generally calm and quiet, Cavaliers can become restless, yappy, and even destructive if they get bored or anxious.
If you want a regal, loving companion who’s equally comfortable navigating elevators and apartment life, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is your top pick.
Conclusion
When choosing the right dog for apartment life, especially one comfortable with elevators, it’s all about finding the right breed with the ideal temperament, energy level, and ability to form strong bonds. Breeds like the Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier are among the best breeds for this—they’re intelligent, loyal, and often easy to train, making them a great option for indoor living.
These dogs respond well to training, meet both emotional needs and physical activity requirements, and are typically patient and calm, even in tight spaces. Some were typically bred for companionship, not constant action, making them ideal for people who spend time indoors and still want to carry a strong connection with their pup. While breeds like Border Collies need more mental stimulation and exercise, gentle giants and low-maintenance pups tend to adapt better to elevators and small spaces.
