Do your dorm roommates or apartment neighbors complain about your dog’s noise or restless energy? Not everyone is a dog lover, and in a shared living space, the wrong breed can quickly test everyone’s patience.
Some dogs are natural chaos-makers; barking, running around, and demanding constant attention. But the good news? There are plenty of small, calm, and easygoing breeds that thrive in shared apartments or dorm-style living.
Here are 7 dog breeds perfectly suited for apartment living and shared spaces: quiet, adaptable, and friendly enough to keep the peace with both you and your housemates.
Dog Breeds for Small Shared Spaces
1. Bichon Frise
Who could possibly complain about having a Bichon Frise around? This cheerful little dog is a dream come true for apartment dwellers and dorm residents.
Compact, friendly, and full of charm, Bichons are perfect for shared living spaces. Their affectionate nature and constantly happy expression can brighten up even the dullest indoor days.
They’re easy to keep content with short outdoor walks and enjoy plenty of indoor playtime, making them ideal for smaller homes.
What Makes Them Special?
The Bichon Frise is a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed, great news if you have roommates with allergies. Plus, you won’t find their hair all over your furniture or floors. Cozy, clean, and endlessly cuddly, they’re the perfect little companion for shared living.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are “little lions” that bring a lot of personality along with their awe-inspiring fluffy coats. This small breed makes an amazing lap dog and is well-suited for apartment dwellers.
These pooches love to please their pet parents and need a lot of attention. Their portable size and adaptability make them perfect dogs for shared living, and they’re quite easy to train if treats are involved.
Shih Tzu are prone to obesity; while they have moderate energy levels and don’t need vigorous activity, some indoor play sessions and outdoor walks are ideal.
What makes them special?
These apartment dogs are called “lion dogs” as they were bred to look like miniature lions. Despite their gentle nature, these pups were used by Imperial rulers to gently alert them with their sharp barks when there was a visitor.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most adored lapdogs. They’re a good fit for limited living spaces due to their adaptable nature and make great apartment dogs.
With a wavy, silky coat, mischievous smiley faces, and bright, affectionate eyes, this dog will captivate all your co-tenants. They have a sociable nature and make new friends happily. Receiving human attention gives them a rush of joy, so shared living spaces are going to be fun for them.
These spaniels also get along well with other dogs. From outdoor adventures to playing indoors, these pups adapt to your lifestyle with ease.
What makes them special?
These pooches don’t just have a history with the nobility from 17th-century Europe; they claimed the hearts of King Charles I and his son, King Charles II. They were allowed entry into any public building, including the Parliament.
They’re only medium shedders and moderate barkers, which makes them easier to manage.
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the top choices of furry companions for people living in tight spaces. Even if you have other humans living with you, these calm pups prove to be amiable housemates.
Whether you’re living in a college dorm, small apartments, or condos where you share walls with other residents, French Bulldogs make amazing pets due to their manageable size and gentle nature. They’re light on the barking business, so you and others can sleep peacefully.
What makes them special?
Frenchies shed very little and are low-maintenance dogs, great for busy owners and singles. Despite being quiet dogs, these bundles of cuteness are very alert and will alert you to intruders. They’re happy playing indoors in less space, but will also enjoy daily walks with you.
5. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are spunky little fiends but with an adorable personality and compact size. They adapt well to different lifestyles of their owners, and make great pets for the apartment lifestyle.
There’s nothing Chihuahuas love more than their humans’ attention, and well, treats. They’re easygoing furry friends and stay calm and happy in small spaces, even if they’re shared.
They’re one of the smallest dog breeds and stand out due to their rounded head shapes, called “apple domes” as per WebMD.
Fun fact: Chihuahuas don’t know how small they are and can try to pick fights with large dogs. Proper training and socialization help them control these urges.
What makes them special?
Chihuahua’s smooth, short coats make them easy to groom. These tiny dogs are a huge package of courage, curiosity, and affection.
They’re not low-energy dogs, but don’t need an insane amount of physical activity. Bouncing around the house and slow walks will keep them at their best.
6. Maltese
If you’re looking for a pocket-sized adaptable dog that will happily call your small apartment or shared space their home, the Maltese is one of the best choices.
These transportable dogs are very sweet in nature and make cuddly lap dogs. They look beautiful with their gorgeous long coat, small, square-shaped bodies, and tiny legs. Since they have long coats on their head as well, you can make them look 10x cuter by tying their hair in a topknot.
What makes them special?
Maltese form deep bonds with their humans and hate long periods of separation. They respond lovingly to gentleness and will trust you with their lives if you’re good to them.
They enjoy being pampered; due to their long coats, you’ll need to schedule regular grooming sessions, which makes for an amazing bonding activity.
7. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested are pooches with the most unique look in this list. They’re mostly hairless dogs but also come in a hairy variety, called the “powderpuff”. They have smooth, silky skin and silky fur on their heads, tails, and feet.
These small pups have a slender build and have spots on their bodies that make them look too pretty. They’re much better off indoors, especially when the sun is blazing hot. Their hairless bodies need to be protected against the UV rays; use a good sunblock when taking them outdoors.
They are well-mannered and affectionate pups, but also very sensitive. They won’t forget harsh treatment easily. They need moderate physical activity; both indoor play and outdoor fun will be fine for them.
What makes them special?
Since they don’t have a lot of hair or fur to shed, they are less likely to trigger allergies. Their smooth skin does need some care, like moisturizer, to keep it protected.
Conclusion
Many small dog breeds can make any living condition full of laughter, love, and fun. If you’re sharing your small living space with other people, finding a pup that doesn’t freak out at the sight of strangers and can tolerate other pets will be helpful.
