Ah, that dream of curling up on your couch after a long day at work with your dog snuggled beside you! No chaos. No breaking fits. Just peaceful companionship! Well, some calm dog breeds for apartment living are made just for this peace!
For apartment dwellers, finding the right dog is an insane amount of work. You want one that’s relaxed indoors, not prone to excessive barking, and does not need tons of daily exercise. But guess what, there are so many breeds that just love to be in compact living and limited space. They are happy, loving, and perfectly content being your couch buddy.
These are the dogs who don’t mind the elevator rides, the smaller yards (or no yard at all!), and the slow-paced apartment life. We are going to introduce you to seven of such calmest and most well-behaved dogs that make great apartment companions.
Calm Dog Breeds For Apartment Living
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet. Gentle. Royal at heart.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is pure elegance in a tiny package. They are affectionate dogs that adore being near their humans, basically your living, breathing emotional support blankets.
These dogs were originally bred for British nobility, as they fit perfectly into the laps. Their calm nature, easygoing personalities, and minimal exercise needs mean they are one of the best dogs for people who live in apartments or condos.
This small dog breed is friendly to everyone. Strangers, kids, and even other pets. They love cuddles more than chaos and thrive on human attention.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Quiet and polite, not known for excessive barking.
Small enough for any living space or confined area.
Adaptable, loving, and easy to train with consistent training.
Great with kids and the elderly alike.
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not demand long runs or hours of playtime, only moderate exercise, as per PetMD. A few daily walks (20-30 minutes), a bit of mental stimulation, and they are good. Perfect for compact living and calm indoors.
2. Basset Hound
Laid-back. Loyal. A total couch potato. Low-to-ground-stature.
The Basset Hound is another name for “chill”. Those long ears and those droopy eyes… they look like they have seen it all and decided to take a nap instead.
This calm dog breed was once a hunting dog but has since mastered the art of relaxing. In the field, out on the hunt, they were the best dog breed for tracking scents and hunting. And you would not believe their relaxed aura when at home. Their low energy level and peaceful demeanor are an indication of great apartment dogs.
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), these hounds do not need strenuous exercise, only moderate activity or short bursts of daily walks. They enjoy routine, comfort, and… long periods of doing absolutely NOTHING!!
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Naturally quiet and gentle nature.
Does not suffer from separation anxiety if given proper company.
Great dogs that are friendly yet not overly needy.
Minimal grooming needs and low-maintenance dogs.
They are the definition of easy living. A Basset will love your couch as much as you do. And they will keep your neighbors happy with their quiet charm.
3. Pug
Goofy. Calm. A little wrinkly dog that never leaves your side.
Pugs are tiny bundles of love. These small dogs love being by your side and are perfect for apartment living because they adapt to limited space easily and do not need a ton of physical exercise.
They are social, funny, and affectionate companion dogs. Their low energy level shows they only need a few short walks and some indoor activities to keep them content, happy, and healthy.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Rarely causes excessive barking.
Adapt well to compact living and confined spaces.
Small dog breed with a big heart. Friendly with everyone.
Low exercise needs. Perfect for busy city people.
Just be mindful of their breathing issues. They can struggle in a hot and humid environment. But with good care, a Pug is a cheerful and low-maintenance dog that fits right into apartment settings.
4. French Bulldog
Quiet. Charming. Big personality in a small body.
The French Bulldog (or “Frenchie”, as most dogs in America would tell you if they could talk) is easily one of the best dog breeds for apartment living.
They are calm, loving, and don’t need much space or exercise.
And they have signature bat ears and funny expressions, which bring joy wherever they go. Despite being playful, they are perfectly fine spending hours lounging beside you.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Low-energy and low-maintenance dog, great companion for compact living.
Hardly bark, makes them ideal for shared walls and quiet neighbors.
Adaptable to small spaces and even big cities
Gentle with kids and other pets
French Bulldogs are the ultimate urban companion dogs. Just be cautious about heat since their short snouts can cause breathing issues, as they are one of the brachycephalic dog breeds. Otherwise, they are one of the calmest and happiest breeds for urban dwellers.
5. Bichon Frise
Happy. Calm dog. Hypoallergenic fluff ball.
The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY) looks fancy, and we get that cloud of white fur fools many dog lovers, but they are actually low-energy, adaptable, and great apartment dogs.
These dogs love people, children, other dogs, other pets… and so, that’s why they adjust beautifully to small spaces.
This small white dog has a cheerful personality and gentle nature, which makes them a perfect companion dog. They enjoy moderate daily walks and a little play indoors, like many dog breeds that can live in small spaces.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Small and low-shedding breed with a hypoallergenic coat.
Calm indoors, playful outdoors. Great balance.
Minimal exercise needs. Perfect for limited space.
Responds well to consistent training and attention.
6. Pekingese
Regal. Quiet. Small but mighty heart.
The Pekingese has been adored by Chinese royalty, as they were once the cherished lap dogs of the nobility. As per Britannica, they are the “lion dogs” and are famous for their “rolling gait”. They are calm dogs with independent streaks, and they love to stay in peaceful environments.
Compact, confident, and gentle, they don’t need much exercise or space. They are true couch companions who love affection but also enjoy their “me time”.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Naturally quiet and calm when in the house.
Low energy level, short daily walks are enough. (look at those short legs).
Ideal for confined areas and small apartments.
Loyal, loving, and easygoing.
Minimal exercise and grooming needs mean the Pekingese is perfect for those who prefer peaceful apartment life with a touch of royal charm.
7. Labrador Retriever
Friendly. Steady. Unbelievably great in small spaces.
You might not think of the Labrador Retriever as an apartment dog, but hear us out. The right dog needs the right training, and Labs can adapt beautifully to apartment settings (even though they are an active breed).
This medium-sized dog has an even temper, intelligence, and calm nature, making them one of the best dogs… and overall, among the most popular dogs in the USA, no matter if they are in a big house or a small one.
This furry friend enjoys daily exercise, and Labs are emotionally steady and deeply loyal dogs. As long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they are calm and content indoors.
Why do apartment dwellers love this dog?
Well-behaved dogs with a balanced energy level. (high energy, sometimes)
Trainable, gentle giants (giant-ish) and affectionate with everyone.
Adaptable, for their human family, they will live anywhere.
Great companion for active or relaxed owners alike.
They may not be small breeds like the others, but their gentle nature and loyalty make them ideal for apartment life when given love and consistent daily walks, and once in a while, if their high exercise needs are satisfied.
Conclusion
Apartment living does not mean you can’t enjoy the love and loyalty of a furry friend. It just takes careful breed selection and understanding your dog’s needs (if they have any destructive behavior tendencies).
From the King Charles Spaniel to the Shih Tzu to the French Bulldog to even the Italian Greyhound, these dogs bring peace, joy, and balance to your home. They don’t need regular grooming or daily play sessions or intense activity, but they need your company, a bit of exercise, and lots of love.
Because at the end of the day, calm is not a trait; it is a way of life. And these dogs know it.
