Living in a small apartment does not mean you cannot have a dog.
Actually… it is quite the opposite.
Because some of the best small dog breeds are literally made for apartment living. They don’t need a massive backyard, and they don’t need much to sprint around, and most of them are perfectly happy curling up on the couch next to you while you binge-watch your favorite show.
And, tiny dog breeds are just… adorable!
Manageable size, easy to carry, fit perfectly in small spaces, and they still give you all the love, loyalty, and companionship you’d get from larger breeds.
Today, we will talk about seven such tiny dog breeds perfect for small dwellings.
The ones who thrive in apartments, adapt to apartment life like pros, and make your cozy space even cozier.
Tiny Dog Breeds: Perfect for Small Dwellings
1. Poodle (Toy)
The Toy Poodle is one of those small dog breeds that just get along with apartment living. They are small enough (hardly 4 to 6 pounds, as noted by the American Kennel Club) and they fit comfortably in small spaces, but big enough in personality to keep you entertained all day long.
These little companions are incredibly intelligent dogs, which means they pick up routines fast, learn commands quickly, and make the apartment life generally easy and like a breeze.
Plus, that hypoallergenic coat… a big YES for people with allergies.
Toy Poodles don’t shed much, which is perfect when you are living in a small apartment and don’t want fur covering every surface.
These are also low-maintenance dogs when it comes to exercise needs. Daily walks and some interactive games are enough to keep these dogs active.
And… they have an affectionate nature. These loyal companions form strong bonds with their humans. They love being around you, whether you are working from home or just sitting around idly.
They also enjoy mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and training sessions are a hit. Give them some love, some attention, and a cozy corner, and they will thrive in even the smallest space.
Oh, and did we mention the different coat types? You can go for the classic curly look or even explore other coat and haircut styles with the Poodle dog breed, even with the standard and miniature Poodle.
Either way, they are low-shedding and apartment-friendly.
2. Pomeranian
A dog with personality and practicality.
These lively little dogs pack so much energy and confidence in their little bodies that you’d think they are much bigger.
But NOPE! They are one of those small dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living without needing much room to run around. After all, they are only 3 to 7 pounds in weight. Can you believe?
Pomeranians look like walking clouds because of that gorgeous, fluffy coat. And yes, they do need regular grooming to keep that double coat looking fresh; they don’t need a fenced-in area or tons of outdoor space. But they do excel in dog sports.
Their playful energy levels are high, but we assure you, it is manageable. A couple of daily walks, some indoor playtime, and they are good to go. Plus, they are pretty independent, so if you need to step out for a bit, they won’t lose their minds. As noted by PetMD, they would want to walk on earth instead of being carried away.
That independence!!
These dogs have a super alert nature, which means they will let you know if someone is at the door. Some people love that. Others… well, let’s just say Poms can be a little vocal.
But hey, that’s part of their charm.
3. Maltese
The Maltese dogs… ah! Such beautiful small white dogs.
That long, silky coat. Those expressive eyes. The calm and affectionate personality. Yeah, they are basically elegance personified.
And for apartment living, they are ideal, because they weigh only about 7 pounds, less than 7, mostly.
Maltese are small, gentle, and don’t need a ton of space to be happy. They are perfectly content living in a cozy apartment as long as they are close to their humans. These are classic lap dogs. They love snuggling, being held, and just hanging out with you.
Their energy levels are pretty moderate. They enjoy short daily walks and some light playtime, but they are not going to demand long walks or crazy daily exercise routines.
Honestly, they are one of the calmest small dog breeds you can get.
Plus, their silky coat is low-shedding, as noted by Purina. They need daily brushing and weekly baths to avoid tangles.
Maltese dogs also get along well with other dogs (including cats!), which makes them great if you already have a furry friend at home.
They are well-suited for singles, couples, and even families with older kids who know how to be gentle.
4. Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, and they should be everyone’s favorite apartment dog, too.
These little companions are friendly, adaptable due to their compact size, and just ridiculously fun to be around. And why not? They weigh only about 7-13 pounds.
They thrive in small dwellings because they don’t need much space. They just need you.
Havanese dogs have an affectionate nature that is hard to beat.
They love people, they love other pets, and they even get along well with cats most of the time. Their silky coat is beautiful but needs grooming. You can keep them long-haired or get a “puppy cut” for a more manageable look.
These are hypoallergenic dogs, so you won’t be dealing with fur tumbleweeds rolling across your apartment floor.
Energy-wise, these dogs have playful energy, but they are not overly hyper. Daily walks and some indoor playtime are enough. They also love mental stimulation, so give them training. Use positive reinforcement, please. Works like a charm with this breed.
They are easy to train and perfect for first-time dog owners.
5. Pug
Pugs are one of those wrinkly dog breeds that just get it. The apartment life. They know that small space life is all about maximizing comfort, minimizing drama, and spending quality time with their humans.
These are small, sturdy, and have a personality that is equal parts playful and lazy. They will happily zoom around your apartment for a few minutes and then plop down on the couch and enjoy lounging for the rest of the day. And yes, they only weigh like 14-18 pounds.
That compact size makes them one of the best small dog breeds for tight spaces. They don’t need much room. They don’t need a yard. And, they are totally cool with apartment living as long as they get LOVE and attention.
One thing to know: Pugs shed a lot. Like, they are ‘heavy shedders in the season’. As per Chewy, pet parents with allergies may need to steer clear. Because, yeah, you will be vacuuming. But their grooming needs are otherwise pretty low maintenance.
They are also not super energetic dogs. Daily walks are good for their health. But they are not going to demand long walks or intense exercise. In fact, they are one of the calmest small dog breeds when it comes to energy levels.
Perfect for small dwellings, yes.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was originally bred in ancient China as a companion for royalty, and you can still see that royal energy in them even today.
But they are not high-maintenance divas. They are actually incredibly well-suited for apartment living. They are small and sturdy dogs, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds.
This Asian dog breed does not need a lot of space in your place; they are generally happy being close to their people.
Energy-wise, these dogs are pretty chill. They enjoy short daily walks and some playtime, but they are not going to demand hours of exercise. They are one of those small dog breeds that are perfectly content and happy at home being with you.
Shih Tzus get along well with other pets, including cats and even other dogs, which makes them great to have if you have a multi-pet household. They are loyal, loving, and just really fun to have around.
If you want a small dog with a calm temperament, an affectionate personality, and a manageable size for apartment living, the Shih Tzu is it.
7. Chihuahua
Look, Chihuahuas get a lot of jokes thrown their way. But, if you are living in a small apartment and want a dog that is loyal, compact, with an attractive personality (and perky ears, maybe), this is one of the best small dog breeds you can get. A toy dog that never exceeds 6 pounds. WOW!!
These small breeds are literally made for apartment living. That small stature.
All types of Chihuahuas are small. Like, really small.
They don’t need any space at all. They don’t need daily exercise beyond walks and some indoor play, and they are perfectly happy living in even the tiniest apartments.
Their small size makes them manageable, and their low-maintenance grooming needs (if you go with a short-haired Chihuahua) are a HUGE bonus. They shed a bit but it is nothing compared to larger breeds.
Chihuahuas are also fiercely loyal dogs. They form strong bonds and once they have decided you are their person, you are basically their whole world. They are affectionate, love to cuddle and enjoy lounging just as much as they enjoy short bursts of playtime.
They do pretty well with other pets if socialized early, though they definitely have a preference for hanging out with humans over other dogs.
Conclusion
Small dwelling? Don’t worry. You don’t need to give up on your dog.
Actually, some of the best tiny dog breeds perfect for small dwellings adapt to this life like pros. They don’t need much space, they won’t badger you with needs and they will give you all the love, loyalty and companionship you could ask for.
Other breeds that fall into this tiny category are: Bichon Frise, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers, French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and some other Spaniels, Jack Russell Terriers, Yorkshire Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Japanese Chin, etc.
They have got affectionate personalities, manageable exercise needs and the kind of loyalty that makes coming home to a small space feel like the best thing in the whole wide world.
