Some people think they need a big house with a fenced outdoor space to get a dog.
Honestly, this is not TRUE.
Living in compact homes or apartments does not mean you cannot own a pet now. But you have to consider your space and breed needs before making a choice.
Large dogs require plenty of space to run and stay active, so they may not adjust well to apartment living. But small dog breeds with moderate exrcise requirement and calm temperament adjust anywhere, even at couch.
Their cute tricks and affectionate nature compensate for their small size. Many dog breeds enjoy indoor activities and don’t mind staying at home the whole day.
Choosing a puppy gets overwhelming with hundreds of options out there, so don’t get confused. Here are the nine best small dog breeds for a small space owners that will steal your heart.
Best Dog Breeds for Compact Homes and Apartment Dwellers
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, friendly, and quiet dog breed that enjoys lounging all day. Their small stature and low to moderate exercise requirements make them perfect for apartment life.
This cute pup is a lap dog, so you can guess why they are the best friends of introverts. They accompany them for hours without any complaint while they binge-watch TV.
Cavaliers like to play with kids, and that’s what makes them perfect family pets. Yes, they are playful, but at the same time, a short walk around the apartment is more than enough.
This small dog breed is best suited for first-time owners because they don’t really throw random tantrums. And this is the reason that they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA.
These little puppies don’t shed much but require daily brushing and grooming at least once a year, or you can style their hair just like a baby girl.
2. Maltese
Malteses are popular due to their small size and playful nature. They are stubbron though, but don’t need a huge house to be happy.
These little puppies have curly white coats and black, round eyes that make your cozy space even more beautiful. Honestly, they are the best companions for compact home owners who like lively but quiet pets.
Malteses don’t have high standards because a short walk and a few minutes of cuddles are enough to make their day. This white dog is best if you have kids at home to keep them busy all day.
Yes, they are cute, but their curly fur requires regular grooming and care. But you can keep that long silky fur as it is if you are not allergic or you love furry pets.
3. French Bulldog
The French bulldog affectionatly known as Frenchie, has been the most famous dog breed in the USA for the past three years. This small breed is smart, calm, and doesn’t bark unnecessarily.
ASPCA notes that Frenchies are adaptable, and that’s exactly the secret of their popularity. Honestly, they adapt no matter whether it’s a small apartment of one room or a villa.
Apparently, they look tough due to wrinkles on their forehead, but don’t get fooled. These brat ear dogs are the most affectionate puppies that follow their owners wherever they go.
These dogs have easy going personality, so don’t worry if you have other dog breeds at home. Plus, they are not a fan of outdoor walks and have low exercise requirements. And that’s like a jackpot for apartment dwellers.
Frenchie doesn’t shed much, but to compensate, they require daily cleaning under their wrinkled skin.
4. Papillon
The Pappillon dog is an energetic, playful, and loving breed that likes to stay happy. This dog is called “Butterfly” in French, and you can tell why just by looking at it.
These small-sized dogs have erect ears but long fur that grows downward and gives them butterfly wings. Pappillon is best for apartment owners who love furry and active dogs.
On top of this, these little pups enjoy playing indoors and spending time with their favourite people. They have higher energy levels than other toy breed so get ready to play with them for a few minutes daily.
Papillons are all good, but their silky coat requires daily brushing and grooming, which is quite a task if you are too busy.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful, easy-to-train, and apartment-friendly dog breed. They have a simple rule of give and take, where they ask for attention and in return, owners get cuddles and love.
Honestly, that’s the bare minimum a pet can ask for.
These round-faced pups love to socialize with other dogs and kids to form strong bonds. They don’t have “fighting” or “stranger” in their vocabulary, so don’t be surprised if they’re happy to get along with your neighbors.
Bichon Frise have curly white coat that requires trimming to be in shape and minimal grooming over time to stay healthy. They don’t really require intense training, and three to four rounds around the block are their exercise of the day.
6. Havanese
Havanese is an active dog breed that likes to spread smiles. They entertain you with their cute tricks and love to stick with their owners.
These furry pups are energetic but not when it comes to exercise, so that’s a relief if you live in a compact living space. Havanese is small in size and sociable in nature, so it enjoys living in smaller homes. You can say they like to be in their comfort zone.
This little dog is the best family dog due to its intelligent and protective nature. But they don’t bark much, which your neighbour will appreciate the most.
They were once called Havana Silk Dog and Spanish Silk Poodle due to their long coat, according to the AKC. But only 10 minutes of regular brushing is more than enough for them.
7. Pug
Choosing a Pug is like getting a lot in a little pack. This dog breed is mischievous, friendly, and eager to please, which is actually what a pet owner craves.
They are not up for running and become couch potatoes most of the time. And that’s why they are a good candidate for apartment settings. Pugs have a small stature, and casual daily walks count as exercise for them.
These small dogs snore a lot and breathe heavily, as PetMD explains, so don’t pet them if you wake up to the sound of wind. But they don’t really have much grooming needs; that’s a relief for someone who is busy.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is often called “lion dog,” though it has a completely different personality. It is a calm, relaxed, and affectionate dog that loves cuddles.
This small dog is a perfect match for compact homes because it used to live inside the royal houses first. So yeah, it knows how to enjoy its own company.
Shih Tzu requires 30 minutes of proper training, and you can do that by playing indoor fetch games. This furry puppy looks arrogant, but its temperament does not say so.
But they bark a lot when not properly socialized and trained. Shih Tzu have floor length coat that you can style as a puli or with clips because they look good in any hairstyle.
9. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is known as the “American Gentleman” because of their good manners and black and white coat that resembles formal dressing.
This small dog amuses kids and the whole family with their cute movements. Honestly, it’s like a full-time comedian for free at home.
They are apartment-friendly dogs due to their low exercise needs and eager-to-please behaviour. But their brachycephalic behaviour isn’t for everyone. They have breathing problems and can’t tolerate excessive heat.
With that said, they have a smooth short coat that sheds moderately, so get them if you are not allergic or sensitive.
Conclusion
Small dogs that are calm, cheerful, and don’t mind not going for outdoor walks are best for compact home owners. The Cavalier, Maltese, Bichon, Pappilon and Shih Tzu are a perfect fit for pet parents who love fur. Whereas the French bulldog and pug with a short coat are the first preferences of busy apartment dwellers.
The above-mentioned nine dogs are apartment-friendly, but all have different characteristics. So read the details and choose the one that meets your space and lifestyle.
