Dogs come with many coat types, but long-haired breeds often stand out for their soft, flowing appearance.
Dog hair can vary widely in length, texture, and shape, from straight strands to curls and coats with distinctive features such as shaggy eyebrows or moustache-like “furnishings.”
Scientists have found that just a few genes influence these variations, including the gene responsible for long hair.
While their beautiful coats attract attention, long-haired dogs also require regular grooming and care to stay healthy and comfortable. Without proper maintenance, their hair can easily mat and cause discomfort.
For people living in apartments, choosing the right breed is important. Size, temperament, and grooming needs all play a role in whether a dog adapts well to smaller living spaces.
Fortunately, several long-haired breeds combine manageable energy levels, affectionate personalities, and compact size, making them excellent companions for apartment life.
In this guide, we explore ten long-haired dog breeds well-suited for apartment living.
Key Takeaways
Brushing and occasional professional grooming prevent mats and tangles, and keep coats healthy.
Short walks and indoor play can meet their activity needs, making them ideal for small homes.
Many long-haired breeds, like the Coton de Tulear, crave human interaction and may struggle with long periods alone.
Positive reinforcement and fun training sessions yield well-behaved and mentally stimulated dogs.
Small dogs can be vocal; early training can reduce excessive barking in apartment settings.
Top Long-Haired Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
1. Maltese
Among long-haired companions suited for smaller homes, the elegant Maltese stands out for both beauty and personality.
Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, this tiny dog has charmed people for centuries, even appearing in ancient Greek and Roman writings.
Despite its delicate appearance and flowing white coat, the Maltese carries a lively, affectionate spirit that fits comfortably into apartment life.
Small, friendly, and deeply devoted to their owners, Maltese dogs thrive on companionship and daily interaction.
Their long, silky coat gives them a glamorous look, but it also requires consistent grooming to stay tangle-free.
With regular brushing, gentle training, and a little daily playtime, these bright little dogs remain happy and well-balanced indoors.
Generally healthy with a lifespan of around 12–15 years, Maltese may face issues such as dental disease, luxating patella, or certain congenital conditions, so routine veterinary care is important.
In return, they reward their owners with loyalty, affection, and cheerful energy, making them delightful long-haired companions for apartment living.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The charming Yorkshire Terrier has a fascinating history that begins during England’s Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.
Scottish workers arriving in England brought small terriers such as the Paisley and Clydesdale, which were eventually crossed with local rat-catching dogs like the Waterside Terrier and other early terrier types.
The result was a small yet determined dog originally bred to hunt rats in textile mills.
As dog shows gained popularity in the 1860s, the breed’s silky coat and compact size quickly captured the attention of fashionable society, according to VCA Hospitals.
The famous show dog Huddersfield Ben helped establish the breed’s reputation. By 1870, the dogs were officially called Yorkshire Terriers.
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies are lively, intelligent, and full of personality. They thrive as affectionate companions in apartments, enjoying indoor play, short walks, and mental stimulation.
Their long, straight coat requires regular brushing, but with proper care and positive training, this spirited little dog becomes a delightful and stylish household companion.
3. Toy Poodle
The elegant Toy Poodle may be small, but it carries itself with the confidence of true canine royalty.
Beneath its signature curly coat lies a bright, athletic companion known for intelligence, loyalty, and remarkable versatility. Poodles come in three sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, but all share the same graceful build and sharp mind.
For apartment living, the Toy Poodle’s compact size and lively personality make it a wonderful fit. These dogs are energetic and curious, thriving on daily walks, indoor games, and activities that challenge their clever minds.
Originally bred as hunting and retrieving dogs, they enjoy interactive play that keeps both body and brain active, according to the American Kennel Club.
Their soft, low-shedding coat is often appreciated by allergy-sensitive owners, though it requires regular brushing to prevent tangles.
Many owners choose a shorter trim for easier care. With proper grooming, exercise, and positive training, the Toy Poodle becomes a devoted, lively companion perfectly suited for life in smaller spaces.
4. Havanese
The cheerful Havanese is a delightful little companion and one of the great apartment dogs perfectly suited for apartment living.
This breed’s friendly personality and adaptability make it a strong contender for anyone searching for the right dog breed for modern city homes and confined spaces. As a member of the toy breed group, this small dog thrives on human companionship and enjoys being at the center of family life.
Lively, affectionate, and surprisingly confident for its size, the Havanese forms strong bonds with its owners. Like many companion breeds, it can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so regular interaction and indoor playtime help keep it emotionally balanced and happy.
Despite their compact build, these dogs are sturdy and adaptable. Their barking tendencies are generally moderate compared with some quiet breeds, but proper training helps ensure they don’t disturb neighbors in an apartment setting.
Their long, silky coat, often described as soft and flowing, can sometimes be managed with minimal grooming, though many owners maintain it with regular brushing.
Some individuals may even have a coat that produces less dander, sometimes described as a hypoallergenic coat, which can help people sensitive to pet hair.
Havanese dogs have relatively lower exercise needs compared with highly active breeds. Their dog’s exercise requirements are modest and can often be satisfied with minimal exercise, such as regular exercise through short walks and indoor playtime.
This routine works especially well for apartment living and during hot weather, when outdoor activity may be limited.
5. Lhasa Apso
The dignified Lhasa Apso carries a history as rich as its flowing coat. Once treasured by monks in the royal temples of Tibet, this small but fearless dog was originally bred to act as a watchdog inside sacred palaces.
That heritage still shapes its personality today, alert, confident, and sometimes wary of strangers.
Despite their bold spirit, Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment life. They enjoy being close to their families and happily spend time playing indoors or relaxing nearby.
Independent by nature, they can be a little stubborn during training, so patience and consistency are key.
Their long double coat is one of the breed’s most striking features and requires daily brushing to keep it smooth and tangle-free, though many owners choose shorter trims for easier care.
With moderate daily walks, playful interaction, and attentive grooming, the Lhasa Apso becomes a loyal, entertaining companion with a big personality in a small apartment-friendly package.
6. Shih Tzu
The charming Shih Tzu has a royal past and an affectionate personality that make it a beloved furry friend, especially for people embracing apartment living. The Shih Tzu stands out as one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers seeking gentle, adaptable apartment dogs.
Developed more than a thousand years ago in Tibet, this breed was created by crossing the Pekingese with the Lhasa Apso.
Its name, meaning “lion dog,” reflects the elegant, flowing coat and expressive face associated with Buddhist symbolism.
Among the many dog breeds for apartments, the Shih Tzu’s key traits, a gentle nature, affectionate nature, and generally calm temperament, make it especially suited for small spaces, a studio apartment, or other compact living space.
Small but sturdy, the Shih Tzu is one of the smaller breeds that adapts well to indoor and modern urban living.
Unlike some high-energy breed types that require extensive exercise, this dog has moderate energy levels and thrives with short walks, indoor playtime, and light training sessions that provide mental stimulation and fun mental challenges.
Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to manage their grooming needs and prevent tangles.
While the breed generally has a quiet nature with minimal barking, proper training and adequate exercise help prevent destructive behaviors or excessive barking that could disturb neighbors in an apartment setting.
7. Pekingese
Few small dogs carry as much history and personality as the Pekingese. Famous in part thanks to James Herriot’s beloved character Tricki, this charming breed has captivated dog lovers for generations.
Originally from ancient Beijing, Pekingese were treasured companions of Chinese royalty. Their coats even matched the colors of imperial clothing, making them both elegant lap dogs and symbols of status.
Despite their tiny size, these dogs were surprisingly bold.
Some were small enough to hide in the wide sleeves of royal garments, ready to leap out barking if danger appeared, as explained by WebMD. That fearless spirit still lives on in the breed today.
Pekingese eventually reached Britain during the Opium Wars, where one pup gifted to Queen Victoria helped spark their popularity in the West. Over the years, celebrities and dog lovers alike have adored them.
With their flowing coats, confident attitude, and loyal nature, Pekingese may look delicate, but beneath that fluff is a sturdy, surprisingly heavy little companion who loves being close to their people.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, whose name comes from the French phrase meaning “curly lap dog,” is a cheerful little companion perfectly suited for apartment life. Small yet sturdy, this playful breed is known for its affectionate personality and love of entertaining people.
Throughout history, Bichons have charmed royalty, traveled with sailors, appeared in paintings, and even performed in circuses, always eager to show off their lively spirit.
One of the breed’s most distinctive features is its soft, white double coat.
The dense, curly fur is non-shedding but requires consistent care. Regular brushing several times a week helps prevent tangles and matting, while professional grooming every four to six weeks keeps the coat clean and properly shaped.
Beyond coat care, routine baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are essential for maintaining overall health.
With early training, many Bichons learn to enjoy grooming time, making these sessions a comfortable bonding experience for both dog and owner.
9. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian may be tiny, but this fluffy companion has a personality that easily fills a room.
Often featured among the top long-haired dog breeds for apartment living, it stands out as one of the best dog breeds for people embracing apartment living or compact urban environments.
As one of the smallest dog breeds, the Pomeranian fits comfortably into small spaces, a studio apartment, or other limited living space, making it a favorite among apartment dwellers looking for apartment-friendly dogs.
With its fox-like face, bright alert eyes, and a thick flowing coat, the Pomeranian is a striking example of the charm found in many dog breeds for apartments. Though small, these tiny dogs have lively personalities and surprising confidence.
Their fluffy double coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and manage shedding, which is an important part of their overall grooming needs.
Despite their small size, Pomeranians have notable energy levels and benefit from mental stimulation, training sessions, and short walks. Regular daily walks, indoor playtime, and engaging mental challenges help prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors.
Known for their affectionate nature and loyal companion qualities, Pomeranians form strong bonds with both you and your family.
With proper training, adequate exercise, and attention to their social needs, these smaller breeds adapt well to indoor living and an apartment setting, making them excellent apartment dogs for modern apartment life.
10. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a charming small breed that traces its roots back to Madagascar, where it appeared several centuries ago.
While its exact origins remain unclear, it’s believed that visiting ships brought companion dogs to the island, where they quickly became beloved by locals and even the royal court.
Named after the city of Tulear, the breed is best known for its soft, cotton-like coat that gives it a uniquely fluffy appearance.
Affectionately called the “Cotie,” this playful dog thrives on attention and companionship. Friendly with children, other pets, and even strangers when properly socialized, the Coton de Tulear has a warm, sociable personality.
They enjoy games, short daily walks, and plenty of cuddle time on the sofa.
Their long coat doesn’t shed much, but daily brushing helps prevent tangles, and occasional professional grooming keeps it healthy. Intelligent and eager to please, Cotons respond well to positive training and love being part of family life.
Conclusion
Bringing a long-haired dog into an apartment isn’t just about choosing a pet; it’s about finding a companion whose personality, energy level, and grooming needs fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Pomeranian, and Coton de Tulear prove that small size doesn’t mean small personality. These dogs offer boundless affection, playful energy, and unwavering loyalty, all while adapting comfortably to apartment living.
Their long, luxurious coats do require care, but the daily brushing, occasional grooming, and loving attention are repaid with cuddles, companionship, and endless joy.
Apartment life can sometimes be challenging for pets, but these breeds thrive when given regular exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation.
From lively play sessions to quiet evenings on the sofa, long-haired toy breeds bring warmth and personality to every corner of a home. For those willing to invest time and care, these dogs are more than pets; they are family, confidants, and a source of daily happiness that makes apartment living truly fulfilling.
