Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of having a dog. Even without a backyard or plenty of room to run, you can find a furry companion that feels right at home in a smaller space.
The secret is choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle, respects your living environment, and is willing to learn the rules of apartment life.
An obedient dog can make apartment living much easier, especially when it comes to following commands, walking calmly on a leash, and behaving around neighbors in shared spaces. With consistent training and daily attention, even a small home can be a comfortable place for a well-mannered dog.
So, which dogs are best suited to apartment living? In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best dog breeds that can adapt to small space living and make wonderful companions.
Highly Obedient Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Living
1. Border Terrier
Border Terriers were originally bred to work alongside English and Scottish farmers and shepherds. These sturdy, small dog breeds helped during hunts and were also expected to settle comfortably into family life afterward.
They have an affectionate, cheerful personality and a brave attitude that makes them seem much bigger than they are. They generally get along well with people and make playful companions for children.
Training and Obedience
Border Terriers are intelligent and trainable, but their independent nature means they sometimes prefer making their own decisions, as mentioned by Purina.
They enjoy exploring their surroundings and may become distracted by squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals. Consistent training and early socialization can help them develop good manners and behave appropriately around people and other pets.
Apartment Living and Care
Border Terriers can adapt to city life and smaller homes, provided they receive enough physical and mental exercise.
They are energetic dogs that enjoy outdoor adventures, so daily walks and opportunities to explore are important. Their wiry coats are relatively easy to maintain but benefit from professional grooming.
2. Brussels Griffon
Originally bred in Belgium to hunt rats, the Brussels Griffon eventually became a beloved house companion. Its expressive face, prominent eyes, and confident personality make it hard to ignore.
Brussels Griffons are affectionate, intelligent, and social dogs that often form a strong bond with one favorite person while remaining playful with others.
Training and Obedience
Brussels Griffons are intelligent and can enjoy obedience training and agility activities. However, their sensitive and independent nature means they respond best to patient, consistent training.
Early socialization helps prevent shyness and suspicious behavior around unfamiliar people. These dogs also need gentle handling, as they may become snappy when treated roughly or disturbed while resting.
Apartment Living and Care
Their small size and ability to stay active indoors make Brussels Griffons well suited to apartment living. They still need daily walks, companionship, and activities to keep them engaged.
These dogs dislike being left alone for long periods and thrive in homes where their owners can spend plenty of time with them. Because they are a flat-faced breed, they are sensitive to hot, humid weather and should not stay outdoors for extended periods.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a royal history dating back to 17th-century Britain. King Charles I and his son Charles II were so fond of these dogs that they took them almost everywhere. Originally bred as lap companions, Cavaliers remain affectionate, gentle, and devoted to their families.
Training and Obedience
Cavaliers are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent guidance because they can be sensitive to harsh reprimands.
Their friendly temperament and willingness to learn can help them develop good manners in shared apartment spaces. However, their curiosity may lead them to follow interesting scents, so keeping them on a leash outdoors is important.
Apartment Living and Care
With their small size and moderate energy levels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can adapt comfortably to apartment life. Two daily walks of around 20–30 minutes, along with indoor playtime, can help meet their exercise needs.
Once they’re done being active, they’re usually happy to relax beside their favorite person. Cavaliers also thrive on companionship and should not be left alone for long periods.
4. Havanese
The Havanese is an energetic, entertaining toy breed and the only dog breed native to Cuba. Its ancestors were brought from Spain to Cuba in the 1600s, and the breed later made its way to the United States.
Small but full of personality, Havanese dogs are cheerful, affectionate, and friendly toward people and other animals. They enjoy being around their families and often follow their favorite people from room to room.
Training and Obedience
Havanese dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn new commands and tricks. Their willingness to learn makes them a good option for owners who want an obedient companion. They respond well to firm, consistent training and enjoy activities that challenge their minds.
However, they may bark to get attention, so teaching them when to settle down is important for maintaining peace with apartment neighbors. Early training can also help them become comfortable spending short periods alone.
Apartment Living and Care
The Havanese can adapt well to apartment living as long as their exercise and social needs are met. Around 30 minutes of daily physical exercise, including walks and playtime, helps keep them active and happy.
These social dogs love meeting new people and playing with family members, but they do not enjoy being ignored or left alone for long periods, according to PetMD.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany and descended from hardworking dogs used for herding livestock, pulling carts, and hunting rats.
Its distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows give it a recognizable appearance. Miniature Schnauzers are playful companions that can get along well with children and other animals when properly trained.
Training and Obedience
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, obedient, and quick to learn, making training an enjoyable part of their routine. They like learning new tricks and taking part in activities that challenge their minds.
However, their alert nature can make them vocal, particularly when they notice unfamiliar people or dogs. Early, consistent training can help manage excessive barking and teach them to behave calmly around neighbors in shared apartment spaces.
Apartment Living and Care
Miniature Schnauzers can adapt to apartment living, but their energetic nature means they need plenty of daily activity. Aim for at least an hour of exercise, including walks, indoor games, or other engaging activities.
Puzzle toys and training sessions can also keep their active minds occupied. Their wiry coats shed relatively little but require regular brushing and professional grooming.
6. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, energetic breed descended from the Smooth Fox Terrier. Developed in the United States by breeding smaller terriers with toy breeds, these dogs were originally used to hunt rodents on farms.
Training and Obedience
Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent and trainable, with a natural enthusiasm for learning new skills. They can enjoy obedience exercises, agility, and trick training, making regular training sessions a good way to keep them engaged.
Early socialization helps them become comfortable around unfamiliar people, animals, and different environments. However, their terrier instincts can make them eager to chase small animals, so consistent leash training and supervision are important outdoors.
Apartment Living and Care
Toy Fox Terriers can live in apartments, but their small size doesn’t mean they have low exercise needs. Orvis says they need around an hour of daily activity, including walks, playtime, and interactive games.
Without enough stimulation, their energy can turn into boredom and mischief. They also enjoy cuddling with their owners after an active day and prefer not to be left alone for long periods.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally bred in the United Kingdom to herd cattle and sheep. Pembrokes are affectionate, loyal, and lively, with a bold personality and an instinct to watch over their families. They enjoy spending time with their owners but also have an independent streak.
Training and Obedience
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent and quick to learn, making training a rewarding experience. They respond well to fun, reward-based methods, although their independent nature can sometimes make them stubborn.
Because of their herding background, they may try to herd children or groups of people. Early socialization and consistent training can help manage this behavior. Teaching a reliable quiet command is also useful, as Corgis tend to bark at unfamiliar sounds and activity.
Apartment Living and Care
Pembroke Welsh Corgis can adapt to apartment living, but they need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay content. Daily walks, interactive games, and activities such as agility can help channel their energy.
They enjoy relaxing with their families after an active day and generally dislike being left alone for long periods. Their thick double coat sheds heavily, so regular brushing is important.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog breed for apartment living goes beyond size. The breeds mentioned above each bring their own personality, energy level, and training needs. With consistent training, regular exercise, and plenty of companionship, these dogs can learn good manners and adapt to life in a smaller space.
Before bringing a dog home, consider your daily routine, the time you can dedicate to training, and how much activity your new companion will need.
Research each breed carefully and choose one that fits your lifestyle. After all, a happy apartment dog doesn’t need a huge backyard; it needs an owner who understands its needs and makes it feel at home.
Looking for more apartment-friendly dog breeds? You can also check out the Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Bichon Frise, Jack Russell Terrier, Basset Hound, Italian Greyhound, and Miniature Pinscher.
