“I’ll get a dog when I have a bigger place.” How many times have you said that? Stop waiting!
The right dog doesn’t need a big home. Some breeds are made for small spaces. They don’t pace when they’re inside all day.
They don’t need a yard to be happy. They’re quiet enough for thin walls. They’re clean and easy to live with. These dogs fit into your life right now, not some future life with a big house and yard.
Why miss out on years of dog love just because your home is small? These seven breeds prove you don’t need to wait for that “someday” house to have the perfect pet.
Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
With their petite frame and playful personality, the Bichon Frise easily ranks among the best small dog breeds for apartment dwellers. They don’t need a huge backyard or tons of room to roam. A few walks a day and a bit of playtime indoors are usually enough to keep them happy and balanced.
Calm Indoors, Playful on Cue
Despite their lively nature, Bichons are surprisingly calm inside the home. Their ability to settle down makes them a smart fit for apartment living, especially in buildings with close neighbors.
As highlighted in PetMD, they don’t bark excessively unless poorly trained, which helps keep things peaceful for both you and your walls.
Friendly With Everyone
Bichons are social by nature. They typically get along with kids, guests, and even other pets when introduced properly. That friendly temperament can really shine in apartments where social interactions are more frequent and shared spaces are common.
Low-Shedding, High Appeal
These little dogs have a soft, curly coat that doesn’t shed much, but it does need regular grooming. That trade-off means less hair on the furniture and more time enjoying your new buddy.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is naturally quiet, which matters a lot in apartment settings. They aren’t known to bark at every sound or passerby, so you’re less likely to get noise complaints from the neighbors. Their calm nature indoors makes them easy to live with, even in small spaces.
Compact Size, Easy to Handle
They typically weigh between 13–18 pounds, making them easy to carry, lift, and manage — whether it’s climbing stairs, navigating elevators, or lounging on your couch.
Low Exercise Needs, Big Cuddle Energy
Cavaliers don’t need hours of exercise. A couple of short walks and a bit of indoor playtime are enough to keep them happy. They love curling up on laps, which is perfect for people who live in apartments and spend more time indoors.
People-Oriented but Not Demanding
They’re incredibly affectionate and enjoy human company, but don’t require constant attention. If you work from home or live alone in a small space, they’ll happily keep you company without being overly clingy.
Great Around Strangers and Small Spaces
Whether you’re crossing paths in the hallway or sharing an elevator, Cavaliers remain gentle and well-mannered. Their adaptable personality and polite demeanor make them a genuinely excellent dog breed for close-quarter living.
3. Maltese
Weighing under 7 pounds, the Maltese is the kind of pup that was practically built for apartment living. They don’t need much space to be content, and their dainty size means they can move around freely even in studio apartments without feeling confined.
Quiet, but Not Shy
Maltese dogs are affectionate without being overly clingy. They love to be around their humans, but can stay relaxed and composed when indoors.
With early training, they learn not to bark unnecessarily — a huge bonus for shared walls and noise-sensitive neighbors in urban buildings.
Watch Out for Separation Woes
While they’re calm and charming, Maltese aren’t the best when left alone for long hours, as per the experts at PDSA.
They form strong bonds with their humans, so if you work from home or have a flexible routine, this furry friend will thrive by your side without feeling anxious or neglected.
Low Mess, High Cuteness
They don’t shed much, which means less vacuuming and more cuddles. Regular grooming is a must, but the reward is a silky white coat that rarely triggers allergies or coats your furniture.
4. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher may be tiny, but don’t let that fool you, this breed carries a bold personality wrapped in a compact frame. Because of their low exercise needs and easygoing nature indoors, they’re exceptionally well suited for apartment setups.
Independent, Yet Devoted
While they love being around their humans, Affenpinschers aren’t overly needy. They’re content lounging around while you go about your day.
That balance of independence and attachment makes them a great, loyal companion, especially for solo dwellers or couples who want a pup that’s present but not clingy.
Gets Along With Others — If Socialized Early
They can live peacefully with other dogs if raised together or properly introduced. While they might be a little bossy at times, their interactions can be managed with firm but kind training.
They’re naturally alert and observant, which also makes them quietly watchful without being yappy. Also, their wiry coat doesn’t shed much and requires only light grooming to stay tidy.
5. Pug
Pugs are natural indoor dogs. They don’t need a big yard or constant activity to live a happy life. Their energy levels are moderate, and they’re more than content with short walks and lots of nap time on the couch. That makes them a solid choice for tight city spaces.
People-Oriented and Adaptable
What sets Pugs apart is their deep affection for their owners. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of everyday routines, from watching TV to quietly sitting beside you while you work. Their adaptable temperament allows them to settle into apartment living with minimal fuss.
Trainable and Predictable
The AKC breed profile states that, though they can be a little stubborn, Pugs are fairly easy to train with consistency and treats, such as hot dogs, cheese, or leftover chicken. They respond well to routines, making it simple for urban dwellers to set schedules for potty breaks, feeding, and exercise — all crucial for small-space pets.
Compact Yet Solid Companions
With their sturdy build and calm demeanor, Pugs are great around neighbors, elevators, and even noises that might upset more anxious puppies.
If given consistent love and care, they’ll return it tenfold — living their best life right by your side in any apartment.
6. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds have a naturally calm and slow-moving demeanor, making them well-suited for an apartment lifestyle. They aren’t high-energy dogs who need constant stimulation or large backyards to stay happy. Their idea of a good day? Snoozing in the same spot for hours and following you from room to room at their own leisurely pace.
Low Energy, But Don’t Skip the Walks
Despite their laid-back nature, they still need consistent daily walks to keep their joints healthy and manage their weight — especially since they’re prone to obesity. A couple of short, steady-paced strolls are enough to satisfy their exercise needs, making them manageable even for busy owners.
Quiet and Tolerant of Sounds
They rarely bark without reason, which is ideal in buildings with thin walls or noise-sensitive neighbors. They tolerate indoor sounds and hallway activity well, reacting with curiosity rather than anxiety — a key trait for urban dogs.
Low-Intensity Companionship
While affectionate, they aren’t clingy. Bassets are independent thinkers who can spend time alone without becoming destructive.
Their limited need for physical activity and their predictable, even-tempered personality make them a surprisingly great fit for apartment dwellers who want a loyal but low-maintenance companion.
7. Bolognese
The Bolognese thrives in peaceful, predictable environments—exactly what apartment living offers. They don’t have a wild side or bursts of uncontrollable energy, which makes them ideal for small spaces where calm behavior matters. Whether it’s a studio or a cozy one-bedroom, they settle in without a fuss.
Quiet and Easygoing Personality
Unlike many small dogs, the Bolognese isn’t yappy or prone to barking fits. They alert when needed but generally prefer quiet companionship over chaos. This makes them an excellent choice for neighbors and landlords who value silence as much as you do.
Velcro Dog Without the Drama
They form tight bonds with their humans and enjoy being nearby, usually curled up close or shadowing their steps from room to room.
However, they don’t demand constant attention. Their companionship is gentle and reassuring rather than overwhelming, making them a stress-free partner in apartment life.
Low-Exercise, High-Snuggle Ratio
A couple of brief indoor play sessions or short walks are more than enough to keep them healthy and content.
With no need for intense outdoor activities or big yards, they adapt seamlessly to your schedule and lifestyle, offering affection without high-maintenance demands.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog for your small space isn’t hard when you know what to look for. Not all apartment dogs need to be tiny!
Some medium-sized dogs and even a few calm large dogs can do just fine without a yard. The key is picking a breed that matches how you live. If you’re busy, avoid active or medium energy dogs that needs daily exercise. If you’re home often, even vocal dogs can work since you’re there to keep them company.
Remember that all or many small dog breeds – even couch potatoes – need some mental stimulation to stay happy. A short walk, some toys, and lots of love go a long way.
With these seven breeds, you can enjoy all the joy of dog ownership without moving to a bigger place. Your perfect four-legged roommate is waiting – no backyard needed!
