Ever dreamed of coming home to a tiny ball of fluff waiting by the door, wagging its tail with uncontainable excitement? If you’re living in an apartment, good news—big love can come in small packages.
Toy dog breeds may be pint-sized, but their hearts and personalities are larger than life. They don’t need sprawling backyards or endless space to thrive. All they ask for is your affection, a comfy spot on the couch, and maybe a window to gaze out of when you’re away.
Whether you’re a city dweller, a minimalist, or someone who just loves cozy living, finding a dog that fits your lifestyle is crucial. These toy breeds are more than just cute faces—they’re loyal, low-maintenance, and often surprisingly smart. And let’s not forget, their small size means smaller messes and fewer zoomies at midnight!
We’ll walk you through the most apartment-friendly toy dogs that bring joy without requiring much space. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s meet the little pups that make small-space living a whole lot brighter.
Apartment-Friendly Toy Dog Breeds
1. Maltese
Living in a small space? No problem. The Maltese doesn’t need much room—as long as there’s space for a fluffy throw blanket and a little spotlight to bask in, they’re good to go. This elegant little dog is all about style, snuggles, and sass.
This pint-sized pooch flaunts a silky, snow-white coat that flows like a tiny waterfall—pure elegance in a small package. Typically tipping the scales around 4 to 7 pounds, the Maltese is all about delicate charm with a dash of spunk.
These lap dogs may look like they belong in a palace, but they thrive just as well in a studio apartment. Bonus? That gorgeous coat is hypoallergenic and low-shedding, which is perfect when you’d rather vacuum once a week than three times a day.
Why You’ll Love a Maltese:
✅ Small enough to fit in your tote bag (though they’d prefer a throne).
✅ Great for allergy sufferers—less shedding, fewer sneezes.
✅ Loves staying indoors—your couch is their kingdom.
✅ Sweet, loyal, and always ready for a cuddle sesh.
Despite their glamour, Maltese pups are surprisingly playful and affectionate. They’re indoor-loving, lap-craving snugglers who will follow you from the kitchen to the couch like your adorable white shadow.
Maltese dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their families and thrive on constant companionship. When left alone for extended periods, they can be prone to separation anxiety.
Maltese dogs benefit from daily activity but don’t need intense exercise to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. They enjoy neighborhood walks, playing indoors or in the backyard, and learning new tricks.
Fun Fact: The Maltese has been charming humans for over 2,000 years. Basically, they’ve had more fans than some influencers on Instagram.
2. Pug
Short on space but big on personality? You and the Pug were made for each other. Pugs bring endless joy to apartment living—and minimal chaos (unless you leave a sandwich unattended).
The Pug’s standout feature? That irresistibly squished, wrinkly face paired with big, expressive eyes that melt hearts instantly. Compact and sturdy, these little comedians usually weigh in between 14 and 18 pounds, packing a lot of personality into a small frame.
Pugs are low-maintenance, low-energy, and highly affectionate, making them one of the best roommates you’ll ever have. They’re not big barkers, they don’t demand a yard, and they’re usually happiest lounging next to you while you binge a TV series they don’t understand but pretend to enjoy anyway.
Why You’ll Love a Pug:
✅ Adaptable, quiet, and perfect for small spaces.
✅ Doesn’t need a ton of regular exercise (unless there are snacks involved).
✅ Loves to nap, cuddle, and be the life of your apartment party.
✅ That face. Seriously. Who could resist?
PetMD notes the Pug’s flat face makes them prone to various eye, ear, and skin problems, along with breathing and dental issues. As a result, consistent grooming and frequent veterinary check-ups are crucial to maintaining their health.
They do shed a little more than the Maltese, but their coats are short and easy to manage. Plus, their hilarious expressions and constant companionship totally make up for it.
Fun Fact: A group of Pugs is called a “grumble,” which is ironic because these goofballs are anything but grumbly.
3. Shih Tzu
If you want a small dog breed that combines royal elegance with a mischievous streak, the Shih Tzu is your go-to apartment dog. The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy dog breed that originated in China, where it was highly prized by royalty.
Its name means “lion dog” in Chinese, reflecting its distinctive lion-like appearance. Generally weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, making them just the right size for snuggles and laps. Today, Shih Tzus are beloved family pets worldwide, known for their affectionate nature and gentle demeanor.
Shih Tzus are known for their luscious, flowing coats (seriously, they could star in shampoo commercials), but here’s the good news for apartment dwellers: their hair is more like human hair, meaning less shedding and fewer allergy flare-ups. Plus, they love indoor living and are content with moderate walks and lots of lap time.
These pups have a sweet, friendly nature and adore being pampered, but don’t be fooled—they’re also surprisingly playful and can throw some serious zoomies around your living room when the mood strikes.
Fun Fact: Shih Tzus were bred to be companions to Chinese royalty, so be prepared for some serious diva behavior (and endless cuddles).
Why You’ll Love a Shih Tzu:
✅ Compact size, perfect for apartment life.
✅ Low-shedding coat that’s good for allergy sufferers.
✅ Affectionate and friendly—your personal shadow.
✅ Playful enough to keep you entertained, but quiet dogs to relax at your feet.
Shih Tzus are eager to please and generally respond well to training. They thrive on high-value treats and positive reinforcement methods during their training sessions.
The Shih Tzu’s temperament reflects its history as an “alert dog,” and even today, they tend to bark to notify their owners whenever someone or something unfamiliar enters their surroundings.
4. Biewer Terrier
Meet the Biewer Terrier, the pint-sized powerhouse of personality that’s stealing hearts in apartments everywhere. Imagine a dog the size of a loaf of bread—but with the energy of a little whirlwind and the charm of a Disney sidekick.
According to the AKC, despite its small size, the Biewer is a sturdy and athletic dog, known for being an excellent hunter of vermin. Weighing around 4 to 8 pounds, the Biewer Terrier is as light as a feather but full of joyful energy.
Biewers have silky, tri-colored coats that are hypoallergenic and shed very little—music to the ears of allergy sufferers and neat freaks alike. Despite their tiny stature, they bring big love, endless enthusiasm, and an “I’m ready for anything” attitude, perfect for apartment dwellers who want a lively yet manageable pup.
This breed is smart, affectionate, and gets along famously with other pets and kids, making them a little social butterfly who’s equally happy cuddling or chasing a toy down the hallway.
Why You’ll Love a Biewer Terrier:
✅ Hypoallergenic coat, great for sensitive noses.
✅ Small and light enough to carry but tough enough to keep up with playtime.
✅ Sweet, loyal, and super friendly.
✅ A perfect balance of energy and cuddles for apartment life.
While the Biewer’s small size makes them great apartment dog, they still require regular opportunities to expend their energy and stay active.
Although Biewers are lively, they don’t have overly high energy levels and don’t require intense physical exercise. A daily walk, along with some playtime, is usually enough to keep them happy and content.
Fun Fact: The Biewer Terrier was discovered by accident in Germany in the 1980s—proof that sometimes the best things in life are surprises!
5. Bichon Frise
If a cloud had a personality (and a tail), it would be the Bichon Frise. This little fluffball is basically a walking cuddle machine with a hypoallergenic, curly coat that doesn’t shed much, meaning fewer fur tumbleweeds on your apartment floor and happier allergy sufferers.
Usually weighing 10 to 18 pounds, these cheerful little fluff monsters are perfect bundles of joy and charm. They have forward-facing, round, dark eyes accentuated by dark eye rims, giving them an expressive look. Their ears are dropped and covered in long, silky hair, blending with the rest of their fluffy coat.
WebMD says that Bichon arrived in the United States around 1950 and have since gained popularity as show dogs, companion pets, and therapy dogs due to their charming appearance and affectionate nature.
Bichon Frises are social and adaptable, like many small dog breeds, making them perfectly suited for indoor living and ideal city pets. Their compact size also allows them to live comfortably in an apartment lifestyle.
Why You’ll Love a Bichon Frise:
✅ Hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat = allergy-friendly.
✅ Happy, friendly, and super social.
✅ Compact and perfect for apartment life.
✅ Always up for a cuddle or a playful romp.
Bichons are sunny, playful, and full of zest, like your pocket-sized ray of sunshine. They adore attention and are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities that brighten up even the gloomiest days (or rainy Mondays). Small but mighty, they’re great for apartment life because they don’t need tons of space—just your lap and lots of love.
Fun Fact: Bichons have been charming people since the Renaissance—basically, they’re the OG lapdogs with serious style.
6. Havanese
Meet the Havanese: the charismatic, fluffy bundle who’s basically the life of every apartment party. Formerly referred to as the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle, the Havanese holds the distinction of being the only dog breed that originated in Cuba.
Sporting a soft, wavy coat that can come in a rainbow of colors, the Havanese is like a cuddly ball of sunshine. They weigh in at about 7 to 13 pounds, carrying their lively spirit in a small, sturdy frame.
These little dogs have soft, wavy coats that are great for allergy sufferers, plus a sweet, affectionate nature that makes them amazing companions. The Havanese makes an excellent family pet, getting along wonderfully with children. While not aggressive, his alertness also makes him a reliable little watchdog.
Why You’ll Love a Havanese:
✅ Hypoallergenic coat with minimal shedding.
✅ Friendly, affectionate, and super social.
✅ Adapts easily to apartment living.
✅ Always ready to dance (or at least wiggle) for treats.
Havanese pups are like your personal cheerleaders—they’ll brighten your day with their goofy antics and big puppy eyes that say, “Hey, did you bring snacks?” They love indoor living and adjust well to apartment life, as long as you’re ready to shower them with attention and belly rubs.
Purina states that unlike some toy breeds that may be territorial or aggressive, the Havanese is cheerful, sociable, and friendly toward both people and other animals. With a smart and eager-to-please nature, he is typically easy to train.
Fun Fact: The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, which means they’re basically doggy royalty with a tropical twist.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With a name like that, this breed clearly knows how to live the high life—even in a humble apartment! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the epitome of elegance mixed with a big heart and an even bigger desire to cuddle.
With those soulful, large eyes and silky, chestnut-and-white or tricolor coat, Cavaliers look like royalty wrapped in fur. They’re a bit bigger than most toy breeds, tipping the scales around 13 to 18 pounds, offering plenty of cuddles in a moderately sized package.
The Cavaliers were originally bred as a companion dog, and even today, these cuties love staying close to their owners—often preferring a cozy spot in your lap.
While they do require regular physical and mental stimulation like all dogs, once their energy is spent, these gentle dogs are content to relax on the couch with their loved ones.
Why You’ll Love a Cavalier:
✅ Affectionate and gentle—perfect for quiet apartment life.
✅ Small enough to thrive in limited space.
✅ Easy-going with kids, pets, and guests.
✅ Professional cuddler and loyal best friend.
They’re not hypoallergenic, but their silky coats are relatively easy to maintain for a small dog, and their sweet, gentle temperament makes them perfect for apartment dwellers who want a loyal, calm companion.
Fun Fact: These spaniels were the preferred companions of British royalty for centuries, so yes, your pup basically has a pedigree full of royal gossip.
Conclusion
When it comes to apartment-friendly toy dog breeds, options like the Toy Poodle, Japanese Chin, Toy Fox Terrier, American Eskimo Dog, Chinese Crested, and Miniature Pinscher stand out as the best toy dog breeds for small space living. These small dogs often have a big personality, are whip smart, and enjoy interactive play with other pets or other dogs. While some may have a quiet side, others can be a bit mischievous or prone to excessive barking, so choosing a quieter breed is ideal for an apartment building.
Regular grooming may be needed, especially for a dog’s coat or a thick coat. Whether it’s a short coat or one that needs more care, breeds like the English Bulldog or Basset Hound can be a natural fit. With short walks and enough exercise, even active breeds can thrive in apartments if they exercise daily from a young age. Ultimately, with the right match, your furry friend will be perfectly happy among many other breeds, even without as much exercise as large breed dogs or sporting dogs need.
