Living in an apartment does not mean that you have to give up on the idea of having a dog. There are surely some small dog breeds that do really well in small spaces. They don’t need a big yard, are usually quieter, and are just happy to stay close to their people.
Tiny dogs are usually easy to care for, friendly, and full of personality. Many dog breeds have low exercise needs and are known to be calm and relaxed indoors.
If you want a small dog that fits your home and lifestyle, here are some of the best apartment dogs to think about.
Best Tiny Dog Breeds for Apartments
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful little dog with a happy face. Covered in a cloud-like coat of soft white curls, the breed was once a favorite among the royals. Today, it is a lively companion for families in both small living spaces and big homes.
They are known for their friendly temperament. They love exploring spaces, meeting strangers, and showing off their little tricks. Bichons are great dogs for playdates, both with people and other dogs.
Bichon is easy to train. Although small, they are not lap dogs all the time. They need interactive play, short walks, and indoor games to keep their mind and bodies active. Their thick coat needs brushing several times a week to maintain the signature fluffy look.
2. Pug
If you are looking for a small dog, Pugs are a perfect choice for apartment dwellers. Instantly recognizable with their wrinkled brows, curled tails, and big round eyes, they are full of personality and known for their mischievous manners.
They do not need much space to thrive and are perfectly happy lounging on the couch or following you everywhere. Pugs adore attention and won’t deny gentle pats and cuddles ever. Great fit for homes with other pets and kids, they win hearts wherever they go.
They do need some care due to their flat faces. Air-conditioned homes or cool environments suit them best as they are sensitive to heat. They need exercise in some form daily, like short walks, so that they don’t become overweight.
3. Havanese
Havanese are a perfect fit for an apartment lifestyle due to their small size and easygoing personality. They were specifically bred as city dogs in Cuba, which makes them a natural fit for the role. They are adaptable, polite, and rarely bark.
They are highly people-oriented and enjoy spending time with family. Leaving them alone for long durations can make them anxious and may result in negative behaviors. They are great with strangers and won’t cause trouble with kids as well.
Their long-silky coat needs high maintenance, but it does not shed much, which makes them a great hypoallergenic choice for families. Brushing several times a week and daily walks are enough for their well-being.
4. Shih Tzu
Originally bred to be palace pets in ancient China, their laid-back nature makes them perfectly happy in an apartment setting. They are a quiet dog breed and do not need a lot of space to live.
They are affectionate dogs who enjoy human company but are independent enough to sit by themselves. They are gentle with children and polite with strangers. Happy with a little bit of playtime, they are well-suited for indoors and ideal for busy owners.
Many owners choose to keep them in a puppy cut for easier upkeep. Their silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats.
5. Biewer Terrier
Weighing about 4-8 pounds, the Biewer Terriers are one of the best apartment dogs. They are tiny, quiet, and polite indoors. They are a rare breed originating from Germany, much similar to the Yorkies but more elegant, small, gentle, and less yappy.
They do not require constant stimulation and are happy with short play sessions and cozy naps. They are not anxious and adjust well around people and new spaces.
As per AKC, they are great for allergy sufferers and clean freaks as their coat does not shed much, producing less allergens and mess. Their silky coat flows long and parts at the center like humans. Owners love keeping them tied in a top knot ponytail or trimming them short for easier maintenance.
6. Maltese
The Maltese have lived alongside humans for thousands of years as companions. They settle well in small apartments and do not need a yard or intense activity to stay content.
Maltese dogs are known for their soft personalities. They are medium energy dogs, playful, and get along well with other dogs and people. They do best in homes where someone is always around to be entertained by them, as they dislike being left alone and may resort to barking.
They are highly intelligent dogs, talented and athletic. As per AKC, it is important to be consistent with training, as they may get stubborn and resort to excessive barking. Positive training methods work great with them.
7. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a tiny dog breed but with a bold personality. Often known as the ‘monkey dogs’, they are a silly, expressive, and high-energy breed.
What makes them perfect for confined spaces is how independent and tidy they are. They don’t bark much, don’t shed a lot, and are usually happy to entertain themselves with a toy. They are really smart, too, so training sessions indoors can be a fun way to keep them busy. They are affectionate but not clingy at all.
As per Purina, they are fun and easy to train. But as they are an active breed, they benefit from daily exercise of about half an hour or short walks outdoors to keep their indoor energy levels in check.
8. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a calm little dog that enjoys relaxing indoors with their favorite humans. Having a long history as a lap dog, this breed makes one of the best apartment dogs. They do not need much space to be happy and are usually non-fussy and quiet.
Bolognese do not need much exercise. One or two short walks each day and a little playtime indoors are usually enough. They are not built for hikes and runs, and prefer a slow-paced life.
While gentle and well-mannered, they are also smart and enjoy training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn simple commands quickly. The white cottony coat does not shed much but needs regular grooming to avoid tangles.
9. Poodle
Toy and miniature poodles are a perfect choice for apartment living. They offer a mix of intelligence, charm, and easygoing temperament. These small versions of the beloved Poodle are quiet indoors and polite in manner. They love being close to their people and adjust well to routines.
As they are one of the smartest dog breeds, they pick up training pretty quickly, even as puppies. They enjoy learning tricks, solving puzzles, and just obeying. Even short indoor training sessions prove fruitful. They are eager to please and get along well with neighbors and visitors.
They may be energetic, but they do not need a yard to stay fit. A few short walks, playtime in the park, and brain games are good ways to offer physical and mental stimulation. They are also one of the best low-shedding hypoallergenic breeds, making them the best dogs for pet parents living in small homes.
Conclusion
If you are living in an apartment, choosing the right small dog breed makes all the difference. We have looked at some of the ideal pups, such as Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Poodle. Each one of these offers perfect qualities such as small size, balanced temperament, ease of care, and low need for physical exercise.
While these are excellent choices, there are other wonderful options to explore too, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, American Eskimo dog, Boston terrier, Coton de Tulear, Basset hound, Italian greyhound, and Bedlington terrier. All of these are trainable and usually low-energy dogs indoors. A few walks and play sessions are usually enough exercise to keep them happy.
Just remember, every dog, no matter the breed, needs daily attention, training, and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. With the right care, your small apartment can be a perfect home for you and your furry friend.
