Living in an apartment or a smaller space doesn’t mean giving up on your dream of having a dog. You just need to pick the right breed so both of you can thrive together. The best apartment dogs tend to share a few things in common: adaptable personalities, moderate energy levels, and low-maintenance care needs.
Most of these breeds are happy with a daily walk and some indoor playtime to burn off energy. Beyond that, they’re easygoing, sociable, and quick to bond with their humans. Many turn into total lap dogs who’d rather snuggle up next to you than do anything else.
Calm, gentle, and playful, these breeds make wonderful companions once you add in a little training and socialization.
Here are 7 charming dog breeds that are perfect for small living spaces.
Charming Dog Breeds to Fit Your Small Living Space
1. Shih Tzu
With their name literally translating to ‘little lions,’ Shih Tzus are active and friendly toy dogs. Their compact size and playful nature make them well-suited for apartment living. These incredibly loyal and loving companions make the ultimate lap dogs.
Shih Tzus are adaptable dogs who can adapt well to a sedentary lifestyle and are also up for a walk in the park. Since they were bred for companionship, they need little exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Only a few short walks and indoor playtime would suffice for them. Shih Tzus are intelligent and people-pleasing dogs, which makes them easy to train. They respond best to high-reward treats and positive reinforcement training methods, according to PetMD.
Shih Tzus are loved for their luxurious long coat that needs plenty of daily grooming to look good. However, it is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which means Shih Tzus make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
2. Pekingese
Originally bred to live in palaces, Pekingese are intelligent and friendly dogs. Having an affectionate nature, these charming pups are perfectly sized for snuggling in their owner’s lap. Pekes are generally confident and opinionated.
They form strong bonds with their humans and are fairly sedate. Pekes need only moderate exercise every day to stay healthy and content, according to the AKC. Their manageable size and low energy levels make them perfect companions for apartment dwellers.
Pekingese have a loving nature, but they can be independent at times. Sometimes, these strong-willed dogs prefer walking on the ground instead of being carried. Their fluffy coat has extensive grooming needs to stay free from mats and tangles.
There are certain health considerations regarding these dogs due to their short necks and flat faces. So, you need to set your budget for regular vet checkups.
3. Pug
One of the small dog breeds hailing from China, Pugs were bred for companionship. Their charming personality and adaptable nature enable them to adjust well to a variety of living spaces, including apartments and condos.
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, having a short muzzle, a flat face, and narrow nostrils. It makes them prone to several breathing issues. So make sure you do not over-exercise them or take them out in hot and humid weather.
These sturdy little canines need minimal daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Pugs do have moments of high energy, but they generally have a calm demeanor. They are true couch potatoes who love lounging and can spend their entire day snuggling and snoozing.
Do You Know? Napolean’s wife, Josephine had a Pug named ‘Fortune.’ While she was imprisoned, the dog used to carry secret messages under his collar to her husband.
4. Havanese
One of the popular small dog breeds, the Havanese are doting, divine, and cheerful pup. These pint-sized pups are like a mood-booster to any home. Thanks to their lively and sociable personality, they adapt well to apartment life. Havanese are valued for their luscious and silky locks.
Havanese do not require extensive exercise to stay healthy and content. These wonderful canines have a gentle temperament and thrive on human interaction. Havanese make loving lap dogs. If you are looking for a playful little companion, consider getting one of these dogs.
Havanese are smart dogs with a strong desire to please their humans. They pick up new commands quickly and are highly trainable. Their double coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking good. Brush your Havanese’s coat frequently.
Do You Know? Many famous personalities such as Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Venus Williams, and Jane Fonda owned a Havanese, reports Purina.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Affectionately known as Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers are extremely intelligent, energetic, and confident dogs. They make excellent apartment dogs due to their small size, moderate exercise requirements, and high adaptability.
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin in textile mills. However, they take their current role as lap dogs quite seriously. Yorkies are gentle dogs who get along nicely with kids and other pets. However, all dog-child interactions should be strictly supervised.
Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers are packed with big personalities. Their distinctive blue and tan coat of long, silky hair needs plenty of grooming to look good. Sometimes, the coat is cut short into a ‘puppy cut’ for easier maintenance.
Fortunately, Yorkies are hypoallergenic dogs that shed minimally. It makes them the best dogs for allergy sufferers.
6. Bichon Frise
These poofy little pups look like fluff balls walking on the ground. Having a beautiful coat, Bichon Frise can be easily mistaken for a plushie. They are valued for their loving nature and high emotional intelligence.
Bichons are lively, affectionate, and cheerful dogs who make excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Their friendly nature means they can get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Having moderate energy levels, Bichon Frises need only half an hour of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Like many other small dog breeds, Bichons also thrive on human companionship and do not like being left alone for too long. It makes them prone to separation anxiety.
7. Toy Poodle
The smallest of the three Poodle variants, Toy Poodles are a perfect match for apartment dwellers. Their high intelligence, gentle temperament, and adaptable nature make them well-suited for living in small spaces. Their curly coat needs dedicated grooming to stay free from mats and tangles.
Toy Poodles are the ultimate social butterflies who love making new friends. They love being involved in family activities and make good watchdogs. Toy Poodles bond closely with their humans and do not like being left alone. Too much alone time can result in separation anxiety.
Despite their small size, Toy Poodles are fairly active and need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They also excel at a variety of dog sports, including obedience training, agility, and tracking. Toy Poodles are a good fit for first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
Some charming dog breeds are well-suited for living in small spaces due to their compact size. These canines have an adaptable personality and usually need less space for stretching and exercising. They can adapt well to a variety of living situations, including apartment living.
These loving dogs are known for their gentle demeanor and need regular, but not extensive, activity to stay fit. They thrive on social interaction and form strong bonds with their humans. With lots of love, attention, and affection, they make incredible family dogs.
