Let’s be honest—living in a shared apartment can feel like a reality show: tight spaces, noisy neighbors, and the eternal battle over fridge shelves. Now toss a dog into that mix, and things could either go delightfully heartwarming or… totally chaotic.
But don’t worry—we’re here to help you find the kind of pup that’ll charm your roommates, not chew their sneakers. The best apartment dogs aren’t just small; they’re low on barking, high on chill, and experts in cozy cuddles without hogging the bed.
They don’t need a backyard to burn energy or throw a tantrum when the doorbell rings. Whether you’ve got a tidy studio or share a 3-bedroom with friends, there’s a perfect breed that can adapt to close quarters—and bring joy without bringing drama.
Here, we’ll sniff out the top dog breeds that are born to be good roommates. Quiet, affectionate, low-shedding, and easy to train—these pups will win over your flatmates faster than you can say “who left the dog food in the fridge?”
Dog Breeds For Shared Apartments
1. Affenpinscher
Bark Level: Low (but he will sass your vacuum cleaner)
Exercise Level: Low to Moderate
Grooming Level: Moderate (bedhead chic, but intentional)
Meet the Affenpinscher—think of him as the grumpy grandpa of the toy dog world, but in a fun-sized, fuzzy package. This little guy struts through your shared apartment like he pays rent, dodges drama, and secretly believes he’s the main character.
Weighing under 10 pounds, he’s apartment royalty: doesn’t take up space, isn’t a drama-barker, and is perfectly content chilling on the couch while you binge Netflix (again).
His wiry coat gives him a “just rolled out of bed” charm, and although he needs occasional brushing to keep it that way, he’s relatively low-maintenance. Bonus? He’s not big on barking unless someone really deserves it—like your roommate’s 3 a.m. blender smoothies.
Affenpinschers are spirited and loving companions, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. PetMD noted they have a moderate energy level and like engaging in play and casual neighborhood walks, but they don’t require intense or strenuous exercise to stay happy.
Affenpinschers are clever, quirky, and confident—basically, if a dog could live in a loft and drink espresso, it’d be this one. Ideal for apartment dwellers who want a pint-sized partner in crime with a splash of comedic sass.
2. Biewer Terrier
Bark Level: Low to Moderate (occasional diva announcements)
Exercise Level: Moderate (zoomies followed by naps in style)
Grooming Level: High (they wake up looking like influencers)
The Biewer Terrier (pronounced “Beaver,” yes, really) is like having a mini fashionista living in your apartment. The American Kennel Club (AKC) granted official recognition to the Biewer Terrier in 2021.
This toy-sized breed is quite petite—adult Biewer Terriers usually weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and measure around 7 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
With a silky coat that looks like it came fresh off a doggy runway in Milan, this little charmer turns heads wherever they go—and yes, that includes the elevator rides and impromptu hallway meetups.
Despite their designer look, Biewers are surprisingly down-to-earth. They don’t bark at every creak or sneeze, which your neighbors will definitely appreciate. They love a little playtime, a little cuddle time, and a lot of “look at me, I’m adorable” time.
Though they’re lively little dogs, Biewer Terriers don’t have overly high energy levels and aren’t demanding when it comes to exercise. A daily walk and some playtime are usually enough to keep them content and happy.
Just note: their glamorous locks do need regular brushing, so grab a brush and pretend you’re on a reality grooming show—your Biewer will absolutely lean into the drama.
3. Italian Greyhound
Bark Level: Very Low (silent roommate energy)
Exercise Level: Moderate (short bursts of zoom, followed by blanket burrito mode)
Grooming Level: Low (wash-and-go skin suit)
If your apartment had a yoga-loving minimalist roommate who whispered instead of yelled and always looked effortlessly chic, it would be an Italian Greyhound.
The Italian Greyhound, sometimes called the Italian Sighthound, originated in the Mediterranean and was primarily bred as a companion for the upper class. As the tiniest member of the sighthound family, this elegant breed stands about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs between 7 and 14 pounds.
These elegant little noodles are perfect for small spaces—they’re compact, quiet, and happiest curled up like a cinnamon roll in your coziest throw.
Italian Greyhounds are sensitive souls who don’t do well with chaos (so maybe warn them before roommate karaoke night). They’re gentle, affectionate, and will happily follow you from room to room like a graceful little shadow.
Bonus: grooming is nonexistent—short coat, no smell, and no fur tumbleweeds blowing across the floor. Bathing isn’t needed often—just wash them if they get especially dirty. They do get chilly, though, so doggy sweaters are highly encouraged (and extremely cute).
4. Toy Poodle
Bark Level: Moderate (will “alert” you when your food delivery arrives)
Exercise Level: Moderate (mental games > marathons)
Grooming Level: High (fluff this fabulous doesn’t fluff itself)
Meet the Toy Poodle: the pocket-sized Einstein of the dog world, all wrapped up in hypoallergenic curls. Don’t let the dainty looks fool you—this little genius has brains and bounce. Though the Toy Poodle only stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 4 to 6 pounds, it boasts a lively, oversized personality that lights up any space.
Perfectly sized for apartment living, Toy Poodles thrive in small spaces as long as you give their busy minds something to do (like puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or teaching them the Wi-Fi password).
They can be a bit cautious with strangers—kind of like the introverted roommate who warms up after coffee—but with proper socialization, they bloom into friendly, perky charmers.
While they don’t require as much exercise as some larger breeds, they still thrive with a daily walk and some fun playtime at home.
Toy Poodles are also known for their minimal shedding, which makes them a popular choice for people with allergies. In fact, they’re often considered a “hypoallergenic” breed thanks to their curly coat that tends to trap dander instead of spreading it around.
Now, their curls? Gorgeous. But they do demand maintenance. We’re talking regular brushing and trips to the doggy salon. The tradeoff? No shedding drama. Your furniture and clothes stay fur-free, and your pup looks like a walking plush toy.
5. French Bulldog
Bark Level: Low (prefers sighs, snorts, and the occasional dramatic grunt)
Exercise Level: Low to Moderate (play hard, nap harder)
Grooming Level: Low (that sleek coat takes care of itself)
The French Bulldog, or “Frenchie” if you’re friends (you will be), is basically the ideal roommate for shared apartment life.
Compact? Check. Quiet? Check. Down to Netflix and chill every single evening? Double check. These bat-eared charmers are famously low on barking but high on personality—and yes, they may occasionally steal your spot on the couch with zero guilt.
Their smooth, short coat is blissfully low-maintenance—no brushes, no fur blizzards, just wipe-and-go. But do keep an eye on the thermostat; Frenchies are not fans of heat. Their squishy little faces make it hard for them to stay cool, so they’re best suited for climate-controlled lounging.
French Bulldogs thrive on human attention and will follow you from room to room like a squat little shadow with a nose whistle. They’re playful, affectionate, and love being the center of your tiny apartment universe, without needing a backyard or treadmill to be happy.
French Bulldogs may be dogs of few words—they’re not big barkers—but their natural alertness makes them surprisingly good watchdogs.
These adaptable pups thrive in all kinds of households, whether it’s with singles, couples, or families. They don’t need tons of outdoor exercise and generally get along well with other pets, plus they love meeting new human friends.
6. Havanese
Bark Level: Low to Moderate (will alert, not alarm)
Exercise Level: Moderate (happy with hallway zoomies and indoor games)
Grooming Level: Moderate to High (that silky glam needs upkeep)
The Havanese is basically the extrovert of the dog world—friendly, fabulous, and always ready to be the life of the (very small) apartment party. Born entertainers, these dogs love people, thrive in tight-knit spaces, and bring a daily dose of charm to city life.
No wonder urban dwellers are falling head over heels for their fluffy little faces. Don’t let the fancy coat fool you—Havanese are surprisingly sturdy, playful, and well-suited for apartment living.
They’re small enough for even the tiniest studio and sociable enough to win over even the grumpiest of neighbors (and roommates).
Though they’re known for being affectionate cuddle machines, they’ve also got a surprisingly serious side: watchdog mode. According to the AKC, these little fluffballs take their guarding duties seriously, but they keep the barking to a respectable minimum. Think “knock-knock” alerts, not full-blown sirens.
Just be ready to show that silky coat some love. A few brush sessions a week and the occasional trip to the groomer will keep them looking fresh and photo-ready. In short? The Havanese is your stylish, sweet, low-drama apartment companion—equal parts snuggler and security system.
7. Bichon Frise
Bark Level: Low to Moderate (cheerful woofs, not full-blown rants)
Exercise Level: Moderate (playtime is mandatory—zoomies optional)
Grooming Level: High (that fabulous floof doesn’t fluff itself)
Imagine living with a tiny, cheerful cloud that wants nothing more than to be your best friend. That’s the Bichon Frise—an all-around people-pleaser with a smile that could brighten even your worst Monday.
These pint-sized fluffballs are a dream for apartment dwellers, especially first-time pet parents, retirees, and anyone who needs a daily dose of sunshine (and tail wags).
Bichons are playful, intelligent, and always up for fun—but don’t expect them to sit quietly while you disappear for 8 hours. They love their humans and hate being left behind, so they’re ideal for people who work from home, have flexible schedules, or just never say no to extra snuggles.
Thanks to their hypoallergenic, non-shedding coats, your furniture won’t be wearing dog hair like a sweater. But grooming? Oh yes, it’s a thing. Regular brushing and pro trims are a must if you want to keep that “walking cotton ball” vibe intact.
They’re great with kids, other pets, and the elderly, and they even moonlight as therapy dogs—because spreading joy is their full-time job. Bottom line? If you want a lovable, trainable, people-loving pup who turns your apartment into a happiness hotspot—the Bichon’s your fluff.
Conclusion
When choosing dog breeds for shared apartments, it’s all about balance—loyal companions with moderate exercise needs, who don’t need much space or constant attention. Small dog breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, and even Basset Hound shine in tight spaces thanks to their short legs, calm nature, and love for indoor playtime. Little dogs or smaller breeds that rarely bark help keep your neighbors happy, especially if there are weight restrictions or noise concerns.
While high-energy dogs like the Golden Retriever or Great Dane need much exercise, others are content with short walks, fetch, and adapting to your daily routine. From adult dogs to senior dogs, finding the right dog means picking one that fits your living space, plays well with other dogs, and doesn’t get overly energetic without enough exercise. Ultimately, these breeds adapt easily, love their favorite person, and make great companions without overwhelming your home or your roommates.
