Living in a studio apartment or a minimalistic lifestyle can be tough, but with the right dog breed, you could be the one making a difference. The good thing is that several apartment dogs do not require a lot of exercise, shed minimally, and fit well in small areas.
According to the 2025 State of the Industry Report issued by the American Pet Products Association, nearly 51 percent, or approximately 68 million, households in the United States have a dog.
Little dogs fit pet parents who enjoy quiet space and simplicity, without sacrificing companionship, personality, and enjoyment. In this article, we will explore 9 dog breeds great for minimalistic living, from playful lap dogs to quiet, low-maintenance dogs.
9 Dog Breeds For Minimalist Homes
Let’s help you find the perfect calm companion for your minimalist home!
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best if you want a dog with a gentle temperament that is more comfortable in a small place. These lap dogs are lovable, low-energy, and require minimal exercise, just a short daily walk.
They have a sweet personality, although it has royal roots in their ancestry. They are well-suited for apartment living because they are calm and do not bark excessively.
They are small dogs, making them convenient for apartment dwellers. PetMD claims that they are among the top apartment dogs due to their flexibility and friendliness towards kids, as well as other pets and even cats. They require frequent grooming, particularly around their ears and coat.
2. Poodles
A Poodle comes to mind when you consider the breeds of dogs that are suitable to live minimally, and with good reason. Regardless of its size, whether Miniature, Toy, or Standard, this breed is witty, graceful, and exceptionally well-suited for living in an apartment.
Poodles are also one of the most loving dogs, and they are brilliant; hence, training them is very easy. They are not hyperactive dogs, but highly eager to please, which makes them easy to control, even in confined spaces.
They have a low-shedding, curly coat, require exercise, and regular grooming to maintain their shape. These dogs are playful and disciplined towards training.
3. French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are a cool breed; their small size and silent nature make them the ideal apartment dogs. These puppies were initially bred as lap dogs and enjoy apartment living, but they don’t tend to bark a lot.
They do not require a lot of exercise, but a little mental stimulation and a walk provide them with health and enjoyment.
They are also among the low-shedding, low-maintenance breeds. Pet parents adore how alert and playful they are, making them ideal for homes with children and other dogs. French Bulldogs are a favorite among those seeking friendly dogs that require minimal activity.
4. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds have floppy ears and a chilled-out appearance. Though they were originally bred for hunting, today’s Basset Hounds prefer napping to chasing rabbits.
According to Britannica, although they are considered apartment dogs due to their medium size, they are an excellent option for owners with low energy levels. They don’t need much exercise, are generally calm, and love lounging around the house.
Just keep in mind that they require regular veterinary care due to their tendency to develop ear and joint problems. However, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, calm dog that’s good with children, pets, and loves cuddles, then you can consider the Basset!
5. Chihuahua
Don’t let their size fool you! Chihuahuas are full of personality and often considered big barkers. Still, they are among the best small dogs, making them great for apartment living, especially for those who prefer not to commit to large dogs.
They require minimal grooming and can benefit from a short jog or walk around the house or a brief walk outside.
They are very loyal to their humans and thrive in a family that provides them with love and care. Although they need to be in adult homes or families with older children, their small size and low maintenance make them excellent apartment dogs.
6. Boston Terrier
Known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a compact bundle of charm. With their tuxedo-like markings and sociable nature, they’re ideal apartment dwellers for singles and families alike.
They are smart and active dogs and require daily exercise. They are easy to make happy with a couple of daily walks and playing. They are intelligent, playful, and easy to get along with children as well as other dogs and cats.
They are low-maintenance dogs due to their short coat, and they do not shed so much. They’re also quiet, debunking the popular belief that terriers are always noisy. They’re a fantastic option for minimalists who want friendly dogs without the high upkeep.
7. Bichon Frise
Want a happy, fluffy friend with a large heart? The Bichon Frise may be small in size, but they are full of fun, love, and zest. These small dogs adapt to a calm, apartment-style living environment. They’re also quite social, so early exposure to other pets is recommended.
Although they require frequent grooming to maintain their soft and curly fur, they do not shed excessively, making them ideal pets for owners who want to keep their homes clean.
They are friendly, intelligent, and love training and mental stimulation. This ensures that they are ideal for minimalists, yet they also enjoy having some energy and engaging in play. Bichons are among the top apartment dogs due to their manageable size, low noise level, and affectionate nature.
8. Maltese
If you are drawn to beauty and tranquility, then the Maltese is one of the best dog breeds that will perfectly suit a modern lifestyle.
They are affectionate dogs, and their size makes them great for minimalist living, making them ideal for apartment residents with limited space.
Maltese surprisingly have a low-shedding coat, despite their luxurious white coat. They need regular grooming, too, but their soothing personality and minimal barking make them a popular choice with small-space pet owners. They are loving dogs that develop a strong attachment to humans, becoming loyal lapdogs.
9. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a descendant of a Chinese imperial palace pup that has remained a favourite with current pet owners. These small, faithful, and loving pups adapt exceptionally well to small quarters and hectic lifestyles.
Their social character, low bark levels, and adaptation ability render them ideal for the ultimate apartment dwellers. Although Shih Tzu require weekly to monthly grooming due to their long, silky coat, the fact that they are gentle and do not need much exercise makes up for the difference.
These pups enjoy being on laps but will gladly appreciate brief daily walks. Because they’re eager to please and relatively intelligent, training them is often a breeze.
Conclusion
Minimal living does not imply not living with love. These nine breeds of pups that are excellent for living in small spaces demonstrate that even in the most comfortable conditions, you can have a faithful, loving, and easy-to-handle pet.
There are low-maintenance options, such as the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua, as well as fancier pups like the Maltese, to suit every minimalist. However, mind that even the tiniest, quiet, and most laid-back pups will require love, good veterinary care, and a couple of fun daily walks.
