Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you must give up the joy of having a dog—it just means choosing the right one. Some breeds are better suited to compact spaces, lower noise tolerance, and more laid-back routines.
Whether you’re in a high-rise or a cozy studio, plenty of pups thrive without a backyard or tons of room to roam. From snuggly lapdogs to mellow big breeds, we’ve rounded up ten fantastic dogs that don’t just tolerate apartment life—they love it.
These breeds are low on fuss, big on heart, and perfectly equipped to be your best friend in a small space. Let’s meet the dogs that bring tail wags to tiny homes!
Dog Breeds That Are Good For Apartments
1. Bichon Frise
According to the AKC, the Bichon Frise is a small, affectionate breed that adapts easily to apartment life. Its cheerful personality and minimal barking make it a pleasant neighbor in shared living environments. The breed thrives on companionship and daily interaction.
One of its standout traits is the hypoallergenic coat, which sheds very little. This makes it a smart choice for those with mild allergies or who want to keep shedding under control. Regular grooming helps maintain the coat’s texture and cleanliness.
Bichons have a compact frame, usually weighing under 18 pounds. They are quick and agile, enjoying short play sessions inside hallways or living rooms. Despite their energy, they don’t require intense physical activity.
This breed is intelligent and eager to please, which makes training enjoyable. They respond well to routine and positive reinforcement. Crate training and housebreaking tend to go smoothly and consistently.
Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for individuals and families alike. They’re known to form deep emotional bonds and enjoy being involved in household activities. Their sociability adds a bright dynamic to indoor environments.
2. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are widely loved for their charming appearance and calm demeanor, making them a top choice for apartment living. Their minimal exercise needs and low noise levels work well in shared or compact spaces. They tend to attach strongly to their humans and are content with close contact.
This breed is especially known for its relaxed temperament. Frenchies are not prone to hyperactivity, preferring lounging over constant movement. Their mellow energy helps keep the household atmosphere calm and stable.
French Bulldogs have a sturdy, muscular build while still being compact. They typically weigh under 30 pounds and are comfortable moving through tight spaces. Their short coat requires little grooming, which is convenient for busy owners.
Training a Frenchie can be slightly challenging due to occasional stubbornness. However, their affection for their owners makes them receptive to patience and reward-based techniques. Short, engaging sessions work best for teaching commands and routines.
They do well in moderate-activity environments and are not easily startled by city sounds. Their confidence and adaptability help them adjust to various living conditions without stress. This makes them a reliable breed for structured, indoor-focused lifestyles.
3. Greyhound
Contrary to their reputation as racing dogs, Greyhounds are incredibly calm indoors and well-suited to apartment settings. Their quiet disposition and fondness for lounging make them surprisingly low-maintenance companions. They prefer soft beds, sunny windows, and human attention over constant activity.
One of the breed’s most appreciated qualities is its gentle, almost reserved personality. Greyhounds are polite with guests and seldom bark without reason. They are sensitive and respond best to a peaceful, consistent environment.
Despite their tall stature, Greyhounds are lean and graceful in movement. Their bodies are built for speed but also for conserving energy. Regular short walks are sufficient to meet their exercise needs.
They are generally easy to train, especially with a gentle approach. Greyhounds are intelligent and pick up on cues quickly, especially when given positive reinforcement. Retired racers often already know basic commands and crate habits.
Their minimal grooming needs and quiet habits reduce indoor mess and noise. Short fur and no doggy odor make it easy to keep clean in smaller spaces. They blend well into the rhythm of home life without demanding constant interaction.
4. Pug
Pugs are friendly, expressive, and wonderfully suited to apartment life due to their small size and affectionate nature. They form close bonds with their owners and are happiest when nearby. Their easygoing charm fits well in close quarters and urban routines.
Their standout trait is their entertaining, clown-like personality. Pugs have a unique ability to make people laugh with their dramatic expressions and playful antics. This social energy helps them engage easily with visitors and other pets.
As per Britannica, they generally weigh 14-18 pounds and have compact, muscular builds. Their short snouts mean they overheat easily, so indoor play is preferable to extended outdoor activity. A few short walks and play breaks meet their daily needs.
Pugs are food-motivated and respond enthusiastically to treat-based training. They enjoy structured routines and quickly learn basic commands. Housebreaking can take patience, but they tend to settle into a rhythm with time.
Because they’re not bark-prone and enjoy lounging, they rarely cause disturbances in shared buildings. Their loving nature and physical manageability make them a stress-free choice for urban living. They bring warmth and laughter without requiring excessive space or effort.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are gentle, graceful dogs that adjust well to apartment life due to their moderate energy and sweet disposition. They are affectionate without being clingy and enjoy peaceful, predictable routines. Their quiet demeanor makes them compatible with shared living environments.
They have a unique ability to sense their owner’s mood and respond with calm attentiveness. Cavaliers are incredibly intuitive and tend to mirror the energy of their surroundings. This emotional intelligence makes them excellent emotional support companions.
Typically weighing between 13 and 18 pounds, Cavaliers are compact and elegant. Their long ears and feathered coats give them a regal appearance, though regular grooming is required to keep their coats mat-free. They enjoy moderate activity and occasional bursts of play.
This breed responds well to gentle training methods and clear, consistent routines. They enjoy learning and can perform well in obedience with encouragement. Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond and speeds up housebreaking.
While they’re sociable, Cavaliers also enjoy alone time when needed. They handle quiet afternoons or solo downtime without developing destructive habits. Their calm nature pairs beautifully with a slower-paced, indoor-oriented lifestyle.
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs have a slow, steady pace and relaxed temperament, which aligns well with apartment life. They are non-reactive and easy to please, making them low-maintenance companions for compact homes. Their preference for napping over romping fits well in urban environments.
One notable trait is their tolerance for routine. Bulldogs enjoy familiarity and prefer low-energy interactions over busy schedules. Their reliability brings comfort to households that appreciate calm consistency.
They typically weigh 40 to 50 pounds and have a thick, muscular body. Though they are heavier than many apartment-friendly breeds, they don’t move around much or require high activity. Their short coat is easy to clean and sheds moderately.
Training a Bulldog requires gentle persistence. They can be stubborn, but not disobedient, and food-based rewards work best for engaging their attention. Keeping sessions short and structured yields the best results.
Their tendency to snore and grunt is endearing to some but worth noting in quiet settings. Still, their lack of barking and gentle disposition helps maintain peace with neighbors. They’re a quiet presence that prefers routine and restful days indoors.
7. Havanese
The Havanese is a playful, affectionate breed that easily fits into the routines of apartment life. Its social temperament and manageable energy level allow it to flourish in both small spaces and busy households. The breed loves companionship and thrives when close to people.
A key feature of the Havanese is its long, silky coat, which doesn’t shed heavily. This makes it a solid choice for those seeking a dog that won’t fill their furniture with fur. Regular brushing keeps the coat smooth and manageable.
Physically, the breed is small and agile, weighing around 7 to 13 pounds. They move gracefully and enjoy active play but don’t need long outdoor sessions. Short bursts of fun indoors keep them stimulated and happy.
They are intelligent and quick to learn routines, especially when training is fun and varied. Socialization comes easily, and they enjoy meeting new people or learning tricks. Their responsiveness makes them a joy to teach and raise.
Although energetic, they are rarely disruptive or loud. Their charm lies in their enthusiasm for life, not in excessive barking. The Havanese brings light-hearted energy without overwhelming the home.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, dignified breed originally bred for royalty, and its calm temperament makes it highly compatible with apartment living. It tends to bond closely with one or two people and prefers a quiet, structured lifestyle. This breed values routine and companionship over chaos and novelty.
A distinctive feature is its long, luxurious coat, which requires daily brushing but sheds minimally. Grooming routines also provide bonding opportunities for the owner and the dog. Cleanliness and appearance are central to maintaining the breed’s health and comfort.
Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and have a sturdy, square build. They move confidently and don’t require large open areas to be content. Indoor play and brief walks are usually enough to satisfy them.
Training is most successful when approached with patience and praise. These dogs don’t respond well to harsh commands but thrive under gentle guidance. They enjoy structure and feel secure with predictable routines.
Their mellow disposition means they can handle being alone for short periods without excessive anxiety. They’re peaceful companions who enjoy cozy spaces and quiet time. Their graceful nature adds calm to even the smallest homes.
9. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are enthusiastic, adaptable dogs that enjoy being near their humans and exploring their surroundings. Their manageable size and sociable nature make them excellent for small living quarters. They’re affectionate without being overly demanding.
Their signature tuxedo coat is short, neat, and easy to maintain. Shedding is minimal, and a quick weekly brushing keeps them looking clean. The breed also tends to have little doggy odor, which is appreciated in close quarters.
They typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and have a compact, muscular build. Per PetMD, Boston Terriers are agile and quick, enjoying active play and quiet relaxation. A couple of daily walks and some mental stimulation keep them content.
They’re eager learners who thrive in interactive training sessions. Their intelligence and curiosity help them master new tricks and commands quickly. Structured engagement prevents boredom and keeps behaviors in check.
Boston Terriers are alert but not yappy, making them polite in shared environments. Their friendliness toward strangers and pets adds to their charm. They blend energy and manners into one compact, city-ready companion.
10. Maltese
The Maltese is a graceful, affectionate breed that loves indoor companionship and thrives in quiet environments. Its small size and gentle temperament make it well-suited to apartment living. The breed often bonds closely with its owner and enjoys being part of daily activities.
One of its most distinguishing features is its flowing, white coat. Though long, the coat doesn’t shed much and can be clipped short for easier upkeep. Regular brushing and baths help maintain its clean appearance.
Weighing under 10 pounds, the Maltese is one of the smallest companion breeds. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry, travel with, or settle on small furniture. They enjoy light play and short walks throughout the day.
They are intelligent and sensitive, responding well to calm, reward-based training. Their attentiveness makes them quick learners, especially when given consistent feedback. Even first-time owners find them easy to work with.
Their quiet nature and preference for peaceful routines suit indoor-focused households. They enjoy lap time and will happily relax during your daily routine. With proper care, they add elegance and devotion to any home.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding the ideal apartment dog. From lively companions to calm cuddlers, many dog breeds can thrive in small spaces.
While a small dog breed is often the go-to for apartment dwellers, it’s not the only route—some larger but low-energy breeds, like the Basset Hound, can also make excellent roommates. The key is choosing a suitable dog breed that matches your lifestyle, energy level, and living setup.
Whether you’re drawn to active dogs or mellow snuggle bugs, there’s a perfect family pet for every kind of home. Even herding breeds or more independent types, like the American Eskimo Dog, can adapt well with the right care. For pet parents living in close quarters, it’s all about balance, training, and connection.
Choose wisely, and your four-legged friend will turn any apartment into a happy place!
