“Do I need big yards and broad indoor spaces if I want to adopt a dog?” This question quite commonly nags the minds of first-time potential dog owners craving the company of a furry friend. Yes, many dog breeds enjoy romping around in wide spaces, but the good news is, a lot of breeds will fit right in your little apartment or dorm.
Everybody deserves a gentle and healing furry presence in their lives that can fill their homes with laughter. Apartment living and minimal spaces are getting more and more common in urban settings.
Whether or not a dog can handle these lifestyles depends on several factors like their size, energy, levels, and temperament. Here are 9 dog breeds that can live happily in minimal spaces with you.
Dogs that Can Thrive in Minimal Space
1. Pug
Pugs are compact dogs made for pampered indoor living. They’re one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and can be traced back to the Chinese Han dynasty, where they were cherished by the emperors.
Quick facts:
Pug is a toy breed with a height range of 10-13 inches, and weigh 14-18 pounds.
Due to their flat faces, they can face breathing difficulties in a hot and humid climate.
As easy-to-groom, compact dogs, they’re excellent companions for city dwellers with a busy lifestyle. They’ll happily enjoy the couch potato life with you, but can also do well in country life and enjoy playing with children.
2. Havanese
Havanese are one of the smallest dog breeds native to Cuba. They belong to the Barbichon family of dogs along with Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Bolognese. These compact dogs make amazing companions for apartments, dorms, and for taking along on flights.
Quick facts:
Havanese are 8.5-11.5 inches tall and 7-13 pounds in weight.
They have a long lifespan of 14-16 years.
With their gentle nature and sweet faces, they are a fan favorite among American city dwellers. They have an outgoing personality and will love trotting alongside you as you go to grab your coffee. But these small dogs are also a joyful company indoors in your cozy living space.
Havanese’s long, silky coat needs daily grooming, which can be an amazing bonding activity as you hold them in your lap while sitting on your sofa.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their compact size, which comes with a charming personality. Hailing from China, this breed is ideal for the apartment environment due to its adaptable nature and size.
Quick facts:
The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1969.
They weigh between 9-16 pounds, and can grow to be 9-10.5 inches tall.
They’re called “little lions” due to their long hair and lion-like appearance.
There’s nothing more joyful than a ball of silky hair moving about your apartment. Dog lovers often like to pin up the long hair on top of their head so it doesn’t block the view of their adorable eyes. Shih Tzus need some daily brushing and bathing is also a must to keep the hair tangle-free.
WebMD also recommends taking care of their oral hygiene as they’re prone to dental issues.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are named after the place they originated from (Boston, duh!). Though they have higher energy levels, they’re surprisingly well-suited for apartment life as long as they’re getting moderate but daily exercise and playtime.
Quick facts:
These small dogs are 10-12 inches tall and have a weight ranging between 12-25 pounds.
These adorable pups are called the “American Gentleman” due to the tuxedo-like appearance of their (mostly black and white) coat.
Boston Terriers love their family’s attention and will enjoy doing whatever you’re doing. Make them feel included, and they’ll rock the apartment lifestyle with you. Some short walks in outdoor spaces also do well in keeping these pups healthy.
Since they’re brachycephalic dogs, it’s better to keep them indoors during the hot and humid days and watch out for breathing issues.
5. Bichon Frise
As long as you have their favorite toys and enough time to play with them, Bichon Frise will stay cheerful in an apartment setting or in college dorms. These happy-go-lucky hypoallergenic dogs are a gift for allergy sufferers and can adapt to different kinds of living environments.
Quick facts:
Bichons have a height of 9.5-11.5 inches and a weight range of 12-18 pounds.
They’re prone to low blood sugar and need balanced, frequent meals throughout the day, as per PetMD.
Bichons have curly, thick, and mostly white coats that make them look like little sheep. They need a lot of attention, or they’ll protest through constant barking and chewing. The former might annoy your neighbors if you live in tighter living spaces.
If you like to go on daily walks, taking them along on a leash is not a bad idea.
6. Bedlington Terrier
As a Terrier breed, Bedlington Terriers love spending time outdoors with their humans. If they’re getting enough playtime and physical activity, they’ll do decently well in small spaces due to being smaller dogs.
Quick facts:
Bedlington Terriers are one of the top dogs with hypoallergenic coats.
They stand from 15 to 17.5 inches tall and have a weight range of 17-23 pounds.
Bedlington Terriers are friendly dogs, especially with consistent training from an early age. If you’re taking them on a walk to the dog park, keep them on leash, as they were originally bred to hunt small animals and might exhibit some prey drive.
They have minimal grooming needs, and brushing their fur weekly will do the trick. Monthly visits to a professional groomer for some trimming will also keep them looking their best.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese are royally motivated to stay wherever they’re being loved and pampered. They were bred to be companions to the ruling class of China and enjoyed chilling inside, especially if you have luxurious cushions ready for them.
Quick facts:
Their height range is 6-9 inches, and they weigh up to 14 pounds.
They’re famous for their lion-like mane that comes in different shades of red.
Pekingese are one of the best dog breeds for apartments, dorms, and for taking along on flights, as long as you’re giving them proper attention. This dog forms deep bonds with its owner and will need you to express your devotion to it through playtime.
They do tend to shed, and their thick double coat needs consistent maintenance to avoid matting and accumulation of dirt.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are widely loved due to their affectionate nature, adorable flat face, masked face, and stocky but compact stature. They’re one of the most popular apartment dogs well well-suited for the city lifestyle.
Quick facts:
Frenchies are quiet but watchful dogs, so you don’t have to worry about excessive barking unless they want to alert you.
Their heights can be 11-13 inches, and they weigh under 28 pounds.
Frenchies are the right dog breed for you if you don’t have extensive experience as a dog owner. They’re very adaptable and loving pups that can thrive in indoor and small spaces as long as you’re spending enough time with them.
Frenchies can get along perfectly with other dogs. They have short coats that go through minimal shedding, making them easier to maintain. They have moderate energy levels; some brief daily walks and outdoor play sessions will keep them happy and healthy.
9. Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terriers are small and very adorable dogs with a clownish personality that brightens up your everyday life. They’re suited for apartment living due to their compact size and get along well with almost everyone.
Quick facts:
They’re 7-11 inches tall and 4-8 pounds heavy.
They’re fabulous vermin hunters.
Biewers just love being the center of attention and are very expressive themselves. They’ll happily follow you around from room to room with toys in their mouths. Spending time with them, brushing their long coats, will only bring you and your pup further joy.
Conclusion
We hope this list has helped you pick your ideal apartment partner. If you’re ready to make the move and adopt your doggo, find a good rescue center or get in touch with a reputable breeder who can ensure you are matched with a healthy furry friend for life.
Not all dogs require huge spaces; some of the smallest dog breeds stay happier in small cozy places where they can have ample time on the sofas and play around with their owners. The dogs listed in this article are those breeds that thrive indoors.
