Ever dreamt of a roommate who never steals your snacks and always thinks you’re a rockstar? Good news—you can find one, and they even come with wagging tails.
City life can be chaotic enough without a hyperactive tornado zooming through your tiny living room. The secret? Picking a dog that thinks napping is a sport and couch space is sacred territory.
Believe it or not, some dogs are absolute masters of the laid-back lifestyle. They’re the pros at power-napping, elevator-riding, and treating a 15-minute walk like it’s a triathlon.
Forget what you’ve heard about “dogs needing acres to roam.” Some pups are happier in a studio apartment than at a mansion. They just need a soft bed, a snack stash, and you.
Ready to meet the chillest, snuggliest, most low-maintenance buddies who are built for apartment life? Trust us, your landlord is about to thank you.
7 Easygoing Apartment Dog Breeds
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are the VIPs of apartment living—small size, calm attitude, and total charm bombs. They’re the kings of being perfectly content with a cozy couch and a couple of brisk walks a day. Bonus: They rarely bark, so your neighbors will have zero complaints.
Though they’re packed with a big personality, Frenchies have minimal exercise needs and are super low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. A quick wipe-down and the occasional bath are all it takes to keep them fresh and fabulous.
AKC claims that training a Frenchie is a game of patience mixed with bribery (read: treats). They’re smart but stubborn, so short, fun sessions work better than long lectures. Plus, they’re naturals at stealing hearts—and snacks.
Like many small-breed dogs, they can experience separation anxiety, so a little extra cuddle time goes a long way. Think of them as tiny emotional support tanks with bat ears.
In terms of cost, Frenchies aren’t exactly budget-friendly upfront, but their minimal grooming and low exercise requirements make them a manageable long-term win for apartment dwellers.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Meet the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: proof that royal bloodlines can absolutely slay apartment living. This small dog is a professional snuggler, happy with short daily walks and long Netflix marathons. No need for too much room—just a warm lap.
With their silky coats, you’d think grooming would be a project, but regular grooming keeps it breezy. A quick brush a few times a week, and they’re ready for another royal nap.
Cavaliers are famously affectionate and friendly with other pets and kids, making them one of the best apartment dogs for busy households. They’re social butterflies without the chaos.
Training is usually a breeze because they love pleasing their humans (and getting treats). Just watch out: they’re so charming they’ll have you negotiating treat limits like you’re on reality TV.
Health-wise, they can face heart issues later in life, so proactive vet care is key. But for pet parents who want a laid-back, loyal shadow, Cavaliers are top-tier.
3. Pug
If a living room clown and a grandpa had a baby, it would be a Pug. These small-breed legends thrive in small apartments, snoozing half the day and giving you side-eye for waking them up too early for a brisk walk.
PDSA reports that Pugs do best with light exercise daily to keep their adorable, squishy bodies in shape. Their grooming needs are low—just some wrinkle-cleaning TLC and the occasional bath to stay fresh.
These friendly dogs are born entertainers, known for their expressive faces and deep love of human snacks. They’re great with kids, other dogs, and even that grumpy neighbor across the hall.
Training a Pug? Easy if food is involved. They’re smart but stubborn, so keep sessions short, sweet, and snack-filled to prevent boredom.
Health alert: their flat faces mean they overheat easily. But with smart care and a bit of sass, Pugs prove time and again why they’re one of the best apartment companions.
4. Bichon Frise
Think of the Bichon Frise as the cloud-shaped MVP of small dog breeds. This little dynamo checks every box for apartment dwellers—compact, cheerful, and perfectly sized for smaller living spaces.
The Bichon is one of the ultimate hypoallergenic dogs, famous for low shedding and a plush coat that stays fabulous with regular grooming. Bath day is a spa event, not a wrestling match.
They have a big personality packed into a tiny frame and love their daily walks, games, and attention. Without enough stimulation, though, they might get a bit mischievous—small pranksters in disguise.
Bichons are eager to please and generally easy to train, but they do need positive reinforcement and lots of high-pitched celebration. Think cheerleader, not drill sergeant.
For pet parents who want a stylish, lively, and mild-mannered companion, the Bichon Frise is the ticket. They’re the small-space equivalent of a parade float made of happiness.
5. Bulldog (English Bulldog)
The English Bulldog is the world champion of chilling. With minimal exercise needs, these hefty sweethearts are perfectly content spending most of the day snoring on your favorite rug. They fit right into small apartments without asking for too much room.
Bulldogs have short coats that make grooming easy—just a little brushing and a wipe of those iconic wrinkles keeps them handsome. Minimal grooming for maximum personality? Yes, please.
Training a Bulldog can feel like negotiating with a sleepy brick. They’re smart but stubborn, so keep commands short, reward-based, and frequent enough to outpace their nap schedule.
They’re great apartment dogs but do have specific health needs, especially around breathing and joint care. Think short strolls, regular vet checks, and never, ever overdoing the heat.
For pet parents who want a mild-mannered, affectionate, low-key bestie, the English Bulldog is apartment gold, with a little snore soundtrack on the side.
6. Bolognese
Rare and ridiculously charming, the Bolognese brings serious hidden-gem energy to the small dog breeds scene. This fluffy little sidekick is a professional lounger and fits beautifully into smaller living spaces.
Omlet reveals that their beautiful white coats do need regular grooming, but the payoff is huge—they look like living, breathing luxury pillows. And no, they don’t shed much, so goodbye, lint rollers.
The Bolognese is a total love bug, thriving on human interaction. They stick to their people like Velcro and play well with other pets, but don’t love being left solo for long.
Training them is a treat (literally). They’re smart, responsive, and genuinely eager to please, making them ideal for apartment newbies and seasoned dog lovers alike.
If you want a low-drama, highly devoted roommate who looks like royalty and acts like a shadow, the Bolognese is one of the best apartment dogs you’ll ever meet.
7. Pekingese
Small body, massive attitude—the Pekingese is the diva we didn’t know we needed. These small breed icons treat apartment living like ruling a kingdom, content with a throne-sized dog bed and some brisk walks sprinkled in.
Their luscious coat needs regular grooming to stay tangle-free and fabulous, but otherwise, they’re surprisingly low-key with minimal exercise requirements. Hairbrush > treadmill, any day.
Pekes are fiercely loyal and suspicious of strangers, but absolutely devoted to their chosen people. They’re ideal for apartment dwellers who want a little dog with a lot of heart (and side-eye).
Training a Peke? It’s part patience, part performance art. They’re smart but strong-willed, so keep sessions upbeat and loaded with treats and praise.
Bonus trivia: Ancient Chinese royalty once carried Pekingese around in their sleeves. That same regal energy is alive and well today—in every luxurious, adorable, stubborn ounce.
Conclusion
Who says you need a backyard the size of a football field to have a happy pup? With the right small dog breed, a cozy apartment building can feel like a five-star resort for your four-legged roommate.
From big personalities to minimal exercise needs, these best apartment dogs are made for small apartments and bustling city life. A little physical activity, a few cuddles, and they’re good to go—no acres required.
Of course, if your dream dog isn’t on this list, don’t panic! Honorable mentions like the Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and the spunky Chihuahua also rock apartment living with style. And let’s not forget the charming Maltese, chill Basset Hound, or sleek Chinese Crested.
Sure, large dogs have their charms, but for apartment dwellers, these smaller, quiet, and well-suited breeds easily steal the show (and your couch). Plus, no racing against a racing greyhound at the dog park required!
Got a favorite fluffball or a hilarious small-space dog story? Drop a comment, share with your fellow dog lovers, or check out our guides on other breeds like the energetic American Eskimo Dog or the elegant Bedlington Terrier. Your future furry roommate is waiting!
