Owning a dog while living in an apartment can sound a bit challenging for dog lovers. Some common thoughts that worry potential owners are:
Will they be noisy?
What if the constant barking annoys neighbors?
How are they going to release their energy? or
How will we manage the shedding situation in a tiny apartment?
Don’t worry, all of these thoughts are natural and go on to show responsible thinking. Well, the good news is that you do not have to give up on the idea of dog ownership at all. In fact, some of the best indoor dogs come in tiny sizes. Pocket-sized dog breeds are adorable, easy to carry, and perfect for indoor living.
These small dog breeds require less space to move around, are adaptable, thrive on human companionship, and require moderate exercise. They are also ideal for people with limited outdoor access or simply looking for a low-maintenance pup.
Let’s discuss some of the most indoor-friendly pocket-sized dog breeds that are perfect for cozy homes.
Indoor-Friendly Pocket-Sized Dog Breeds
1. Pomeranian
Weight: 3-7 lbs
The Pomeranian is the classic example of a small dog that loves to be indoors. They are known to be pretty bold and intelligent for their size. They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy daily walks and interactive play.
Poms do not need too much exercise, but they need lots of mental stimulation that can easily be provided in small apartments. As they are mentally sharp and sometimes independent, failing to provide mentally engaging activities can lead to excessive barking and restlessness.
Their thick double coat needs regular grooming, especially in homes where shedding might be a concern. Pomeranians take some time to train, and socialization must start early on to avoid negative behavior and ensure they turn out to be well-rounded pups.
2. Lhasa Apso
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed that served as a companion to the Tibetan monasteries in the ancient Himalayas. They are active dogs who are well capable of burning off their energies, whether indoors or outdoors.
They do well in all sorts of spaces, big or small. Lhasa Apso needs daily exercise in the form of brisk walks, play sessions, or running in a secure yard. But, in addition to physical exercise, they need to be engaged mentally as well.
Although they are generally independent, they form strong bonds with their families, but are wary of strangers, often acting as little watchdogs. Their flowing coat needs regular grooming to prevent tangling and matts, especially indoors where shedding can accumulate.
3. Chihuahua
Weight: under 6 lbs
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, which makes it an ideal choice for indoors. They adapt well to small homes, often needing minimum space for their moderate exercise needs.
One or two short walks are enough for the day. The rest of the activity can be done in the form of indoor play sessions. Chihuahuas are highly attached to one or two of their favorite people, often showing protectiveness or territorial behavior.
Due to their delicate build, they should be handled very carefully and with special supervision around the children. They need to stay warm due to their short coat, sweaters work great in winter.
4. Maltese
Weight: under 7 lbs
Belonging to the toy breed group of dogs, the Maltese have been around for thousands of years. They are best known for their milky white coat, elegant appearance, and sweet nature. Exceptionally well-suited for life indoors, they are true lap dogs.
They thrive best in small apartments without the need for extensive exercise. Brief walks and interactive play are sufficient to meet their daily needs.
Maltese love their humans. They are highly affectionate and happiest with family. Their goofy and playful nature makes them lovable and really the center of attention in the house.
Their long and silky coat needs regular maintenance to prevent tangles. People often like their Maltese in puppy cuts that are easy to keep in short spaces.
5. Japanese Chin
Weight: 7-11 lbs
The Japanese Chin is a refined and graceful toy dog breed. Being small, quiet, and sensitive, these dogs are well-suited for apartment living and thrive best in calm environments.
The Japanese Chin may have a cat-like attitude, but it still makes a great lap dog. They are often seen perched up on furniture, minding their own business. Short walks and indoor play are sufficient to keep them happy.
Japanese Chins are known to have wide, flat faces with big eyes. Their brachycephalic features mean that they do not do best in hot, humid climates. Make sure you provide them a cool place and avoid strenuous exercise that can put stress on their airways.
6. Biewer Terrier
Weight: 4-8 lbs
The Biewer Terrier is a beautiful black, tan, and white breed, which is a recent addition to the AKC toy group. Being closely related to Yorkies, they are an active breed with a child-like personality. They retain their puppy energy well into adulthood.
Their sweet temperament really sets them apart. They are energetic and playful but not hyperactive, which is great for indoor living. They enjoy short walks and interactive play, but also content being near their humans. They are great family dogs and do well with other dogs and other pets.
Owning them means paying special attention to their long, flowy coats. It usually resembles that of human hair with a mid-part. A manageable puppy cut keeps them looking nice and polished and free of mats. Their signature pony looks cute and adorable, too.
7. Bolognese
Weight: 6-10 lbs
Bolognese is a rare toy breed originating from Italy. They are all white and look like little clouds, which perfectly matches their temperament. They are true companion dogs who are content to stay close to their humans and thrive indoors. Weighing between 6-10 lbs, they are perfectly sized for compact homes.
They are serene and gentle, requiring moderate exercise, which means they are great for older adults as well as for homes with kids. As per Purina, they are so attached to their owners that they may get separation anxiety if separated for long stretches.
Bolognese are highly intelligent and easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods and learn routines and tricks pretty fast. An additional perk of having this pup indoors is that its coat is hypoallergenic with proper care.
8. Havanese
Weight: 7-13 lbs
The Havanese is a Cuban toy dog that is gaining more popularity in the USA. They are small yet sturdy and adaptable, which makes them a great choice for city dwellers.
They are highly social dogs that are naturally friendly and outgoing, even with strangers, and get along well with children and other pets. Although these dogs love lounging and being lap dogs, they also need moderate indoor play, short walks, and games of fetch.
Their eagerness to please means that they are highly trainable and responsive, often excelling in tasks such as obedience, tricks, or even canine therapy work.
Their beautiful coat requires regular grooming, even though it sheds minimally. This makes them even more desirable, especially for allergy-prone homes.
9. Papillon
Weight: 5-10 lbs
The name Papillon means butterfly in French, named so because of their distinct butterfly-shaped ears. They are lively, intelligent, and energetic. Although they are well-suited for indoor living, they need at least an hour of daily exercise.
Their favorite activities include retrieving a ball in the yard, running, and chasing after small mammals. Hence, they should only be left unleashed in secured yards or parks. Although very active, large open spaces are not needed. They are equally happy indoors, too.
Being highly intelligent, they love learning new tricks. As per PetMD, they are great for participating in agility courses and obedience competitions.
Also, Papillons are not overly clingy, and their silky hair is easy to maintain with routine brushing. All in all, they are a great choice for people who are looking for a confident yet affectionate dog for indoors.
More Breeds That Are Suitable for Indoor Living
Although we have discussed some popular tiny dog breeds that do best in small spaces, here’s a list of some other dog breeds of varied sizes, in case we missed your favorite.
Dogs like Shih tzu, Cavalier king charles spaniel, Bichon Frise, Min Pin, Italian greyhounds, Boston terriers, Cocker spaniel, Poodle mixes, toy poodles, Cairn terrier, Miniature schnauzer, Pugs, Beagles and French bulldogs are all small breeds that are typically smart and loyal and adopt well to apartment life.
Conclusion
Choosing the right indoor-friendly pocket-sized dog breed means understanding their unique temperaments, energy levels, and grooming needs. All of the breeds discussed above have two things in common, i.e, their small size and suitability for small homes.
Most of the toy breeds are originally bred as lap dogs, hence they tend to do best living close to their owners and need less exercise and room compared to large breeds.
With proper socialization, these dogs are fun, charming, and highly adaptable. For city dwellers, retirees, or anyone seeking a close and constant companion, these dogs offer a perfect balance.
