Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of having a dog curled up by your side. Sure, small spaces can present some unique challenges—there’s not always a backyard for fetch or room to zoom around—but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
In fact, there are plenty of little-known dog breeds for an apartment lifestyle that thrive in cozy spaces and are more adaptable than you’d expect. Whether you’re in a snug studio walk-up or a sleek two-bedroom condo, the right pup can fit into your lifestyle with ease. The key is finding breeds with lower energy levels, minimal barking, and big hearts packed into small to medium frames.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion and a furry friend who won’t mind skipping the yard, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some under-the-radar dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living—and might just steal your heart.
Little-Known Apartment-Friendly Dog Breeds
1. Russian Toy
Once adored by Russian aristocrats, the Russian Toy is now charming its way into modern apartments. Weighing in at around 6 pounds, this tiny breed may be small in size, but it’s bursting with playful personality. These are equally content to lounge in your lap or trot beside you on short walks.
Often mistaken for a Chihuahua, the Russian Toy has two coat types: sleek and smooth, or long-haired with feathered ears and tail. Both varieties are soft, stylish, and made for cuddling, though the long coat takes time to fully develop.
Despite their delicate looks, they’re alert and make surprisingly good watchdogs. They can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. Best suited for calm homes, they typically do well with gentle pets and respectful older children.
Ideal for an apartment setting, these dogs don’t need much space but do crave companionship. Loyal and affectionate, they form close bonds with their humans and dislike being left alone for long. Described as a moderately high-energy breed, they do need daily walks or indoor play sessions to stay healthy, states the AKC.
Due to their fragile build, a harness is safer than a collar during walks, and it’s wise to leave them collar-free indoors. With only a few hundred in the U.S., the Russian Toy is a rare and lovable companion—tiny, loyal, and perfectly tailored for an apartment environment.
2. Brussels Griffon
With their bearded faces and big soulful eyes, Brussels Griffons are a pint-sized breed full of character and charm—and they’re surprisingly well-suited for a studio apartment. Originally bred in Belgium as ratter dogs, these little charmers are now quite rare and more likely to be found curled up on the couch than chasing down pests.
Don’t let their small size fool you—Griffs have playful and affectionate personalities packed into compact frames. They’re sensitive and wonderfully expressive, often described as having almost human-like facial expressions that perfectly reflect their mischievous nature.
Brussels Griffons don’t need a huge amount of space or exercise to be happy. A daily walk and a few rounds of indoor play are usually enough to keep them content. They’re natural entertainers with a lively spark, but they also love their quiet cuddle time.
Just keep in mind, these little climbers can surprise you with their agility—one moment they’re on the couch, the next they’re on the kitchen counter—so it’s wise to Griff-proof your apartment for safety. Because of their flat faces, they don’t do well in extreme heat or cold, so comfy indoor living is right up their alley.
These dogs may be small, but they’re not shy—they’re alert, devoted, and make excellent watchdogs. Just don’t leave them alone for too long; they’re deeply attached to their humans and thrive on companionship. Rare, quirky, and full of sass, the Brussels Griffon is a hidden gem for apartment dwellers looking for a loyal little sidekick with a big heart.
3. Bolognese
With their cotton-ball fluff and soulful eyes, the Bolognese—affectionately known as the Bolo—is a charming Italian toy breed that’s just made for a small apartment. Calm, cuddly, and always close to their favorite human, these little dogs are more than just pretty lap warmers.
They’re low-energy companions who are perfectly happy relaxing indoors but will gladly join you for a leisurely walk around the block. Plus, they tend to have low barking tendencies compared to many other small dog breeds. Instead, their voice is deeper and more reserved, making them ideal for close-quarter living.
Though they’re often mistaken for the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese has its own distinct personality—more laid-back, more loyal, and just as adorable. They form strong bonds with their humans and don’t enjoy being left alone for long stretches, so they thrive best in homes where someone is usually around.
Bolos can get along well with other dogs and children, but because of their tiny size, they do best with gentle handling and calm energy. They’re not fragile in spirit, but they can be physically overwhelmed by overly enthusiastic little ones.
Bolognese does require some upkeep and regular grooming. That fluffy white hypoallergenic coat is low shedding, which is great for allergy sufferers, but it does need daily brushing to keep tangles away.
The good news? They’re eager to please, quick to learn, and genuinely happy just being part of your world—whether that’s following you from room to room or snoozing beside you on the sofa.
4. Japanese Chin
With a face full of charm and a heart full of loyalty, the Japanese Chin makes a great apartment dog. Often mistaken for royalty—because, well, they kind of were—this breed has a long history of being pampered by Japanese nobility.
Though their origins likely trace back to China (or maybe even Korea, depending on who you ask), they made their mark in Japan centuries ago, lounging in palaces and stealing hearts with their elegant, feathered coats and expressive, wide-set eyes.
Tiny, graceful, and full of quirky habits, the Japanese Chin is often described as being more cat than dog. They love to perch on high places like the back of the sofa or a cozy windowsill and will spend time meticulously grooming themselves, states WebMD.
Their small size and gentle nature make them ideal for compact living, and they’re perfectly content curling up in your lap for hours. They’re also known for being quietly amusing—think little acrobatic antics, head tilts, and just enough sass to keep you on your toes.
Don’t let their dainty looks fool you, though. These dogs are smart, and they know it. Training a Chin is all about making it seem like their idea—otherwise, they might pretend they didn’t hear you. They’re affectionate with their humans but can be a little reserved with strangers at first.
Sensitive and sweet, they thrive in quiet households and get along well with older kids and other pets, especially other Chins. They’re not huge barkers, don’t need tons of regular exercise, and honestly? They’re just here for a good time—and a long cuddle.
5. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid might sound like a rare flower, but it’s actually one of the most unique and ancient dog breeds you’ll ever meet. Also called the Peruvian Hairless Dog (among many other names), this pup has roots tracing back over a thousand years to pre-Incan civilizations.
Once featured on pottery by the Moche people around 750 AD, it was later cherished by the Incan Empire—not just for companionship, but also for its supposed mystical healing powers.
These warm-bodied dogs were even used as nighttime bed warmers, and people once believed they could ease headaches and soothe arthritis. Now that’s what we call a holistic hound!
Though the breed faced near extinction after the Spanish conquest and lost some of its ancient genetic identity, the Peruvian Inca Orchid survived—barely.
Today, it’s still considered a national treasure in Peru and is recognized for its graceful sighthound build, sleek frame, and, of course, its mostly hairless body. Some do carry a recessive gene that gives them a full coat, but the majority sport smooth, exposed skin in a variety of colors like gray, pink, tan, black, or white.
These low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs are easy to groom but need skin protection in both cold and sunny weather due to their nearly hairless bodies.
What really makes the Peruvian Inca Orchid a standout in apartment life is its gentle, people-loving personality. These dogs are sensitive, extremely affectionate, and thrive best when they’re close to their humans.
They’re true indoor companions—not the type to hang out in the yard alone—and they need daily mental stimulation to avoid mischief. While they only need about 30 minutes of daily exercise, they do love a good zoom in a fenced area or a relaxed stroll through the neighborhood.
6. Affenpinscher
With their scruffy coats and expressive, monkey-like faces, Affenpinschers are a little-known gem when it comes to apartment-friendly dog breeds. Standing under 12 inches tall and weighing less than 10 pounds, these small dogs have big personalities that fill any room they enter.
Originally bred in 17th-century Germany to hunt rats in kitchens and stables, they eventually made their way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers as loyal, quirky companions.
Often nicknamed “Monkey Dogs” or “Monkey Terriers,” Affenpinschers have an almost human-like way about them. They’re incredibly smart, full of spunk, and definitely not lacking in confidence. Their fearless attitude can make them seem much bigger than they actually are, especially when they decide to stand their ground against a much larger dog.
Despite their protective instincts, they adapt surprisingly well to apartment life. They don’t need a ton of space to be happy, as long as they get their daily walks and a bit of indoor playtime. These little comedians love to entertain and always seem to be plotting something mischievous.
Just be warned—they’re not fans of rough handling or loud chaos, so they’re better suited for adults or families with older, respectful kids.
Their bold, alert nature also makes them quick to bark at anything unfamiliar, but early socialization and positive reinforcement during training can help tone down the noise. What really makes Affens shine in smaller living spaces is their entertaining nature, adaptability, and loyal companionship.
7. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested turns heads with its unique look and quirky charm. With a delicate frame, elegant movement, and either silky tufts on bare skin or a full powderpuff coat, it’s truly one of a kind. Despite the name, the breed may actually trace its roots to Mexico, but wherever it began, it was clearly made for close companionship.
Delicate in appearance but full of spirit, the Chinese Crested is deeply loyal and often forms a strong bond with one person. Sensitive and affectionate, they don’t warm up to strangers quickly and dislike being left alone, making them the right dog for homes with consistent companionship.
Despite their regal appearance, Chinese Cresteds are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to exercise needs. A couple of brisk walks and some playful zoomies, and they’re good to go. You’ll more often find them curled up beside their favorite human than bouncing off the walls.
That said, they’re no couch potatoes either—they love a good game, and many even enjoy agility and obedience sports. Just be mindful of their skin if they’re hairless—sun protection or cute doggy outfits are a must for outdoor fun.
Grooming depends on the variety. The hairless needs regular baths and moisturizing to keep that soft skin in top shape, while the powderpuff’s silky coat benefits from frequent brushing to avoid tangles. And like all small dog breeds, regular ear, teeth, and nail care is essential.
Cresteds aren’t vocal dogs, but they are expressive, affectionate, and just a little bit dramatic. Perfect for apartment life, they bring flair, loyalty, and a whole lot of personality to even the smallest of spaces.
Conclusion
Finding the right dog breed for apartment living is all about balance—temperament, energy levels, and adaptability matter more than size. While popular picks like the French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known apartment dogs, many lesser-known breeds also make great apartment pets.
From the elegant Italian Greyhound to the playful Russian Toy and spirited Chinese Crested, these dogs thrive in confined spaces with low to moderate exercise needs.
Whether you’re drawn to small breeds like the Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier or medium dog breeds like the American Eskimo Dog and Basset Hound, the best apartment dogs are those that fit your lifestyle. Avoiding destructive behavior starts with choosing an adaptable dog that’s content with short bursts of activity and close companionship.
Even some large dog breeds can adjust well to apartment life with ample exercise. So, whether you lead an active lifestyle or prefer a calmer routine, there’s a perfect dog breed out there for you—one that’s not only a great fit for your home but also your heart.
