Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of owning a dog. Many people think small homes aren’t suitable for pets, but that’s simply not true. The key is a selection of the right breed, including short-haired options, one that fits your lifestyle and living situation perfectly.
Many dog breeds are affectionate and naturally well-suited to apartment life. The best apartment dogs are typically small breeds, quiet, and don’t need a ton of daily exercise. They should be happy with short walks and indoor playtime. The best thing is low-maintenance grooming, which is a big bonus for busy individuals. After all, who wants to spend hours brushing fur and cleaning?
We’ve researched and created the best low-maintenance apartment dog guide for you. Let’s find the best dog as your perfect furry roommate.
Best Low-Maintenance Apartment Dog Breeds
1. Shih Tzu
These energetic apartment dogs are a popular choice for urban living because of their small size, incredibly affectionate nature, and calmness. They weigh 9-16 pounds. The Shih Tzu means ‘little lion’ in Chinese and was bred to be a royal companion dog in ancient China. Their low energy level makes them ideal for an apartment setting.
They are smart, friendly, and enjoy lounging around. Enough exercise or a daily walk is good for them. Their long coat needs regular brushing. But you can keep it short for minimal grooming. They are calm and love to cuddle. They have a life span of 10-18 years.
They get along well with kids and other pets. Their prey drive is low, so they’re unlikely to chase after small animals. They also love to use their nose during hide-and-seek play. These are quiet dogs, which is perfect for an apartment setting.
Fun Fact:
Place a mirror near their bed. These low-energy dogs enjoy ‘talking’ to their reflection.
2. Maltese
The Maltese is tiny and perfect for small spaces. According to Greencross Vets, they weigh under 7 pounds and are very gentle. Their silky coat needs daily brushing, but sheds very little. Many owners opt for a shorter ‘puppy cut’ for low maintenance.
These great apartment dogs are playful, but don’t need long walks. A few indoor games make them happy. Maltese dogs are loyal, love attention, and learning tricks. Training them requires a gentle approach, as they’re sensitive to harsh methods.
Their white coat is considered hypoallergenic, which is good for people with allergies. Their small size makes them easy to carry around, with 12-15 years average lifespan. Their prey drive is low, but they might chase small critters if not properly trained.
Quick Tip:
These breeds love light sniff games in tight spaces.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is slim, elegant, and the smallest of the greyhound family. They are one of the lowest-maintenance and affectionate dog breeds, weighing 7-14 pounds. They have a fine coat that requires little grooming.
They love short bursts of energy and then relax. A quick walk and play session is enough. These dogs are hushed and rarely bark, but run 25 mph (faster than most bikes). They are sensitive to cold, so keep them warm. Regular, gentle workout keeps them happy and healthy.
Quick Tip:
Dress your Italian greyhound in a soft sweater. They get cold indoors.
4. Pug
Pugs are funny, loving, and low-energy dogs. They are known as charming little lap dogs with a wrinkly face and a comical personality. They were also favourites of Chinese emperors and European royalty. This low-maintenance dog breed also doesn’t need much exercise and is happy with short walks. Their small size, with 14-18 pounds weight makes them ideal for tight spaces.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming and is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing keeps shedding under control. PetPlan adds that Pugs love attention and get along with everyone. They don’t bark but make funny noises due to their short snout. Pugs love to play tug-of-war with just a single rope toy.
They have a very low prey drive and are more interested in lounging than chasing. Their flat face means they can overheat easily. Keep them cool in summer, and avoid long outdoor activities. If you are first-time pet parents, this low-maintenance breed is perfect for you as a friend.
Quick Tip:
Use baby wipes on Pug’s skin folds daily to avoid skin infections.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies belong to the Terrier Group and share their bold, energetic spirit with cousins like Bedlington Terriers. Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs but full of personality. They weigh just 4-7 pounds. Don’t let their small size fool you. This is a high-energy dog, brave and curious, but doesn’t need a yard. Indoor play and short walks work well too. Their coat needs care, but a short cut reduces grooming. Their fur grows like human hair, it grows non-stop.
Yorkies are loyal and work well with their owners, but may be wary of strangers. They are also known for being intelligent and trainable compared to other dogs.
Their bold spirit and compact size make them both fun and convenient for apartment life. They can be noisy, so early training helps. They have a moderate prey drive and might chase small animals if not trained. These dogs are great for city living, with an average of 11-15 years of life.
Quick Tip:
Give this Terrier a spot near the window in the room. They like to watch outside.
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese is also an affectionate small dog with a royal past. It looks like a tiny lion because of its long fur around its head. Pekingese dogs are calm and independent thinkers, not always eager to please. Their thick coat needs daily brushing. But they are generally low-energy and quiet.
They usually weigh less than 14 pounds. They are loyal but can be stubborn. Their strong loyalty means they might act protectively towards their owners. Early training helps with good behavior. Their flat faces make them prone to breathing problems. Keep them cool and do not over-exercise them.
Quick Tip:
Talk softly to them, they respond better to calm voices than loud commands.
7. Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, known for its cheerful and adaptable nature compared to other dogs. They are great for apartments and weigh 7-13 pounds. They have long, wavy, or curly coats, but don’t shed much. Their coats come in 15+ colors. They love playtime but don’t need intense exercise.
These dogs are social and get along with everyone. So, they are great for families or individuals who work from home. Their training is easy because they are smart.
These great apartment dogs enjoy learning tricks and commands. They have a low prey drive and are more interested in cuddles than chasing. They have 14-16 years average lifespan.
Quick Tip:
Rotate soft toys weekly to keep them mentally engaged.
Conclusion
If you’re living in an apartment, you don’t need to give up on having a dog. Many small and medium-sized dogs are perfect for apartment dwellers. These low-maintenance dogs are energetic, affectionate, calm, friendly, and easy to care for. Most of these small breeds require less grooming. Some other breeds also have low shedding. So, they keep your small apartment clean. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training sessions helps prevent boredom.
Remember, every dog breed is an individual, so it’s essential to spend time with the right dog to ensure a good match for your personality. Always check with a vet for breed-specific health care tips. Adopt responsibly and enjoy your new furry low maintenance friend!
