Apartment living means you can’t have a dog? Think again!
Many breeds thrive in smaller spaces because of their calm demeanor, low energy levels, and adaptability to indoor life. The key isn’t square footage—it’s temperament, daily routine, and how well your dog adjusts to shared environments like hallways, elevators, or busy streets.
Low-maintenance apartment dogs aren’t just convenient—they’re also loving, loyal companions who require minimal grooming, moderate exercise, and simple care routines.
From breeds that enjoy curling up for long naps to those that are content with short walks, these best dog breeds prove that living in an apartment doesn’t mean sacrificing companionship or canine joy.
We’ll highlight the top low-maintenance dog breeds ideal for apartment living, combining easygoing personalities, affectionate temperaments, and minimal upkeep.
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner, a busy professional, or just looking for a furry friend who fits your lifestyle, these small dog breeds are perfect for stress-free, apartment-friendly dog ownership.
Quick Insight: Low-maintenance dogs have moderate energy levels, minimal grooming needs, and adaptable temperaments, allowing them to thrive in confined spaces while still providing affection and companionship.
Top Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds: Ideal for Apartment Living
1. French Bulldog
Meet the French Bulldog, the canine embodiment of “I’ll fit my life around yours.” These little charmers aren’t exactly gym enthusiasts—they prefer short strolls over marathon runs and would happily lounge beside you while you binge-watch Netflix.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Frenchies are mostly quiet, making them ideal for apartment life. They won’t keep your neighbors awake with constant barking, though their alertness ensures they’ll let you know if anything suspicious happens—think “miniature watchdog in a tuxedo.”
French Bulldogs don’t sweat the small stuff—like hallway noises or passing neighbors—but they do care about heat and breathing. Because of their smooshed faces, long walks in the blazing sun are a no-go. Climate control is your friend here, and short, gentle walks are all that’s needed to keep them happy and healthy.
Grooming? Minimal. Exercise? Low-effort. Temperament? Even-keel. Frenchies will happily adapt to singles, couples, or families. They approach life with a “take it or leave it” attitude, and their low prey drive means you won’t be sprinting after squirrels every morning.
Health insurance is worth considering, as these little cuties tend to make frequent visitors to the vet, but even with these quirks, their charm keeps them at the top of apartment-dweller wish lists.
2. Japanese Chin
If you’ve ever wanted a dog that’s basically a tiny, elegant royalty wrapped in fur, meet the Japanese Chin. This pint-sized pooch is perfect for apartment life: small enough to navigate tight spaces, yet big enough to fill your heart with charm (and occasional sass).
Japanese Chins are active—but don’t worry, they’re more “graceful prance around the living room” than “daily marathon jog.” These little dynamos enjoy slow walks where they can sniff, explore, and show off their fancy footwork.
Perfect for apartment dwellers who like a dose of canine entertainment without the chaos of a high-energy breed. Training them is generally smooth sailing—they’re clever, loyal, and quietly amusing—but do keep them leashed outside.
These little aristocrats can be stubborn adventurers if they spot something interesting, and a runaway Japanese Chin is harder to catch than a sock in the dryer.
In short, Japanese Chins are the perfect mix of playful and poised. They’ll keep you company, make you laugh with their antics, and all without taking over your small space—or barking up a storm. Think of them as the ultimate compact, classy companion.
3. Papillon
Meet the Papillon, the little dog with a permanent grin and ears that could double as butterfly wings (hint: that’s what Papillon means in French). This breed radiates happiness wherever it goes, whether it’s frolicking in a country yard or cozying up in a city apartment.
Papillons are smart, eager learners, and among the most trainable dogs out there. Think of them as tiny canine prodigies—ready to impress with tricks, agility, or just stealing your heart with a single look.
Despite their dainty size, Papillons are surprisingly hearty. No extreme weather will keep them down—they can handle sunny days, chilly nights, and everything in between.
Grooming is a breeze too: without an undercoat, brushing is simple, quick, and even enjoyable. In short, the Papillon is like a little bundle of joy that doubles as a brilliant student of life.
They’re happy, adaptable, and low-maintenance—perfect for apartments, families, or anyone who wants a tiny dog with a huge personality.
4. Pug
If you’ve ever imagined a roly-poly bundle of love who lives for snacks and cuddles, you’ve just pictured a Pug.
These little charmers are built for apartment life—so long as their climate is under control. Pugs are sensitive to heat and need good airflow, cozy surfaces, and shaded nooks more than sprawling spaces.
Daily exercise? Moderate. Think gentle strolls over marathons—enough to keep them healthy, but not enough to turn your apartment into a canine racetrack.
Pugs thrive on comfort, companionship, and the occasional treat, making them perfect for singles, couples, families, and even other doggy roommates. Yes, they shed—sometimes like a fur tornado—but grooming is minimal.
A quick brush here and there keeps things manageable, and their loving, goofy personality makes every stray hair worth it.
In short, Pugs are affectionate, hilarious, and compact. They’ll steal your heart (and maybe your snack) while proving that happiness doesn’t have to come in a big, high-energy package.
5. Boston Terrier
Meet the Boston Terrier: a pint-sized dynamo packed with personality, charm, and just the right amount of mischief.
These little pups are like having a tiny cheerleader in your apartment, always ready to join you in whatever you’re doing—whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, binge-watching your favorite series, or doing that dreaded laundry.
Although they have plenty of energy, Boston Terriers are surprisingly adaptable. A few moderate walks, some playtime, and mental stimulation are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Unlike some high-energy breeds that need acres to run, Boston Terriers are perfectly content with apartment living—as long as they get that daily dose of fun and attention.
PetMD noted that small, stocky, and incredibly affectionate Boston Terriers do well with families and children. That said, their enthusiasm can sometimes get the best of them—think little legs and tails flying everywhere—so supervision during playtime is a must to avoid accidental tumbles or bumps.
Grooming is a breeze, thanks to their short coat, and their affectionate, playful nature means they’ll happily snuggle up when the day winds down.
In short, Boston Terriers are energetic yet manageable, spirited yet loving, and endlessly entertaining. They’re the perfect mix of playmate, watchdog, and couch companion—all wrapped up in one charming little package that’s ideal for apartment living.
6. Pomeranian
Tiny, fluffy, and full of personality—meet the Pomeranian, the dog equivalent of a feisty little royal who believes the world revolves around them. Despite their small size, Pomeranians have huge hearts, big personalities, and surprisingly bold attitudes.
Pomeranians are perfect for apartment life. They don’t need a backyard to conquer—their energy can be satisfied with short walks, play sessions, and a little indoor fun. They’re smart, curious, and quick learners, which makes training a breeze if you keep sessions short and fun.
Yes, they have a thick, double coat, so grooming takes a bit more effort than some of the other breeds on this list—but it’s worth it for a dog that’s basically a walking cloud of joy. And don’t let their size fool you: Pomeranians are alert little watchdogs.
In short, Pomeranians are small in stature but enormous in charm. They’re playful, affectionate, and perfect for apartment dwellers who want a lively companion that keeps life entertaining—just be ready for a lot of fluff and a bit of “tiny dog syndrome” sass.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for a dog that feels like a quiet, loyal shadow, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be your perfect match. Life with a Cavalier in an apartment is usually calm, predictable, and delightfully low-stress.
They’re masters of mirroring household energy—so if your home is chill, your Cavalier will be the canine embodiment of serenity. No frantic barking at hallway noises or every passing pigeon.
These sweet, compact pups are incredibly attuned to their humans. They can sense moods, adjust to busy schedules, and provide comfort during stressful days. This makes them ideal companions for seniors, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants a dog that’s adaptable, affectionate, and easygoing.
They also generally get along well with other pets, making them versatile little housemates. Grooming is a small commitment: a weekly brush keeps their silky coats tangle-free and looking regal. Beyond that, Cavaliers are low-maintenance, easy to train, and endlessly loving—basically the canine equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a lazy afternoon.
If you want a dog that’s elegant, affectionate, and perfectly in tune with your lifestyle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, loving companion who makes apartment living feel like a peaceful retreat.
8. Shih Tzu
Meet the Shih Tzu: the ultimate indoor companion who treats your apartment like a five-star resort. These little furballs are perfectly content spending most of their time indoors, lounging on soft surfaces, and following you from room to room like a tiny shadow.
WebMD notes that Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of space, which makes them ideal for apartments of any size. What they do need is attention and a consistent routine. They thrive on human company and love being included in family life, whether it’s sitting on your lap while you work or participating in a gentle indoor game.
Although they’re small, Shih Tzus still appreciate a little playtime to stay happy and healthy. Their indoor energy bursts are short, sweet, and adorable—think zoomies on carpet rather than chaos on a city sidewalk.
Grooming is an easy-to-manage part of life with a Shih Tzu; a little brushing keeps their long, silky coat tangle-free and camera-ready at all times.
Shih Tzus are affectionate, adaptable, and perfectly at home in an apartment. They bring charm, loyalty, and just the right amount of playful energy—making them ideal companions for singles, families, or anyone looking for a cozy, loving indoor buddy.
9. Basset Hound
Meet the Basset Hound: the low-slung, long-eared philosopher of the dog world. With their soulful eyes and slow, deliberate gait, these dogs exude a “life’s too short to rush” vibe—perfect for apartment living.
They aren’t fans of constant running or high-energy antics; instead, they prefer strolls, long naps, and the occasional sniffing expedition. Bassets are famously calm indoors, making them excellent apartment companions.
They rarely react dramatically to hallway noises or passing strangers, preferring to conserve their energy for more important matters—like snacks, cuddles, or tracking interesting scents around the building.
Their scent-driven brains mean walks are more about exploration than exercise, so a short walk can keep them happy while giving them mental stimulation.
This breed’s laid-back temperament makes them great with children, other pets, and even introverted humans who appreciate an affectionate dog without being overbearing. Grooming is easy-peasy: their short coat requires only occasional brushing, though their droopy ears deserve a little extra TLC to stay clean and healthy.
Basset Hounds are the ultimate low-maintenance, apartment-loving companions. They bring charm, loyalty, and a touch of dramatic flair (those eyes!) without demanding a sprawling backyard or nonstop activity. Think of them as your personal furry couch potato with a nose for adventure.
10. Dachshund
Say hello to the Dachshund, aka the “wiener dog” with a heart as big as its long, low-slung body. These little adventurers were bred to hunt underground, which means they’re curious, clever, and always ready to investigate… even if it’s just the mystery of what’s behind your couch.
Dachshunds thrive in apartments because their exercise needs are moderate. A few short walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them happy, although their stubborn streak may occasionally turn a simple recall into a tiny negotiation.
Their compact size makes them perfect for cozy living spaces, and their spunky personalities more than make up for their small stature. These dogs are incredibly loyal, affectionate, and entertaining. They’re great with families, singles, or anyone who appreciates a dog with a big personality in a small package.
Grooming is simple, especially if you go with a short-haired variety, though long-haired Dachshunds need a bit more brushing to stay silky and tangle-free.
Dachshunds are curious, playful, and utterly charming. They’re great apartment dogs for anyone looking for a small dog with a ton of personality—and maybe a little bit of stubborn sass to keep life interesting.
Conclusion
For apartment dwellers, choosing the right dog breed is key. Many dog breeds thrive in close quarters, offering a calm temperament, minimal grooming needs, and moderate energy levels, making them perfect apartment dogs.
Other dogs like the Shiba Inu and Italian Greyhounds are calm indoors and can adapt well, provided their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Every dog has unique genetic contributions, and combining breed-specific knowledge with appreciation for each dog’s individual personality ensures a happier, healthier companion.
In addition to temperament, consider the basics every dog needs: a healthy life, daily walks, regular grooming, regular veterinary care, and quality bonding time. Proximity to dog parks, access to reputable veterinarians, and the availability of household members to provide care are critical.
If you travel frequently or have other pets, ensure your chosen dog can adapt comfortably to your apartment lifestyle and your family’s routine.
