Small dog, big dreams — and hopefully a very long life! When you’re living in an apartment, finding the right dog breed takes a little extra thought. You want a pup that’s not just compact and happy in small spaces, but one that will stay by your side for years to come.
Luckily, the miniature dog world is full of adorable breeds that fit perfectly into your cozy living space and boast impressively long lifespans. These pint-sized pals offer all the love, loyalty, and energy of larger dogs without the need for a sprawling backyard.
Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or just looking for a low-key companion to share your urban adventures, there’s a mini breed out there ready to steal your heart (and maybe your couch).
Let’s meet the miniature marvels who are small in size but massive in love and longevity!
Best Miniature Dog Breeds for Apartments with a Long Lifespan
1. Bichon Frise
Imagine a cloud decided it wanted to be a dog, rolled itself into a ball, and started chasing squeaky toys — that’s the Bichon Frise. With their signature white, fluffy coats and dark button eyes, these small dogs are animated teddy bears.
With a well-rounded body, short legs, and a cute button nose, they’re always ready to charm with their perky expression. Their eyes are dark and expressive, contributing to their overall cheerful demeanor.
Apartment Superpower: They’re low-shedding and friendly with neighbors (unless the neighbor is a mailman — then all bets are off).
Lifespan: 14–15 years (plenty of time to learn every trick, go on long walks, or to stubbornly ignore them).
Secret Hobby: Bichons consider being admired their full-time job. Bonus points if you tell them how pretty they look while they’re doing their seventh zoomie around your coffee table.
Known for their loving, affectionate nature, Bichons are friendly with everyone, from strangers to other pets, and they’re particularly great with kids. They’re social butterflies that thrive on attention and are always ready for a cuddle or a play session.
Despite their delicate look, their coat requires regular grooming to keep it soft and tangle-free, so be prepared for frequent visits to the groomer or some DIY fluffing!
Warning: Regular grooming is a must unless you’re going for the “tiny yeti” aesthetic.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Meet the Yorkshire Terrier — small enough to fit in your tote bag, loud enough to run the entire building. Standing at only 7 to 8 inches tall, they sport a sleek, silky coat that’s usually a mix of tan and steel-blue.
With their confident, high-held tail and prancing gait, Yorkies often appear larger than they are. They also have a petite, compact body, and their dainty legs and small feet give them an elegant, poised look, almost as if they’re royalty.
Apartment Superpower: Size of a loaf of bread. Bark of a full-grown Rottweiler. Will defend you from threats such as falling leaves, suspicious squirrels, and your Amazon packages.
Lifespan: 13–16 years (that’s a lot of tiny battles won in the living room arena).
Secret Hobby: Yorkies secretly believe they’re international spies. You’ll find them stealthily surveying your living room from atop pillows, couches, and sometimes, your head.
As per WebMD, because they are loyal companions, they can sometimes be a bit possessive around other animals. However, they are well suited to adjust and warm up to new furry friends with some exposure.
Their alertness and curious nature mean they’re good watchdogs, though they often think they’re guarding a palace rather than a small apartment. Yorkies are loyal to their owners and form strong bonds, but they can sometimes be a bit stubborn.
Fun Fact: Their luxurious, flowing coat is so fine, it’s human hair. Yes, your Yorkie might have better hair days than you do.
3. Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu has two modes:
Mode 1: Adoring you.
Mode 2: Waiting for you to come back so they can adore you again.
Their broad face, with large, dark eyes and a short, snout-like nose, gives them that signature “cute but grumpy” expression. They have a sturdy, compact frame with a square-shaped body that gives them a bit of a regal appearance.
Their coat, though beautiful, requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, but once it’s maintained, their silky fur adds to their charm. Their small, rounded ears are often covered by the flowing fur, further enhancing their cuddly, royal look.
Apartment Superpower: Expert at blending into throw pillows. You might lose them on the couch at least once a week.
Lifespan: 10–16 years (plenty of time to become the coziest emotional support system you’ve ever had).
Secret Hobby: Silent judgment. If you eat a snack without sharing, be prepared for laser-focused, guilt-inducing stares.
They’re affectionate, friendly, gentle, and always ready for a snuggle session. While they’re generally the calmest small dog breed, they’re also quite playful and will happily join in any game around the house, especially if it involves a squeaky toy or some treats. Shih Tzus have a strong bond with their family and can be a bit clingy, always wanting to be where you are.
Bonus Tip: Shih Tzus have a low exercise demand, meaning their idea of cardio is moving from one sunbeam to another.
4. Havanese
If your apartment needs a full-time happiness generator, the Havanese is reporting for duty — wagging tail, silky hair, and ridiculous levels of cuteness included.
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a silky, flowing coat that can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, chocolate, and cream. They have a cute, round face with large, dark eyes that always seem to be smiling, matching their friendly, playful personality. Their ears are medium-sized and often hang down, covered by their long, silky fur.
One of their most distinctive features is their feathery tail, which they carry high and curl over their back. Their compact, athletic body makes them surprisingly agile despite their “fluffy” appearance. These little dogs are a perfect mix of elegance and energy.
Apartment Superpower: Compact but charismatic. They charm everyone — neighbors, mail carriers, random pigeons… You name it.
Lifespan: 14–16 years (that’s a lot of tail wags and “Who’s a good boy?!” conversations ahead).
Secret Hobby: Being so charming that even “dog-hating” landlords are suddenly offering belly rubs.
According to PetMD, they are usually adaptable to new environments and typically display a friendly attitude toward both people and other animals. With their sweet and affectionate nature, the long-haired Havanese are usually eager to please and always seem to be in a good mood. They love attention and will happily jump into your lap for some cuddles.
Fun Fact: Havanese are professional cuddlers. If Olympic cuddling were a thing, they’d bring home the gold.
5. Maltese
Looking for a roommate who always looks like they’re heading to the Met Gala? Meet the Maltese: tiny, poised, and wrapped in a coat so glamorous it makes red carpets jealous.
The Maltese is a tiny dog, standing at only 7 to 9 inches tall, with a silky, pure-white coat that cascades all the way down to the floor. Their long, flowing coat gives them an elegant, princess-like look. Their dark, expressive eyes are framed by their silky fur, and their small nose and mouth make them look even more endearing.
Maltese are small dogs, yet their posture and overall appearance exude confidence and grace. Due to their fine, long hair, they require consistent grooming to keep their coat in pristine condition. With their soft, wavy fur and gentle demeanor, Maltese are the epitome of “classy.”
Apartment Superpower: They’re small enough to live in your studio but fancy enough to make it feel like a palace.
Lifespan: 12–15 years (plenty of time to teach them how to pose for Instagram).
Secret Hobby: Staring wistfully out windows like they’re starring in a soap opera called Tiny Lives, Big Dreams.
They’re gentle and kind-hearted, making them excellent companions for families, including those with children. They can be a little bit “barky” around new people, as they’re naturally protective of their space, but their affectionate nature quickly takes over once they get comfortable.
Warning: They will judge your fashion choices from under their waterfall of silky hair.
6. Poodle
Poodles aren’t just pretty — they’re scary smart. Toy and Miniature Poodles combine brains, beauty, and bounce in one hypoallergenic, curly-haired package.
Their coat can come in many colors, including black, white, apricot, and chocolate, and is hypoallergenic, making them a favorite for people with allergies. Their slim, athletic body is balanced by a graceful head, floppy ears, and alert, dark eyes. The curls of their coat are dense and require regular grooming, but the effort pays off with their regal and sleek look.
Apartment Superpower: They’re clean, adaptable, and love puzzle toys — meaning they’ll outsmart you by Wednesday.
Lifespan: 14–18 years (yes, they might live long enough to see flying cars).
Secret Hobby: Plotting new ways to open doors, solve food puzzles, and maybe, just maybe, hack into your Wi-Fi.
They’re quick learners, which means they can be trained to do tricks, follow commands, and even help with tasks — they’re basically the “brainiacs” of the dog world. Despite their sophisticated look, they are very friendly and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families. Poodles are also quite social, enjoying time with other dogs and people.
Fun Fact: Poodles don’t just need physical exercise — they crave mental stimulation. Get ready for chess tournaments against your dog. (Spoiler: You might lose.)
7. Pomeranian
A Pomeranian might weigh only a few pounds, but don’t let that fool you — in their minds, they are mighty lions ruling the living room savannah.
Their signature mane of fur around their neck makes them look like little lions, but their size remains small, usually under 7 pounds. Their face is fox-like with a pointed snout, and their bright, dark eyes add to their alert and often sassy expression.
Apartment Superpower: They’re tiny, adaptable, and convinced that they own the building.
Lifespan: 12–16 years (plenty of time to supervise your every move with suspicious side-eyes).
Secret Hobby: Pretending to be twice their size. Expect dramatic “guard dog” moments against the vacuum cleaner, their reflection, and sometimes… a suspicious sock.
Poms are fiercely loyal to their owners and will form deep bonds with them. While they love attention, they also have a little bit of attitude, often giving side-eye to anyone who dares to interrupt their reign of fluff.
They’re confident and love to bark (sometimes a little too much), but underneath their “bossy” exterior is a dog who loves to cuddle and be pampered. According to PetPlan, similar to other Toy breeds, Pomeranians can be prone to separation anxiety and do best in homes where someone is present most of the time.
Fun Fact: Their fluff-to-body ratio is approximately 10:1. You’ll vacuum more often — but honestly, you won’t even care.
8. Papillon
Papillon means “butterfly” in French, and with their fancy wing-like ears, these little dogs live up to the name. But don’t be fooled by the delicate look — these pups are pocket-sized rockets.
They have a compact, slightly rounded body with a graceful, dainty build that complements their high-energy, intelligent personality. Their tail is feathered and arches over their back, adding to their graceful look. With their alert, expressive eyes, Papillons always seem to be ready for the next adventure.
Apartment Superpower: They’re lightweight, athletic, and have a sixth sense for where the treats are hidden.
Lifespan: 14–16 years (long enough for at least 3000 games of fetch… indoors).
Secret Hobby: Outsmarting you. If you don’t believe it, try hiding their favorite toy. They’ll find it before you finish your coffee.
They’re also very intelligent, and their eager-to-please nature makes them excellent companions for training and learning new tricks. Papillons love attention and will seek out affection from their family, but they’re also very independent and curious, often exploring their surroundings with boundless energy.
Fun Fact: Papillons are surprisingly athletic. If you set up a mini agility course in your living room, they’ll beat you through it… backwards.
9. Pekingese
The Pekingese were once bred to live in palaces, and honestly? They still expect to. They’re tiny emperors wrapped in 15 pounds of stubbornness and fur.
Despite their small size, they have a heavy, compact frame, and their build gives them a sturdy appearance. Their short, flat snout and large, dark eyes contribute to their distinct “grumpy” expression, but underneath it all, they have a loving heart.
Apartment Superpower: Great apartment dog for apartment dwellers. Their daily goal? Nap, snack, repeat.
Lifespan: 12–15 years (enough time to be worshipped like the royalty they know they are).
Secret Hobby: Judging humanity — and doing it gracefully. A Pekingese can side-eye better than any Oscar-winning actor.
Despite their “grumpy” exterior, they’re deeply affectionate with their families and enjoy snuggling on the couch or lounging near their human. They’re independent and sometimes stubborn, but once they form a bond with their owner, they’re fiercely loyal.
Pekingese are quiet dog breeds and relatively low-energy, making them excellent lap dogs, though they’ll still enjoy a short, slow-paced walk now and then.
Fun Fact: They were considered sacred in ancient China — some even had their own royal servants. Your Peke fully expects you to continue this tradition.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best small dog breeds for apartment living with a long lifespan, there are several options to consider. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Boston Terrier are quiet, easy to train, and these dogs tend to be curious dogs with an energetic personality, making them great family dogs and companions for apartment dwellers.
Other breeds, like the Chinese Crested dog and Italian Greyhound, are small, with hypoallergenic coats or minimal grooming needs. Dogs like the Jack Russell Terrier and Miniature Pinscher bring big personalities in a manageable size. While these dogs thrive in apartments, they still require regular exercise, daily walks, and lots of attention. Their long lifespans and unique personalities make them perfect companions for those seeking a small dog with a big heart.
