When you open the front door to your apartment, and a furry friend greets you with a wagging tail, that creates a very unique form of magic, much like the friendly nature of a loving pet.
That same type of magic is attainable for apartment dwellers with the most suited canine companion. It doesn’t have to be a compromise – it can be a perfect match between your lifestyle and your new pet’s requirements.
What defines an ideal apartment dog? It is much more than just being a small-sized dog. An ideal dog for a small space is a combination of adaptability, a moderate amount of energy, and a temperament that can flourish in confined environments, often characterized by a gentle temperament.
Many times, the perfect dog breeds under 20 lbs are happy with short walks, and/or indoor playtime – making them perfect companions for people living in urban environments.
If you’ve been longing for the pitter-pat of little feet, but were concerned about space, you don’t have to worry anymore.
Your first step towards obtaining a small, loyal, and intelligent dog, such as a tiny white dog, that will turn your apartment into a home full of unconditionally loving moments, often found in a small package, starts here!
Perfect Dog Breeds Under 20 lbs For Apartment Life
1. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a quintessential example of a small-sized dog breed (under 20 lbs), bursting with personality, in a small, fluffy package. Your Pom will be able to fill their exercise needs and required physical activity through short walks and indoor playtime.
While some Poms can be vocal, proper early training will minimize the likelihood of excessive barking.
Unique Characteristics
Big Personality, Small Package: A loud, outgoing personality packaged in a small, fluffy body.
Short walks & Playtime: They require short walks and lots of lively indoor playtime.
Ideal for: Owners who want a fun-loving, loyal shadow with a touch of royal sass
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the top recommendations for apartment living because they are quiet, easy-going, and enjoy being around people. They tend to get along well with kids, adults, and other pets and animals, making them ideal for city living.
One of the characteristics that makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so popular is their desire to spend time with humans.
According to PetMD, this dog is famous for their endearing expressions and the fact that they have such a loving personality. They are friendly and loyal. They make great family dogs and are known to be tolerant, patient, and good with other pets and young children.
Unique Characteristics
Flexible: Equally happy walking on a leash or curled up next to their owner.
Friendly Social Butterfly: Generally quiet and friendly with all people they encounter.
Best for: People looking for a sweet, soft-hearted best friend.
3. Shih Tzu
For over a thousand years, the Shih Tzu has been bred as a companion dog and is therefore a natural fit as a great apartment dog and small dog breed for apartment living.
Unlike many breeds, these dogs do not bark excessively and have a moderate energy level, but regular veterinary check-ups are still necessary, as well as regular grooming. Therefore, they are perfectly suited for short play periods and short walks, including daily walks to keep them active and happy.
Unique Characteristics
Easy Going: Suitable for an easy-going lifestyle, as they are happy to take short strolls and prefer to spend time with their owner.
Grooming needs: Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious, flowing coats—but that beauty comes with regular upkeep, i.e., regular brushing to prevent mats.
Best for: First-time dog owners or anyone who would like a stable, affectionate, and quiet roommate.
4. French Bulldog
With their compact size, quiet nature, and irresistibly charming personality, French Bulldogs rank among the best small breeds for apartment life. Weighing under 20 pounds, they fit comfortably into urban spaces without feeling cramped.
Their low-energy lifestyle means they’re content with short daily walks and plenty of cuddle time on the couch. Plus, Frenchies rarely bark, making them ideal for close-quarters living where noise matters.
Frenchies are goofy, playful, and affectionate. They are the best small dog breeds that showcase their affectionate nature, making them ideal tiny dogs for keeping in small apartments, appealing to many pet owners.
Unique Characteristics
Comedic Genius: Fun-loving, playful, and affectionate goofballs with a charmingly stubborn streak.
Note on Health: Due to their flat faces, Frenchies will snore and may require climate-controlled living conditions.
Best for: City residents looking for a strong, quiet, and lovable companion.
5. Havanese
The Havanese may be small in size, but their personality fills a home with warmth and joy. Weighing under 20 pounds, they’re wonderfully suited for apartment living thanks to their moderate energy levels, affectionate nature, and adaptability to indoor routines.
These little charmers thrive on human companionship and love being part of your daily life—whether that’s lounging on the sofa or following you from room to room.
Unique Characteristics
Springy Steps: Famous for their springy steps and bright, cheerful disposition.
Velcro Dog: They love to follow their owners everywhere; they thrive on togetherness.
Trainable: Highly trainable due to their desire to please and eagerness to learn fun tricks.
6. Maltese
A picture of elegance and devotion in a small, hypoallergenic package, the Maltese thrives on human attention and is perfectly content with an indoor lifestyle—stepping outside only for quick bathroom breaks and playful moments.
While they do serve as adequate watchdogs, consistent training should prevent them from excessive barking and other unwanted behaviors.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Maltese dogs are hardy and adaptable pets. They make alert watchdogs who are fearless in a charming toy-dog way, and they are game little athletes on the agility course.
Unique Characteristics
Indoor Hugger: Needs to be with you all the time and loves to lounge around indoors.
Glamorous Lifestyle: That beautiful white coat needs to be groomed every day to keep it tangle-free.
Ideal for: Any person looking for a loyal, beautiful shadow.
7. Pug
Pugs, with their charming wrinkles and equally endearing personalities, are lovable small dogs that adapt beautifully to compact living spaces.
Britannica mentions that Pugs are naturally low-energy and require only modest exercise, happily spending their days napping, snacking, enjoying light mental stimulation, and soaking up affection.
Their easygoing nature makes them an ideal companion for apartment dwellers seeking a relaxed and devoted friend.
Unique Characteristics
Music to everyone’s ears: It’ll make sounds like grunting, snorting, and contented sighs.
Comedic Personality: Pugs are natural entertainers; goofy, playful, and always ready to make their humans laugh with their antics.
Ideal for: People who want a dog with an affectionate nature.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, with its cloud-like softness and cheerful personality, makes a wonderful choice for small apartment living. This lively little dog enjoys daily walks and a few fun rounds of fetch indoors, needing only moderate exercise and steady mental stimulation to stay happy.
Highly social and people-oriented, the Bichon thrives on companionship and may benefit from daily brushing to keep its fluffy coat in top condition.
Friendly by nature, they typically get along with everyone—including other dogs—making them an easy, joyful addition to any home, as noted by WebMD.
Unique Characteristics
Playful: Bichon Frises are generally very playful, and you’re sure to get busy with them.
Good Neighbour: Loves meeting new people and getting along with other animals.
Ideal for: People who are outgoing, social, and enjoy meeting new friends.
9. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a brilliant choice for apartment living, combining intelligence, charm, and a compact size under 20 pounds. Known for their sharp minds and quick learning, they thrive on mental stimulation and interactive play, making indoor activities both fun and rewarding.
Despite their small stature, Toy Poodles are energetic and enjoy daily walks, but they adapt easily to limited spaces without feeling cramped.
Their hypoallergenic coat adds to their appeal, while their affectionate and loyal nature ensures they become a devoted companion, perfectly suited for city dwellers or anyone seeking a smart, adaptable, and loving small dog.
Unique Characteristics
Cute fluffy coats and Intelligent: These dogs are easy to train and love intellectual puzzle-solving activities.
Need Mental Stimulation: Enjoys problem-solving toys and learning new skills to keep them happy.
Ideal for: Active owners who enjoy consistently training their dogs and working with a highly intelligent and agile pet.
10. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact, lively, and full of personality, making them ideal for apartment living. Weighing under 20 pounds, they adapt well to smaller spaces while bringing energy and playfulness into daily life.
People call them the American gentleman for good reason. It makes a solid choice among dog breeds that weigh under twenty pounds, particularly when compared to big dogs. This dog stays pretty well-behaved most of the time.
It has enough playfulness to chase a ball in fetch. Yet it also settles down calmly for long stretches of lounging. That setup is the perfect blend of energy and relaxation.
These dogs pick up on things quickly since they are smart. Training them turns out to be easy overall with the use of positive reinforcement. Their short coat sheds little and needs minimal upkeep, which means this breed is well-suited for apartment life.
Unique characteristics
Dashing and Polite: Has a dapper look and an affectionate nature.
Just Right: Energetic enough to play, yet its calm demeanor means it can snuggle up together in the evening.
Easy to care for: Short, tuxedo-style coat means it has basic grooming needs.
Ideal for: Those looking for a friendly, apartment dog.
Conclusion
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean compromising on companionship, personality, or love for a dog. Small breeds under 20 pounds, like the French Bulldog, Havanese, Maltese, Pug, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, and Boston Terrier, prove that great things really do come in small packages.
Each brings its own unique blend of charm, intelligence, and adaptability, thriving in compact spaces while offering endless affection and joy.
By choosing a breed that matches your lifestyle, you can enjoy the perfect balance of playfulness, loyalty, and companionship—proving that even the smallest dogs can leave the biggest paw prints on your heart.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, some other best apartment dogs may include the English Bulldog, Chinese Crested, Biewer Terrier, Basset Hound, Yorkshire Terrier, and Small Spaniel.
