Apartment living is not the same as having a big backyard, a fence and endless space where your dog can zoom around like a furry tornado.
When you live in an apartment, every sound echoes, neighbors are closer than ever and “excessive barking” can turn into a very awkward elevator conversation. More often than usual.
And not many dog breeds are made for that life.
But quiet and calm dog breeds for apartment living are!!
Some dogs love to be chaotic, love intense physical activity and non-stop stimulation. And other dogs are more into naps, short walks, human companionship and claiming the best spot on the couch.
For apartment dwellers looking for the right dog, this list is for you!!
The dogs famous for staying calm indoors, adapting to small spaces and generally being polite. These are the kind of dogs that make great dogs for city living, urban environments and close quarters.
Quiet and Calm Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
1. Japanese Chin
Soft-spoken. Elegant. A ‘chill’ dog.
The Japanese Chin is one of those dog breeds that feels almost… cat-like. In fact, the American Kennel Club explains how these dogs are cat-like or ‘fastidious’ in their behavior. They are quiet dog by nature, very gentle and not big on unnecessary noise.
Barking? Only when it is actually needed, and not out of habit.
This small dog breed is quite famous for its calm temperament and love for lounging. They don’t need extensive exercise or high energy activities. A few short walks and some playtime indoors usually do the trick.
This Asian dog breed adopts beautifully to apartment living because they genuinely enjoy calm environments. They bond closely with their humans, prefer a predictable daily routine and are perfectly happy curling up on a dog bed near their favorite person.
They do best in small living spaces where peace and quiet are appreciated. As apartment dogs go, this breed is about as serene as it gets.
2. English Toy Spaniel
Royal vibes. Low volume. BIG heart!!
The English Toy Spaniel has been a companion dog for centuries, which explains a lot. They were literally bred to sit quietly with humans, and it shows from their behavior. FYI: it’s royal.
These dogs are affectionate, gentle and naturally calm indoors. They are not prone to excessive barking and they don’t demand constant activity. As per PetMD, they will only bark when they see or feel a threat. But, they are generally quiet dogs.
Apartment life suits them just fine.
They have moderate exercise needs and a preference for lounging. And that’s why, this is an ideal dog for apartment dwellers who want a peaceful four-legged friend.
Short walks, soft blankets and human interaction are their happy place. They also handle confined spaces well and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. All in all, excellent apartment friendly dogs.
3. Maltese
Tiny body. Calm nature. Cloud-like fluff.
The Maltese dog looks like a very fancy breed, but they are actually pretty low-key. These small dogs are famous for being quiet dogs who love staying close to their people without turning every noise into full-blown alert.
These small white dogs do not need much space, so you can deem them as great dogs for small apartments. Their energy level is moderate, not chaotic. And, they are usually calm indoors once their basic needs are met.
Maltese dogs enjoy daily walks but don’t need extensive exercise. Mental stimulation through gentle play and puzzle toys helps keep them content.
As per The Spruce Pets, they do have fairly high grooming needs thanks to that luxurious coat. But, in return, you geta quiet dog who fits beautifully into apartment life and limited space.
4. Italian Greyhound
Graceful. Sensitive. Unbelievably quiet dogs.
Italian Greyhounds are often misunderstood. People assume “Greyhound” means high energy, but this small breed (actually, a toy dog breed from Italy) is more of a couch potato than a marathon runner.
Although, they have been quiet the racing dogs in bygone times, and they can run up to 25mph. But, nowadays, they are just.. couch potatoes. Yeah!
They love short bursts of activity followed by long naps. Loud barking is not their thing and they tend to stay calm indoors, in quiet apartment settings.
Italian Greyhounds thrive in small spaces as long as they get regular exercise in the form of short walks. As per Chewy, they also like games of fetch and need at least 1 hour to spend in physical activity. They are sensitive dogs who do best with gentle handling and a calm environment.
These are Velcro dogs, so you cannot leave them even for a few hours, they will develop separation anxiety.
For apartment dwellers who want peaceful and affectionate companion, this breed fit right in.
5. Pug
Snorty, yes. Loud, not really.
Pugs are famous for their very expressive faces and goofy charm. But, these wrinkled dogs are also one of the most relaxed apartment dogs out there. They are not big barkers and they are happiest being close to their humans.
Their energy level is moderate and they don’t need intense physical activity. In fact, too much exercise is not great for them. They are a brachycephalic dog breed with flat faces, and they get breathing issues more often than normal.
Pug is one of the best dog breeds for apartment life because they are content with limited space and little exercise. Short walks and indoor play keep them healthy and happy.
They love human interaction, form strong bonds and are generally calm indoors with a playful nature. Just keep the temperature comfortable and the couch available.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle. Loving. Apartment-approved.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most affectionate and adaptable dog breeds you can ever hope to meet. They are just too soft with a calm and affectionate nature and sweet personality. We can easily say for sure, they are incredibly well-suited for apartment life.
These small dogs are actually very quiet dogs who rarely bark without any reason and are happiest when they are with their people.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy daily routine, daily walks and moderate exercise but don’t ask for constant activity. They won’t take part.
They actually balance calm nature with playful temperament beautifully.
The breed characteristics show they adapt well to small spaces, other pets and urban living. If you want a peaceful and loving furry friend, this Spaniel dog breed is hard to beat.
7. Shih Tzu
Calm. Cozy. Professional napper.
Shih Tzus were originally bred to be the companion dogs, their history reflects that. As per Britannica, they were bred almost a 1,000 year ago and they were gifted to the Chinese royalty by the Tibetan monks.
Their companionship history shows in everything they do.
These small dogs are famous for being calm indoors and perfectly happy in apartment setting. They are not prone to high energy bursts and generally avoid excessive barking when proper training is provided.
Shih Tzus do well with short walks and minimal exercise. They love routine, soft beds and being near their humans.
They do need regular grooming though. But, their calm temperament and adaptability make Shih Tzus one of the best dog breeds for apartment life and small spaces.
8. French Bulldog
Chill vibes only!
The French Bulldog is basically made and born for the city living. Compact body, low energy levels and a personality that screams: “I am good right here”.
These are also quiet dogs, not big barkers and very comfortable in limited space. Pugs and French Bulldogs are the same in terms of flat and wrinkled faces and breathing issues, for which they need regular vet visits. And yes, in their apartment dog nature.
French Bulldogs need regular exercise but nothing intense, plus minimal grooming. Short walks and indoor playtime are more than enough. These are affectionate dogs, calm indoors and incredibly popular among apartment dwellers for a reason.
In fact, they have won the title of the “most popular dog breed” in America, for the past 3 years, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club!
As good apartment dogs go, this perfect dog checks all the boxes.
9. American Eskimo Dog
Alert but controlled.
The American Eskimo dog is a bit more alert than others on this list, but with proper training, they can be excellent apartment dogs. They are intelligent, responsive and really adaptable.
While they have higher energy than some other breeds here, they can stay calm indoors when their needs are met (exercise, mental stimulation).
This dog from the Spitz dog family benefits from mental stimulation and daily walks. They do best with structure, routine and human interaction.
In apartment living situations, where exercise and engagement are consistent, and both you and your dog are confined to a shared lounge, couch or bed, this breed becomes a calm and well-behaved companion rather than a noisy one with destructive behaviors.
Conclusion
Not every dog can live in a small space. And apartment living does not entail you have to give up on having a dog.
It just means, you need to pick wisely. Large dogs, tiny dogs, or mixed breeds; pick WISELY for a healthy life!! Be it from a local shelter or a breeder.
These quiet and calm dog breeds for apartment living are perfect in terms of temperament, energy level and how well a breed adopts to small spaces and close quarters.
No matter if you are in a studio downtown, a high-rise in the city or a cozy apartment in the suburbs, the right adult dog can fit anywhere. Be it the Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniels, American Eskimo dog, certain breeds are made to be where you are.
All they need and ask for is: proper training, mental stimulation, and plenty of LOVE, and they will live a healthy life and bring endless joy.
Because at the end, the perfect dog is not the loudest, biggest or more energetic one. Basically, it’s not important to only have a large breed as your pet.
It’s important how they make you feel at home!! Right next to you.
