Living in a small apartment never means you have to give up on having a furry friend.
Seriously! You don’t need a massive back yard or endless square footage to be a great dog parent. What you DO need? The right dog breed that fits your living space. Your lifestyle. And yeah… your neighbor’s patience levels.
Because, let’s be real.
Apartment living comes with thin walls. Shared hallways. And the occasional passive-aggressive note on the bulletin board. The last thing you want is a dog that barks every time someone walks past your door or treats the elevator like it’s haunted.
Today, we are introducing seven quiet dog breeds perfect for small apartments and condos. The small dog breeds that know how to keep it down, stay cozy, and make apartment dwellers fall in love.
Quiet Dog Breeds Perfect for Small Apartments and Condos
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu was literally bred to be a companion dog for the Chinese royalty. These little dogs spent their days lounging in palaces, being pampered. And yes, perfecting the art of relaxation.
So, yeah, apartment life is totally their vibe!!
They have got that quiet nature that makes them ideal for apartment buildings. As per Chewy, they are real “down-to-earth” for a royal dog.
They don’t bark much unless there is a real reason (like the delivery guy ringing the doorbell three times). And their compact size makes them well-suited for small spaces without feeling cramped.
Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs who absolutely love human contact. They are happiest when they are curled up next to you on the couch, getting belly rubs or just hanging out while you binge-watch your favorite show.
They do need regular grooming (that beautiful coat does NOT maintain itself), but their exercise needs are pretty low. A couple of short walks and some indoor playtime are perfect.
They are not high-energy dogs, and that’s why they are one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers who want a loving dog without chaos.
Plus, this Asian dog breed is great with other pets and adaptable to confined space living. Just give them love, a comfy spot, and a daily routine. They will be golden!!
2. Maltese
Maltese, a small white dog, looks like a little cloud with legs. And personality-wise, they are gentle, calm, and incredibly well behaved in apartment settings.
These dogs were bred to be companion animals, so they thrive on being close to their pet parents.
They are not yappers (thank goodness), and they have got a gentle nature that makes them perfect for high-rise condo living or any confined space.
Maltese dogs are low-maintenance companions when it comes to space and noise. But, they do need regular brushing to keep the gorgeous white coat tangle-free. Daily grooming is not necessary. But a few times a week will do that.
As per the American Kennel Club, their exercise needs are minimal. A short walk around the block and some mental stimulation (like puzzle toys or training games) will keep them happy. They are medium-energy dogs that don’t need hours of physical exercise. And that is pretty perfect for apartment living.
Maltese dogs are also super affectionate and bond deeply with their families. They are the type of furry friend who will follow you from room to room just to be near you. And that is pretty adorable.
3. Japanese Chin
This small dog with oriental expression just radiates calmness.
Japanese Chins are small, graceful, and quiet for a toy breed. Originally bred as lap dogs for Japanese nobility, these little guys know how to keep it classy.
These dogs have medium energy levels at best. They enjoy a daily walk or two, but they are not going to demand intense physical exercise or long runs. They are perfectly content with bathroom breaks, a little indoor playtime, and then a nice nap on the couch.
Their quiet nature is perfect for apartment living, where noise complaints are a thing.
They rarely bark, and when they do, it is soft and brief, as per Hills Pet. They are also adaptable to limited space, which makes them the best apartment dogs for people who are living in small spaces.
Japanese Chins have a medium silky coat that requires less grooming than other breeds. It is a BONUS for busy pet parents. These low-maintenance dogs.
And they are great companions, great with other dogs and other pets, so, for a multi-pet house, they are totally doable.
These dogs thrive with human company and are well-suited for anyone who wants a low-key and elegant companion that fits into apartment life.
4. Chinese Crested
Okay, so the Chinese crested might not be everyone’s cup of tea looks-wise (they are… distinctive), but personality-wise, they are absolute gems for apartment living.
These dogs are quiet, calm, and attached to their humans. They come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless ones need regular skincare (yes, seriously) while the powderpuff variety needs regular grooming.
Either way, they are low-energy dogs and perfect for small spaces.
Chinese Crested are affectionate dogs who crave human contact. They are happiest when they are close to their pet parents, they could be sitting on the couch, following you around, and just chilling in the same room.
They don’t need much exercise. A couple of daily walks and some mental exercise (like training or puzzle toys). They are active breeds by a stretch, as mentioned by Purina, and pose like an athlete.
These dogs are also adaptable to apartment settings. They are quiet, they don’t take much living space, and they are perfectly content with indoor life.
5. Bichon Frise
A cotton ball came to life in the form of a Bichon Frise.
But unlike some yappy toy breeds, Bichons are actually pretty quiet and well-behaved in apartment living.
They are cheerful, friendly, and adaptable dogs. Originally bred as companion dogs, they are happy living in an apartment building as long as they get enough exercise (30-60 minutes daily, yes) and mental stimulation.
Moderate exercise. Nothing crazy. Just daily walks and some indoor playtime to keep them happy. They are not very low-energy dogs, but they are also not very high-energy, either. They fall right in the middle. So, a great option for pet parents who want a playful companion.
Their coat does need regular grooming, like every 4-6 weeks at the groomer, plus regular brushing at home. But, in exchange, you get a hypoallergenic dog that does not shed much. Not a bad trade-off.
Affectionate and loving dogs, they genuinely enjoy being part of the family.
And their quiet nature means they won’t drive your neighbors up the wall. WIN-WIN!!
6. Pug
Okay, so Pugs are not silent (you will hear some snorting, snoring, and general breathing sounds). But they are not barkers.
And in the world of apartment living, that’s what counts.
Pugs are low-energy dogs who are perfectly content with a short walk, some playtime, and a solid nap session. They are compact, easy-going, and seriously loyal to their families.
Pugs are one of the best dog breeds for apartment life because they are so adaptable. They don’t need a lot of space, and they are happy as long as they are near their humans for long periods.
As per PetMD, they have moderate exercise needs. Like, daily exercise is a MUST. Daily walks. But nothing too intense. Pugs can overheat easily, so keeping things low-key is actually better for them.
Indoor playtime and mental stimulation (like training and puzzle games) keep them entertained.
Pugs have a short coat, which means less grooming compared to some other breeds. They do shed a bit, but overall, they are pretty low-maintenance companions.
These goofy dogs are affectionate and always down to hang out. If you want a furry friend who’s chill, loyal, and perfect for apartment and condo living, the Pug is a solid pick.
7. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is basically THE poster child for quiet dog breeds perfect for small apartments. These little guys are calm, quiet, and well-suited for apartment settings.
No wonder they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. right now. Frenchies don’t bark much. They are not very hyperactive. And they are perfectly happy living in small spaces as long as they have got a cozy spot and their favorite humans nearby.
This wrinkly dog is a low-energy dog with daily routine needs. Like moderate exercise would do. A couple of short walks and some indoor playtime, like many dog breeds on this list.
They are not made for long periods of physical activity (these flat-faced breeds have difficulty breathing), so keeping things mellow is actually ideal.
French Bulldogs are adaptable. They do well in apartment buildings, high-rise condos, and any living space situation where noise and space are to be considered.
They are also great with other dogs and other pets. These dogs really do check all the boxes: compact, low energy, and full of personality.
They are the ideal dog for living in small spaces.
Conclusion
These quiet dog breeds, perfect for small apartments and condos, show that the right dog can thrive in any living space. Other great dogs for apartments are: Boston Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Toy Poodle, Basset Hounds (surprisingly!), and Shiba Inu.
Many smaller breeds, other than the larger breeds, can live in an apartment with the right daily routine, some physical activity, and plenty of mental stimulation.
Some have low exercise needs, some have moderate.
So go ahead, find your perfect furry friend, and welcome to the best parts of apartment life: cozy spaces, loving dogs, and absolutely ZERO complaints from the neighbors.
Total harmonious relationship.
