You’ve got the plush furniture, the skyline view, and the smart lighting—now all that’s missing is a chic, well-mannered pup to complete your luxury lifestyle. But not all dogs are cut out for high-rise living.
Some are too noisy, too energetic, or just too big for the elevator life. That’s where apartment-friendly luxury dog breeds step in—poised, petite, and perfectly behaved.
These dog breeds for apartments bring more than just a manageable size; they offer charm, companionship, and elegance wrapped in a compact, tail-wagging package.
Whether you want a French Bulldog lounging on your velvet sofa or a quiet Cavapoo nestled beside you on the balcony, we’ve got a list of dogs that make upscale living even more delightful.
We’ll explore the best dog breeds for luxury apartments—those that combine beauty, temperament, and refinement with a laid-back nature suited for city life. Get ready to meet your new favorite roomie.
Luxury Apartment Dog Breeds
1. Greyhound
Don’t let the word “speedy” fool you — Greyhounds are the ultimate paradox of the dog world. Originating from ancient Egypt, Greyhounds have been prized companions for royalty and hunters alike for over 4,000 years.
Sure, they’re built like sleek racecars, capable of hitting 45 mph in a flash, but when it comes to apartment living, these elegant sprinters transform into the laziest luxury loungers you’ll ever meet. Think of them as the supermodels of the dog world: graceful, slim, and surprisingly chill.
Greyhounds are classified as large breed dogs, typically measuring 27 to 30 inches in height and weighing around 60 to 70 pounds. Their sleek, streamlined build begins with a slender head and extends along their entire body.
Despite their athletic build, Greyhounds are famously gentle couch potatoes. They’re calm and quiet, often enjoying a good snooze more than a sprint, making them surprisingly low-maintenance lapdogs in a busy apartment.
Why Greyhounds rule the luxury apartment scene:
They’re surprisingly low-energy indoors — after a quick sprint at the park, they’re more than happy to stretch out on your designer sofa and snooze for hours.
Their short coat means minimal grooming and less shedding — perfect for keeping your apartment looking pristine.
They have a gentle and sweet temperament, making them great neighbors who won’t bark you out of your penthouse.
Greyhounds may come across as a bit aloof due to their independent streak, often displaying a cat-like demeanor. However, most are quick to warm up to anyone offering a tasty treat.
Though originally bred for high-energy pursuits, they are surprisingly calm and laid-back at home, rarely getting overly enthusiastic about new people or surroundings. Grooming is simple with this breed—apart from the occasional bath and nail trim, Greyhounds require very little upkeep.
Fun fact: Invite friends over, and your Greyhound will probably judge their speed in the hallway… but only if they’ve got snacks.
2. Shih Tzu
If your apartment were a palace, the Shih Tzu would be the crowned king of cozy. This little lion dog, with its luxurious coat and adorable smooshed face, has been pampered by royalty for centuries.
Hailing from ancient Chinese palaces, Shih Tzus were bred as royal lap dogs for emperors, so they’ve been pampered for centuries and know how to charm their way into anyone’s heart. Spoiled? Maybe. Deserved? Absolutely. Their big, dark eyes and distinctive pushed-in nose give them a perpetually sweet and endearing expression.
Shih Tzus weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand around 8 to 11 inches. They are known for their longevity, often living between 10 and 18 years.
Thanks to their small size, Shih Tzus adapt well to homes of all shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers. Just be sure they have a little room to play and stay entertained.
Why Shih Tzus are the perfect luxury apartment companions:
Smallest dog breed but big on personality, they’re the ultimate lap warmers and will happily snuggle you through movie marathons or work-from-home days.
Their indoor-friendly nature means they don’t need tons of exercise — a short daily walk or playtime will do before they’re back to ruling their kingdom (your couch).
Their royal heritage means they’re used to living the good life, so expect a dog who knows how to demand attention with a little regal flair (and maybe a diva bark here and there).
As per WebMD, these dogs don’t require much exercise, as they were originally bred to be indoor companions for royalty, spending most of their time lounging in luxurious palaces.
Heads up: grooming is part of their royal routine — but hey, you’re living the luxury life, so why not enjoy a spa day for your furry noble?
3. Basenji
The Basenji is like the ninja of dogs—quiet, sleek, and full of surprises. Known famously as the “barkless dog,” this clever breed doesn’t actually bark like other dogs. Instead, they communicate with a unique yodel-like sound called a “barroo.”
The Basenji has a sleek, athletic body and a unique curled tail that’s as much a signature look as their wrinkled forehead, which gives them an expression of eternal curiosity and mischief.
Despite their lively and independent spirit, Basenjis are clean, quiet, and surprisingly affectionate with their family. They can be reserved but bond deeply, making them subtle companions who won’t disturb the peace in your apartment.
So, if you’re living in an apartment where noise complaints are a nightmare, the Basenji might just be your ideal roommate.
Why Basenjis fit the luxury apartment life:
Their small-to-medium size makes them perfect for cozier spaces.
They’re super clean and even groom themselves like cats—talk about low maintenance!
Highly intelligent and curious, they’ll keep you entertained with their playful antics without the usual loud barking.
Heads up: These little escape artists need plenty of mental stimulation and regular exercise, or they’ll find their own ways to keep busy (which might involve some creative mischief).
Basenjis are the perfect blend of quiet charm and clever personality for apartment dwellers who want a unique, low-bark companion.
4. Basset Hound
Originally bred in France for tracking small game by scent, Basset Hounds are expert trackers with a history steeped in patience and determination, not speed. Short legs, long ears, and a nose that could probably sniff out your lost keys from three rooms away.
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized breed distinguished by its long body, short legs, and solid build. Despite standing only 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, it has a notably heavy weight for its size, usually ranging from 40 to 65 pounds.
Don’t be fooled by their goofy appearance—their temperament is laid-back and sweet. They’re calm, affectionate, and make great apartment companions, although their vocal tendencies mean some training is a must to keep the peace with neighbors.
Why Basset Hounds can be both apartment heroes and noise villains:
They have an affectionate nature and are surprisingly calm, making them excellent cuddle buddies.
Their low energy indoors means they won’t be tearing up the hallways—unless it’s time for snacks.
However, their barking is another story. Bassets tend to vocalize when they’re bored, lonely, or feeling protective, which in a busy apartment building with constant foot traffic, could mean a lot of “woofs” greeting every passerby.
With some patience, training, and maybe a few noise-canceling headphones for your neighbors, Bassets can learn to be quieter and make fantastic apartment pals.
In short, if you want a lovable, laid-back dog with a bit of a vocal streak, the Basset Hound is your perfect low-riding friend for an apartment setting — just be ready for the occasional serenade!
5. Bichon Frise
If cute had a poster child, the Bichon Frise would be it. These little white clouds of joy are perfectly suited for apartment life, thanks to their small size and cheerful personalities. They don’t need a mansion to be happy—just a cozy corner for their toys and plenty of snuggles.
This breed’s roots trace back to Mediterranean sailors who adored their cheerful, social nature, so it’s no surprise that Bichons have a history full of travel, adventure, and companionship.
The Bichon’s dark, expressive eyes and black button nose pop against their fluffy fur, giving them a joyful, almost cartoonish charm.
Bichons are bubbly and affectionate, always ready to make friends and eager to please. Their easygoing nature and adaptability make them the perfect happy-go-lucky pals for apartment life.
Here’s why Bichons are the perfect fluffy roommates:
They adapt like pros to small apartments but still love to play and explore — so don’t forget their daily dose of fun!
Regular walks and a bit of indoor play keep their minds and bodies sharp.
Grooming is key—those adorable curls need some love to stay looking their best. Yes, that means brushing, but hey, it’s a great excuse for some quality bonding time.
Bichon Frises are known to develop separation anxiety, so they do best in homes where someone is around for most of the day. They can be quite vocal, which makes early socialization and consistent training especially important.
While adult Bichons are recognized for their iconic white, fluffy coats, puppies may display hints of colors like grey, buff, or apricot. PetPlan noted their signature curly fur traps the shedding undercoat, which means they shed less than many other breeds—an appealing trait for people with mild allergies.
If you’re ready for a spirited, happy-go-lucky companion that’ll brighten up your apartment and your day, the Bichon Frise is a fluffy dream come true.
6. English Bulldog
Originally bred for the brutal sport of bull-baiting, these dogs have evolved into gentle, laid-back companions with a surprisingly sweet temperament. Though they stand only about 14 to 15 inches tall, Bulldogs are solidly built, weighing in at a hefty 40 to 50 pounds.
With a broad, muscular build, a massive head, and those famous wrinkled folds, English Bulldogs look tough and stout—but in an undeniably charming, almost squishy way. Their distinctive pushed-in nose and underbite give them an iconic “grumpy but lovable” face.
True to their modern reputation, English Bulldogs are affectionate and calm, with a stubborn streak and a strong loyalty to their family. They thrive on human companionship but prefer low-key activity, which suits apartment life perfectly.
Why English Bulldogs fit apartment living like a glove:
They’re low-energy champs, perfectly happy to lounge all day beside you on the couch (bonus points if you share your snacks).
Despite their stocky, tough look, they’ve got a heart of gold and get along well with other family pets.
Their short, smooth coat sheds moderately, making grooming relatively easy to manage.
Bulldog alert mode is serious business, though—they make surprisingly good watchdogs thanks to their courageous bulldog heritage. Just be mindful, they might get a bit grumpy or assertive around unfamiliar dogs, Hillspet noted.
English Bulldogs, being a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, don’t handle hot weather well and are best suited to cooler environments. Their compact snouts also make them anything but quiet—expect plenty of panting, snorting, and snoring from this lovable breed.
Although Bulldogs have a reputation for being couch potatoes, they do benefit from daily exercise. While they don’t require intense physical activity, regular walks can be especially helpful for those carrying extra weight.
Bulldogs usually aren’t excessive barkers or diggers, but boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors, so keeping them mentally stimulated and well-attended is key.
In short, if you want a loyal, brave, and adorably stubborn companion who will happily be your Netflix binge buddy, the English Bulldog is your go-to apartment buddy.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If elegance and affection had a mascot, it would be the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These regal pups carry themselves with the charm of royalty and the heart of a best friend.
Named after King Charles II of England, who adored the breed, Cavaliers carry a royal legacy of companionship, charm, and grace. They were bred to be lapdogs and court favorites.
Elegant and refined, the Cavalier sports a silky, medium-length coat with feathered ears and big, soulful eyes that seem to look straight into your heart. Their expressive face and graceful movements make them look like tiny nobles from a royal portrait.
Sweet, affectionate, and incredibly people-oriented, Cavaliers thrive on human connection. They’re playful but also content to curl up beside you, making them the perfect blend of liveliness and lapdog coziness for apartment dwellers.
Why Cavaliers are a dream in apartment life:
Their medium-small size makes them great for cozy spaces.
They’re social butterflies who get along famously with kids, cats, and other dogs—basically, they’re the diplomats of the dog world.
These dogs love to curl up in your lap and soak up all the love they can get, making them perfect companions for city dwellers craving some furry affection.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very social and crave constant companionship, so they shouldn’t be left alone for long stretches. While typically quiet and laid-back, they may become loud or destructive when bored or anxious.
If you want a sophisticated, loving, and all-around good-natured canine pal who fits beautifully into apartment life, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the crown jewel you’ve been searching for.
Conclusion
When it comes to luxury apartment dog breeds, choosing the right dog breed means balancing compact size, energy levels, and living environments. French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Boston Terriers are other apartment-friendly breeds with charming personalities, making them good apartment dogs. These compact dogs thrive in small apartments, requiring only short walks, indoor playtime, and moderate exercise to stay happy.
While toy breeds and small dogs fit well in small spaces, even some gentle giants like Golden Retrievers with a loving nature and cheerful disposition can adapt with the right training tips and positive reinforcement. The American Kennel Club highlights several breeds for apartment living, but regular grooming and a good understanding of your dog’s temperament are key.
Unlike hunting dogs that need a huge yard and more exercise, these apartment living pups are happy with minimal exercise and trips to the dog park, making them a popular pet for modern lifestyles.
