Are you thinking about adopting a dog but unsure which one suits you best?
There are many dog breeds to choose from. Some are tall, some are small, and others fall in between. Some are even mixed breeds. This choice can feel confusing, especially for first-time owners, busy people, or those living in apartments.
Research shows that dogs are common in American homes. Nearly 51% of U.S. households have a dog, according to the APPA survey. Dogs also support a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Research says dog owners are more likely to stay active. Many owners walk their dogs daily, which helps improve heart health and physical activity.
For apartment dwellers and busy families, low-maintenance dogs can be a smart choice. These dogs usually need less regular grooming, adapt well to small spaces, and have manageable exercise needs. When choosing the right dog, size, temperament, and activity level matter most.
Now, let’s explore some wonderful low-maintenance dog breeds for small homes.
Wonderful Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Small Homes
Here is the list of the best small dog breeds.
1. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is one of the most loved small dog breeds for apartment life. This quiet dog has an affectionate personality and enjoys staying close to its people. French bulldogs love company and often follow their owners from room to room.
They bond closely and prefer being part of daily life rather than staying alone. Indoors, they stay calm and relaxed. They do not need constant activity, which makes them easy to live with in smaller homes. Their short coat also makes care simple.
French bulldogs have minimal grooming needs and usually require only basic brushing to stay clean and neat. Exercise stays easy, too. Regular walks outside and moderate play indoors are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy light games and lounging afterwards.
An interesting fact about French bulldogs is that they were once popular companions among Paris café owners, who loved their friendly and quiet nature. This calm charm still makes them great apartment dogs today.
Do you know?
Do you know that a famous French bulldog named Stella appeared in the hit TV show Modern Family? Stella was known for her calm presence and strong bond with her owner on screen. Her relaxed attitude and apartment-friendly behaviour helped make French bulldogs even more popular among city dwellers and small-home families.
2. Dachshund
The dachshund is a truly unique small dog breed known for its long body and short legs. Originally bred in Germany more than 300 years ago, this lively hound was developed to hunt badgers underground — its shape helped it dig into tunnels and chase prey deep into burrows.
Today’s dachshunds are lively companions with lots of personality. They are lively, curious, and enjoy interactive games that keep their minds sharp. In small spaces, they love mental stimulation and activities like chew toys, puzzle feeders, and short daily walks that give them both exercise and fun.
Despite their lively nature, dachshunds are considered low-maintenance in many ways. Their coat, whether smooth or short, doesn’t need heavy grooming, and brushing them a few times a week usually keeps them in good shape.
Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment life while still giving them enough energy for play. As noted by Purina, dachshunds make cheerful, bold companions who are both loyal and entertaining, adding character and charm to small homes.
Do you know?
Some dachshunds are nicknamed “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs” because of their long bodies, and this playful name fits their spirited, fun nature perfectly!
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a graceful small dog breed known for its sleek, slender build and calm nature. As the smallest of the sighthounds, it stands about 13–15 inches tall and has a short, smooth coat that’s easy to care for — a sign of being a low-maintenance companion compared to many other dogs.
This low-shedding breed fits apartment life extremely well thanks to its quiet, relaxed nature. Italian Greyhounds love cozy spots — especially soft beds or blankets — where they can curl up and rest between short playtimes.
Daily life with them usually includes gentle play indoors and brief walks outside, rather than intense exercise sessions. Their hypoallergenic coat means minimal shedding and easier grooming for busy owners or families with mild allergies.
With only light brushing and the occasional bath, they stay clean and comfortable at home. As noted on Wikipedia, these dogs were originally bred to hunt small game but today are kept mostly as companion pets, blending a calm presence with just enough activity to stay happy and healthy.
Do you know?
Italian Greyhounds are sometimes called “little athletes” because they can sprint at bursts of speed despite their small size — but after a short run, they’re just as happy to relax in your lap.
4. Papillon
The Papillon is a small dog breed easily recognised by its butterfly‑like ears, which give it a lively, elegant look. This unique feature isn’t just cute — it reflects a breed known for high intelligence and alertness, making Papillons quick learners and fun companions.
Papillons have a long, silky coat that flows gently from their body. While the coat looks fancy, it’s surprisingly manageable. Weekly brushing helps keep it smooth and tangle-free, without the heavy grooming required by other breeds, making this breed well-suited to small homes.
Their coat doesn’t mat easily, and they shed at a moderate level compared to many long‑haired breeds. What truly stands out is the Papillon’s intelligence. They are known for being clever and responsive, and they enjoy toys and activities that challenge them mentally.
Puzzle toys, simple training games, or interactive play keep their minds sharp and help prevent boredom. Their energetic yet controlled nature means they can thrive in apartment settings, as long as they get regular indoor play and engagement.
Papillons are also affectionate and lively with their families. They love to be involved in daily routines and enjoy interaction with people, which makes them feel like totally devoted companions. Their small size and alert attitude help them adapt to indoor play and create a joyful atmosphere without requiring much space.
Do you know?
Papillons are one of the oldest toy dog breeds and have appeared in European art as far back as the 1500s — painters like Titian and Rembrandt included these small spaniels in royal portraits, showing how long they’ve been cherished companions.
5. Pug
The Pug is the best small dog breed, winning hearts with its affectionate, devoted companionship. These dogs love being close to family members and often enjoy curling up in your lap for cuddles.
Unlike some more energetic breeds, Pugs tend to relax and stay calm indoors, making them ideal for apartment living and small living spaces where long play sessions aren’t always possible. Pugs have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to care for, requiring only basic brushing to manage shedding.
Their low grooming needs add to their appeal as a low‑maintenance dog for busy owners or families. While they do shed, this short fur doesn’t take much effort to keep under control with weekly brushing. Because of their flat faces and moderate energy, these dogs’ exercise requirements are lower.
Moderate walks and gentle indoor play are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy, which fits well with apartment living and calmer routines.
Pugs make great companions for people who enjoy indoor time with their dog, especially older adults or those who prefer relaxed activities over high‑energy demands. These cheerful cuddle buddies thrive on attention and bring joy to smaller homes with their affectionate nature.
Do you know?
Pugs are often called “multum in parvo,” a Latin phrase meaning “a lot in a little,” because they pack big personalities and devotion into a compact body that fits perfectly in small‑space family life.
6. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a charming small dog breed known as the “American Gentleman” for its refined appearance and friendly demeanour.
This breed was developed in the late 1800s in the United States by crossing English Bulldogs and terrier‑type dogs, and it became one of the first American breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club.
Boston Terriers have a compact, muscular body with a smooth, short coat that’s easy to care for. Their grooming needs are minimal — a weekly brush and occasional wipe‑down keep them looking neat without fuss.
What makes Boston Terriers especially great for small homes is their lively nature and manageable energy level. They are lively and enjoy fun indoor games like fetch or light tug‑of‑war.
A couple of walks or play sessions throughout the day help them burn energy and stay happy, but they don’t need wide open spaces to thrive. These dogs are also known for their entertaining personality.
Boston Terriers love to be part of family activities and often act like little performers with their goofy antics. Their high energy is balanced by their ability to calm down and relax in cozy indoor settings once playtime is over.
Do you know?
Boston Terriers often rock a tuxedo‑like coat, but some owners call them “little comedians” because of their silly faces and playful bursts of charm — they’ll happily chase a toy one moment and snooze beside you the next.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular dog breed beloved for its emotional connection and family‑friendly traits.
Named after King Charles II of England, who was so fond of these spaniels that he carried them everywhere, the breed has a rich royal history and was bred specifically to be a close companion. Today, this gentle, affectionate dog still thrives when it is near the people it loves.
Cavaliers form strong bonds with family members, children, and even other pets. They are patient, friendly, and welcoming — traits that make them excellent companions for households of all kinds.
These dogs enjoy curling up in a lap just as much as they enjoy spending time with family while relaxing at home. Their silky, medium‑length coat looks beautiful and only needs regular brushing to stay smooth and tangle‑free.
This manageable grooming routine helps keep them low‑maintenance for owners who want a loving dog without a heavy care schedule.
Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs: a couple of short walks and some gentle play each day keep them happy and healthy, and once they’ve had their activity, they’re content to relax indoors.
Cavaliers’ calm yet playful nature makes them a wonderful companion in apartments and small homes. They adapt easily to indoor living and enjoy being close to their people throughout the day. Their warm, gentle personality helps create an emotional bond that many families cherish.
Do you know?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to be lap warmers for royalty, often seen in portraits with kings and queens — a sign of how deeply these dogs have been loved for centuries.
Conclusion
Low-maintenance small dog breeds are perfect for bringing joy, affection, and companionship into homes of all sizes, especially apartment living.
From lively, playful pups to calm lap dogs and clever, intelligent companions, these breeds adapt beautifully to indoor life while fitting seamlessly into your daily routine.
When selecting the right dog breed, consider your available space, activity level, and the personality that matches your family.
No matter your living situation, one of these wonderful small breeds can provide endless love, loyalty, and happiness, making your home feel complete.
