The majority of adoptable pets in North America are dogs. Whether acquired from a shelter or purchased through a breeder, there are a lot of dogs out there looking for homes.
According to Orvis, 60 percent of all households in the U.S. have at least one pet. From apartment dwellers to those living in huge estates, there’s a dog for any amount of square footage.
Living in an apartment, though, can present challenges when it comes to selecting the right dog breed. So, whether you live in a stylish Atlanta mid-rise, a luxury Dallas high-rise, or a cozy Fort Worth studio, this guide will help you select the best breed for your apartment.
How to Select the Best Dog for Your Apartment
Restrictions written into your lease on dog size or breed can impact your choice, but don’t let size be your only determining factor. If your apartment isn’t too specific on weight restrictions for pets, the American Kennel Club says “many large breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa.”
Some smaller breeds are too energetic for apartment living, while certain large dogs need minimal space to feel comfortable. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few breeds to consider.
Dr. Michele Drake, Chief Veterinary Officer, GeniusVets
"A few – mostly smaller – breeds come to mind when considering the best dog for apartment living, but I’ve found that age and personality are usually more important things to look for. Older pets can be a great option if you’re living in an apartment because they are often less energetic and more content to just “chill” most of the day. There are also a lot of older dogs available in shelters, so finding the perfect dog for your apartment could also save a life.
I don’t typically recommend getting a puppy in an apartment, but there are situations where it would be more feasible, like if you work from home and are happy to take lots of walks outside and get the pup into some training. Generally, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Yorkies, Maltese, and maltipoos, as well as some pugs, are often good choices for apartment living because while some may be docile and some may be crazy, none of them need a lot of exercise.
However, I do not believe any breed should be left alone all day. The only dog breed that can be left alone most of the day is a cat. Cats are the best apartment pets because you do not need to take them outside regularly, and they are happy to sleep for a good part of the day. But be warned, they may want to keep you awake at night if you do not enrich their life and keep them mentally and physically stimulated."
Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
1. Dachshund
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As small and expert snuggle dogs, Dachshunds can get by with minimal exercise. Their little legs mean they don’t have to go far for a good workout. A game of fetch with a squeaky toy right in your apartment can tire them out just as well as a brisk walk. Loyal, friendly and loving, they’re a great apartment dog.
2. Bichon Frise
Renowned for their cheerful personalities, bichon frises are adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments. These friendly pups get along famously with other dogs and people, making them excellent companions. Their trainability is another plus, making them easy to live with.
Amy Newfield, credentialed veterinary technician and author, emphasizes the bichon frise’s suitability for apartment living: “Their low-shedding coats are a major advantage. While regular grooming is essential, the American Kennel Club recognizes their social nature, child-friendliness, and moderate training needs. Sadly, these wonderful dogs are often overlooked in favor of more popular brachycephalic breeds, despite their generally better health. Playful and affectionate, bichons excel at snuggling and relaxing, making them perfect apartment companions.”
3. Shih Tzu
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There’s nothing cuter than a little shih tzu with a bow in its hair. These small, low-energy lap dogs are very easygoing. Their average weight ranges between 9 and 16 pounds, making them a small dog with the proper temperament for an apartment dweller. They’ve got the best of both worlds.
4. Miniature Pinscher
While they look like a mini doberman, miniature pinschers are actually their own breed. They make great watchdogs, but this also means they may be wary of strangers. Fearless, intelligent, and confident, these dogs make a playful companion who learns quickly. Be sure to give them ample opportunity for exercise whether it be playing inside or going for walks.
5. Greyhound
A bit larger than other dogs on this list, the greyhound is a perfect example of a bigger dog with an apartment mindset. These lazy dogs need minimal exercise and grooming. They’re laid back and quickly trained, happy to curl up on the couch while you’re at work all day.
There are also a lot of greyhounds in need of their forever home. Many retired racing greyhounds end up in shelters. Organizations like The Greyhound Project help promote the adoption of these sweet pups.
6. French Bulldog
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Celebrated for their quiet, friendly, and loving nature, French bulldogs are perfectly suited for apartment living. These low-energy companions are content to lounge around with their humans after a short burst of playtime.
“French bulldogs are practically built for apartment living,” states Clipit Enterprise Ltd, a leading pet grooming company. “Their compact size, minimal exercise requirements, and laid-back personalities make them ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance yet devoted companion.”
Calm, composed, and affectionate, Frenchies are among the most unobtrusive breeds. However, their popularity has led to increased demand, making them somewhat challenging to find.
7. Pug
Small, calm, and generally quiet, Pugs can get a little clingy with their owners. It’s best not to leave them alone for long periods of time to keep them content.
They’re intelligent, very loving, playful, and friendly, they do well around other pets and people of all ages.
8. Chihuahua
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Affectionately known as ‘purse dogs,’ chihuahuas are loyal, charming, and surprisingly confident for their small stature. Maxing out at around six pounds, they’re perfect for smaller homes.
Jane Wagman, co-founder of PRIDE+GROOM, understands the appeal of apartment-friendly dogs firsthand. “As a born-and-bred New Yorker,” she shares, “I’ve had my fair share of ‘apartment’ dogs! My two chihuahuas are the epitome of low-maintenance companionship. They adore snuggling under the covers or curling up like cinnamon rolls while I’m out. Minimal shedding and the convenience of sink baths (preferably with PRIDE+GROOM, of course) make them incredibly easy to live with.”
9. Terriers
With a variety of breeds, from the miniature schnauzer to the Scottish terrier, these dogs are generally small and energetic. They’re low maintenance, but like to play and spend time outside.
As minimal shedders, they won’t leave behind too much hair on their favorite napping spots, a.k.a. your furniture.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
An adorable dog, Cavalier King Charles spaniels don’t need a ton of exercise to be content. A few small walks during the week, paired with a more adventurous trek over the weekend, and they’re set. Jocelyn Mizrahi with Dog Mom Lifestyles shares: “Cavalier King Charles spaniels bring the perfect balance of affection and adaptability — they’ll snuggle with you during movie nights and charm every neighbor on your walks.”
Sweet, playful, and gentle, they love to cuddle when at home. While they’re not big barkers, they do need time to get used to new noises before being able to ignore them.
11. Maltipoos and Aussiedoodles
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For apartment dwellers seeking a low-maintenance companion, Maltipoos are a fantastic choice. As XO Pups aptly states, “Maltipoos are the ultimate cuddle buddies for apartment living. Their small size and friendly temperament make them a joy in cozy spaces, while their moderate exercise needs are easy to meet with a short daily walk.”
For those with more active lifestyles, Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos offer a lively and engaging alternative. “Aussiedoodles and Aussiepoos are intelligent, adaptable, and great for apartments with active owners. Their energy can be managed with interactive play and mental stimulation, keeping them happy even in smaller homes.” Both breeds offer unique benefits for apartment living, catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
12. Poodles
Poodles are an excellent choice for apartment living, as highlighted by PuppySpot. "Poodles are an excellent choice for apartment living because of their intelligence, adaptability, and variety of sizes. Whether you prefer a standard, miniature, or toy poodle, their hypoallergenic coat and trainable nature make them perfect companions for smaller spaces.
Their intelligence makes them eager to please and easy to train, while their adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of living situations. Poodles come in a range of sizes, from the petite toy poodle to the larger standard poodle, making it easy to find a size that suits your living space and lifestyle.
The Best of Both Worlds
While you’ll know more about the personality of your dog with a purebred, don’t forgo adopting a pup in need. You can apply the knowledge of what pure breeds make good apartment dogs when looking at shelters.
Search for mixes with one or more of these dog breeds in their DNA to rescue your good apartment dog. Not only that, but some of these mixed breeds have amazing names:
- Cavachon: Cavalier King Charles spaniel and bichon frise
- Chiweenie: dachshund and chihuahua
- Shorkie: shih tzu and Yorkshire terrier
- Chug: chihuahua and pug
Getting Ready to Be a Dog Owner
Once you’ve begun your search for the perfect apartment pooch, it’s time to get your home and yourself ready to be a dog owner. There’s no recipe for finding the perfect dog, but knowing a little about breeds can help.
“As long as the dog matches your lifestyle, you’ll have found the “best” breed for you,” says Carolyn Steber from Bustle. Make sure you’ve got all the supplies for a happy dog and have thought about how to be a good dog owner in an apartment community.”
Setting Up a Dog-friendly Home
A few items you’ll need right from the start include:
- Dog bed
- Food and water bowls
- Large mat to catch any spills and prevent stains from eating or chewing on a favorite bone
- You’ll also need to think about what rules you’ll have for your pup so you can practice them from the start.
- Decide what furniture they can and can’t use.
- Establish if it’s OK if they sleep with you in the bed.
- Set guidelines and then train your dog from day one to only go where they’re allowed.
Exercising an Apartment Dog
Every dog needs exercise, whether it’s a walk or some playtime with a favorite toy. If you already know your work schedule is a little crazy, plan to get some help in this area. Send your dog out to doggie daycare a few days a week or hire a dog walker to come in daily.
Consider crate training your dog to make their time at home less stressful, and budget in time over the weekend for you to get out with your furry friend. A trip to a local dog park once a week could wipe them out for days.
“While smaller dog breeds would seem to be more suitable for an apartment, all dogs require plenty of exercise and socialization to make them suitable for apartment living. Any dog living in an apartment needs regular exercise including multiple walks per day or play dates at the local dog park to prevent boredom. Boredom enhances bad behaviors such as barking and destruction of property. Breeds that don’t do well in apartments include but are not limited to herding and hound groups. maltese, shihtzu, dachshund, miniature poodles, boston terriers and greyhounds are a few breeds that typically have lower energy and are good for first time dog owners and those living in smaller spaces.”-Bel Rea Institute Of Animal Technology
Being a Neighbor-friendly Dog Owner
The last thing you want is for your neighbors to dislike your dog — or you for that matter. Don’t be a bad dog owner where they’re concerned. Remember how close you all live to each other, that you share most outdoor space and act accordingly.
- Keep your dog from excessive barking.
- Desensitize them to strange or new noises and people to keep barking down.
- Clean up after your pet
- Leash your dog at all times when not inside the apartment
- Teach them not to jump when they meet someone new
- Stay up-to-date with shots and regular vet visits
Remember that not everyone is a dog lover so being a respectful dog parent is important. Even owning pets from good apartment dog breeds doesn’t mean everyone will want to interact with your pup. As long as you give your dog the right amount of exercise, attention, and training, they’ll be a well-behaved member of the community that everyone can tolerate.
The Best Apartment Dogs by Breed | ApartmentGuide
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