15 Best Dogs For Apartments (Smaller Spaces)
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joy of having a dog. While some breeds may require more space and a big backyard, many dogs are perfectly content in smaller living environments.
Here are 15 of the best dog breeds for apartment living, each bringing their own unique charm and companionship to your home.
1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are a popular choice for apartment dwellers. They are small, quiet, and require minimal exercise, making them perfect for smaller spaces. Their affectionate nature and easygoing temperament make them wonderful companions.
- Size: 16-28 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Temperament: Friendly, adaptable, and affectionate
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and loving nature. They are small and adaptable, making them great for apartments. They enjoy moderate exercise and are content with short walks and indoor play.
- Size: 13-18 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and friendly
3. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers, often called the “American Gentleman,” are compact and full of personality. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and friendly nature. They need moderate exercise and love being around their owners.
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- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Friendly, lively, and intelligent
4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that thrive in apartment settings. They have low exercise needs and are perfectly happy with indoor play and short walks. Their sweet and friendly disposition makes them great companions.
- Size: 9-16 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Low
- Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, and outgoing
5. Pug

Pugs are small, charming dogs with a lot of personality. They are well-suited for apartment living and require minimal exercise. Their affectionate nature and love for human companionship make them perfect for smaller spaces.
- Size: 14-18 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Low
- Temperament: Charming, affectionate, and playful
6. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs that do well in apartments. They have moderate exercise needs and are known for their friendly and playful nature. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat looking its best.
- Size: 12-18 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and friendly
7. Dachshund

Dachshunds, with their unique long bodies and short legs, are great for apartment living. They require moderate exercise and enjoy indoor play and short walks. Their curious and lively nature makes them entertaining companions.
- Size: 11-32 pounds (depending on whether they are miniature or standard)
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Lively, curious, and friendly
8. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them ideal for apartments. They need minimal exercise and are perfectly content with short walks and indoor play. Their loyal and bold personality adds a lot of character to their small size.
- Size: 2-6 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Low
- Temperament: Loyal, bold, and lively
9. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with a big personality. They are well-suited for apartment living and have moderate exercise needs. Their affectionate and spirited nature makes them great companions.
- Size: 4-7 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Spirited, affectionate, and bold
10. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs with a lot of energy and personality. They adapt well to apartment living and need moderate exercise. Their playful and friendly nature makes them a joy to have around.
- Size: 3-7 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Playful, friendly, and bold
11. Maltese

Maltese dogs are small, gentle, and perfect for apartment living. They require minimal exercise and are content with short walks and indoor play. Their affectionate and friendly nature makes them wonderful companions.
- Size: 4-7 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Low
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and playful
12. Havanese

Havanese dogs are small, friendly, and adaptable, making them great for apartment living. They have moderate exercise needs and enjoy indoor play and short walks. Their cheerful and outgoing nature makes them great companions.
- Size: 7-13 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Cheerful, friendly, and outgoing
13. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are small, intelligent dogs that do well in apartments. They require moderate exercise and enjoy indoor play and regular walks. Their friendly and alert nature makes them excellent companions.
- Size: 11-20 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and alert
14. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are small, elegant dogs that adapt well to apartment living. They require moderate exercise and enjoy short walks and indoor play. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them great companions.
- Size: 7-14 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and playful
15. Papillon

Papillons are small, lively dogs that are well-suited for apartment living. They have moderate exercise needs and enjoy indoor play and regular walks. Their friendly and intelligent nature makes them wonderful companions.
- Size: 5-10 pounds
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and lively
FAQ
Q: What should I consider when choosing a dog for an apartment? A: Consider the dog’s size, exercise needs, and temperament. Dogs that are small, have low to moderate exercise needs, and are generally quiet and adaptable are usually the best fit for apartment living.
Q: How can I keep my apartment dog happy and healthy? A: Ensure they get regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proper nutrition. Take them for daily walks, provide interactive toys, and maintain a consistent feeding schedule.
Q: Are there any breeds I should avoid in an apartment? A: Large, high-energy breeds that require a lot of space and exercise may not be well-suited for apartment living. Breeds known for being very vocal or having high separation anxiety might also be challenging.
Q: How do I manage barking in an apartment? A: Training, regular exercise, and mental stimulation can help reduce barking. Provide plenty of toys, establish a routine, and consider using positive reinforcement techniques.
Q: Can larger dogs live in apartments? A: Yes, some larger dogs can adapt to apartment living if they have a calm demeanor and their exercise needs are met. Breeds like Greyhounds and Great Danes are known for being adaptable to smaller spaces.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog for your apartment can make all the difference in ensuring a harmonious living environment. Small, adaptable breeds with moderate exercise needs are typically the best fit.
By providing your furry friend with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of love, you’ll create a happy and healthy home for both you and your pet. Happy pet parenting!

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉