Finding the perfect dog for apartment living can be a challenge. With limited space and close neighbors, it’s important to choose a breed that fits comfortably into your lifestyle.
Whether you live in a cozy studio or a modest one-bedroom, some dogs are naturally better suited to smaller living spaces than others. From low-energy lapdogs to compact, easygoing companions, the right dog can make apartment life enjoyable and stress-free.
In this article, we’ll explore the 25 best dogs for apartments—breeds that thrive in tight quarters, have manageable energy levels, and adapt well to urban environments. Let’s find your next best friend who’s perfectly happy in your apartment!
1) French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are ideal for apartment living due to their low-energy nature. They love lounging around and don’t need a lot of exercise, making them great for people with limited space.
These dogs are also affectionate and sociable, meaning they adapt well to urban environments. Their small size and playful attitude make them the perfect cuddle buddy for cozy apartments.
French Bulldogs are also great for families, singles, and elderly owners alike, as they thrive on attention without demanding too much activity or space.
2) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate and adaptable breed. Their friendly personality allows them to fit well into smaller spaces, and they are happy with moderate exercise like daily walks.
They thrive on companionship and love spending time with their owners. With a gentle temperament, they are an excellent choice for apartment dwellers looking for a friendly and easygoing dog.
Their silky coats and sweet demeanor make them excellent pets for all types of owners, including first-time dog parents.
3) Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are compact and perfect for apartment living. Their small size means they don’t require much space, and they love staying close to their owners.
They are also quite adaptable and can live comfortably even in the tiniest spaces. Although they can be feisty and energetic, they are perfectly happy with short indoor play sessions.
They are also easy to transport, making them great companions for city living. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and bond deeply with their family, providing lots of love in a tiny package.
4) Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small and adaptable, ideal for apartment life. They have moderate energy levels, which can easily be managed with indoor play or short walks.
Their cheerful nature makes them perfect for owners looking for a playful yet relaxed pet. Known as the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are friendly and social dogs.
They get along well with people and love spending time indoors with their family. Their distinctive tuxedo-like markings give them a charming appearance, and their eagerness to please makes them great companions.
5) Pug
Pugs are known for their laid-back attitude. They enjoy lounging and don’t require a lot of physical activity, which makes them great for apartment living.
Their small size means they can comfortably nap on the couch without taking up much space. With their friendly and playful nature, Pugs are happy in a small home environment.
They love spending time with their families and are well-suited to a cozy lifestyle. Their humorous expressions and gentle demeanor make them lovable pets that easily fit into apartment life.
6) Dachshund
Dachshunds are playful and entertaining. They are small enough to live comfortably in apartments, and they enjoy both indoor and outdoor play.
Their short legs make them perfect for a home without a large yard, as they don’t need as much space to run. These dogs are also loyal and curious, often content to explore their surroundings.
Their adaptable nature makes them a good fit for apartment life as long as they receive regular walks. Dachshunds are also known for their courage and love of adventure, bringing joy to small living spaces.
7) Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small, spirited dogs that thrive in apartments. Their compact size allows them to move comfortably in small spaces, and they require minimal exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They are also affectionate and adaptable, making them excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Yorkies love spending time with their owners and enjoy being pampered.
Despite their tiny stature, Yorkies have a big personality and make fantastic watchdogs, adding extra security to your apartment home.
8) Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are perfect for indoor living due to their low exercise needs. They are a breed that thrives on companionship, making them great for smaller spaces and owners who enjoy spending time at home.
With their calm and gentle temperament, Shih Tzus are happy spending time indoors. They enjoy snuggling up with their owners and are adaptable to apartment living.
Shih Tzus are also quite sociable, often getting along well with children, other pets, and guests.
9) Maltese
The Maltese is a gentle, low-energy breed that enjoys being indoors. They do not require a lot of exercise, making them perfect for apartment settings, especially for owners with busy schedules or limited space.
Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them great companions for families or individuals. Maltese love being around their people and thrive in smaller, cozier environments.
They also have a hypoallergenic coat, making them an excellent choice for those who have allergies.
10) Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are friendly and adaptable. They don’t require a large yard and can happily live in an apartment, provided they receive regular playtime and short walks to keep them stimulated.
These dogs are also playful and sociable, enjoying interactions with their owners. They adapt well to smaller living spaces and are easy to train, thanks to their eager-to-please attitude.
Their fluffy coats and cheerful personality make them wonderful pets for urban dwellers looking for a cheerful companion.
11) Havanese
Havanese are sociable dogs that adapt well to apartment living. Their small size and cheerful personality make them a good choice for people living in smaller spaces where they can easily move about.
They are also playful and affectionate, thriving on interaction with their family. Havanese are easy to train and enjoy both indoor play and outdoor walks.
Their adaptability and love for people make them a fantastic choice for first-time dog owners looking for a friendly, happy dog.
12) Pekingese
Pekingese are calm and relaxed dogs that do well in apartments. They enjoy lounging and don’t require a lot of exercise, making them ideal for a smaller living environment with minimal outdoor space.
With their loyal and loving nature, Pekingese make great companions for those looking for a low-energy dog. They are perfectly happy to stay indoors, especially when with their owners.
They are known to be somewhat independent but will form a close bond with their family.
13) Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small and energetic, but they are also adaptable to smaller living environments. They enjoy indoor play, which makes them suitable for apartments, especially when provided with toys and attention.
They are alert and curious, often showing a lot of personality in a small package. Pomeranians love being close to their owners, making them ideal for apartment dwellers.
Their fluffy coat and lively nature make them an adorable and engaging pet for those in small spaces.
14) Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and friendly, making them great apartment pets. They are active but can be kept entertained with indoor play, puzzle toys, and regular short walks.
They are also easy to train and enjoy spending time with their families. With proper mental stimulation, Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living.
They are a great choice for someone who wants a small yet lively companion without the high-energy needs of larger breeds.
15) Basenji
Basenjis are quiet and independent, perfect for apartment living. They are known as the “barkless dog,” which is ideal for close neighbors in a shared building. Their clean nature also adds to their suitability for indoor living.
With their low maintenance needs, Basenjis require regular exercise but don’t take up much space indoors. They thrive in smaller environments as long as they receive mental stimulation.
Their independent streak and unique personality make them a good match for an experienced owner looking for a unique pet.
16) Coton de Tulear
Cotons de Tulear are small and cheerful, perfectly suited for apartments. They adapt easily to different living environments and enjoy spending time with their owners, which makes them ideal for individuals or families.
They are also playful and affectionate, making them wonderful companions. With moderate exercise needs, they can thrive in smaller spaces without difficulty.
Their soft, cotton-like fur adds to their charm, and they love to play and cuddle, providing plenty of joy to their owners.
17) Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are low-energy indoors, enjoying lounging around after short bursts of activity. This makes them well-suited to apartment living, as they are more relaxed and comfortable in a cozy setting.
These dogs are also graceful and affectionate, loving the comfort of being close to their owners. A few short walks and some indoor play will keep them happy.
Their slender build and calm demeanor mean they are best suited to quieter homes without a lot of rough play.
18) Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are independent and confident, and they do well in apartments due to their small size. They don’t require a lot of space and are comfortable indoors, provided they have enough attention from their family.
They are also loyal and protective, forming strong bonds with their owners. Lhasa Apsos adapt easily to apartment living as long as they receive sufficient attention.
They make excellent watchdogs, as they are naturally alert, and their loyal nature means they will always be close by.
19) Chinese Crested Powder Puff
Chinese Cresteds are small and adaptable, making them great for apartments. They prefer staying indoors and enjoy a comfortable environment, often curling up next to their favorite person.
With their low-energy needs, they don’t require a lot of exercise. Cresteds are loving companions who bond closely with their owners, making them ideal for apartment living.
Their unique appearance and affectionate personality make them a great fit for owners who enjoy having a distinctive and devoted pet.
20) Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are independent and dignified, and they adapt well to smaller spaces. They are content in apartments as long as they receive regular walks and some time to explore their surroundings.
These dogs are also affectionate and loyal, often bonding closely with their families. With moderate exercise needs, they fit well into apartment living.
Scotties are known for their strong character and can make great watchdogs, adding a touch of protection to their homes.
21) Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
Toy and Miniature Poodles are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them suitable for apartments. Their small size means they can easily adapt to smaller spaces, and they love being involved in family activities.
They are also active and affectionate, enjoying both indoor play and outdoor walks. Poodles are adaptable and thrive in an apartment setting with the right attention.
Their hypoallergenic coat also makes them suitable for allergy sufferers, adding to their appeal as a family pet.
22) Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are small and affectionate, well-suited for apartment life. Their size makes them comfortable in tight quarters, and they love being close to their owners, often forming a very strong bond.
These dogs are also curious and entertaining, thriving on interaction with their family. Their adaptable personality makes them ideal companions for small living spaces.
With their expressive faces and lively nature, they make every day enjoyable for their owners and fit perfectly in an apartment setting.
23) Whippet
Whippets are low-energy indoors, often enjoying a good nap after short bursts of activity. They are comfortable in apartments, provided they get occasional outdoor runs or activities to stretch their long legs.
Their gentle and friendly nature makes them ideal for close living quarters. Whippets are well-suited to a calm and cozy lifestyle.
They love spending time with their owners, whether it’s going for a walk or simply lounging on the couch, making them excellent low-maintenance companions.
24) English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are known for their laid-back temperament. They have low energy levels, which makes them ideal for apartment living without the need for much space. They enjoy a calm environment and aren’t very demanding.
They are friendly and loving, enjoying spending time indoors with their families. Bulldogs are great companions for those looking for a relaxed and easygoing dog. Their sturdy build and gentle personality make them well-suited to smaller spaces, and they thrive on attention from their favorite humans.
25) Papillon
Papillons are small and agile, making them a great fit for apartment living. They are intelligent and adapt well to different environments, including smaller spaces, where they can comfortably move and play.
With their friendly and lively demeanor, Papillons love being close to their owners. They enjoy both indoor play and outdoor walks, making them versatile apartment companions.
Their beautiful butterfly-like ears and affectionate personality make them an appealing pet for those seeking a joyful, playful addition to their home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog for apartment living can significantly enhance your quality of life, whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or bringing a dog into your home for the first time. The breeds highlighted in this list are perfect for smaller spaces, offering the ideal balance of companionship and adaptability.
From low-energy lounge lovers to compact, playful companions, these dogs are happy in cozy environments and thrive with the love and attention of their families. By selecting a breed that suits your lifestyle, you can ensure a fulfilling relationship that enriches both your lives, making apartment living a joy for you and your furry friend.