Small in size, big in personality—ideal for apartments and city life
When selecting a dog for apartment living, it’s essential to consider breeds that are adaptable, have moderate energy levels, and require manageable grooming. The following breeds are known for their suitability to apartment environments.
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are not only calm and adaptable to small spaces, but they also possess a friendly, affectionate nature that makes them excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Their compact size and low exercise needs, typically satisfied with short walks and indoor play, suit urban lifestyles perfectly. Frenchies are also known for their minimal barking, which is ideal for close-quarter living. While they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, requiring only occasional brushing, potential owners should be mindful of their sensitivity to heat due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, necessitating caution during warmer weather. Source: petbarnkw.com
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and adaptable companions, well-suited for apartment living. Their gentle temperament and sociable nature make them excellent family pets, comfortable with children and other animals. These dogs are content with moderate exercise, such as daily walks and indoor play, and they thrive on human interaction, making them ideal for smaller living spaces. However, their long, silky coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, and they may be prone to certain health issues, including heart conditions, necessitating regular veterinary check-ups. Source: weenect.com
3. Pug
Pugs are affectionate and low-energy companions that thrive in apartment settings due to their compact size and sociable nature. Their playful yet calm demeanor makes them ideal for indoor living, requiring only moderate daily exercise through short walks and interactive play. Pugs are known for their loyalty and desire to be close to their owners, often forming strong bonds with family members. They are generally quiet dogs, which is beneficial in shared living environments. Regular grooming is also necessary to manage their shedding, and attention should be given to cleaning their facial wrinkles to prevent skin infections. Source: petbarnkw.com
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, often called the “American Gentleman” for their distinctive tuxedo-like markings, are affectionate and adaptable companions well-suited for apartment living. Their compact size and moderate exercise needs typically satisfied with daily walks and indoor play, make them ideal for urban environments. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Boston Terriers generally get along well with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized. Their intelligence and eagerness to please facilitate training, although they can exhibit a stubborn streak. Also, while they are relatively quiet, they may bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar situations, a trait manageable with consistent training. Source: worldanimalfoundation.org
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful, adaptable, and well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and friendly nature. Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats make them ideal for allergy sufferers, though they require regular grooming, daily brushing and professional trims at least every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting. These intelligent dogs are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training, but they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, making them best suited for owners who are home often or can provide companionship.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate, low-energy dogs that thrive in indoor environments, making them ideal companions for apartment living. Their compact size allows them to navigate small spaces comfortably, and their friendly disposition ensures they get along well with children and other pets. While they enjoy short daily walks and interactive play, their exercise needs are modest, aligning well with urban lifestyles. It’s important to note that Shih Tzus have a long, double coat requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain cleanliness. Additionally, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so they do best in homes where they receive ample attention and companionship.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are exceptionally well-suited for apartment living due to their diminutive size and adaptable nature. Weighing between 3 to 6 pounds and standing 5 to 8 inches tall, they require minimal space and can comfortably thrive in compact environments. Their exercise needs are modest, typically satisfied with short daily walks and indoor play sessions. Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and often form strong bonds with their owners, preferring close companionship. However, they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit protective behaviors, including barking. Early socialization and consistent training are essential to manage these tendencies and ensure they are well-adjusted.
8. Havanese
Havanese dogs are friendly, adaptable, and thrive in apartment settings. Their small size (typically 7–13 pounds) and affectionate nature make them ideal companions for urban dwellers. They require moderate daily exercise, and about 30 minutes of walks or playtime to stay healthy and content. Havanese also form strong bonds with their owners and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. To add to the list, their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats are suitable for allergy sufferers but necessitate regular grooming to prevent matting.
9. Maltese
Maltese dogs are gentle, affectionate, and well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and friendly nature. Weighing under 7 pounds, they adapt easily to compact spaces and thrive on human companionship. Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats make them ideal for allergy sufferers, though regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and maintain coat health. Daily brushing and routine baths are recommended to keep their silky white fur in top condition. Maltese dogs have moderate energy levels, requiring short daily walks and indoor play to stay healthy and content. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so they do best in homes where they receive ample attention.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are energetic and affectionate companions that adapt well to apartment living due to their compact size and lively personality. Despite their small stature, they possess a bold and spirited nature, often described as having a “big dog” attitude. Regular exercise is essential for their well-being; daily walks and interactive play sessions help channel their energy and prevent behavioral issues. Their fine, silky coats are hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making them suitable for allergy sufferers, but they also require consistent grooming, daily brushing and professional trims every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain their coat’s health and prevent matting.
11. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are calm, affectionate companions that thrive in apartment settings due to their compact size and moderate exercise needs. Weighing between 7 to 14 pounds and standing about 6 to 9 inches tall, they are well-suited for small living spaces. Their moderate energy levels require approximately an hour of physical activity daily, which can be fulfilled through two 15- to 20-minute walks and indoor play sessions. However, due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, they are prone to overheating and should avoid strenuous activity, especially in hot weather. Pekingese are known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature, necessitating consistent training and early socialization to ensure well-adjusted behavior. Their thick double coat requires daily brushing and regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain skin health.
12. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are independent and adaptable dogs that thrive in apartment settings due to their small size and moderate exercise needs. Originally bred as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries, they possess a keen sense of hearing and may be prone to alert barking in response to unfamiliar sounds, making early socialization and consistent training essential to manage this behavior. Their exercise requirements are modest; daily walks and indoor play sessions totaling around 30 minutes to an hour suffice to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated . However, their luxurious double coat demands regular grooming and daily brushing as well, to prevent matting and periodic professional trims to maintain its condition.
13. Papillon
Papillons are intelligent, friendly, and adaptable dogs that thrive in apartment settings. Their small size (typically 5–10 pounds) and moderate exercise needs, about 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity through walks and playtime make them well-suited for urban living. Papillons are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, which makes them responsive to positive reinforcement training. Their long, silky coats also require regular grooming and brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting and maintain cleanliness.
14. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are graceful, affectionate, and well-suited for apartment living due to their compact size and gentle demeanor. Weighing between 7 to 14 pounds and standing 13 to 15 inches tall, they adapt easily to smaller spaces. Despite their elegant appearance, they are playful and enjoy short bursts of activity. Daily walks and interactive play sessions totaling 30 to 60 minutes help meet their exercise needs and prevent boredom. Their short, fine coat requires minimal grooming, occasional baths and regular dental care suffice. However, their low body fat and thin coat make them sensitive to cold temperatures, so they may need sweaters during cooler weather.
15. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lively, affectionate, and well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and adaptable nature. Weighing between 3 to 7 pounds, they require minimal space and can thrive in compact environments. Despite their energetic disposition, Pomeranians have moderate exercise needs typically satisfied with two brisk 20-minute walks daily and indoor play sessions. Their thick double coat necessitates regular grooming; brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks help maintain coat health and prevent matting. While they are intelligent and eager to please, Pomeranians can be vocal, often barking at unfamiliar noises; a trait that can be managed with consistent training and socialization.
16. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are energetic, intelligent, and adaptable dogs that can thrive in apartment settings when their needs are met. Weighing between 8 to 10 pounds and standing 10 to 12.5 inches tall, their compact size suits smaller living spaces. However, they possess high energy levels and require at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, including brisk walks and interactive play, to prevent boredom and associated behavioral issues. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training sessions is equally important to keep them engaged. Their short, sleek coat is low-maintenance, necessitating weekly brushing and occasional baths. Regular nail trims are also essential, as their nails tend to grow quickly. Miniature Pinschers can be wary of strangers and may exhibit a strong prey drive, making early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training crucial.
17. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable companions, making them well-suited for apartment living. Weighing between 8 to 10 pounds and standing 7 to 10 inches tall, their compact size allows them to thrive in small spaces. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their expressive faces and lively personalities. They require moderate daily exercise approximately 30 minutes through walks and interactive play to maintain their physical and mental health. Brussels Griffons come in two coat types: rough and smooth. Rough-coated Griffons need regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to prevent matting, while smooth-coated ones require less frequent grooming.
18. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are gentle, affectionate, and highly adaptable, making them excellent companions for apartment living. Weighing between 4 to 9 pounds and standing 8 to 11 inches tall, their compact size suits small spaces perfectly. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are known for their cat-like behaviors, such as perching on high surfaces and self-grooming. They require moderate exercise, short daily walks and indoor playtime suffice to keep them healthy and content, and their long, silky coats need regular brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles, and occasional bathing to maintain cleanliness..
19. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are playful, intelligent, and adaptable companions, making them well-suited for apartment living. Weighing between 7 to 10 pounds and standing 9 to 11.5 inches tall, their compact size allows them to thrive in small spaces. Despite their size, they also possess a lively and confident demeanor, often described as having a “big dog” attitude. Regular exercise is essential for their well-being; daily walks and interactive play sessions help channel their energy and prevent behavioral issues. Their wiry coat requires consistent grooming brushing two to three times a week and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its condition and prevent matting. Affenpinschers are known for their affectionate nature and strong bonds with their owners, but they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit a strong prey drive, making early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training crucial.
20. Bolognese
Bolognese dogs are gentle, affectionate, and highly adaptable, making them excellent companions for apartment living. Weighing between 5 to 9 pounds and standing 10 to 12 inches tall, their compact size suits small spaces perfectly. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are known for their calm demeanor and loyalty. They require moderate daily exercise like short walks and indoor playtime to keep them healthy and content. Their long, fluffy white coats are low-shedding but necessitate regular grooming; daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and maintain coat health. Bolognese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement training. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so they do best in homes where they receive ample attention and companionship.
21. Basenji
Basenjis are quiet, independent, and intelligent dogs, making them suitable for apartment living. Known as the “barkless dog,” they produce unique yodel-like sounds instead of traditional barking, which is advantageous in shared living spaces . Despite their small size, Basenjis are high-energy and require at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, including walks and playtime, to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Their short, fine coat is low-shedding and requires minimal grooming. However, their strong prey drive and tendency to climb mean they should be supervised in unsecured areas.
22. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are affectionate and adaptable, making them excellent companions for apartment living. Weighing between 8 to 12 pounds and standing 11 to 13 inches tall, their small size suits compact spaces. They require moderate daily exercise about 30 to 45 minutes of walks and playtime to stay healthy and content. This breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Cresteds need regular skin care, including moisturizing and sun protection, while powderpuffs require frequent brushing to prevent matting. Both types are known for their affectionate nature and thrive on human companionship, although they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
23. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are gentle, affectionate dogs that adapt well to apartment living. Weighing between 8 to 15 pounds, they thrive in indoor environments and form strong bonds with their families. Daily walks and play sessions totaling 30 to 60 minutes help meet their moderate exercise needs. Their long, cotton-like coat requires regular grooming and brushing several times a week and bathing every two to four weeks to prevent matting and maintain cleanliness
24. Dachshund
Dachshunds are lively and affectionate dogs that can adapt well to apartment living, provided their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. Their small size makes them suitable for compact spaces, but they possess a high energy level and require regular physical activity to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Daily walks and interactive play sessions are essential to keep them healthy and content. Additionally, Dachshunds are known for their tendency to bark, which can be managed through consistent training and socialization. Their grooming needs vary depending on coat type: smooth-coated Dachshunds require minimal grooming, while long-haired and wire-haired varieties need more frequent brushing.
25. English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Spaniels are gentle and affectionate companions, well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and calm demeanor. They thrive on human companionship and are content with short daily walks and indoor play to meet their moderate exercise needs. Their long, silky coats require regular brushing to prevent tangles, and their floppy ears should be cleaned weekly to avoid infections. While they can be reserved around strangers, they form strong bonds with their families
26. Maltipoo
Maltipoos are friendly, adaptable dogs that thrive in apartment settings due to their small size and affectionate nature. They require moderate daily exercise, such as two 20-minute walks or a combination of walks and indoor play sessions, to stay healthy and content . Their low-shedding, wavy or curly coats need regular grooming and daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain their appearance and comfort. Maltipoos form strong bonds with their owners and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, so they do best in homes where they receive
27. Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are energetic and intelligent companions that adapt well to apartment living. Despite their small size, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and interactive play sessions help meet their activity needs and prevent boredom-related behaviors. Their short, smooth coats are low-maintenance, needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths to keep them clean and healthy. Toy Fox Terriers are known for their affectionate nature and strong bonds with their families.
28. Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers are lively, intelligent, and affectionate companions, making them well-suited for apartment living. Despite their small size, they possess a bold and energetic demeanor, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content. Regular walks and interactive play sessions help meet their activity needs and prevent boredom-related behaviors. Their long, silky coat necessitates consistent grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain its appearance. Silky Terriers are known for their alertness and may bark at unfamiliar sounds, so early socialization and consistent training are important to manage this trait.
29. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or “Scotties,” are independent and adaptable dogs that can thrive in apartment settings with proper care. Their compact size and moderate energy levels make them suitable for smaller living spaces, provided they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks and interactive play sessions help keep them physically and mentally engaged. Scotties have a distinctive double coat that requires consistent grooming, including weekly brushing and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, to maintain its texture and appearance . Known for their loyalty and alertness, they can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure they are well-adjusted companions.
30. Sealyham Terrier
Sealyham Terriers are calm, affectionate, and adaptable dogs, making them well-suited for apartment living. Weighing between 20 to 24 pounds and standing around 10.5 inches tall, their compact size fits comfortably in smaller spaces. Despite their terrier lineage, they have a moderate energy level and typically require about 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, such as walks or interactive play sessions, to stay healthy and content . Their dense, weather-resistant double coat is low-shedding but demands regular grooming.
31. Skye Terrier
Skye Terriers are gentle, affectionate, and well-suited for apartment living due to their moderate size and adaptable nature. They thrive on human companionship and require about 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, such as walks and playtime, to stay healthy and content . Their long, flowing double coat needs regular grooming and brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting and maintain its appearance. While they are generally calm indoors, Skye Terriers can be vocal and may bark at unfamiliar sounds, so early socialization and consistent training are important.
32. Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniels are affectionate and adaptable, making them excellent companions for apartment living. They thrive on human interaction and are content with daily walks and play sessions totaling 30 to 60 minutes to meet their moderate exercise needs. Their medium-length double coat requires regular brushing a few times a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. While they are generally calm indoors, Tibetan Spaniels can be alert and may bark at unfamiliar sounds, so early socialization and consistent training are important..
33. Toy Manchester Terrier
Toy Manchester Terriers are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs that adapt well to apartment living. Weighing between 6 to 8 pounds and standing 10 to 12 inches tall, their compact size suits small spaces perfectly. Despite their size, they possess a lively and confident demeanor, requiring daily exercise such as two 30-minute walks or interactive play sessions to stay healthy and content. Their short, sleek black-and-tan coat is low-maintenance, needing only weekly brushing and occasional baths to keep it clean and shiny. Toy Manchester Terriers form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their alertness, making them excellent watchdogs. .
34. Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers are lively, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that can adapt well to apartment living, provided their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met. They require at least an hour of daily physical activity, such as walks, playtime, or interactive games, to stay healthy and content . Their wiry double coat necessitates regular grooming, including weekly brushing and professional hand-stripping every 8 to 12 weeks, to maintain its texture and appearance . Due to their strong prey drive and tendency to bark, early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are essential..
35. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are friendly and adaptable dogs that can thrive in apartment settings. Their compact size and sociable nature make them well-suited for indoor living. To stay healthy and content, Westies require daily exercise, such as walks and playtime, totaling around an hour each day. Their double coat needs regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, to prevent matting and maintain coat health. With proper care and attention, Westies make delightful and manageable companions for apartment dwellers.
Try adopting one of these cozy breeds into your apartment today and tell us how it goes in the comments!
