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Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up the dream of having a furry companion. There’s this widespread assumption that only tiny dogs belong in small spaces, but that’s not quite the full picture. Some of the best apartment dogs might actually surprise you with their size, their energy levels, or both.
What matters more than square footage is finding a breed with the right temperament, manageable energy, and a quiet demeanor. Your neighbors will appreciate a calm pup who doesn’t bark at every footstep in the hallway. Let’s be real, choosing the wrong breed for apartment living can turn your cozy home into a chaotic mess. The right choice will make your small space feel even warmer. So let’s dive into some breeds that defy expectations when it comes to city living.
The Greyhound: A Couch Potato in Disguise
When most people think about Greyhounds, they picture lightning speed and endless energy. Here’s the thing though, these elegant dogs are basically professional nappers. Greyhounds have two speeds, sprinting and napping.
Although Greyhounds are among the fastest animals in the world, they are somewhat low-energy dogs and will be satisfied with a simple daily walk. Their exercise needs are surprisingly manageable since they were bred to be sprinters, not endurance runners. Once they’ve had their brief burst of energy, they’re perfectly content to lounge around your apartment for hours on end.
Greyhounds are also generally a very quiet breed and are not prone to heavy barking fits. This makes them ideal neighbors in shared wall situations. Just keep in mind that rescue Greyhounds might need patience with potty training if they’ve spent time in the racing world.
Their gentle nature and calm indoor presence make them one of the most unexpected apartment champions. Honestly, I think more people should consider this breed despite their larger size.
The Great Dane: Gentle Giants for Compact Spaces
It sounds absolutely crazy to suggest a dog that weighs over a hundred pounds for apartment living. Yet Great Danes consistently make the list of best apartment dogs for good reason. Great Danes are so mellow that their size – 100 to 130 pounds – shouldn’t discourage you. Their calm, quiet nature and unparalleled trainability make these friendly giants perfect for your apartment.
Great Danes are better suited for apartment living than many smaller, more active breeds due to their peaceful temperament. They’re perfectly happy to lounge on the sofa all day, asking for little more than a moderate walk and some affection from their humans. Their laid back personality means they won’t be bouncing off the walls or destroying your furniture out of boredom.
The only real considerations are weight restrictions in your building and the higher costs of feeding such a large dog. Their short coat is easy to maintain, even if they do shed a bit.
These majestic dogs prove that size truly doesn’t matter when it comes to apartment compatibility. Temperament wins every time.
The Basset Hound: Low Rider, Low Maintenance
Maxing out at about 60 pounds, this easygoing lowrider is the perfect family pet. Basset Hounds are great with children because they’re good natured and not easily annoyed. Their droopy ears and soulful eyes might make them look perpetually sad, but these dogs are actually quite content with apartment life.
Basset hounds make some of the best apartment dogs purely thanks to their exercise requirements. One good walk a day should be plenty to keep your basset hound feeling healthy and happy. The rest of the time, they’re more than happy to nap on a dog bed or engage in some light play. This calm dog breed was once a hunting dog but has since mastered the art of relaxing. You would not believe their relaxed aura when at home.
The only downside is that when left alone, Basset Hounds tend to bark. Training can help manage this tendency, especially if you work long hours. Their adaptability and friendly nature with both people and pets make them excellent apartment companions.
If you have a ground floor apartment or an elevator in your building, a Basset Hound could be your perfect match.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royalty in Small Packages
Quiet, calm, and low-maintenance, Cavaliers make just about the perfect apartment dog. These incredibly intelligent, deeply loyal little dogs are quiet, friendly, and small enough to fit into even the coziest of studios with ease. Bred to be lap dogs for royalty, they genuinely prefer smaller spaces where they can stay close to their owners.
A smaller living space where they can keep an eye on their owner is the dream life for these dogs – in fact, they can be quite clingy. This makes them ideal for people who spend a good amount of time at home or work remotely. They adapt beautifully to varied living environments without becoming stressed or anxious.
Their exercise needs are minimal. Twenty minutes of daily activity is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. These dogs thrive on affection and companionship, making them perfect for singles, couples, or families with children.
The only real consideration is their tendency toward separation anxiety. They don’t do well when left alone for extended periods. Otherwise, they’re an absolute dream for apartment dwellers.
The Bichon Frise: Fluffy and Apartment Friendly
The small size and intelligent nature of the Bichon Frise make this breed one of the best dogs for small apartments. A daily walk or game of indoor fetch or tug-of-war is typically enough exercise to satisfy this lapdog. These cheerful little dogs adapt incredibly well to confined spaces and are always eager to please their owners.
Their hypoallergenic coat makes the Bichon Frise an excellent breed for apartment living. This is a huge advantage for allergy sufferers or anyone who wants to keep their small space free from excessive dog hair. The fluffy coat does require regular grooming and professional care, so factor that into your budget.
The bichon frise’s small size, friendliness towards strangers, and low bark rate make this breed an excellent choice for those renting. As the breed has short bursts of energy, daily walks around the neighborhood are required. They’re social butterflies who love attention and interaction with both people and other pets.
One thing to note is that Bichons don’t enjoy being alone for long stretches. If you travel frequently or work away from home all day, this might not be your ideal match.
The French Bulldog: The Urban Dweller’s Favorite
French Bulldogs have become wildly popular in cities, and it’s not hard to see why. French Bulldogs are compact, friendly, and low-maintenance. Their calm demeanor and minimal exercise needs make them a favorite among urban dwellers. They’re perfectly sized for apartment living and don’t require acres of space to roam.
These big-eared buddies are dogs that don’t bark a lot, but they love to play and thrive on human contact. Their playful nature ensures they bond closely with families, singles, and even seniors. They’re adaptable to different lifestyles and schedules, making them incredibly versatile companions.
The main concerns with Frenchies are health related. Frenchies are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat faces. They can also overheat quickly in warm climates. If you live in a warmer area, make sure your apartment has good air conditioning. Regular vet visits are essential to keep them comfortable and healthy.
Despite these considerations, their friendly personalities and apartment friendly traits make them one of the top choices for city living. They’re basically made for cozy spaces.
The Basenji: The Barkless Wonder
Their larynx is uniquely structured and only allows for occasional yodels, which could be fun for your roommates. The Basenji is often called the barkless dog, which is an enormous advantage in apartment settings where noise travels easily through walls. Instead of traditional barking, they make a unique yodeling sound that’s far less disturbing to neighbors.
These cat-like dogs have low-shed coats, groom themselves and don’t require a ton of attention. Their independent nature and self grooming habits make them surprisingly low maintenance. The breed also has a reputation for cleanliness and will even self-groom like a cat.
Basenjis can become happy apartment dwellers as long as their exercise needs are met. These high-energy dogs can be calm in the home, but they require long daily walks. They’re smart and like to work, so providing mentally stimulating activities is important to prevent boredom.
Training can be a bit challenging since Basenjis have a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successfully housetraining them. If you’re active and enjoy long walks, this breed could be your perfect apartment companion.
The Pug: Small, Snuggly, and Surprisingly Chill
A pug’s small frame and friendly demeanor qualify this breed as an exceptional apartment pet. Pugs rank number one in the small dog category because they are friendly toward strangers and don’t bark or shed much. Their wrinkly faces and goofy personalities make them endlessly entertaining companions who adapt beautifully to limited space.
Pugs are true companion dogs who enjoy snuggling up on the couch. Perhaps the only thing they love more is food. Their low energy levels mean they’re satisfied with short walks and indoor play. They genuinely prefer lounging around to strenuous activity, making them perfect for less active owners.
Pugs are quite attached to their owner – keep this in mind if you travel or are away from your apartment often. They don’t handle being alone well and thrive on constant companionship. You’ll also need to get used to the snorting and snoring sounds caused by their short airways, similar to other flat faced breeds.
Regular exercise is still important to prevent obesity, which Pugs are prone to developing. With proper care and attention, they make wonderful apartment dwellers who bring joy to any small space.
The Shih Tzu: Little Lion, Big Heart
Translated literally from Mandarin as “little lion”, the Shih Tzu is a lively toy dog breed with an easygoing and affectionate temperament. Their small size means they don’t need a large space to meet their exercise needs. These dogs were literally bred to live inside Chinese palaces, so your modest apartment will suit them just fine.
Chasing after a toy in your apartment a few times per day is usually enough to keep them physically healthy. These tiny dogs weigh less than 15 pounds and are 9 to 12 inches tall, and the breed’s lively and affectionate nature makes them enjoyable companions. They’re especially great with kids and other dogs, making them wonderful family pets even in smaller spaces.
Their calm temperament and friendliness towards new people are ideal for apartments. They adapt well to the comings and goings of apartment life, from elevator rides to encounters with neighbors in the hallway. Their elegant long coats do require regular grooming to maintain, so be prepared for that commitment.
The main challenge is that Shih Tzu’s tend to be vocal dogs. Early training can help prevent excessive barking from becoming a problem. With proper attention to their grooming and training needs, they’re exceptional apartment companions.
The Mastiff: The Ultimate Lazy Roommate
This might be the most shocking entry on the list. Calm, dignified, docile, and affectionate, the Mastiff’s gentle temperament and low activity level make them another surprisingly remarkable apartment companion. These gentle giants can weigh over two hundred pounds, yet they’re perfectly suited to apartment living if you can accommodate their size.
Reaching over 200 pounds, the Mastiff is anything but small; however, these gentle giants can be a surprisingly good fit for apartment living. Their calm demeanor means they’re content to spend most of their day lounging around, asking for little more than moderate exercise and affection. They’re not the type to bounce around or require constant stimulation.
The considerations here are practical rather than behavioral. You’ll need to ensure your building doesn’t have weight restrictions, and you should be prepared for higher food and veterinary costs. They also need enough space to stretch out comfortably, even if they don’t need room to run.
Their peaceful temperament and loyalty make them wonderful companions who won’t disturb neighbors despite their impressive size. It’s hard to say for sure, but they might just be the ultimate apartment dog for someone who can handle their physical needs.
Conclusion: Size Isn’t Everything
The size of your living space isn’t the only consideration because many large breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa. The most important factors for apartment living are temperament, energy level, and noise tendencies rather than physical size alone. Some tiny breeds with high energy and vocal habits cause more problems than calm, larger dogs who sleep most of the day.
Size matters, but temperament and energy level often matter more. Finding the right breed means honestly assessing your lifestyle, schedule, and what you can realistically provide. Daily walks, mental stimulation, and proper training are essential regardless of which breed you choose. Respect for your neighbors and your building’s pet policies will ensure harmony in your community.
The breeds on this list prove that apartment living and dog ownership are absolutely compatible when you make thoughtful choices. Whether you go for a tiny Shih Tzu or a massive Mastiff, the right dog will make your apartment feel like a true home. Did any of these breeds surprise you?
Worried about unexpected vet bills?
Pet insurance can cover thousands in unexpected vet costs. Get a free quote from Lemonade in under 2 minutes.
Get My Free Quote →Sponsored · Opens Lemonade.com
