47+ Best Apartment Dogs That Can Thrive in Small Spaces

When searching for the perfect canine companion for city living, finding the best apartment dogs is crucial.

Not every dog breed is suited for smaller spaces or the hustle and bustle of urban life. Throughout this guide, we’ll dive into the characteristics and needs of various breeds to help you make an informed decision.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which breeds stand out as the best apartment dogs for your unique living situation.

Best Apartment Dogs

Pugs are my TOP PICK for apartment-friendly dogs due to their laid-back nature and minimal barking. Honestly, these goofy looking pups are very adaptable – my 7-year-old pug has traveled in an airplane, lived in a tiny apartment and enjoyed oceanside life – and he’s been happy at them all (as long as he gets his food).

But potential pug parents need to be prepared for the amount they shed (it’s A LOT) and understand that they’re prone to health issues (especially breathing, heart-related and eyesight) because of their squishy face.

Despite their drawbacks, pugs are lovable, cuddly dogs. They want NOTHING more to hangout with you. Small spaces don’t matter to them, as long as there’s a spot on the bed, a cozy couch, ample food and fun outings where they can pee on things. Overall, their affectionate and calm demeanor makes them a joyous addition to any apartment setting.

Another stellar pick for apartment living is the French Bulldog. MAN are these guys popular, and it makes sense because they’re super cute! They’ve got a compact size, but seemingly boundless energy that will bring delight and joy into your lives. While Frenchies do shed, they do so less than pugs, with much shorter, finer hair.

Despite their playful nature and the fact that they’re prone to health issues, French Bulldogs are a fairly low-maintence dog. They need their daily exercise (a good brisk walk or two will do!) and plenty of playtime and attention. But mostly, they want to lounge around and hangout with their humans.

It’s worth noting that Frenchies come with a pretty high price tag (we’re talking THOUSANDS), so I highly recommend rescuing. I rescued Winnie, my 3-year-old Frenchie and she’s been a joy since the day I got her – bonus points: I didn’t pay pay a ton of money, just covered vet bills!

Speaking of vet bills, make sure you can actually afford to have a dog before you get one.

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are often dubbed “gentle giants” and can make surprisingly good apartment dogs. They have a calm and laid-back temperament, requiring less exercise than one might expect. While their short strolls are essential, they’re content lounging indoors for most of the day.

Their affectionate nature and quiet demeanor mean they’re less likely to disturb neighbors with excessive barking. However, their size does demand ample space to move comfortably inside the apartment.

Given the right environment and attention, Great Danes can adapt well to apartment living, combining both grace and charm in a sizable package. But these aren’t the only large apartment dogs you can consider!

Best Small Apartment Dogs

Known for their sleek bodies, Italian Greyhounds might seem suited for racing, but they’re primarily couch potatoes at heart. These slender dogs cherish indoor comfort, particularly warm spots. Their petite stature is a perfect fit for apartments. Plus, their minimal shedding ensures your living space remains relatively fur-free, making maintenance a breeze.

Bichon Frisés, with their fluffy white coats, are both charming and hypoallergenic, making them great for smaller spaces and allergy sufferers alike. While they exude energy and enthusiasm, a few indoor play sessions and short walks usually suffice to keep them content.

Don’t be fooled by a Yorkie’s small size; they come with big personalities. These dogs are incredibly adaptable, perfectly content with the limited space apartments offer. While they enjoy a playful chase around the living room, they’re also equally happy curling up beside their owners, making them ideal companions for apartment dwellers.

Originating from royal Chinese lineages, Shih Tzus are the epitome of a lap dog. They cherish being indoors and close to their owners. Their compact size combined with a generally calm demeanor ensures they are at ease in apartments, requiring only short walks and regular grooming.

With expressive eyes and a gentle nature, Cavaliers make wonderful apartment companions. They thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they’re part of daily family activities. Though they need regular exercise, their modest size and adaptability make indoor play a delightful experience.

Mini Poodles are both clever and elegant, seamlessly blending into apartment living. Their hypoallergenic coat is a boon for those sensitive to pet dander. Though active and lively, their exercise needs can often be met with indoor games, combined with daily walks to keep them mentally stimulated.

Often dubbed “monkey dogs” due to their curious faces, Affenpinschers are lively and playful. Despite their spirited nature, they don’t demand vast spaces, making apartments a fitting home. They thrive on interaction and can often be found playing with toys or trailing their owners around the home.

Chihuahuas might be one of the smallest dog breeds, but they come packed with charisma. Their tiny size is naturally suited for apartment living. With a fiercely loyal nature, they often form strong bonds with their owners and are happiest when they’re in their laps or playing indoors.

With a history rooted in Chinese royalty, Pekingese dogs carry themselves with a certain dignity. They’re laid-back, making them ideal for apartment life. Their exercise requirements are minimal, often content with short strolls and plenty of indoor relaxation.

Compact and charismatic, Brussels Griffons are well-suited for apartment life. Their size, combined with a spirited yet affectionate nature, ensures they adapt well to indoor living. While they’re energetic, their needs can usually be met with indoor play and occasional outdoor jaunts.

This unique breed comes in both hairless and powderpuff varieties. Chinese Cresteds are affectionate and enjoy the comfort of indoors, making them suitable for apartments. Their moderate energy level means they’re content with indoor play and short outdoor walks, and their compact size ensures they don’t need much space to roam.

Despite their playful and curious nature, Mini Dachshunds are quite adaptable to indoor living. Their small stature makes them apt for apartment life, and while they enjoy short bursts of play, they’re equally content resting beside their owners.

Renowned for their grace and charm, Japanese Chins are genuine lap dogs. They are calm and prefer indoor lounging, making apartments a fitting environment. Their moderate activity level can be easily met with indoor play and leisurely walks, ensuring they stay engaged and happy.

This toy breed, with its luxurious white coat, is both lively and adaptable. Maltese thrive on human interaction and enjoy indoor games. Their small size and moderate energy make them great for apartment settings, especially since they prefer being close to their owners.

Pomeranians, with their fluffy coats and spirited personalities, can be the life of an apartment. They’re small but active and can have their energy needs met with indoor play. Their vibrant personalities shine in smaller settings where they can be the center of attention.

Often mistaken for tiny Dobermans, Min Pins are energetic yet adaptable. They’re independent but also enjoy spending time with their families. Their compact size makes them suitable for apartments, and their energy can be channeled with indoor play and short walks.

These small, energetic terriers, with their silky blue-and-tan coats, are perfect for indoor living. While they enjoy play, they don’t require vast spaces. Their affectionate nature combined with their manageable energy level makes them a joy in apartment settings.

Agile and intelligent, Toy Fox Terriers are both playful and adaptable. They are happiest when they have tasks or games to keep them occupied. Their small size and moderate exercise needs mean they can thrive in apartments with regular play sessions.

Biewers, with their distinct tri-colored coat, are cheerful and adaptable. They enjoy human companionship and are content spending time indoors, making them suitable for apartment living. Their modest exercise requirements can be met with indoor play and short walks.

Named after its cotton-like coat, this breed is known for its affectionate demeanor. Cotons are adaptable, thriving in both city apartments and larger homes. They are content with indoor activities and short outdoor strolls, ensuring they remain both entertained and close to their families.

Originally a sentinel in Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso is a small, independent breed. They’re perfectly content indoors, displaying affection to their families. Their moderate energy and compact size make them well-suited for apartments, where they’ll enjoy lounging as much as playing.

These small, fluffy companions are both charming and adaptable. They thrive on human interaction and are generally content with indoor play. Their calm demeanor and small stature make them excellent for apartment living.

Perfect for those with allergies, these terriers are lively yet adaptable. They enjoy play sessions but don’t require extensive exercise, making them great for apartments. Their lack of fur means less shedding and grooming concerns.

Compact and spirited, Australian Terriers are both energetic and adaptable. Their small size suits apartment life, and while they’re active, indoor playtime can satisfy most of their energy needs, especially with toys.

Curious and lively, Schipperkes are small with a big personality. They’re content in apartments, as their energy can be channeled through indoor games. Their alert nature also makes them excellent watchdogs, even in smaller spaces.

Best Medium Apartment Dogs

Despite their sturdy appearance, English Bulldogs are quite low-energy and love to lounge. They’re perfectly content in apartments, needing only short walks and plenty of relaxation time. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions.

Dubbed the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are friendly and adaptable. Their moderate energy level is balanced with a love for indoor relaxation, making them perfect for city apartments where they can be both active and calm.

While spirited, Shiba Inus are also quite adaptable. They’re clean and often cat-like in their habits, enjoying high perches in apartments. Regular play and walks keep them happy in smaller spaces.

These curious hounds might enjoy chasing scents outdoors, but they’re also content indoors. Their size and friendly disposition make them suitable for apartments, provided they receive daily walks and playtime to keep them engaged.

With their short legs and elongated bodies, Cardigans are both playful and adaptable. They enjoy indoor activities and, despite their herding instincts, can be content in apartments when provided with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Renowned for their droopy eyes and long ears, Basset Hounds are surprisingly well-suited for apartment living. While they have a keen sense of smell and a hunting heritage, they are generally low-energy indoors. Their laid-back nature means they’re happy lounging around the home, enjoying short walks outside. Their gentle and affectionate disposition, combined with their ability to adapt to smaller spaces, makes them a delightful apartment companion.

Sleek and active, Manchester Terriers bring a burst of energy, but they also value their relaxation time. Their size is naturally suited for apartment spaces. They’re known for forming strong bonds with their families, cherishing indoor play sessions, and interactive toys. Their short coat also means minimal grooming, an added advantage for city dwellers.

Often called “the poor man’s racehorse,” Whippets are graceful and fast. Despite their racing potential, they’re quite calm indoors, often being coined as “couch potatoes.” Their slim stature and adaptable nature make them ideal for apartment living. They require occasional sprints in a park, but they’re equally content curled up on a sofa, making them versatile companions.

These fluffy and lively dogs have an infectious spirit. German Spitz dogs are alert and often make great watchdogs, but they’re also incredibly adaptable to indoor life. Their moderate energy level can be met with indoor games and short outdoor walks. Their cheerful disposition and manageable size make them great for apartment residents.

With a distinct lamb-like appearance, Bedlington Terriers are both gentle and spirited. They’re known for their hypoallergenic coat, which is a boon for those with allergies in confined spaces. While they enjoy playful moments, they also value relaxation. Their balanced energy and affectionate nature make them well-suited for apartments.

Don’t let their snowy coat fool you; American Eskimo Dogs are perfectly content in warmer, indoor settings. They’re sociable, intelligent, and fit well in apartments, provided they get regular playtime. Their alert nature doubles as a watchdog trait, offering both companionship and a sense of security in city settings.

These affectionate and silky-coated dogs are versatile companions. Cocker Spaniels have a moderate energy level, enjoying play sessions and walks but also cherishing downtime indoors. Their size and adaptable nature make them a good fit for apartments, where they’ll happily spend time with their families, basking in attention and love.

Best Large Apartment Dogs

While Bull Mastiffs are large, their gentle and calm nature makes them surprisingly apt for apartment living. They’re known as silent guardians, being protective but not overly aggressive. Their low energy level means they’re content with short walks and plenty of relaxation time indoors. Their loyalty and affection towards their family make them wonderful indoor companions, provided they have ample space to lounge.

Recognizable by their wrinkled skin, Shar Peis are calm, independent, and often cat-like in their indoor behaviors. While they can be wary of strangers, they are deeply loyal to their families. Their moderate energy needs can be managed with regular indoor play and short walks, making them suitable for apartments.

Labs are known for their friendly and balanced nature. Although they are active and enjoy outdoor play, they are also adaptable and can live happily in an apartment if provided with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their eagerness to please and social nature make them lovely companions, eager to be involved in family activities.

Contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not always the racing dynamos many assume. In a home setting, they are often dubbed “45 mph couch potatoes.” They cherish lounging and are quite low-energy indoors. Their slender build and calm demeanor mean they can adapt well to apartment living, with occasional bursts of speed in a nearby park.

Known for hunting lions, Ridgebacks are also affectionate and loyal family dogs. They have a calm disposition indoors, making them apt for apartment life, provided they receive daily exercise. Their protective nature combined with their ability to adapt makes them a unique choice for urban dwellers.

Goldens are among the most popular breeds due to their friendly and tolerant nature. They’re active but can adapt to apartment life if they’re given regular exercise and playtime. Their sociable and affectionate nature ensures they form deep bonds with their families, making them delightful indoor companions.

Energetic and playful, Boxers also have a loving side that makes them great family pets. Their intelligence and alertness mean they’re quick learners, making indoor training easier. Regular exercise and play sessions are essential, but with proper care, they can thrive in apartment settings.

Often misunderstood, these terriers are affectionate, loyal, and can be great with families. Their size is manageable for apartment living, and while they are active, they also value their downtime indoors. Regular play and engagement can ensure they remain happy in an apartment setting, making them a versatile choice for many city dwellers.

Final Thoughts: Best Apartment Dogs

The truth is, the best apartment dogs are the ones that fit your lifestyle. Not every dog is ready to live in a small spaces, but there are some dogs that can thrive in it,

While our top picks, including the adaptable pugs, the vivacious French bulldogs, and the surprisingly apartment-friendly Great Danes, stand out, the canine world offers a plethora of other breeds that can thrive in smaller spaces.

Choosing the right dog for your apartment involves understanding both their needs and your living conditions, ensuring a harmonious life together. It’s essential to remember that living situations can vary. If your apartment is only accessible via stairs, it might not be the most suitable environment for any dog breed, due to potential strain on their joints over time.