Your Cart is Empty
Living in a city comes with its ups and downs. On the one hand, you have everything you need: stores, coffee shops, cafes, and cinemas within walking distance from your apartment. On the other hand, higher living costs mean smaller living spaces.
Usually, if you live alone, you do not require a lot of space anyway, so such arrangements are not an issue. But what should you do if you want to add more love to your daily life and take in a pup? Can you combine owning an affectionate companion with a busy city lifestyle?
Many people tend to think that living in an apartment means giving up on the dream of owning a dog. Surely, a Husky or a Dalmatian is not a suitable option for apartment living. However, there are many other small dog breeds that will become a perfect companion even in a small-sized space.
In this article, you will learn about why some breeds are better for apartment living than others, what traits you should look for when living in an apartment, factors to compare with your lifestyle and character, as well as a list of the best dogs for apartment living for you to choose from.
Just like any person has preferences for their living place, different dogs also feel comfortable in different spaces. They may feel claustrophobic, have extreme reactions to specific noises, and require a lot of exercise and movement for a healthy and happy life.
When choosing a pup, you must always remember that not every dog is suitable for an apartment. Here are the main factors and traits that should be considered, as well as why the wrong choice can turn into a disaster:
Size. Smaller-sized breeds are a perfect option for living in an apartment. They will not only have enough space to move but will feel comfortable. Bigger breeds tend to feel claustrophobic and stressed and can disturb your comfort as well.
Energy levels. Breeds with a calmer temperament are better at adapting to smaller spaces. They do not need to constantly move around and are not as demanding.
Barking. Barking is the root of most problems when living in the city. Noise is the primary disturbance for neighbors.
Shedding. Heavy shedding means more dirt needs to be cleaned, which is not a big problem in a house, especially if the dog has outside access. Additionally, it can cause allergies when accumulating in a smaller space.
Need for Exercise and Walks. In a city, you won't be able to let the dog walk and run on its own. It requires constant presence and supervision. With a busy lifestyle, you might simply not have enough energy or time.
A pup will become your companion, and you should do thorough research on a breed to ensure that it will align with you and your lifestyle.
Character: Do you want it to be playful or laid-back? Loyal only to you or friendly with your entire family? Friendly or cautious? Affectionate or more independent? Create a list of all character traits you want your companion to have before making a decision.
Trainability:Are you a first-time owner, or have you had many dogs before? Do you have experience in dog training? Are you patient? Dog training is an essential part of owning a dog. Think about how much time you can devote to training as well as whether you have enough experience.
Neighbor Compatibility: How does the dog react to noise? Can it be left alone for hours? Will it not disturb the neighbors? Does anyone have severe allergies? Look into the related details about the breed and ensure you and your neighbors will not face any problems after bringing home a new furry friend.
To help you find your new four-legged best friend who will also feel good and be happy in a smaller living space, we have prepared a list of the best dogs for apartment living.
French bulldogs are a small, friendly breed that is not prone to excessive barking. They easily adapt to living in smaller apartments, making them a perfect choice for a city lifestyle.
French bulldogs are playful, but a 30-minute walk will be enough for them to release all their energy. They are usually very quiet but can react by barking at sudden noises. Thus, they require slightly more effort in training and need to be provided with mental stimulation to improve their behavior.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred specifically to be a lap dog, earning the title "king of lap dogs" with honor. If you are looking for a pet who has a strong connection with each family member and constantly follows you around, this is the dog for you.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very adaptable dog that is easy to train, which is perfect for living in small spaces. It descends from sporting dogs and becomes very adventurous outdoors, but it will also be happy to spend time lying on the couch next to its owner.
The Bichon Frise is a small dog breed that grows up to 9-12 inches tall. It is a very adaptable and friendly breed that has numerous characteristics that make it one of the best breeds for apartments, even for families with children.
The Bichon Frise has a hypoallergenic coat, allowing anyone to become a dog owner and lowering the risk of allergy development due to a lot of fur gathering in a small space. It is a low-energy dog that is very easy to train and does not require extensive exercise - a daily stroll is more than enough to keep it healthy and happy.
Another very popular small dog breed for apartment living is the Maltese, which grows about 8-10 inches tall. This is a very affectionate, playful, and highly adaptable breed that loves to be the focus of everyone in the room.
Maltese dogs are easy to train, have low energy levels, and do not bark loudly. They require a short walk or a play session to release all their energy for the day. However, Maltese do not like to be left alone for hours, and they can become jealous of other pets or people and even become vocal.
The Havanese is another playful and affectionate small dog breed. It quickly adapts to living in smaller spaces, is very inquisitive, and has a beautiful silky coat.
It loves to play and lie beside its owners. However, it tends to bark at unfamiliar people and loud noises, so consistent training is required. To keep the Havanese's silky coat healthy, remember to add daily grooming to your routine.
The Boston Terrier is a slightly bigger breed that grows up to 10-17 inches tall. They prefer indoor habitats, easily adapt, and almost do not shed, making them one of the best dogs for apartment living.
The Boston Terrier is a playful and active dog. For a healthy life, you can implement numerous indoor games and toys, which will be more than sufficient. Another thing to remember is that this breed is prone to overheating. Thus, for the hotter periods, remember to use air conditioning and limit outdoor activity during peak heat.
Pugsare small dogs with affectionate temperaments who require a lot of attention from their owners. They are not prone to excessive barking and can become the perfect companions in an apartment setting. They are not built for extreme activities, and a daily stroll with some indoor games is more than enough to tire them.
Pugs tend to shed more in autumn and spring, so be mindful of this. Since pugs are one of the flat-faced dog breeds, they are prone to snoring. If such noise is not a bother to you, they can be the ideal apartment dog.
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate and calm small-sized breed that is prone to building strong connections with its owner. It does not require a lot of exercise, and a 30-minute stroll or several indoor game sessions throughout the day will be enough for a healthy life.
The Shih Tzu is very friendly with every person, so you have to be cautious when walking the dog outside. They can also be vocal and require training to behave properly when socializing with adults and children.
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds that do not grow over 10 inches. Even a small apartment will provide more than enough space for them to be happy. They are very curious and require more time for exercising.
Chihuahuas are very affectionate and require a lot of attention from their owners. They build very strong bonds that can lead to jealousy and loud barking when attention is not given. Chihuahuas tend to start quarrels with other pets in the house. This breed is a good choice for a single-pet household.
Yorkshire Terriers have become one of the most popular breeds all around the world due to their small size and affectionate nature. Their big personalities require implementing daily routines and training to eliminate bad traits like excessive barking.
Though Yorkshire Terriers grow to be no more than 8 inches tall, they are very active. Owners have to incorporate longer daily walks and games to provide the necessary exercise. At the same time, they would love to spend time lying next to their owner and getting pets. To keep their beautiful coat detangled, do not forget about regular brushing.
Another low-maintenance breed for an apartment is the Italian Greyhound. It is both affectionate and energetic, ready to play as well as have a good sleep beside its owner. Some daily exercise or a walk is a must.
Italian Greyhounds are also a great option if you already have a pet or want to adopt more than one. However, they are one of the more sensitive breeds and are not suitable for loud environments.
The Pekingese is a gorgeous, royal-looking breed. It is very independent but a quiet dog that is not shy about showing its character. If you want a dog with its own personality, this is a perfect choice.
Though it requires almost no exercise, it is not a low-maintenance dog and will not be a good option for first-time owners. Pekingese can be stubborn and require time and patience in training. To keep their beautiful coat healthy, remember to brush daily to keep it shiny and fluffy.
Dachshunds are low-maintenance dogs that are perfect for first-time owners. They do not need a lot of exercise besides the required daily walks, but you have to be more patient when training them.
Dachshunds have short legs, so you might have to install additional ramps to help them reach higher surfaces. They tend to bark at strangers, but with training, you can eliminate this unpleasant behavior.
The Coton de Tulear is a very sweet but not commonly known breed. They are very adaptable to the owner's lifestyle as well as playful and affectionate. The Coton de Tulear is hypoallergenic and gets along well with children and other pets.
This breed has a strong bond with its owners and does not like to be left alone. So, it is a better choice for someone who works from home or has one of the family members always present in the house. The Coton de Tulear tends to bark to communicate with other pets and humans, and sometimes training is required.
The Toy Poodle is a very smart dog that loves to be the center of attention. It is very playful, energetic, and curious when learning, making training easier.
The Toy Poodle has hypoallergenic fur, which is perfect for families with children. However, it tends to bark and have a commanding temperament, requiring more patience and training.
The Lhasa Apso is a very kind, affectionate, and energetic breed. They are very intelligent dogs that were bred to be watchdogs, so they tend to bark at strangers.
They are very playful and require some exercise or prolonged walks daily. The Lhasa Apso requires training and early socialization to become familiar with new people. The breed has beautiful fur that needs daily grooming and also tends to have specific health issues, so hygiene must be constantly monitored.
If you want a companion for your active lifestyle, the Silky Terrier is a companion for you. Many traits of the Silky Terrier are similar to those of the Yorkshire Terrier, including the tendency for barking and high activity levels.
Silky Terriers quickly bond with their owners and tend to follow them in whatever they are doing and do not like to be left alone. They require thorough brushing at least twice a week and plenty of activities. They are the perfect choice if you are planning to take them on hikes since you should dedicate at least one or two hours per day to walks and playing with them.
The American Eskimo Dog is a very active, intelligent, and affectionate dog. There are three sizes for the breed - toy, miniature, and standard; due to their smaller size, toy and miniature varieties are better choices for apartment living.
American Eskimo dogs tend to feel anxious and start barking without the constant presence of their owner. So, if you are working from home, this is the breed for you. They require a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and daily brushing due to heavier shedding.
Whippets easily adapt to apartment living when they get enough exercise. These are very active dogs that require at least two prolonged walks a day. When insufficient exercise is provided, behavioral issues will start to occur.
Apart from the higher demand for exercise, Whippets are perfect for apartment living. They almost do not bark, and there is almost no shedding. These dogs are affectionate and have medium trainability levels.
The Basset Hound is not actually a small-sized breed compared to other ones on our list. Its short legs make them seem smaller, but they can grow up to 75 pounds! However, their laid-back and lazy character, as well as their love for naps, make them ideal apartment dogs.
They do not require a lot of exercise, and a daily walk will be more than enough. Activities that involve them using their nose are a must for a Basset Hound. They are also known for drooling and barking loudly when left alone. Owners should also be mindful of their shorter legs, so having an elevator in the building is preferred, especially for older dogs.
Whippets easily adapt to apartment living when they get enough exercise. These are very active dogs that require at least two prolonged walks a day. When insufficient exercise is provided, behavioral issues will start to occur.
Apart from the higher demand for exercise, Whippets are perfect for apartment living. They almost do not bark, and there is almost no shedding. These dogs are affectionate and have medium trainability levels.
The Brussels Griffon is an intelligent and active dog. They do not have extreme exercise needs - a daily walk for 30 minutes is enough to keep them healthy. They are very sensitive and tend to bond with only one person. So, if you are looking for a companion that will be loyal only to you, this is a perfect choice.
The Brussels Griffon does have moderate grooming needs and has to be brushed at least 2 times a week. It responds well to training but can be very stubborn, so you have to be patient. Brussels Griffons are very good with children but also bark loudly at strangers to alert their owners.
The Chinese Crested is an intelligent, unique-looking breed with a cat-like personality. Their easy training and minimal shedding make it one of the best dogs for apartment living. There are different types of Chinese Crested: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless ones have hair tufts only on their head, tail, and feet, while powderpuffs have a long shining coat all over their body.
It requires only a short walk a day and prefers to curl up on the couch. They are very loyal and can suffer when left alone for hours. A Chinese Crested requires early training and socialization to eliminate behaviors such as biting.
The Japanese Chin is one of the best breeds for apartment living. They do not enjoy being outside, but daily walks are still necessary. The Japanese Chin is very playful and likes climbing on higher surfaces, enjoying attention when their owners try to bring them down.
They are easy to train, but their superior-like character can make them stubborn. Socialization and training must be started early to get them accustomed to other pets and people. The Japanese Chin is very affectionate and is good with kids, but can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
The Bulldog, also known as the English Bulldog, is very common as an apartment dog due to its lazy nature and love for naps. They are not very active but are friendly and easy to train. Though Bulldogs do not bark a lot, they can be pretty loud because of grunting and snoring.
They are not able to climb lots of stairs, so having an elevator in the building is necessary, especially for older dogs. However, just because they are not active, daily walks and exercise are still required to keep them healthy. Bulldogs easily gain weight, so a balanced diet is also a must.
There are many dog breeds that will thrive when living in an apartment. Many of them do not require a lot of exercise or training and are affectionate and friendly. However, each breed has its own traits, and a cute face is not something you should base your choice on.
For some, an active dog is a better match for their lifestyle, while others prefer a couch potato. Some are very independent, while others require the constant presence of their owner to feel happy and cannot be left alone.
Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to games and exercise. Trainability level is also something to take into consideration - if you are choosing your first pup, some stubborn breeds may not be a good option.
Take your time to analyze your lifestyle, breed characteristics, and requirements. Additionally, talk to a veterinarian or a dog expert and do thorough research to set up the right expectations and make sure your pup will grow up healthy and happy.
See How Dog Owners Are Using These Leak-Free Potty Pads to Keep Their Homes Clean and Pups Happy
4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Over 100,000 Dog Owners Saved Money With Potty Buddy™
The washable pee pads that absorb anything your dog throws at them, while keeping your floors and furniture stain-free.
✅ Super Absorbent and Leak-Proof
✅ Great for Potty Training
✅ Ideal for Puppies and Older Dogs
✅ Washable and Reusable For Years
✅ Save over $400/year by not buying disposables
-60 Day Money Back Guarantee-
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Diana D.
These pads are a life saver for my kitchen floor and bedroom carpet! Just ordered 2 more!
Follow Us On
Check Out Our Most Popular Content
