Living in an apartment raises many challenges for prospective dog owners. Apartments usually don’t provide a large amount of space for dogs to roam around freely, nor do they offer immediate access to a yard. This can make it difficult to have a dog in your apartment – but just because you don’t have easy access to a vast amount of space doesn’t mean you should forgo the many benefits and joys of owning a dog.
Many dog breeds do require space to run around and play, but numerous others can easily adapt to living in an apartment. Some breeds even prefer living in a confined space. Dogs well-suited to living in an apartment are typically smaller dog breeds, lower energy, and don’t shed a lot of their fur.
Choosing the right dog breed is important in any context, but by taking the time to select the right dog breed for your apartment, you can bring home a dog that will thrive in your living space. This article will provide you with ideas for some of the dogs who are suitable for apartment living, with breed characteristics and information for each breed.
Why is it important to select the right dog breed for apartment living?
Apartment living can be claustrophobic for some humans, let alone our four-legged friends. Bigger dog breeds or those with high exercise needs may not feel comfortable in a limited space. As a result, they often become restless, which can lead to destructive behavior as they don’t have enough space to release their energy.
There are other things to consider aside from the dog’s exercise requirements. Dog breeds with a laid-back, calm temperament tend to adapt to living in limited spaces much more quickly than others with a demanding and stubborn nature. Shedding and barking are also important aspects to consider for your own comfort. Dog breeds which shed heavily can trigger allergies and make it difficult to keep your apartment clean. Noise can be a problem if the breed is prone to barking or howling, as it could disturb neighbors living above, below or next to you.
These factors make selecting the right dog breed for apartment living extremely important.
1) Bichon Frise
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
The Bichon Frise is a small companion dog weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, and standing 9 to 12 inches tall. It is a cheerful breed that is highly adaptable and friendly, making it ideal for families with younger children.
A medium energy dog, the Bichon Frise does not have high exercise requirements. A short stroll around the local neighborhood is enough to keep them healthy and satisfied. They are eager to please their owners and easy to train. These traits, coupled with their hypoallergenic coat, make the Bichon Frise an excellent breed for apartment living.
2) King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Medium
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
Often described as the ‘king of lapdogs’, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel typically creates a deep bond with their family. 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.
The King Charles Cavalier Spaniel is well-suited for apartment living. It is an especially suitable dog breed for those living a busier lifestyle who may not spend all day at home. They thrive when provided with either indoor or outdoor activities, and they are easy to train.
3) Maltese
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Low
Trainability
Easy
This small companion dog breed weighs less than 10 pounds and is only 8 to 10 inches tall. The Maltese is one of the most popular small dog breeds for a reason – they are sweet, playful, affectionate, and adaptable dogs which do well in small spaces. The breed is known for its gentle nature and loves being the center of attention.
Their low energy levels, trainability, gentle temperament, and hypoallergenic coat make the Maltese a great fit for apartment living. However, they don’t enjoy spending time alone. If left alone for long periods of time, they can become jealous or resentful of other dogs or humans.
4) Miniature Poodle
Shedding
Low
Barking
Medium
Energy
High
Trainability
Medium
The Miniature Poodle is much smaller than the Standard Poodle, standing 11 to 15 inches tall with an average weight of 15 to 18 pounds. The Miniature Poodle is the perfect dog breed for those who live in an apartment but have an active lifestyle. They are intelligent, social, and playful dogs who love spending time with their owners – both indoors and outdoors.
The Miniature Poodle’s intelligence, size and hypoallergenic coat makes them an ideal candidate for apartment living. As with any variety of Poodle, it is important to engage the breed in activities which will offer physical and mental stimulation.
5) Affenpinscher
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Medium
The Affenpinscher is an energetic dog breed that requires a higher proportion of mentally stimulating activities than physical ones. Indoor activities like scent work or playing the ‘hide the treat’ game can help to keep them fulfilled.
Usually curious and playful, the Affenpinscher’s Terrier heritage often makes them wary of strangers. They don’t bark often, but they may do so on occasion to attract attention if they deem it necessary. As with most breeds, socialization is important – but their suspicious nature towards strangers can make them yappy dogs. Overall, this toy breed adjusts happily to apartment living.
6) Pekingese
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Low
Energy
Low
Trainability
Hard
Pekingese are very independent dogs that can be more difficult to train than many other dog breeds. However, their small size and low exercise needs make them well-suited for apartment living.
If you own a Pekingese, it is essential that you offer them attention and are patient with them. Their fluffy, luxurious coat requires daily grooming. They are independently minded dogs and can be stubborn when it comes to learning new behaviors.
7) Havanese
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
The Havanese is a moderately active small dog breed that stands 9 to 12 inches and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. These playful and affectionate dogs are quick to learn new things. They adapt to living in confined areas quickly, and love to cuddle up with their owners in small spaces.
The Havanese makes an excellent companion dog for those looking for a playful dog who barks very infrequently. They only shed a few strands of hair, but their coat requires daily grooming.
8) Pug
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Low
Energy
Low
Trainability
Medium
Pugs can be good candidates for apartment living – as long as their owners are around to give them the affection they need.
They are not frequent barkers, but Pugs do tend to shed heavily in the Fall and Spring. If regularly cleaning up the fur they shed isn’t a problem for you, the Pug can be the perfect dog breed to live alongside in an apartment with their calm and affectionate temperament.
9) Shih Tzu
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Medium
Energy
Low
Trainability
Medium
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. 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. However, Shih Tzu’s tend to be vocal dogs.
10) Basset Hound
Shedding
Medium
Barking
High
Energy
Low
Trainability
Medium
The Basset Hound is considerably larger than many of the breeds included on this list. They weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
Known for their long ears, Basset Hounds love activities which require them to use their nose. An indoor activity like scent work is a great way to keep them occupied. If you’re thinking of owning a Basset Hound in a smaller space, noise is an important factor to consider – when left alone, Basset Hounds tend to bark. Their bark is considered one of the loudest among all dog breeds.
11) Boston Terrier
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
The Boston Terrier is an energetic and playful dog breed with an average height of 10 to 17 inches and weighing between 10 to 25 pounds. They shed very minimally and adapt to living in an apartment quickly.
This small dog breed with a playful temperament is an ideal choice for urban dwellers looking for an active breed. Although they have high exercise needs, introducing various indoor games can be a great outlet for their energy. Overall, the Boston Terrier is a relatively low-maintenance dog that can thrive in an apartment setting.
12) Chihuahua
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Medium
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds – standing shorter than 10 inches and weighing less than 6 pounds. Even a studio apartment provides plenty of space for the average-sized Chihuahua.
These dogs love being at the center of attention and bond strongly with their owners. This bond can often result in conflict with other pets in the family. For this reason, the Chihuahua is an ideal breed for people living in apartments looking for a single dog. Chihuahuas are reactive to their surroundings and often express themselves by barking.
13) Yorkshire Terrier
Shedding
Low
Barking
High
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
A popular dog breed in many parts of the world, Yorkshire Terriers are courageous dogs who thrive on the affection of their owners. They make excellent companion dogs for those living in apartments and leading an active lifestyle.
Despite their small size, Yorkies need to exercise more than an average dog of the same size. Daily walks in the neighborhood and other physical activities are essential to tire them out. Although Yorkies adjust to living in an apartment setting quickly, they tend to bark a lot. They enjoy observing their environment, and their brave personality makes them vocal dogs.
14) Bulldog
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Low
Trainability
Medium
The Bulldog is the ultimate couch potato. They love nothing more than cuddling up on the couch with their owners. They aren’t notorious barkers, but they are certainly not silent – Bulldogs are notorious for snoring, snorting and grunting. This is because of their short snouts and breathing problems that require them to stay cool in hot weather.
Despite their low energy levels, Bulldogs require some daily exercise to stay healthy. Luckily, they get tired quickly, and pacing nearby streets is adequate exercise for most Bulldogs. The Bulldog is an excellent dog breed for apartment dwellers looking for a medium-sized, low-maintenance companion.
15) French Bulldog
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Low
Trainability
Medium
French Bulldogs are small, quiet, and well-behaved dogs. These characteristics alone make Frenchies perfect for living in small spaces.
Frenchies are playful, but don’t require a lot of exercise. Daily walks of 30 minutes are enough to keep them healthy. Despite their quiet nature, they may bark at sudden sounds, like doors opening and closing. It is vital to provide them with the mental stimulation they need to curb reactivity that can lead to destructive behavior.
16) Shiba Inu
Shedding
High
Barking
Medium
Energy
High
Trainability
Medium
The Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s national dogs. They are medium-sized dogs and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied – their high energy levels can lead to destructive behavior if they are under exercised. A Shiba Inu does best living with an owner who leads an active lifestyle.
Although the Shiba Inu can shed heavily, brushing them a few times a week is enough to maintain their coat. It is generally a quiet dog breed that seldom barks, usually only doing so when experiencing intense emotions or hearing unexpected sounds.
17) Italian Greyhound
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Weighing less than 15 pounds, and with an affectionate and playful temperament, the Italian Greyhound can be a great companion in an apartment setting.
One thing to note about Italian Greyhounds is that they are sensitive dogs who don’t do well in noisy or chaotic environments. If they live with just their owner, they will bond for life and thrive in an apartment of any size.
18) Coton de Tulear
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Medium
An uncommon breed, the Coton de Tulear is a sweet dog with a playful and affectionate personality. They stand less than 11 inches and weigh 10 to 15 pounds.
This dog breed can easily adapt to living in small spaces, but doesn’t enjoy spending time alone. They are more suited for people working from home or families who can ensure someone will be with them throughout most of the day.
The Coton de Tulear is hypoallergenic, doesn’t bark, and is a sweet-hearted dog that loves people and other dogs, making them great candidates for apartment living.
19) Whippet
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
High
Trainability
Medium
The Whippet is a high-energy breed that can be well-suited for apartment living – if they get exercised enough. Owners of this breed should take them out for walks at least twice a day. If under-exercised, Whippets tend to become destructive and exhibit other behavioral issues.
A Whippet that gets enough exercise can thrive in an apartment. These dogs are extremely affectionate and intelligent. Whippets don’t shed a lot of fur, bark rarely, and are easy-to-train dogs that can make great apartment dogs.
20) American Eskimo Dog
Shedding
Medium
Barking
Medium
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Eskies are well-behaved small dogs that weigh 20 to 30 pounds with an average height of 10 inches.
American Eskimo Dogs require a good amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation, or they may become destructive. Eskies shed regularly and need thorough brushing to remove dead hairs to keep shedding in check. These sweet dogs can live cheerfully in apartments with regular grooming.
21) Greyhound
Shedding
Low
Barking
Low
Energy
Medium
Trainability
Easy
The Greyhound is by far the fastest dog in the world. Of course, they love to run – but surprisingly, they don’t require as much exercise as other energetic breeds mentioned in this list. Walks of 30 minutes and occasional sprints in enclosed areas are enough to keep a Greyhound happy and healthy.
The lower exercise needs, adaptable personality, low shedding coat, and trainability make the Greyhound excellent for apartment living. However, they are much bigger, standing 26 to 30 inches tall and weighing 65 to 85 pounds. If the apartment space is large enough, this breed can become a gentle, loving member of the family.
In conclusion
Many dog breeds are well-suited for apartment living – from the tiny Chihuahua, to the playful Miniature Poodle, to the gentle Greyhound. By considering shedding, barking, energy levels, and trainability, you can choose the right dog for your apartment size and lifestyle.
Regardless of the breed, it is vital to note all dogs need exercise, socialization, and affection. Just because a dog is suitable for apartment living doesn’t mean they only need to go out for potty breaks. With attention and care, any dog can thrive in an apartment and be a loyal companion for years to come.
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