Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Take a peek at our top picks of dog breeds for apartments

Size does matter – especially if you live in compact quarters. Whether you live in a cramped condo, an adequate apartment or closeted quarters, there’s a dog that will fit into your living space. We’ve come up with a list of our Top 10 best dog breeds for apartments.



10. ENGLISH BULLDOG : This medium-sized dog doesn’t like to move around much, so an English Bulldog makes a wonderful dog for an apartment. If this breed could talk, he would tell you he’d much rather hang on the couch than at the dog park. And if you don’t like to move about much, good news – the English Bulldog is just as lazy as you!


9. SHIH TZU:  This regal-looking companion is   small in size and maintenance. She doesn’t need much room to move around in. As long as she’s pampered, she’ll be happy. They aren’t a high energy dog, so you won’t need to make many daily trips outdoors for walks. If you don’t mind grooming all that hair, this may be the perfect apartment dog.

8. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a friendlier or easier going dog than this breed. You’ll find that they will make nice with other tenants & dogs in your complex. Plus, weighing in at 13-18 pounds, this dog won’t take up much space. Calm and adaptable, this breed will make a wonderful addition to your apartment abode.

7. GREAT DANE: Now, hear us out. Yes, I realize that the Great Dane is huge (25-29" tall and 100-200 pounds in weight), but this big fella is as lazy as he is big. Sure, he may take up more room in the apartment and on the couch, but he’ll become more of a fixture than an energetic force to be reckoned with. He’s calm, friendly and quiet – what more could you ask for in a roommate for your small living space?
6. CHIHUAHUA: If a breed can fit into your purse, it can fit into your apartment! Weight at 2-6 pounds, she won’t take up much room. Watch out for excessive barking, but this bad habit can be trained down to an acceptable level for apartment living. Affectionate, intelligent & a fast learner, this little princess will be happy with all the attention you lavish on her, not how much room she has to run around in.
5. PUG : Those big eyes, that adorable snort – okay, so these things don’t make a Pug perfect for apartment living, but this breed has a lot going for it. It comes in a handy compact size (Pugs are 10-14 inches high and weigh 14-18 pounds) and it’s cool with just hanging out with you on the bed. Your Pug will need some daily exercise, so a short walk will do.

4.  BICHON FRISE: Oh la la! This fancy French pooch does very well in smaller living spaces. Tipping the scale at just 7-12 pounds, the Bichon Frise isn’t your typical yippy little dog. In fact, this pup will only bark if there is someone at the door. This breed is energetic, so you’ll have to make sure your Bichon Frise gets enough exercise, whether it’s indoors or out at the dog park.

3. CHINESE CRESTED : The Chinese Crested may not be the best looking dog on the block, but this little fella makes up for it by being a loving companion & a wonderful apartment-sized pup. Don’t want to do anything today? No problem! The Chinese Crested will lie in bed with you for hours. A dedicated and loyal friend, this dog is the ideal size for your apartment – and your heart!

2. BOSTON TERRIER:  This little gentleman makes any apartment or condo look good. But you’ll have to keep an eye out on him – sometimes, he can be too smart for his own good and that can lead to trouble. This breed tends to keep its barks to itself, so you won’t have to worry about neighbors complaining about the noise. And his energy level is pretty moderate, so a daily walk will suffice.



1. YORKSHIRE TERRIER: Cute, cuddly and compact – all three make for a great apartment dog. Weighing in at just 6 to 7 pounds, the Yorkie doesn’t take up much space. On top of that, this breed is fairly quiet. She can adapt quickly to new people, situations and pets, so feel free to invite people over. And as long as you give her enough attention, she’ll be happy to curl up on your lap all day.

 











I would add Sheltie to that mix, as when I was in my first place - which was a 1BR apartment, I had a Sheltie; and she was awesome!