25 Best Dog Breeds for Small Apartments

If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, there are many things to consider including your future pet's temperament, energy levels and, of course, the size of the dog (among other aspects). All of these are even more important if you live in a small apartment in an urban city.

Lack of space can cause a number of issues for a dog owner and their pet. A high energy dogs that do not have enough room may become anxious or destructive. Not having enough space may also force the dog to become depressed. A breed that tends to bark a lot will be a nuisance for neighbors, and dogs that aren't the right size for the environment can cause damage.

Not considering your current situation and adopting a dog that doesn't fit your lifestyle and current home will make both of you unhappy eventually. When you have a small apartment, a large dog will end up knocking things over, and an energetic dog in a small place will be a nightmare to live with when you need just a little peace. Below are the best dog breeds for small apartments that are more likely to fit your lifestyle and home.

ALSO READ: 30 Most Quiet Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartments or Condos

25 Best Dog Breeds for Small Apartments

1. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a friendly little dog who would suit a small apartment. They don’t grow to be more than a foot and a half in size, so that’s perfect, but they are very active and love daily walks. If you can keep your Boston Terrier active then you’ll have one happy dog. They are gentle and very affectionate. Boston Terriers really are great little companions.

2. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are another great choice for small apartments, as they don’t grow bigger than one foot in size. They are lively little dogs and love to play. This breed makes a great companion for those living in small apartments. Keep in mind that the breed is prone to several health issues, such as cataracts and obesity. If you adopt one, you may have to set up a pet savings account in case a health emergency arises.

3. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are known to be lazy dogs. Pair this with their small stature, and you've got one of the best dog breeds for small apartments. They only need a short walk each day and won’t get any larger than 18 inches in height. They are a perfect pet to spend time indoors and cuddle with in front of TV. If you're not much of an outgoing person yourself, you'll have a trusty companion that'll be only happy to stay with you indoors.

4. Basenji

Basenjis make great pets not only due to their compact size, but also because they're the quietest breed out there. In fact, they are a “no bark” breed which is perfect if you have neighbors who may raise issues with you bringing a pet home. They rarely get taller than 18 inches and rarely get over 25 pounds in weight.

5. Brussels Griffon

These dogs are small and lively, and make overall great companions. They are a very affectionate breed and will quickly bond with their owners. They might be a little needy because they enjoy pet owners' affection, but will otherwise be a perfect pooch for a small place and make great pets to have around.

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6. Chihuahua

This list of breeds for small apartments wouldn’t be complete without the famous Chihuahua. Obviously, size-wise this is one of the most apt dogs for anybody living in a tiny place, but keep in mind that Chihuahuas aren't the quietest dog and tend to bark a lot. Other than that, they are fantastic little dogs that really will suit apartment life well. They need very little exercise and absolutely adore their owners.

7. Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear are such happy little dogs and will comfortably live in a small apartment and enjoy their pet owners company in close proximity. The breed stays small and won't require too much space, preferring instead to chill next to their owner. They also love to play and are very easy to care for and will get on great with other animals.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Another very popular small breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is an adorable pet that will be a perfect fit for you. They absolutely love their owners and don't mind being lazy at home. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are likely to be very happy living in a small place. They are pleasant little dogs and make great family pets.

9. Chinese Crested

These dogs are very laid back and are the perfect companion for small apartments, and it's one of the more popular breeds among women due to their size and stylish fur. They are a relatively low maintenance dogs and won't require too much grooming on your part unless you're into that. They adore their owners, and if you can appreciate their unique appearance, you'll love these little guys too.

10. Havanese

Havanese dogs are very friendly towards their humans whom they love and are very affectionate towards. They are certainly one of the best dog breeds for small apartments due to their compact size. Havanese are, however, a very energetic breed that loves playing a lot, so you'll need to spend time with them, both indoors sand outdoors. They rarely grow to be over a foot tall, making them a great breed if you don't have much space.

11. Dachshund

Out of all breeds in their category, the Dachshund is the smallest. This extremely popular dog is often adopted by owners living in New York City and other metropolitan places where there isn't much space both indoors and outdoors, and Dachshunds fit that lifestyle perfectly well. They have the smallest of legs, aren't too high energy and will thrive in small places.

12. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin will make the perfect companion and will enjoy living in a small apartment as well as anywhere else – they aren't a picky breed despite their appearance. They have very elegant coats and need regular brushing to keep their coats in tip top condition. They don’t require much exercise and are the perfect breed for small apartments, but you'll have to spend more time grooming them.

13. French Bulldog

Another popular NYC dog due to their compact size that fits well into small places, the French Bulldog is a funny little dog that will be more than happy to join you in a tighter space. They do have higher energy levels and enjoy playing, so you'll have to spend more time with your pup. These dogs are loyal and affectionate.

14. Greyhound

Greyhounds, despite their long legs, are one of the best medium-sized dog breeds for small apartments. While they do fit well within a small apartment, they are a very high energy dog breed that love walks and will require at least one a day long walk to keep them happy and content. Greyhounds are friendly dogs and are also calm, which is why they are a great choice for those living in small condos and tiny homes.

15. Lowchen

Lowchens are much less popular than many other breeds mentioned above, but they are worth considering for your small place. They are gentle little dogs that love their owner’s company and will be somewhat needy. They don’t require much exercise and will get along perfectly with other pets. They will be very happy living in a small apartment.

16. Manchester Terrier

Another lesser known pup for your situation, the Manchester Terrier would make a great pet for small apartment living. They are highly intelligent and will require more mental stimulation than your average pup, so daily playtime is non-negotiable. They are small in size and otherwise will fit your lifestyle well.

17. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso rarely grows bigger than a foot in height, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for apartments size-wise. Due to their long coat, you're also likely to spend more time grooming your pup, caring for their fur and finding more hair around the house. Otherwise, they are friendly and loyal, making them ideal companions as well.

18. Maltese

The Maltese is a very popular breed of dog and it’s not hard to see why. Their looks make them memorable and adorable. Size-wise they will fit your apartment well, but you'll need to spend more time with the pooch due to their needy temperament and playtime requirements. They love their owners and would generally be fine living in a small apartment.

19. Pomeranian

Who doesn't love a cute Pomeranian dog? These dogs are feisty little pets with a lot of character and energy. They thrive on human contact and enjoy being around other pets as well. There are many reasons why these dogs are perfect for apartment living, their extremely compact size being the obvious one.

20. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog will require more grooming time but otherwise will be a great fit for a tiny place. They are perfect companions who love being close to their owners, and have been bred to be lapdogs. They are affectionate little pups and are generally calm too, which makes them ideal for apartment life with neighbors around. They get on very well with children and other pets.

21. Pekingese

Another tiny dog for your tiny apartment life, the Pekingese thrives on human contact. They are a needy breed always seeking attention and love their owners. They will get on very well with children and other pets in your family. If you’re looking for the perfect dog for apartment living, the Pekingese would be one of the more often recommended breeds by other pet owners.

22. Pug

Speaking of most recommended breeds, the ultra-popular Pug is another choice you'll hear often. Pugs are fantastic little companions and adore their owners. Their size and energy levels makes them absolutely perfect for a small apartment. They are loyal and are very playful too. They will be very happy with children and other pets too.

23. Yorkshire Terrier

Another popular dog among women whom we often see being carried in purses, the Yorkshire Terrier – also known as the Yorkie – really do make great pets for tiny apartment living. Due to their small size they won’t require much space or exercise. No list of the best dog breeds for small apartments would be complete without the famous Yorkie!

24. Poodle

Poodles come in three different sizes that include Miniature, Toy and Standard. Toy and Miniature poodles are the ones that'd be the perfect choice for your tiny apartment living. Poodles are highly intelligent dogs and are very easy to train. Poodles do need regular walks and plenty of grooming in order to stay fit and mentally happy.

25. Toy Fox Terrier

Last but not least, the Toy Fox Terriers are highly intelligent little dogs and are easy to train to behave around neighbors if you live in a small apartment complex. They are a great choice for those living conditions and generally will make a good pet for city life. They adore their owners and will thrive on your company and close proximity to you.

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