Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: Top 15 List

You’re yearning for a dog, researching to see which would be the best breed for your lifestyle. The one thing stopping you? You live in a small apartment, which limits the exercise a dog can get from a backyard. Plus, many apartment buildings have restrictions on dogs. Luckily, there are many smaller-size dogs that are suited for this type of urban lifestyle — but what are the best dog breeds for apartments?

1. French Bulldog

• The French Bulldog is an adaptable, playful, and affectionate dog.
• They are small to medium dogs that rarely weigh more than 28 pounds, making it one of the best dog breeds for apartments.
• Their energy level is usually low to moderate and they only need short walks and a little bit of indoor play.
• When it comes to barking, they are usually quiet dogs.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, gentle and friendly dog.
• They’re small creatures, usually weighing between 13 to 18 pounds.
• Their energy level is moderate, and they only need short walks and a little bit of playtime.
• When it comes to barking, they are usually quiet indoors and semi-quiet outdoors.

3. Boston Terrier

• The Boston Terrier is a friendly, curious and intelligent dog.
• They’re perfect if you live in an apartment because of their small size.
• Boston Terriers usually weigh less than 25 pounds.
• These dogs have moderate amounts of energy throughout the day and require daily walks and some playtime.
• When it comes to barking, they are usually quiet creatures.

4. Chihuahua

• The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs in the United States.
• This dog is perfect for apartment living because they’re small, never weighing more than 6 pounds.
• These dogs are lively, loyal and even charming.
• They have a load of moderate energy, enjoying short walks and a little bit of indoor play every day.
• When it comes to barking, they are definitely yappers and can be quite vocal.

5. Dachshund

• Dachshunds are funny-looking dogs that are shaped like hot dogs.
• They’re clever, lively and courageous creatures.
• These are a small dog breed, never weighing more than 16 to 32 pounds.
• They have moderate amounts of energy, enjoying short walks and a little bit of playtime every day. This contributes to their status as one of the best dog breeds for apartments.
• When it comes to barking, they can be vocal dogs, but the good thing is that with training that can be decreased.

6. Pug

• Pugs are mischievous and social creatures.
• These small dogs usually weigh no more than 18 pounds.
• They have low to moderate amounts of energy level — they enjoy short walks every day and some indoor play.
• When it comes to barking, they are generally quiet dogs.

7. Shih Tzu

• Shih Tzus are cute dogs that come from China. Today, they live on every continent on this planet.
• They are outgoing, charming and loyal dogs.
• Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living — they weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
• Shih Tzus have low to moderate amounts of energy level.
• They enjoy some indoor play and short walks every day.
• When it comes to barking, they tend to be quiet indoors, but sometimes can be quite loud outdoors.

8. Bichon Frise

• The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, playful, and affectionate pup.
• These dogs are perfect if you live in an apartment because they are small — they usually weigh between 12 to 18 pounds.
• Bichon Frises have moderate amounts of energy level and enjoy walks and some play time each day.
• When it comes to barking, they are usually quiet dogs.

9. Havanese

• The Havanese is a Bichon type of dog that comes from Cuba — in fact, the Havanese is the national dog of the country.
• These dogs are quite friendly, playful, and affectionate.
• They’re small dogs, which makes them perfect for apartment living.
• The Havanese can weigh between 7 to 13 pounds.
• They have a moderate amount of energy throughout the day, where they can do a little bit of play time and also have daily walks.
• When it comes to barking, they are usually quiet creatures.

10. Pomeranian

• The Pomeranian is a super cute dog that has become quite popular in recent years.
• These dogs are lively, bold and affectionate.
• If you live in an apartment, you’re in luck because Pomeranians will never weigh more than three to seven pounds.
• These small dogs have a modern amount of energy and usually enjoy short walks and some playtime.
• When it comes to barking however, they can be quite vocal and may need training.

11. Yorkshire Terrier

• The Yorkie is a regal-looking breed that originally is from the Yorkshire area of England.
• These dogs are spirited, bold and affectionate.
• They are small creatures, usually wearing no more than seven pounds, which contributes to them being one of the best dog breeds for apartments.
• The Yorkshire Terrier has modern amounts of energy and they love taking walks and exploring, as well as playing with toys and their owner.
• When it comes to barking, they’re very vocal dogs where training may need to happen.

12. Maltese

• The Maltese is originally a Mediterranean dog, but now can be found all over the world.
• These dogs are gentle, playful and devoted creatures.
• The Maltese is a small breed that never weighs more than seven pounds.
• They have moderate amounts of energy where they can enjoy some short walks and a little bit of play time every day.
• When it comes to barking, they’re usually quiet dogs.

13. Miniature Schnauzer

• Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, obedient, and intelligent dogs.
• This is a smaller-size breed, weighing between 11 and 20 pounds.
• They have moderate amounts of energy where they enjoy daily walks and a little bit of play time.
• When it comes to barking, they can be vocal, which means you’ll need to train them.

14. Italian Greyhound

• That’s right, the breed most famous for its speed and racing is actually a great apartment dog.
• Despite their reputation, they have moderate levels of energy and only need a couple walks and some play each day.
• Italian Greyhounds are sensitive, alert and playful dogs.
• Though they can be a little taller than other small dogs, they’re relatively compact.
• They usually weigh between 7 and 14 pounds.
• When it comes to barking, they’re usually quiet.

15. Cocker Spaniel

• Cocker Spaniels are gentle, smart and happy dogs.
• They’re a medium-sized breed and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds — a little larger than most dogs on our list.
• Cocker Spaniels have moderate amounts of energy; they enjoy daily walks and a little bit of playtime.
• When it comes to barking, they tend to make noise at moderate levels, but can be trained to be quiet indoors.

Tips for Apartment Living with a Dog

If you live in an apartment and you want to have a simple life with your dog, you should follow some tips that will ease them in your apartment, as well as make your life better.

• Establish a routine for exercise and bathroom breaks.
• Provide mental stimulation and buy them interactive toys that will keep them entertained.
• Create a comfortable and safe space for your dog throughout the entire apartment. Note: This is very important.
• Lastly, so that the dog does not become overly aggressive or unfriendly towards other people and other dogs, you should socialize your dog with your neighbors and other pets.

Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: Wrapping Up

When choosing a dog, you should select one that’s right for apartment living. These small breeds are the best dog breeds for apartments.

Of course, if your building allows, you can always choose a more energetic or large dog that requires a lot of exercise, it just places an added burden on you. You’ll need to take multiple, long walks every day and spend plenty of time playing as well — it might not be a bad idea to find your nearest dog park and become a regular.

If you are a prospective dog owner, it’s always best to do your research so that you choose the best dog breed that fits your lifestyle. At the end of the day, having a dog in your apartment is going to create companionship and emotional support.

If you’re getting a dog from an out of state breeder, pet transportation may be on your horizon. Trust only the most qualified, compassionate pet transportation professionals like those you’ll find on CitizenShipper.