Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living: Low-Maintenance & Friendly Picks
Owning a dog in an apartment comes with challenges. Space is limited, and your neighbors are close. Some breeds adapt well to small spaces, while others need more room to roam. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and friendly dog, this guide will help you choose the best breed for apartment living.
What Makes a Dog Suitable for Apartments?
Not all dogs can thrive in small spaces. The best apartment-friendly breeds have certain traits:
• Small to Medium Size: Large dogs need space to move around. Smaller breeds are better suited for apartments.
• Low Energy Levels: Active dogs need lots of exercise. A calmer dog is a better choice for small spaces.
• Minimal Shedding: Less fur means less cleaning. Low-shedding breeds are ideal for apartment dwellers.
• Quiet Nature: Barking can disturb neighbors. A quiet breed makes apartment life easier.
• Friendly Personality: A social and adaptable dog is best for shared living spaces.
Now, let's look at the best dog breeds for apartment living.
1. French Bulldog
Size: Small
Energy Level: Low
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, quiet
French Bulldogs are one of the best apartment dogs. They are small, quiet, and require little exercise. They enjoy lounging around and don’t bark much, making them ideal for close living spaces. Their short coat requires minimal grooming.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Low energy needs
✔ Rarely bark
✔ Adapt well to small spaces
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: Small
Energy Level: Moderate
Shedding: Moderate
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, adaptable
This breed loves companionship and adapts well to any living situation. They enjoy short walks but don’t require excessive exercise. Their gentle nature makes them great for apartment dwellers.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Small and easy to handle
✔ Adaptable and social
✔ Happy with moderate exercise
3. Greyhound
Size: Large
Energy Level: Low
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Gentle, quiet, independent
Though large, Greyhounds are known as “couch potatoes.” They enjoy short bursts of exercise but love lounging indoors. They rarely bark and require little grooming, making them surprisingly good apartment dogs.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Low-energy indoors
✔ Very quiet
✔ Minimal grooming needs
4. Boston Terrier
Size: Small
Energy Level: Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate
Boston Terriers are small, easy to train, and love being around people. They have short coats, making grooming easy. Their playful nature means they enjoy short walks but are also happy indoors.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Small and manageable
✔ Friendly and adaptable
✔ Requires little grooming
5. Pug
Size: Small
Energy Level: Low
Shedding: Moderate
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, laid-back
Pugs are great companions and love lounging with their owners. They don’t need much space and are generally quiet. However, they can be prone to weight gain, so regular walks are important.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Small and sturdy
✔ Loves to relax indoors
✔ Not too vocal
6. Shih Tzu
Size: Small
Energy Level: Low to Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, friendly
Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs. They enjoy short walks and indoor play. Their coat requires regular grooming, but they shed very little. They are friendly and adapt well to apartment living.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Small and sociable
✔ Happy with light exercise
✔ Not prone to excessive barking
7. Bichon Frise
Size: Small
Energy Level: Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Cheerful, friendly, affectionate
Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic, meaning they shed very little. They are friendly, easy to train, and love human companionship. Regular grooming is required to maintain their fluffy coat.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Hypoallergenic and low-shedding
✔ Friendly and easygoing
✔ Happy in small spaces
8. Dachshund
Size: Small
Energy Level: Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Loyal, playful, curious
Dachshunds are small but full of personality. They need daily walks but don’t require a large living space. They are known for their loyalty and can be a bit stubborn, but they make great companions.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Compact size
✔ Moderate exercise needs
✔ Loyal and affectionate
9. Maltese
Size: Small
Energy Level: Low
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Loving, gentle, playful
The Maltese is a great choice for small spaces. They are low-energy, affectionate, and love being with their owners. Their long coat requires maintenance, but they shed very little.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Small and light
✔ Loves staying indoors
✔ Not a heavy shedder
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: Small
Energy Level: Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Temperament: Brave, affectionate, energetic
Yorkies are small but have a big personality. They are hypoallergenic and require regular grooming. They enjoy short walks and indoor play, making them great apartment pets.
Why They’re Great for Apartments
✔ Hypoallergenic coat
✔ Small and manageable
✔ Playful and affectionate
Tips for Keeping a Dog in an Apartment
No matter the breed, apartment dogs need care and attention. Here are some tips to ensure your dog stays happy in a small space:
• Stick to a Routine: Dogs thrive on schedules. Regular walks and feeding times help them feel secure.
• Provide Mental Stimulation: Toys, puzzles, and training sessions keep your dog engaged.
• Make Time for Exercise: Even low-energy dogs need daily walks to stay healthy.
• Respect Your Neighbors: Train your dog to minimize barking and avoid disturbances.
• Create a Comfortable Space: A cozy bed and quiet area help your dog feel at home.
Conclusion
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Many breeds adapt well to small spaces as long as they get proper care, exercise, and attention. French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are great choices for their small size and easygoing nature. If you prefer a larger dog, a Greyhound might be a perfect fit.
Choose a breed that matches your lifestyle, and you’ll have a loving companion that thrives in your apartment. With the right care and attention, any of these breeds can make a wonderful pet for small-space living.