The 10 Best Apartment Dogs for City Living
Finding the perfect furry friend when you live in a smaller space can feel tricky, but it’s totally doable! Plenty of dog breeds are fantastic at adapting to apartment life. You just need to know what to look for. Our team at Petscarelab wants to help you pick one of the best apartment dogs that will truly thrive in your urban home.
Here's what we look for when we recommend a great dog for small spaces:
- Size Matters: Tiny pups usually fit better. They don't just take up less room; they often have less boundless energy to burn off inside.
- Energy Level: A dog happy to chill out with you is a winner. They’ll be content with less space and fewer intense exercise sessions.
- Barking Habits: Living close to neighbors means a noisy dog can quickly become a big headache for everyone. Quiet breeds are gold.
- Trainability: A dog that’s easy to teach good manners will be much happier and simpler to manage in a small home.
- Temperament: A calm, adaptable personality makes all the difference. Some dogs just go with the flow, while others need constant stimulation and wide-open spaces.
With those things in mind, here are our top 10 picks for dogs that truly shine in apartments.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These sweethearts are like little bundles of love with their velvet ears and melting eyes. Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, and incredibly adaptable dogs who just adore snuggling up with their humans. Weighing between 13 and 18 pounds, they're perfect lap warmers.
- Exercise Needs: They're happy with daily strolls around the block and some playtime indoors. They don't need to run a marathon every day.
- Barking Tendencies: Good news for your neighbors! Cavaliers aren't typically big barkers, making them ideal for apartment living.
- Trainability: These smart cookies love to please you and pick things up pretty fast.
- Temperament: They're known for being sweet, gentle, and friendly – they usually get along great with kids and other pets, too.
2. Pug
Pugs are charming, comical, and super affectionate dogs with personalities bigger than their little bodies. These expressive pups typically weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and want nothing more than to be by your side.
- Exercise Needs: Pugs are pretty low-key when it comes to exercise. Short daily walks and a bit of indoor play are usually plenty to keep them happy.
- Barking Tendencies: Pugs can be a bit vocal, but with consistent training and good socialization, you can definitely manage their barking.
- Trainability: They're intelligent and love making you happy, which makes training them relatively straightforward.
- Temperament: Expect a charming, social butterfly who's always ready for some playful fun.
3. French Bulldog
With their iconic bat ears and friendly faces, French Bulldogs are charismatic, intelligent, and incredibly adaptable. They typically weigh between 19 and 28 pounds and thrive on human companionship, often acting like little shadows.
- Exercise Needs: Frenchies don't need much. Short daily walks and some indoor games are usually enough to keep them healthy and content.
- Barking Tendencies: Another win for apartment dwellers! French Bulldogs aren't excessive barkers.
- Trainability: These pups are smart but can be a little stubborn sometimes. The key is consistent training with lots of positive reinforcement.
- Temperament: Known for their affectionate, calm, and friendly nature, they're wonderful companions.
4. Bichon Frise
Meet the happy-go-lucky cloud dog! Bichon Frises are cheerful, playful, and utterly charming, famous for their fluffy white coats and lively personalities. They weigh between 12 and 18 pounds and absolutely love being the center of attention.
- Exercise Needs: Bichons have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and playtime are usually enough to keep their tails wagging.
- Barking Tendencies: Bichon Frises can get a bit barky, but with good training, you can easily manage it.
- Trainability: They're intelligent and eager to please, making them pretty easy to train.
- Temperament: These pups are known for their cheerful, playful, and affectionate demeanor.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are outgoing, affectionate, and charming, famous for their long, flowing coats. Weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, they adore cuddling and being pampered by their humans.
- Exercise Needs: Shih Tzus are low-energy. Short daily walks and indoor play sessions are all they really need.
- Barking Tendencies: They can be prone to barking, but proper training and consistent effort can help keep it under control.
- Trainability: While intelligent, Shih Tzus can have a stubborn streak. Consistent training with positive reinforcement is your best bet.
- Temperament: Expect an outgoing, affectionate, and utterly charming companion.
6. Boston Terrier
These dapper dogs, with their "tuxedo" markings, are friendly, intelligent, and full of life. Boston Terriers typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and thrive on spending time with their people.
- Exercise Needs: Boston Terriers have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and some playful romps are usually sufficient.
- Barking Tendencies: Good news for your neighbors: Boston Terriers aren't known for excessive barking, making them perfect for apartments.
- Trainability: They're smart and eager to please, which means they're relatively easy to train.
- Temperament: You'll find them friendly, lively, and wonderfully gentle.
7. Greyhounds (Retired Racers)
Don't let their size fool you! While Greyhounds are big dogs, they're incredibly calm, gentle, and quiet indoors. Retired racers, in particular, often earn the nickname "45-mph couch potatoes." They might weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, but they don't need extensive exercise, making them surprisingly good apartment dogs.
- Exercise Needs: Despite their lightning speed, Greyhounds have pretty low exercise needs. Short daily walks and occasional chances to zoom around in a securely fenced area are usually enough. Then, they're ready for a nap.
- Barking Tendencies: Greyhounds are rarely big barkers, making them excellent, quiet companions for apartment living.
- Trainability: They're intelligent and generally keen to please, so training them is usually quite manageable.
- Temperament: Expect a calm, gentle, and wonderfully quiet friend.
8. Basenji
Basenjis are truly unique, intelligent, and independent dogs. They're famous for not barking, instead making a charming, yodel-like sound. Weighing between 22 and 24 pounds, these clean, cat-like dogs are quite special.
- Exercise Needs: Basenjis have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and playtime will keep them happy.
- Barking Tendencies: This is their superpower! Basenjis don't bark, making them amazing choices for apartment dwellers who value peace and quiet.
- Trainability: They're intelligent but also quite independent, which can make training a bit more of a fun challenge.
- Temperament: They're known for their intelligent, curious, and independent spirit.
9. Chihuahua
These spirited, intelligent, and devoted little dogs are known for their tiny size. Chihuahuas usually weigh no more than 6 pounds and love being close to their people, often tucked into a lap or carried around.
- Exercise Needs: Chihuahuas are low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Short daily walks and some indoor playtime are usually all they need.
- Barking Tendencies: Chihuahuas can be prone to barking, but with consistent training and good socialization, you can help them manage it.
- Trainability: They're smart and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
- Temperament: Expect a spirited, intelligent, and deeply devoted companion.
10. Dachshund
With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are lively, playful, and curious dogs. They come in two sizes: standard (16-32 pounds) and miniature (under 11 pounds), and both can adapt well to apartment living.
- Exercise Needs: Dachshunds have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and playtime will keep their curious minds and bodies happy.
- Barking Tendencies: Dachshunds can be quite vocal, but with proper training and socialization, you can help them keep their chatter under control.
- Trainability: While intelligent, Dachshunds can be a bit stubborn. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are your best tools.
- Temperament: They're known for their lively, playful, and endlessly curious spirit.
Other Apartment-Friendly Dogs
While the breeds above are generally fantastic choices, many other dogs can also happily thrive in smaller spaces with the right care and attention. Some additional options our experts often suggest include:
- Bichpoo
- Brussels Griffon
- Cairn Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Havanese
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Miniature Pinscher
- Pomeranian
- Poodle (Miniature or Toy)
- Puggle
- Rat Terrier
- Russell Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Smart Tips for Apartment Dog Owners
Living with a dog in an apartment requires a few specific considerations to make sure both you and your furry friend are happy and well-adjusted. Here are some key tips from our team at Petscarelab:
Establish a Routine
Your dog craves predictability! Setting up a consistent schedule for meals, potty breaks, walks, and playtime helps your pup feel secure and understand what to expect. This is super important in an apartment, where consistent outdoor access might take a little more planning.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Even if your apartment dog has a lower energy level, their brain still needs a workout. A bored dog can lead to chewed furniture, excessive barking, or anxiety. Offer puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and engage in regular training sessions to keep their minds active and engaged.
Create a Designated Safe Space
Every dog needs their own little sanctuary. In an apartment, this could be a cozy dog bed in a quiet corner, a comfortable crate, or a special mat. This spot should be where your dog can retreat to rest, feel secure, and relax without being bothered.
Prioritize Potty Breaks
Regular and frequent potty breaks are non-negotiable for apartment dogs. Aim for at least 3-5 times a day, depending on your dog’s age and bladder control. Be ready for those early morning and late-night trips, and always, always pick up after your dog.
Train for Quiet
Loud barking can quickly sour neighbor relations in an apartment building. Start training your dog early to understand "quiet" commands. Address nuisance barking promptly and consistently using positive reinforcement. If barking becomes a persistent headache, don't hesitate to seek professional training help.
Socialize Your Dog
Exposing your dog to various sights, sounds, people, and other dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Regular walks in busy areas, visits to dog-friendly parks (if your dog enjoys them), and puppy classes can help your pup grow into a well-adjusted, confident companion, less prone to anxiety or fear in an urban setting.
Regular Vet Visits
Consistent check-ups with your vet are essential for all dogs, including those living in apartments. Your vet can offer personalized advice on diet, exercise, and any health concerns specific to your dog's breed and lifestyle. Catching health issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems later on.
The Key to Happy Apartment Living with Your Dog
Choosing the right dog for apartment living means finding a companion whose needs naturally fit with a smaller home. Things like size, energy level, how much they bark, trainability, and temperament all play a huge role. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus often make fantastic choices because they're generally calm, don't need excessive exercise, and adapt beautifully.
But even with the "best" apartment dog, success really comes down to your commitment as an owner. Setting a routine, offering plenty of mental stimulation, giving them a cozy safe space, making potty breaks a priority, training for quiet, and consistent socialization are all vital for a happy, healthy apartment pup. With a little thoughtful planning and dedicated care, apartment living can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your beloved companion.
