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Best dog breeds for apartments

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Living in an apartment doesn’t prevent anyone from having a dog — but it requires choosing wisely. The secret isn’t necessarily the dog’s size, but rather the energy level, barking tendency, and adaptability to smaller spaces.

What to consider for apartments

Before choosing, evaluate:

  • Energy level: very active dogs struggle in small spaces
  • Barking: close neighbors don’t tolerate dogs that bark a lot
  • Size: important, but not the main factor
  • Exercise needs: every dog needs walks, but some require much more
  • Time alone: if you work outside the home, you need breeds that tolerate solitude
  • Climate: if you live in a hot area, avoid heavy-coated breeds

Top 10 apartment breeds

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Size: small (13-18 lbs / 6-8kg)
  • Energy: low to moderate
  • Barking: quiet
  • Why it works: gentle, silent, adapts to the owner’s pace. One of the most apartment-friendly breeds in America. Excellent for first-time owners.
  • Care: predisposition to heart problems, regular brushing needed

2. French Bulldog

  • Size: small to medium (16-28 lbs / 7-13kg)
  • Energy: low
  • Barking: quiet
  • Why it works: the ultimate couch companion. Doesn’t need much exercise. Fun and affectionate personality. The most popular dog breed in the US.
  • Care: brachycephalic — struggles in extreme heat. Prone to breathing issues. Avoid intense exercise.

3. Shih Tzu

  • Size: small (9-16 lbs / 4-7kg)
  • Energy: low
  • Barking: quiet
  • Why it works: calm, affectionate, adapts easily to small spaces. Tolerates being alone better than most toy breeds.
  • Care: regular grooming, watch for heat sensitivity (flat face)

4. Pug

  • Size: small (14-18 lbs / 6-8kg)
  • Energy: low to moderate
  • Barking: quiet
  • Why it works: sociable, adapts to any environment, loves company. Charming personality that fits any household.
  • Care: brachycephalic, watch heat exposure. Tendency toward obesity.

5. Boston Terrier

  • Size: small to medium (12-25 lbs / 5-11kg)
  • Energy: moderate
  • Barking: low
  • Why it works: the “American Gentleman.” Compact, well-mannered, and easy to train. Great for city apartments. Very popular across the US.
  • Care: brachycephalic, sensitive to temperature extremes

6. Maltese

  • Size: small (4-7 lbs / 2-3kg)
  • Energy: low to moderate
  • Barking: moderate
  • Why it works: tiny, low-shedding coat, affectionate. Perfect for compact spaces.
  • Care: coat requires frequent brushing, can develop separation anxiety

7. Poodle (Toy or Miniature)

  • Size: small (6-15 lbs / 3-7kg)
  • Energy: moderate
  • Barking: moderate
  • Why it works: extremely intelligent, easy to train, hypoallergenic. Versatile and adaptable to any living situation.
  • Care: needs mental stimulation, grooming every 4-6 weeks

8. Havanese

  • Size: small (7-13 lbs / 3-6kg)
  • Energy: moderate
  • Barking: low to moderate
  • Why it works: the national dog of Cuba, bred as a companion. Cheerful, social, and thrives in apartments. Increasingly popular in the US.
  • Care: silky coat needs regular grooming, very social — doesn’t do well alone for long periods

9. Greyhound

  • Size: large (60-70 lbs / 27-32kg)
  • Energy: surprisingly low
  • Barking: very quiet
  • Why it works: the biggest surprise on this list. Despite their size, Greyhounds are couch potatoes. Retired racing Greyhounds are calm, quiet, and sleep most of the day. They need short bursts of exercise, not endurance.
  • Care: thin coat means they get cold easily, need a dog coat in winter. Adopt through rescue organizations.

10. Bichon Frise

  • Size: small (12-18 lbs / 5-8kg)
  • Energy: moderate
  • Barking: low to moderate
  • Why it works: cheerful but not hyperactive, hypoallergenic, manageable size. Great with families and other pets.
  • Care: requires regular grooming, doesn’t do well alone for extended periods

Honorable mentions

  • Basset Hound — calm and laid-back, but can bay loudly
  • Chihuahua — tiny, but can be nervous and yappy
  • Dachshund — adapts well, but can bark
  • Yorkshire Terrier — small and hypoallergenic, but can be vocal
  • Italian Greyhound — like a mini Greyhound, quiet and gentle

Breeds to avoid in apartments

BreedWhy
Border CollieExtreme energy, needs constant mental work
Siberian HuskyHigh energy, howls, needs space
Jack Russell TerrierHyperactive, destructive if not exercised
Australian ShepherdNeeds a job, will become anxious in small spaces
DalmatianBoundless energy
German ShepherdNeeds space and intense exercise

Rules for dogs in apartments

Exercise is mandatory

Living in an apartment does not eliminate the need for walks. Every dog needs at least:

  • 2 daily walks of 15-30 minutes
  • Indoor enrichment activities
  • Social interaction with other dogs

Bark training

In an apartment, training your dog not to bark excessively is essential. Use positive reinforcement and consider professional help if needed.

Building rules

Check your building’s pet policies:

  • Elevator use (some require dogs be carried or leashed)
  • Common areas where pets are allowed
  • Noise regulations
  • Leash requirements in shared spaces

Consider rescue dogs

Shelter dogs can be excellent apartment companions. When adopting an adult dog, you already know:

  • Their final size
  • Their energy level
  • Their barking tendency
  • Their temperament

Talk to shelter staff about dogs with a calm, adaptable profile.

This article is informational and does not replace guidance from a veterinarian. Always consider responsible adoption.