Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: The Perfect Pup for Cozy Living

I’ll admit it—I’ve always had a thing for big dogs. There’s just something about a massive, lovable goofball taking up half the couch that makes my heart happy.

But not everyone has the space for a Great Dane running laps in their living room. If you live in an apartment, the good news is there are plenty of dogs that thrive in smaller spaces—without sacrificing companionship, personality, or fun.

With that said, having a dog in an apartment comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need a breed that fits your lifestyle, keeps barking to a minimum (your neighbors will thank you), and doesn’t mind limited square footage.

What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?

Okay, so, before we get into specific breeds, let’s talk about why some dogs do well in apartments.

• Size Matters (But Not Always) – While you'd think I'm only going to recommend small dog breeds, some larger breeds are also particularly calm dog breeds and can thrive in small spaces.
• Energy Level – Some dogs need a backyard to burn off energy, while others are couch potatoes who are more than happy with a few short walks. They're like, "I'm good! You go on the walk without me!"
• Noise Level – Living in an apartment means keeping barking to a minimum. This is really non-negotiable because people work all kinds of hours. They have little kids. They need their sleep and their peace of mind. Choosing a breed known for its quieter nature can keep you on good terms with the neighbors—and landlord.
• Trainability – A dog that’s easy to train will adapt faster to apartment rules, whether that means using a designated potty area or learning to stay calm when left alone. Some dogs were bred for their independent nature. These breeds aren't ideal for apartment living. You say, "move". And they say, "No, you move." Other dogs are eager to please.
• Lifestyle Match — Some dogs are more agreeable if you work long hours and have to leave them. Others will bark their little heads off if you don't take them with you everywhere. It's essential to consider these traits along with everything else.

Top 6 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

1. French Bulldog

You've got a busy life. You want to share it with a dog. But you'd also like to be able to set some boundaries. You do your own thing while they do theirs sometimes. It sounds like you want a Frenchie.

One of the best low maintenance dog breeds with a full personality, your Frenchie is your best friend who doesn't ask much of you. They’re compact, quiet, and love lounging around—perfect for apartment living. Plus, their adorable snorts make up for any stubborn streaks during training.

French bulldogs don't top my list of easiest dogs to train. They were bred to stand their ground against bulls, after all.

But they'll do backflips for high-value dog treats and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Did you love Lady and the Tramp when you were a kid? My college kids watched that at least once a week for a while when they were little. It may just be why they grew up to be such dog people like me.

So, actually, Lady was an American Cocker Spaniel, but you knew that.

Still, they look similar in that they have ears that look like long, silky hair. And between the two, the King Charles (not of England) is the better apartment companion.

The latter is a smaller, calmer dog breed that is affectionate without being overly demanding. They’re happy with a few walks a day and love curling up on the couch (or your lap). Just be warned—those big, soulful eyes are hard to say no to when they beg for treats!

Make sure those are nutritious dog treats with no sugar, fillers, or artificial ingredients, so your King Charles can stay healthy and strong.

3. Greyhound

You may think I've gone mad here. Now, hear me out.

While they’re known for speed, Greyhounds are actually low maintenance dog breeds that prefer a slower pace of life—especially rescue Greyhounds who you can give a good home after retirement from the race track.

These giants thrive in apartments. They love short bursts of exercise but are famous for being couch potatoes the rest of the day. Give them a Goliath Bone to gnaw on. And they'll be good until you're ready to go out again.

Greyhounds are also quiet and gentle dogs who don't tend to act territorially. That's important if you have other dogs living in nearby units.

4. Pug

Now, I don't recommend getting a purebred pug (or Frenchie for that matter) from a puppy dealer. These guys have been bred with scrunched faces and breathing problems and dog health problems.

But if you can find pugs or pug mixes at shelters that need a good home, and you're okay with a dog that gets out of breath easily and requires shorter walks, then please save one of these pups.

Pugs are small, adaptable, and love human companionship. They always look like they're smiling.

They don’t require a ton of exercise (in fact, they hate it as much as some of us do!). They have a pretty relaxed attitude—though they do have a mischievous side that can lead to destructive chewing.

Keep them entertained with dog bones and mentally stimulating toys will help prevent boredom and stop that unwanted behavior in its tracks.

Pugs are also relatively quiet pups, although they do snort and wheeze sometimes, for reasons I'm sure you can figure out. Also know that dogs with flat faces also gulp air when they eat because of their facial structure. So, they are a bit gassy.

Hey, I want to make sure you know what you're in for.

5. Shih Tzu

Another excellent apartment companion, the Shih Tzu, was literally bred to be a lap dog. By that, I mean they would sit in your lap all day long if you let them.

They’re low-energy and perfectly content hanging out indoors. When they bark, it also sounds like someone turned the volume down. And they don't bark a lot.

If you do have a dog that barks excessively, you should certainly check out this article.

I call Shih Tzus an easy choice for apartment dwellers.

6. Bichon Frise

These cheerful little fluffballs are hypoallergenic and friendly, making them a great choice for apartments. They don’t shed much. And their size makes them easy to manage—even in small spaces.

But word of caution before you run out and adopt this flat companion.

They will want to go everywhere with you. They despise being left at home alone and will bark a lot when they feel neglected.

Of course, that's not ideal for apartments. So, only get a Bichon Frise if this sounds like it would fit into your lifestyle.

Keeping Dogs Engaged Indoors

While some dogs are more aligned with apartment living, all dogs need engagement, exercise, and proper nutrition. So, I suggest you teach your dog some games you can play indoors and give them a long-lasting dog bone to entertain themselves when you can't.

Training apartment dogs is a whole lot easier with positive reinforcement training and the best dog treats, so be sure to sign your new apartment pup up for the Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge.

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