Want to know all about the best dog breeds for apartments?
Check out our list and find the perfect furry companion for your apartment life!
You might find it strange, but size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to choosing a dog for small spaces.
Some small breeds are heavy barker while others are so full of energy that they might feel pent up even in a big apartment.
So, they’re not a good choice if you live near people who don’t appreciate being woken in the middle of the night by barking!
On the other hand, some big dogs are so lazy that they can live in an apartment with no issues as long as you provide enough exercise and entertainment.
Such large dog breeds have a gentle temperament and are unlikely to bother the neighbors with loud barking.
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The most important thing to look for in a dog that’s going to live in an apartment is how active it is and how much exercise it needs.
You also need to think about how much time your dog will spend alone.
Will he be left alone all day while you work?
Will you want to get him a friend to keep him company? It’s easier to raise (and crate) two smaller dogs than two large breeds.
As you can see, things are not so black and white when it comes to choosing a dog breed suitable for your apartment, so don’t take a hasty decision.
So, now let’s see which breeds make the best dog breeds for apartments!
➔➔ Looking to adopt a cat? Find out the best cat breeds
Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
#1 English bulldog
If you’re looking for a dog that loves spending time on the couch more than a walk outside, you can’t go wrong with an English bulldog. Don’t be misled by its stocky appearance. English Bulldogs don’t require as much exercise as other big dogs, and they don’t like long runs, jogs or walks. This adorable guy does fine with short 10-15 minute walks every day.
A mature English bulldog weighs around 50 pounds and reaches 12-15 inches in height. While he is not a small dog, his short-haired coat doesn’t need much grooming.
When you’re home, you’ll notice that this mid-sized dog prefers to lie on your lap while you’re watching TV or reading a book. He won’t pester you for a walk to the dog park, but you shouldn’t forget to take him for a brief stroll.
So, the English bulldog is perfect for people who prefer a lazy companion and can live with all the drool and the snoring.
#2 Shih Tzu
These cute dog breeds for apartments score 10 for appearance, friendliness, intelligence and loyalty. A typical Shih Tzu weighs around 9-16 pounds, and as long as you pay them enough attention and pamper them enough, they make excellent apartment dogs.
The Shih Tzu loves to follow you around and be part of your activities. It also won’t say no to cuddling or snuggling into the pillow. For a small dog, it doesn’t require a lot of outdoor time. This elegant dog with aristocratic demeanor can be a little stubborn at times and housebreaking can be a bit tough, but it gets well with other pets, and it’s friendly to strangers.
The only downside of owning a Shih Tzu is that you’re going to take care of that fantastic long-haired coat and brush it every day. But you have to remember – beauty requires sacrifices. And Shih Tzu doesn’t shed or bark as much as other toy breeds.
# 3 Yorkshire Terrier
With a weight of 7 pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier makes one of the best apartment dogs because it doesn’t take much space. And indoor entertainment can keep him busy well enough in combination with short daily walks and a lot of attention and cuddles from you.
Moreover, the Yorkie is friendly, intelligent and sharp. For such a small dog, it shows remarkable boldness. The Yorkie might try to start a fight with a much bigger dog and might bark at anything he perceives as a threat. But with proper training, you shouldn’t have problems with your neighbors or other dogs.
On the good side, they adapt quickly to new experience and do well with other pets if they have been raised together. And you can carry him in a tote bag to work. However, keep in mind that the Yorkie breed has a delicate structure, but a typical terrier personality and some might be more adventurous than others.
#4 Maltese
A dog with a stunning white coat, the Maltese is a sweet and devoted to its owner. If you think that grooming her will be problematic, you can’t be more wrong. The Maltese don’t have an undercoat, so it sheds very little. You won’t be finding dog hair all around your apartment with this cute gem, and she is even considered hypoallergenic.
The Maltese loves nothing more but to be with his owner and family and welcomes everyone as a friend. She does fine with regular short walks because she is relatively active indoors. However, since this adorable princess doesn’t tolerate extreme hot or cold temperature, you might want to paper train her.
# 5 Basset Hound
Even though the Basset Hound is a hunting dog and it has a strong instinct to chase, it does remarkably well in an apartment. He is happy to lazy around waiting until you’re ready to take him for a walk. But once outside be prepared for a lot of excitement and running around. And if your Basset Hound picks up a scent, he might try to follow it no matter what.
With an average weight of 45-65 pounds, the Basset Hound is not a toy dog by any means. And it needs regular exercise because obesity is a problem for the breed. Overeating too is an issue. But it does well with other dogs, pets, and children. He is calm and composed when inside and loves to cuddle with you.
#6 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for a lap dog, you can’t go wrong with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is undeniably amongst the cutest of the best dog breeds for apartments, and he loves nothing more than a belly rub or sitting in your lap.
Moreover, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is eager to meet everybody, especially if they’re carrying a treat. They are quite calm, adaptable and quiet. In size, the average Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weight around 14-18 pounds and they are moderately active inside. Of course, they require regular walks but not during a hot day.
Cavaliers are easy to maintain, and they need brushing 3-4 time a week to keep that magnificent coat in perfect condition. Since they love to play outside, you might need to bathe them weekly.
#7 Pug
The Pug with its big eyes and adorable snort is one of the best dog breeds for apartments. This charming fellow is loyal, quiet, and friendly and weighs only 14-18 pounds. It’s a not active dog indoors, but since it’s prone to obesity, you should have a regular exercise schedule.
Due to its short legs and bulky torso, you should keep things easy when you go for a walk and avoid going outside when it’s too hot or humid. The Pug can’t tolerate high temperature because of its short muzzle, and you must keep an eye on it for signs of overheating.
Despite the short-haired coat, the Pug sheds a lot. So be prepared to deal with a lot of dog hair around. But on the plus side, pugs and children do get along very well. Just invest in some earplugs because these guys snore a lot.
#8 Bullmastiff
Undeniable Bullmastiff is not a small dog you can carry in your tote back. In fact, this large dog can weight up to 130 pounds. Nevertheless, it’s a good choice for an apartment because it’s relatively inactive and will spend his day the couch or the bed.
However, he does need several regular walks a day and enough stimulation to keep him in good shape. And even though he isn’t a high-energy dog, Bull Mastiff is not lazy, and they are champions in some dog’s sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRiAFBuOf2E
If you decide to get a Bullmastiff, remember to keep several towels at hands. This mellow friend is quite the drooler.
#9 Great Dane
No, I’m not kidding. I know that the Great Dane is a huge dog. But it’s a good choice for a big apartment because it’s a gentle giant. The Great Dane is also quite calm, friendly, protective, and quiet. And, it will occupy your couch permanently.
Keep in mind that an average Great Dane weighs around 100 to 130 pounds and it can’t live in a small apartment because it will constantly break or shove stuff. But if you have a large one, the Great Dane will feel completely content to share a space with you.
#10 Greyhound
Another representative of the big dog breeds, the Greyhound fares quite well in an apartment despite its 85 pounds of weight. It’s true that these wonderful dogs are excellent sprinters, but they love sleeping as much as running, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for apartments!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_clKz2FOomI
Owning a Greyhound means regular daily walks. So they’re the perfect companion for joggers and runners. However, they tend to chase small furry things like cats and rabbits, so be careful when you take they running. You’ll also have to brush them daily, despite their short coat. And keep in mind that they do shed.
One final thought. Every dog is different, and some might be very untypical representatives of their breed. If you’re going with a breeder, always trust a licensed breeder and talk with him about the temperament of the puppy and ask to see documents that rule common health issues. Many of these dogs are waiting for forever families in shelters, too, so please check there first. I also advise you to check your building’s regulation and policy regarding dogs of any size before you start looking at any of these best dog breeds for apartments.
So what do you think about these ideas for the best apartment dogs? Do you have any other suggestions for the best dog breeds for apartments? Share your story in the comments.
