The Best Dogs for Apartment Living

 

When it comes to good dogs for apartment living, a good rule of thumb is to play it by size. In other words, if a dog looks like it’s too big to live comfortably in an apartment, it probably is. For this reason, small dogs tend to be more popular apartment dogs.

That said, a few large breeds do fare surprisingly well in small spaces. That’s why the signature temperaments and dispositions of different breeds also play a role in determining the best dog breeds for apartments. 

To that end, here is our guide to the best apartment dogs:

1. Terriers

Almost any terrier you can think of is a great option for apartment living. They’re small, mild-mannered pups with easy-to-love, happy-go-lucky temperaments. They’re also super cute and companionable.

These terrier breeds are particularly well-suited to apartments:

• Bedlington terrier
• Biewer terrier
• Boston terrier
• Yorkshire terrier 

2. English bulldog and French bulldog

Whether English or French, few dog breeds are as ready-made for apartment life as the bulldog. These pudgy-faced canines are perfectly happy when they’re confined to only two or three rooms—provided there are plenty of comfy spots for napping! 

Both English bulldogs and French bulldogs top any list of good dogs for apartments because they’re:

• Low-maintenance: Bulldogs are prone to long, lazy naps and snuggling on the sofa. They don’t need much exercise beyond a short daily walk. 
• Obedient: Although dogs can be rather pigheaded, bulldogs want nothing more than to please their owners. Often, that loyalty translates into obedience.
• Relatively quiet: Although bulldogs bark very loudly, they rarely do. In fact, they tend to be much less vocal than other breeds, which is a plus for both you and your neighbors. 

Although both breeds of bulldogs are short, keep in mind that English bulldogs can get much heavier than their French counterparts, tipping the scale at nearly 50 pounds. 

3. Bichon Frise  

The Bichon Frise is known as much for its puffy appearance as its pleasant, people-loving demeanor. These white, poofy angels first captivated French explorers in the Canary Islands during the 14th century, and they’ve been melting hearts ever since.

Bichon Frise is among the best dog breeds for small spaces because they’re: 

• Quick learners
• Small and lightweight
• Hypoallergenic 

4. Great Dane

It’s understandable if you’re surprised to see the Great Dane on this list. After all, nothing about this regal dog’s immense frame suggests it would even fit in an apartment, let alone be happy living in one.

But as it turns out, the so-called Apollo of dogs can make a great apartment pooch because of this dog breeds’:

• Disposition: Often referred to as gentle giants, Great Danes are affectionate and relaxed creatures that don’t make a lot of noise.
• Low energy level: Compared to breeds closest to the Great Dane in size, this mighty mastiff is pretty laid-back. Leisurely strolls through the neighborhood once or twice a day are all the exercise they require—although they can be quite playful. 

It’s important to remember that just because Great Danes have the right temperament for apartment life doesn’t mean they should live in every apartment. Great Danes can grow up to 175 inches tall and up to 43 inches long, so they need a lot of room to maneuver their long legs. 

5. Greyhound 

As one of the oldest purebred dog breeds, the Greyhound has proved itself a welcome fixture of all kinds of living spaces, from the palaces of Ancient Egypt to, potentially, your new apartment. Their agility and lithe build make them cunning hunters and the fastest of all dog breeds. They may be large dogs, but Greyhounds make great flatmates because they: 

• Have calm, friendly demeanors  
• Don’t need a lot of exercise 
• Are relatively quiet dogs 

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

One of the best dogs for small apartments is the equally diminutive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Don’t let the long name or the even longer hair fool you—these little royals aren’t as high-maintenance as their lineage might suggest.

King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and amenable—these small dogs are as happy prancing around the block as they are curled up in your lap. And for what it’s worth, this dog breed also makes for excellent show dogs.

7. Shar Pei

With their trademark velvety wrinkles and folds, the Shar Pei is one of the most recognizable of all dog breeds—and also one of the snuggliest. And as it happens, they’re also pretty good at being apartment dwellers, despite being medium-sized dogs.

Although they can tend to be wary around strangers, Shar Peis flourish in apartment settings because they:

• Don’t need a lot of exercise 
• Rarely bark 
• Require minimal living space

8. Shih Tzu 

For a dog originally bred to be the companion of emperors and empresses during the Ming Dynasty in China, the Shih Tzu is a surprisingly adaptable dog and one of the best for apartment living. 

What makes the Shih Tzu so great? For starters:

• They’re friendly: Shih Tzu make great apartment dogs in part because they’re so personable. They love adults as well as children and get along well with other dogs.
• They’re affectionate: The best apartment dogs are the ones that are content doing nothing more than sitting on your lap while you pet them. That describes the Shih Tzu to a T.
• They’re happy indoors: Although Shih Tzus love fresh air and dog runs as much as the next breed, these small dogs are equally happy to hang out inside. 

9. Basset hound 

Originally bred as a hunting dog in sixth-century France, the basset hound has since nuzzled its way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers all over the world. They’re friendly, even-tempered pups with small frames that make them perfect apartment dwellers.

Rounding out the basset hound’s qualities are their: 

• Look 
• Companionable nature
• Calm demeanor