The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Choosing the right dog breed for apartment living requires careful consideration.

Unlike living in a house with a yard, apartment dwellers must find breeds that can adapt to limited space, neighbors, and sometimes stricter rules regarding noise and pet sizes.

Despite the challenges, there are plenty of dog breeds that thrive in apartments due to their size, temperament, and exercise needs.

Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or an experienced dog lover, here are five of the best dog breeds for apartment living.

(1) French Bulldog

Size and Temperament: The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is one of the top breeds for apartment living.

Small, stocky, and muscular, they typically weigh between 16-28 pounds, making them an ideal size for smaller spaces.

Frenchies are known for their calm and affectionate demeanor. They’re not big barkers, which is a plus for apartment dwellers who want to avoid complaints from neighbors.

Exercise Needs: Though they are relatively low-energy dogs, French Bulldogs still need some daily exercise, but a short walk or indoor playtime is usually enough to keep them happy.

Frenchies are prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic (short-snouted) faces, so apartments with good ventilation or air conditioning are perfect for this breed.

Their love of lounging makes them ideal for anyone who enjoys relaxing indoors with their pup.

Socialization and Adaptability: French Bulldogs are highly adaptable and tend to do well in a variety of living environments.

They form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be good with children and other pets, which is great if you live in a busy apartment complex.

Their friendly disposition and adaptability make them one of the best dogs for apartment living.

(2) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Size and Temperament: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate, and incredibly gentle breed, making it perfect for apartment living.

Weighing between 13-18 pounds, this breed thrives on companionship and is highly adaptable to its surroundings.

Cavaliers are friendly, easygoing dogs who love to snuggle and be around people, making them a good fit for apartment dwellers looking for a loving and sociable pet.

Exercise Needs: While Cavaliers enjoy their walks and outdoor play, they are just as content relaxing indoors with their owners.

They don’t have excessive exercise needs, which makes them a manageable breed in terms of energy.

A couple of short walks a day, combined with some indoor playtime, is sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

Socialization and Adaptability: One of the most appealing aspects of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is their ability to get along with almost everyone—children, other dogs, and even cats.

They are gentle and affectionate, which is a bonus if you have neighbors who are concerned about noise or aggression.

Because of their calm nature, they’re also less likely to cause disturbances by barking excessively, which is a common concern in apartments.

(3) Shih Tzu

Size and Temperament: Shih Tzus are small, typically weighing between 9-16 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living.

Known for their outgoing and friendly personalities, Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs who enjoy the company of their owners.

They’re generally not overly active, which means they don’t need a lot of space to be happy.

Exercise Needs: Though Shih Tzus enjoy a brisk walk, they don’t have high energy levels, making them perfect for apartment living.

A couple of short walks a day and some indoor play will satisfy their need for exercise.

Shih Tzus also adapt well to indoor environments and are more than happy to lounge around on the couch with their owner.

Socialization and Adaptability: Shih Tzus are adaptable and get along well with both adults and children.

They are friendly, sociable dogs who thrive on human companionship.

While they are generally quiet, they can become a bit yappy if left alone for long periods, so it’s important for apartment dwellers to spend quality time with their Shih Tzu or provide toys and distractions when they’re away.

(4) Greyhound

Size and Temperament: It may come as a surprise, but the Greyhound, known for its athletic build and racing history, is actually one of the best dogs for apartment living.

Despite their larger size, Greyhounds are calm, quiet, and incredibly low-maintenance dogs.

Weighing between 60-70 pounds, Greyhounds are often described as “40 mph couch potatoes” because of their relaxed and laid-back temperament.

Exercise Needs: Though Greyhounds can run at incredible speeds, they don’t need a lot of exercise.

A couple of short walks a day are typically enough to meet their needs.

Greyhounds are sprinters, not long-distance runners, so after a quick burst of energy, they’re more than happy to lounge around for the rest of the day.

This makes them perfect for apartment living, where space may be limited.

Socialization and Adaptability: Greyhounds are known for their gentle nature and can be incredibly affectionate with their owners.

They tend to be quiet dogs that rarely bark, which makes them ideal for apartment dwellers who are concerned about noise.

Greyhounds also adapt well to indoor environments, making them a surprising yet excellent choice for apartment life.

(5) Bichon Frise

Size and Temperament: The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog that weighs between 12-18 pounds, making it perfect for apartment living.

Bichons are known for their cheerful, playful, and affectionate personalities. They’re friendly and sociable, which makes them ideal companions for apartment dwellers, especially those who live alone and want a dog that loves attention.

Exercise Needs: Bichon Frises are moderate-energy dogs who need daily exercise, but a short walk and some indoor playtime will usually suffice.

They’re small enough to run around an apartment without knocking things over, and they tend to enjoy interactive toys, which help them stay active and engaged even in smaller spaces.

Socialization and Adaptability: Bichons are known for their friendly and adaptable nature.

They get along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers, which is great for apartment living where interactions with neighbors are more frequent.

One of the standout qualities of the Bichon Frise is that they are considered hypoallergenic, which is ideal for people with allergies.

Their low-shedding coat also means less mess in your apartment, making them a low-maintenance choice for cleanliness-conscious owners.

(6) Conclusion

When it comes to apartment living, size isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a dog breed.

Temperament, exercise needs, adaptability, and noise level are equally important, if not more so.

While the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Greyhound, and Bichon Frise all have different characteristics, they share common traits that make them well-suited for apartment life: moderate exercise needs, adaptability to indoor living, and a calm, friendly demeanor.

Choosing the right breed for your apartment lifestyle can make a big difference in your and your pet’s happiness.

By selecting one of these breeds, you’ll be bringing home a dog that thrives in small spaces, doesn’t require excessive outdoor time, and will easily adapt to the urban environment.

Whether you prefer a small lap dog like the Shih Tzu or a larger but calm breed like the Greyhound, these dogs are sure to bring companionship, love, and joy to your apartment life without overwhelming your living space.

If you’re considering adopting a dog for apartment living, it’s also important to consider factors like the dog’s personality, health, and any specific needs they may have.

Ultimately, a well-chosen breed, combined with proper training and care, can make apartment living with a dog a wonderfully rewarding experience.