15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great apartment dog.
The best dog breeds for apartments are quiet and relaxed in the house and do not need a lot of space to be content. Although there are some small dogs on this list, you may be surprised to learn some larger breeds also do well in apartments. Personality comes into play more than size for how well dogs adjust to apartment living.
Qualities of Apartment Dogs
Here are the criteria we used to find the best dog breeds for apartments:
Quiet. These breeds are generally known for being quiet and do not usually bark a lot. The last thing you want in an apartment is complaining neighbors who can’t stand your dog due to her barking.
Low energy inside. Most of these dogs have low to moderate energy levels inside. Some of the smaller dogs may have more energy that can be expended by playing inside.
Content to live close to people. Some dogs do best outdoors or working on farms, but the best dog breeds for apartments enjoy living indoors, close to their humans. These pups prefer to be near you, inside.
Adaptable. These dog breeds are all relatively adaptable to living in small spaces and to different situations, including people and other dogs. Socialization is important for all dogs but especially for apartment pups.
15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a compact, loyal, entertaining toy dog that is one of the best dog breeds for apartments. Affenpinschers - sometimes nicknamed Ewoks - are confident, funny dogs with high energy that can be burned off in a small apartment due to their diminutive size. At less than 12 inches at the shoulder, these small pups pack a big personality.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Size: 9 to 11.5 inches, 7 to 10 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Bulldog
The bulldog is the perfect apartment dog for lounging around. This medium-sized dog breed is adaptable, loyal, easygoing, and always up for a good nap. Although they need regular walks for outdoor exercise, indoors most bulldogs enjoy relaxing with their favorite humans.
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Size: 14 to 15 inches, 40 to 50 pounds
Barking Level: Low
Energy Level: Medium
Basenji
Basenjis - Africa’s “barkless dog” - are quiet, compact, and clean, making them one of the best dog breeds for apartments. Basenjis are playful, sometimes mischievous, smart dogs that are easy to care for, as they have short coats and keep themselves very clean. They do require regular exercise so walks and playtime outside are important to keep your Basenji happy with apartment life.
Lifespan: 13 to 14 years
Size: 16 to 16 inches, 22 to 24 pounds
Barking Level: Low
Energy Level: Medium to High
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a playful, charming small dog with a hypoallergenic coat that is well-suited for apartment living. These intelligent little dogs have confident, happy personalities and generally bark a medium amount. Their high energy requires regular walks and some indoor playtime.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Size: 7 to 10 inches, 8 to 10 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: High
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a petite pooch that is one of the best dog breeds for apartments due to their size and easy upkeep. The Brussels Griffon enjoys lots of human interaction and has a playful, amusing personality that is much bigger than their size.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Size: 7 to 10 inches, 8 to 10 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small to medium-sized dog with low upkeep and an easygoing, pleasant personality. These cuddly-looking pups have gentle personalities and medium energy levels, making them well-suited to apartment life.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Size: 12 to 13 inches, 13 to 18 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are one of the best dog breeds for apartments and have become very popular in recent years. With their charming and highly adaptable personalities, Frenchies are great for small-space living. They have a medium to low energy level and generally do not bark a lot, making them ideal for city life.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Size: 11 to 13 inches, under 28 pounds
Barking Level: Low
Energy Level: Medium
Great Dane
Great Danes are a giant breed with a calm, patient, friendly demeanor. These large pups do surprisingly well in apartments, as they are very low-energy inside and enjoy lounging with their family. They need regular outdoor exercise with daily walks and their short coat requires just basic grooming.
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
Size: 28 to 32 inches, 110 to 175 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Greyhound
Greyhounds are gentle and very mellow in the house, making them one of the best dog breeds for apartments. These sleek pups have a short coat that is easy to care for and they do well with regular outdoor exercise.
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Size: 27 to 30 inches, 60 to 70 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: High
Havanese
The Havanese is a playful, adaptable pup that is small in size, making them one of the best dog breeds for apartments. This lively, social breed enjoys human interactions and does well with regular mental stimulation.
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
Size: 8.5 to 11.5 inches, 7 to 13 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Mastiff
The mastiff is one of the best large dogs for apartment living, with a docile, adaptable personality and an easy-to-care-for short coat. These courageous pups also make excellent guard dogs.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Size: 27.5 inches and up, 120 to 230 pounds
Barking Level: Low
Energy Level: Medium
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a bold, lively toy breed with an adaptable personality that makes them great for apartment living. Poms are active and can get in their daily exercise with indoor play and regular walks.
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Size: 6 to 7 inches, 3 to 7 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Poodle
Poodles are highly trainable and adaptable, making them one of the best dog breeds for apartments. Their hypoallergenic coat is perfect for people with allergies and their intelligent nature makes them easy to train. Poodles come in a variety of sizes, with the Toy Poodle being the smallest and the Standard Poodle weighing in as a medium- to large-sized dog.
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years
Size: Varies, depending on the variety. Toy Poodles are no more than 10 inches and 4 to 6 pounds, Miniature Poodles are 10 to 15 inches and 10 to 15 pounds, and Standard Poodles are over 15 inches and 40 to 70 pounds.
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: High
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a clean, medium-sized dog with a fox-like appearance and a medium energy level. These playful, double-coated pups enjoy regular walks as well as lounging around with their humans. They are very clean and generally do not bark a lot, making them great for apartment life.
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Size: 13.5 to 16.5 inches and 17 to 23 pounds.
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
Yorkshire Terrier
The pint-sized Yorkshire Terrier is a popular apartment dog with an affectionate, adaptable nature. These feisty terriers can be happy in small spaces, as long as they have regular exercise indoors or outside.
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Size: 7 to 8 inches, 7 pounds
Barking Level: Medium
Energy Level: Medium
The Best Apartment Dog for You
When you’re looking for a dog, remember that individual dogs have their own personalities so be sure to meet any potential pup before adopting and ask questions to ensure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle. Check out our 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog for help.
Did we forget any pups on our list of the best dog breeds for apartments? Do you have a great apartment dog? Comment below.
