15 Dog Breeds That Do Well In Apartments

French Bulldogs are basically made for apartment life. They’re compact, relatively quiet, and love lounging as much as you do. They’re low-energy but still playful, making them ideal for those who want a dog without visiting the dog park every three hours. Their small size means they won’t take up your whole couch, though they’ll definitely try. And their expressive faces? Perfect for convincing your landlord that pet rent should absolutely be waived.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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With their elegant charm and lapdog tendencies, Cavaliers are like little royalty with surprisingly chill vibes. They’re affectionate without being clingy, happy with a short daily walk, and content to snooze in a sunbeam for hours. Their soft, silky coats may look high-maintenance, but their personalities are as low-maintenance as they come. These dogs were basically bred for couch cuddles and polite behavior—ideal for apartment walls that are a little too thin.

Boston Terrier

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Boston Terriers bring that perfect mix of spunk and sensibility. They’re small, easy to train, and respectful of indoor living. While they have bursts of playful energy, they don’t need much space to get their zoomies out—just a hallway and some determination. Their comical expressions and tuxedo-like markings make them look like the most dapper guest at any building meet-and-greet. They’re sociable, loyal, and not prone to endless barking.

Pug

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Pugs are basically the couch potatoes of the dog world—and we say that with love. These compact charmers are built for napping, snacking, and giving you soulful glances while microwaving leftovers. They don’t need a big yard or elaborate exercise routines, just short walks and snuggle time. Their friendly nature also makes them great with neighbors, visitors, and delivery people, who mistakenly believe they are here to pet them.

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they’ve got confidence for days. Their small stature makes them ideal for apartment living and don’t require long walks or massive exercise. They’re happy campers as long as they have a cozy blanket to burrow in and a human to follow around. Don’t let their size fool you—they still think they’re guard dogs. Bonus: they fit in a tote bag when the elevator’s down.

Havanese

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The Havanese is like your funny, friendly neighbor—always upbeat, always ready for a good time, but never overstays their welcome. They’re adaptable, smart, and incredibly people-oriented, making them perfect for city life and apartment buildings. Their small size means they’re great in tighter spaces, and their moderate energy level keeps them from bouncing off your walls. They also get along well with other pets and people, so no awkward elevator rides.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds are small, spunky, and surprisingly good watchdogs for their size. They don’t need a lot of room, just a cozy space to tunnel into and someone to hang out with. While they love to sniff and explore, they’re just as happy lounging under a blanket for half the day. Their compact build makes them ideal for apartment living—keep an eye on their enthusiasm for barking at absolutely nothing (like a leaf). It happens.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkies are tiny but mighty, bringing sass, style, and companionship in a compact package. While they enjoy some playtime and daily walks, they don’t need much space to thrive. Their size makes them ideal for apartments, and they’re happy to perch on the back of a couch and rule their domain like a furry monarch. With the right training and a consistent schedule, Yorkies can be polite, clean, and charming city roommates.

Maltese

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The Maltese are equal in fluff and affection, with a personality built for cozy living. They thrive on human interaction and don’t require much room to romp, making them perfect for smaller homes. Maltese dogs are usually quiet and content indoors, though they’ll happily bark at their reflection in a toaster if the mood strikes. Their elegant appearance hides their hardy little spirits, but give them a soft bed and a warm lap, and they’re in heaven.

English Bulldog

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Bulldogs may be built like bricks, but they are the ultimate apartment loaf. They enjoy short walks, long naps, and don’t need a lot of room to be happy. They’re typically quiet, slow-moving, and prefer chilling near a fan over sprinting around a park. Despite their tough looks, Bulldogs are softies who love attention and would happily watch a whole season of your favorite show without leaving the rug. They snore like a chainsaw—but hey, so does your neighbor.

Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds bring elegance to apartment life. They’re small, sleek, and surprisingly lazy despite their athletic lineage. These dogs enjoy a good burst of play and hours of couch-based introspection. Their quiet, gentle nature makes them excellent companions for city dwellers who prefer a peaceful home. Just be ready to invest in a dog sweater or two—they’re fashion-forward and a bit chilly in drafty hallways.

Brussels Griffon

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These little gremlins (in the best way) are quirky, expressive, and completely devoted to their people. Brussels Griffons don’t need much space or exercise, but they love being part of the action, whether a walk to the coffee shop or a weekend of binge-watching. Their small size and big personality make them a favorite among city dwellers who want many dogs in a little body. They’re also surprisingly quiet for their sass level.

Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzers bring a dash of energy and a whole lot of charm to any apartment setup. They’re small enough for tight spaces, smart enough to entertain themselves, and friendly enough to win over even the crankiest building manager. They like a good walk or play session, but also know how to relax indoors. Bonus: Their alertness makes them great unofficial lobby guards who take package security seriously.

Shih Tzu

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Originally bred to live in palaces, Shih Tzus have absolutely no complaints about apartment living. These dogs are affectionate, calm, and not overly active, making them great for smaller spaces. Their long, flowing coat does require grooming, but they’ll make up for it with loyalty and low drama. They’re also typically quiet, which your downstairs neighbor (and their cat) will deeply appreciate.

Bichon Frise

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Fluffy, friendly, and full of cheer, the Bichon Frise is the happy-go-lucky roommate you didn’t know you needed. They don’t shed much, are excellent with families, and adjust well to smaller living environments. Bichons enjoy a bit of daily exercise, but they’re just as happy curled up at your feet as they are parading through the hallway like they own the place. Their social, upbeat nature is a great fit for apartment dwellers who like home life with a little extra sparkle.

When The Elevator’s Slow But The Tail Never Stops Wagging

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These apartment-savvy pups have mastered the art of high-rise living and studio-sized bliss. They don’t need sprawling backyards to thrive—just a cozy corner, a window to watch the world, and a human to love. These breeds prove that a big heart easily outweighs a big yard regarding companionship. Sure, apartment life may include thin walls and shared laundry rooms, but with one of these dogs by your side, it also includes endless affection, tail wags, and maybe a fashionable dog sweater or two for hallway strolls.