If you're looking for one of the best apartment dog breeds and want to make sure your pup will be happy and healthy in your home, this is the place to start.
1
/
15
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
That’s a mouthful of a name for a pint-sized cutie. No wonder adoring fans simply call them Cavs. These sweethearts with big, dreamy eyes acclimate well to a life lived mostly indoors, says Ellis. It helps that they’re one of the calmest dog breeds around. They’re also known for matching their pet parent’s vibe, so whether you’re always on the move or a total homebody, your Cav will adapt.
And as a toy dog breed, their bed or kennel won’t take up a lot of space, another reason the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the best apartment dog breeds. Besides, these dogs are such deeply devoted companions that they’re most content close to your side. If you’re watching TV, they’ll skip the dog bed and curl up on your lap, and if you’re working from home, they’ll be your favorite (and silent) co-worker.
2
/
15
Irish wolfhound
You might think the Irish wolfhound is a questionable choice for a smaller living space. After all, they can reach about 30 inches tall (not counting the head) and weigh between 105 and 120 pounds. But what makes them one of the best dogs for apartments is their personality. Wolfies aren’t going to get their paws ruffled about much. They are dignified and calm, with quiet, gentle souls. They are also affectionate dogs that love to be cuddled. The only time they might bark is if you accidentally bump into them in the middle of the night, so Ellis suggests watching where you step to avoid disturbing the neighbors and keep the noise levels low.
3
/
15
Affenpinscher
A delightful little pup-tart, the affenpinscher is an apartment-friendly dog breed you may not have heard of before. At around 10 inches and 10 pounds, they’re ideal for small spaces. As far as being a clean roomie is concerned, they get high marks for being a dog breed that doesn’t shed too much.
That said, they’re curious and alert to what’s happening outside the home and may bark, so be mindful of the noise levels they tend to create. Your neighbors will thank you when you spend time with your affenpinscher before you leave. “A nice game of indoor fetch or scent work will leave them tired while you are off for the day with work and errands,” says Ellis.
4
/
15
Great Dane
First a wolfhound and now a Great Dane? Yes, Great Danes are one of the world’s biggest dog breeds. But Ellis says these gentle giants are known for their calm demeanor, so they won’t be rambunctious or violate noise restrictions with constant barking. Sure, they may take up most of the couch, but if your place is on the roomier side (or you don’t mind cuddling with a 140-pound pup), they’re a good dog breed for apartments. Plus, they don’t need much grooming or exercise and are pretty low-maintenance.
5
/
15
Greyhound
As one of the fastest dog breeds, greyhounds make the perfect exercise buddies for a morning run or workout in the park. But despite their Olympic-worthy track speed, they’re a low-endurance animal, so it’s “one run and done” for them, says Ellis. After a workout, the rest of the day is spent in quiet reflection and training for their gold medal—in napping, of course. This is one of the best apartment dog breeds for buildings that expect pets to be silent.
6
/
15
Pug
Pugs are so popular as apartment dogs for small places that it’s not uncommon to see their cute mugs featured in apartment advertisements. Their gregarious personalities and precious little faces will make them an instant hit with your neighbors. These short-legged dogs aren’t fast or particularly enthusiastic exercisers, nor do they create a noise nuisance. They prefer to be socially active while mingling at the dog park, not taking long walks to burn off energy before you leave for work.
7
/
15
Boston terrier
You want to get in shape but don’t have room in your apartment for a treadmill. What do you do? Get a Boston terrier as your personal trainer! “They require exercise, so this isn’t the dog for the couch potato,” says Ellis. They’re compact and portable merrymakers at about 20 pounds, taking up less space than an exercise ball. Unlike some mean personal trainers you’ve known in the past, the Boston terrier is sweet and affectionate. If those attributes weren’t enough to convince you to bring a Boston home, consider the fact that they shed minimally and are a pretty quiet dog breed.
8
/
15
Havanese
Whether you keep your Havanese in a shorter puppy cut or stick with the longer “show dog” length, you can’t deny that this fluffy-haired dog is one of the canine world’s most darling. But is it the best dog for your apartment? Here’s what you need to know before bringing one home: To keep the coat tangle-free, you’ll need to do almost daily grooming, regardless of the cut.
Beyond that, Havanese crave connection, so don’t expect yours to be content in a kennel all day long. These dogs were bred to be companions and are most happy when they’re with you—think of it as added companionship sans excessive barking or noise. If you are looking to make friends and socialize, getting a Havanese is a good way to start. In fact, don’t be surprised if your pup makes more friends than you. They are pretty much smitten with everyone they meet, including children and dogs.
9
/
15
Shih tzu
Want a four-legged friend for a long while? Get a shih tzu. This breed has one of the longest dog life spans (up to 18 years), giving you plenty of time to bond. Just know that you’ll be doing a lot of hair-brushing over the years—like the Havanese, the shih tzu requires regular grooming, says Ellis.
But this truly is an apartment-friendly dog breed: Because of their short muzzles, they’re not big chewers, so you likely won’t have to worry about losing your security deposit over chewed-up carpet or furnishings. They are addicted to human attention, though, and they’ll bark at anything and everything. Depending on your building regulations and neighbors, this breed’s training and noise levels may be a cause for concern. Having said that, shih tzus are incredibly loyal, meaning they will be by your side 24-7 if they can.
10
/
15
Dachshund
Which dachshund will you pick for your apartment: the smooth, wire-haired variety or the long-haired type? You can’t go wrong with either—they’re both apartment-friendly dogs. Grooming is a breeze (even the long-haired coats are easy to maintain), but you should know that dachshunds tend to be “chatty” when they hear or see the neighbors. You’ll need to do consistent training to curb barking. It’s worth it, though. This is one of the most loyal dog breeds you’ll come across.
11
/
15
Bichon frise
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more apartment-friendly dog breed. Clever, sweet, playful and adaptable, the bichon frise checks all the boxes for first-time dog owners who are still learning the ropes of being a pet parent. The breed is a particularly great pick for anyone who prioritizes cleanliness. “The bichon frise does not shed much, which is great for keeping your apartment clean,” says Ellis. “But they do require brushing and grooming.” Another upside is that you probably don’t have to worry about staining the carpet, as bichons are very smart—house training should be a breeze.
At just 12 pounds, they’re light enough to carry up the stairs if they get tired while socializing at the dog park. The biggest downside: The noise levels. They tend to bark quite a bit.
12
/
15
Brussels griffon
These scruffy-faced bearded dogs are comical and sweet, but they’re not crazy about being left home alone for long periods. So while this is one of the best apartment dog breeds, it’s not ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time out of the home. But the work-from-home crew will love these pups, provided they are generous with their love. Brussels griffons are vocal co-workers—they’ll prompt you with a nuzzle or bark when they want attention, as if to say “take a screen break!”—so consistent training is essential to keep their barking at bay. That shouldn’t be too difficult because these dogs are ridiculously smart, albeit a wee bit stubborn.
13
/
15
Chihuahua
“We all know a barky Chihuahua, but they aren’t all that way and with training are incredible pets,” says Ellis. Some of their barking is likely due to their watchdog mentality. That might come in handy when they’re trying to alert you that the super chatty neighbor is at your door. As lap dogs of around just 5 pounds, they are tickled pink to spend all their time with you. These apartment-friendly dogs are pretty low-maintenance, and because they tend to live a long life, they could be your roomie for 14 to 16 years.
14
/
15
Chinese crested
These lovey-dovey hairless dogs generally keep the noise to a minimum, which is great news for your neighbors and a major reason they’re on this list of the best apartment dog breeds. But you’re not off the hook when it comes to grooming and bathing. The powderpuff hair on this breed’s head, feet and tail requires brushing, and frequent bathing is essential. You’ll have to be extra careful about your dog’s skin care because these elegant dogs must be protected from extreme conditions, including the harsh rays of the sun.
15
/
15
French bulldog
The French bulldog’s irresistibly chunky body and too-cute bat ears will make it hard to say goodbye when you leave for work. But don’t feel too bad. Frenchies are one of those breeds that can be left alone, making them a good dog breed for apartments. (When you get home, though, they’ll be ready to play!)
French bulldogs are excellent watchdogs, and they’re not a nuisance when it comes to barking. For the best success, follow a regular schedule—they adapt well to a consistent routine. The AKC has named the French bulldog the most popular dog in America, but don’t use that as an excuse to buy one without doing your homework. Ellis recommends researching common health conditions (as you should with all breeds) before bringing a Frenchie home to your apartment. Like other flat-faced dogs, they can develop breathing problems.
FAQs
What dog can be left alone for eight hours?
Apartment-friendly dog breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, greyhound, Great Dane, pug, French bulldog and Chinese crested can stay home alone while you finish up work or run errands. But make sure your furry friend has enough to eat and drink while they await your return. And ensure they’re getting exercise at other times of the day.
How can you keep an apartment dog mentally stimulated indoors?
Puzzles, toys, indoor games and training can help keep your dog stimulated while staying inside. Play hide-and-seek, create scent trails or try a treat challenge. All will mentally engage your pooch … without wreaking havoc in your living room.
What dog breeds will keep the barking to a minimum?
Some of the best apartment dog breeds are also the calmest dogs to own: Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Havanese and pugs. They’ll help keep sound levels to a minimum, a key requirement if your apartment complex has strict noise restrictions.
Are there medium or large dog breeds that adapt well to apartment living?
Yes, some of the larger apartment-friendly dog breeds include Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds. Yes, they are massive and may take up valuable space in your home. But if you can spare it (or share it), you’ll benefit from these breeds’ calm demeanor. They can easily adapt to your apartment lifestyle.
What should you consider when choosing a dog for an apartment with shared outdoor spaces?
Your apartment dog will be seeing a lot of strangers on a regular basis, so training is a must before your pup begins sharing an outdoor space. Beyond that, consider the safety of your pet. Make sure there aren’t any low railings or balconies that could tempt your dog to jump off, and avoid leaving your pet unsupervised. Of course, you need to think about the human residents of the building too. No one wants to step on dog poop, so make sure your dog goes to the bathroom only in designated areas—and pick up afterward!
Additional reporting by Morgan Cutolo.
About the expert
|
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Source:
- Nicole Ellis, a California-based celebrity dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert
