Best Dogs for Apartments

Living in an apartment does not mean you cannot have a dog — it just means choosing the right breed. The best apartment dogs are calm indoors, do not bark excessively, and do not need a yard to be happy. Here are the top picks for small-space living.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Top 10 Breeds

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French Bulldog

Small

Low energy indoors, quiet, loves lounging. One of the most popular apartment dogs in the world.

🐶

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small

Gentle, affectionate, and content with indoor life. Adapts beautifully to apartment schedules.

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Pug

Small

Lazy by nature and prefers the couch to the backyard. Low exercise needs and very quiet.

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Shih Tzu

Small

Bred to be an indoor companion. Happy in small spaces, low-shedding, and rarely barks excessively.

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Bichon Frise

Small

Cheerful, low-shedding, and compact. Loves indoor play and adapts to apartment routines easily.

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Greyhound

Large

Surprisingly good apartment dogs — they are couch potatoes at home and only need one or two good daily walks.

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Basset Hound

Medium

Extremely low energy indoors. Happy to sleep all day and go for a gentle stroll.

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English Bulldog

Medium

Low exercise needs, calm nature, and small enough to be comfortable in an apartment.

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Maltese

Small

Tiny, low-shedding, and perfectly suited to indoor living. Great for condo owners.

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#10

Chihuahua

Small

The smallest dog breed makes an ideal apartment companion — minimal space, minimal cost, maximum personality.

Breeds to Avoid

Siberian Husky — Needs extensive exercise and is extremely vocal. Will howl and destroy an apartment without an outlet.

Border Collie — Extreme energy and mental stimulation needs. An apartment is not an adequate environment.

Dalmatian — High energy, loud, and needs significant daily running. Not suited for apartment life.

Australian Shepherd — Working breed with very high exercise needs. Becomes destructive without space and activity.

Tips for Best Dogs for Apartments

✓Choose a ground-floor unit or a building with elevator access to protect joint health.

✓Establish a consistent walk schedule — morning, midday, and evening — to compensate for no yard.

✓Use puzzle feeders and enrichment toys to tire your dog out mentally indoors.

✓Check your lease for breed and weight restrictions before bringing any dog home.

✓A tired dog is a quiet dog — daily exercise reduces barking and destructive behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can big dogs live in apartments?

Yes — some large breeds like Greyhounds and Great Danes are actually calmer indoors than many small breeds. The key is energy level, not size. A calm 80-lb Great Dane can adapt to apartment life better than a hyperactive 15-lb Jack Russell Terrier.

What is the quietest dog for an apartment?

Basenji, Greyhound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and French Bulldog are among the quietest breeds. Basenjis are unique in that they cannot bark — they yodel. Always research individual breed vocalizations before committing.

Do I need a yard to have a dog?

No. Millions of dogs live happily without yards. With consistent walks, off-leash time at a dog park, and indoor enrichment, most dogs can thrive in apartment settings.

How much exercise does an apartment dog need?

Most apartment-friendly breeds need 20–45 minutes of walking per day plus indoor play. Some calmer breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs need even less. More active small breeds like Miniature Schnauzers may need 45–60 minutes.

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Once you pick a breed, find the perfect name

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