The 10 Best Apartment Dogs

  There’s a breed of dog for every person and lifestyle. But just because a certain breed is a match for your personality, it doesn’t necessarily mean that breed is a good choice for you. If your home is a small apartment in a big city, it’s not a good idea to adopt a breed that needs a lot of time and space outdoors. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options to fit your life.

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  Size does matter – especially if you live in compact quarters. Whether you live in a cramped condo, an adequate apartment or closeted quarters, there’s a dog that will fit into your living space.

1. Basenji

  The Basenji is a great option when you have close neighbors and thin walls. This barkless dog rarely gets taller than 18 inches or over 25 pounds. But beware, when left unattended for long periods of time, the Basenji can be a mischievous companion.

2. English Bulldog

  This medium-sized dog doesn’t like to move around much, so an English Bulldog makes a wonderful dog for an apartment (as long as you don’t mind a little extra drool and snoring!). If this breed could talk, he would tell you he’d much rather hang on the couch than at the dog park. And if you don’t like to move about much, good news – the English Bulldog is just as lazy as you!

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3.Boston Terrier

  The Boston terrier’s nickname is “the American Gentleman,” and it’s not just for their black-and-white, tuxedo-like coats. They are also polite as a dog can be, and therefore ideal apartment pets. They’re quiet, so they won’t annoy your neighbors, and they bond closely with their owners, showing undying affection and loyalty. They’re also conveniently small, and require only moderate amounts of exercise. Brisk city walks should be enough; no sprawling backyards necessary.

4.Bichon Frise

  Even at their largest, the Bichon Frise  won’t get taller than a foot. These little furballs are energetic, which means they love to play, but also need daily exercise. Bichons also shed less than similar breeds, making them ideal to leave with in close quarters or for people with allergies.

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5. Great Dane
  “Huge dog” doesn’t seem like it fits with “great apartment dog,” but the Great Dane (at a majestic 100 to 130 pounds) is such a natural loafer that, though your couch will probably be fully occupied, he’ll take up far less space than you might think. Add to that his calm demeanor, friendliness, trainability, and quiet nature, and the Great Dane makes an excellent choice among apartment dogs.

6.Bulldog

  The Bulldog is perhaps most well-known for his laziness, making them a perfect dog for apartments. A short walk is all these guys need to keep them happy. Otherwise, they’re content to just laze around and snooze. They’re an incredibly gentle dog breed and rarely get taller than a 18 inches high.

7.Shih Tzu

  This regal-looking companion is small in size and maintenance. She doesn’t need much room to move around in. As long as she’s pampered, she’ll be happy. Shih Tzus aren’t a high energy dog, so you won’t need to make many daily trips outdoors for walks. If you don’t mind grooming all that hair, this may be the perfect apartment dog for you. 


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  Years of being toted around in starlets’ purses may have given this breed something of a privileged diva reputation, but they’re actually quite gentle and low-maintenance. After all, how many other breeds are patient enough to tolerate being kept in a purse in the first place? Their tiny size means they can make it in even the most closet-y of New York studio apartments, and even longhaired chihuahuas require only moderate grooming. Keep in mind, though, that Chihuahuas can be a bit loud, so think twice if your pad has thin walls.

  Dachshunds love to be active, but luckily you’re the just the person to take them to the dog park twice a day. Right? Although they can be a little bit stubborn and tend to adapt better to adults and older children than small children, they are extremely affectionate and protective of their loved ones.

  Havanese dogs are small and adaptable to any kind of living situation, including apartment life. They’re playful, but they’ll burn enough calories charging around your home that gobs of outdoor time won’t be necessary. That said, they’re relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb your neighbors with lots of yapping. One caveat: Of all the breeds on this list, the Havanese is the most high-maintenance in terms of grooming.
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As always, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. While every breed has a general personality and disposition, there will always be variations. Do your research carefully and be sure to pick a pet that will fit your home, lifestyle, and personality.

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