🏢 15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment & Condo Living
Living in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a furry friend. Many dog breeds adapt well to smaller spaces as long as their basic needs are met, including exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. Below are some of the top dog breeds that thrive in compact spaces — quiet, manageable in size, and often lower in exercise needs.
1. French Bulldog
- Size: Small (16–28 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Low
- Shedding: Minimal
- Temperament: Affectionate, quiet, easygoing
Why it’s great for apartments:
Frenchies are small, don’t bark much, and love lounging. They adapt quickly and don’t require long walks, making them perfect for city dwellers.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Size: Small (13–18 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Moderate
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, social
Why it’s great for apartments:
Very adaptable and friendly. They enjoy company and cuddles more than vigorous activity.
3. Pug
- Size: Small (14–18 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Temperament: Playful, charming, affectionate
Why it’s great for apartments:
Pugs are little couch potatoes that love lounging around, making them ideal for smaller homes.
4. Boston Terrier
- Size: Small (12–25 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Low
- Temperament: Friendly, smart, well-mannered
Why it’s great for apartments:
Compact and polite, Boston Terriers enjoy bursts of play but are generally calm indoors.
5. Chihuahua
- Size: Toy (2–6 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Barking: High (can be trained)
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Temperament: Devoted, alert, lively
Why it’s great for apartments:
Tiny size means they don’t need much space. With proper training to manage barking, they’re excellent condo dogs.
6. Shih Tzu
- Size: Small (9–16 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low
- Barking: Moderate
- Shedding: Low (but needs grooming)
- Temperament: Calm, loving, outgoing
Why it’s great for apartments:
Shih Tzus are lap dogs that thrive indoors. Their low energy makes them perfect for relaxed living spaces.
7. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Size: Small (4–7 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: High (trainable)
- Shedding: Very low
- Temperament: Brave, affectionate, alert
Why it’s great for apartments:
Despite their small size, Yorkies have big personalities. They’re easy to manage and don’t require much space.
8. Maltese
- Size: Small (4–7 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Moderate
- Shedding: Low (but needs grooming)
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, sweet-natured
Why it’s great for apartments:
Loves lounging and being close to people. Quiet and small enough for any condo.
9. Havanese
- Size: Small (7–13 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Low (hypoallergenic)
- Temperament: Friendly, sociable, adaptable
Why it’s great for apartments:
Friendly and adaptable, they love people and do well in both small and large homes.
10. Dachshund
- Size: Small (11–32 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Moderate to high
- Shedding: Low
- Temperament: Loyal, brave, curious
Why it’s great for apartments:
Their small size suits condos. With enough walks and toys, they’re happy indoors.
11. Italian Greyhound
- Size: Small to medium (7–14 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Low
- Shedding: Minimal
- Temperament: Quiet, gentle, loving
Why it’s great for apartments:
Loves relaxing indoors and cuddling. Needs just short bursts of exercise daily.
12. Bichon Frise
- Size: Small (10–20 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Very low (hypoallergenic)
- Temperament: Happy, sociable, adaptable
Why it’s great for apartments:
Doesn’t shed much and loves being indoors. Their cheerful attitude brightens up any home.
13. Pekingese
- Size: Small (7–14 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low
- Barking: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Temperament: Independent, loving, calm
Why it’s great for apartments:
Laid-back and regal, they don’t require a lot of exercise and prefer a quiet life indoors.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
- Size: Small to medium (11–20 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Barking: Moderate (alert)
- Shedding: Low
- Temperament: Smart, alert, obedient
Why it’s great for apartments:
Great for families or singles. They adapt well but benefit from short daily walks and mental games.
15. Lhasa Apso
- Size: Small (12–18 lbs)
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Barking: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Low (needs grooming)
- Temperament: Loyal, calm, independent
Why it’s great for apartments:
Calm and composed indoors. Enjoys companionship but also does fine when left alone.
🦴 Tips for Raising a Dog in an Apartment or Condo
- Exercise Daily: Even low-energy breeds need daily walks and playtime.
- Potty Training: Consider pee pads or a small balcony potty area if outdoor access is limited.
- Noise Management: Train to reduce barking and respect neighbors.
- Mental Stimulation: Toys, treat puzzles, or short training sessions help prevent boredom.
- Check Building Rules: Always verify pet policies, weight limits, or breed restrictions.
🐾 Final Thoughts
The ideal apartment dog is usually:
- Quiet
- Small to medium in size
- Not highly energetic
- Happy with indoor time
- Easy to groom or low-shedding
Whether you want a lazy couch companion like a Shih Tzu, a sociable buddy like the Havanese, or a classy cutie like the French Bulldog, there’s a perfect pup for every apartment lifestyle.
