The 16 Best Dogs for Apartments

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years   
• Temperament: Playful, smart, adaptable  

With their adorably compact stature—complete with heavy wrinkles—and playful personality, it’s no wonder the French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in the country. Endearingly referred to as “Frenchies,” they are also super adaptable and don’t bark much, which means they settle right into apartment life.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 12–15 years   
• Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, graceful 

One wide-eyed head tilt from this cutie and you’re an absolute goner (but in the best way). Supremely sweet and gentle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds thanks to their sociability, medium energy levels, and ease of training.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 14–15 years   
• Temperament: Curious, playful, peppy 

This confident cutie prances around any space with absolute delight. Because they’re affectionate with strangers, kids, and other animals, they are likely to get along with others in your building.  

The Bichon Frise is playful, highly trainable, not overly vocal—and their low-shedding coat is a nice bonus. 

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 10–13 years  
• Temperament: Independent, gentle, noble  

Greyhounds are proof that large dogs and apartments can mix. This slender, elegant pup is super adaptable, sweet-tempered, and unquestionably independent.  

They do have a bit more energy compared with others on this list, but routine visits to the dog park or long walks can give them the stimulation they need. Once they have the opportunity to run, they’re happy to curl up in a dog bed. 

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–15 years   
• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, calm  

Whippets are a medium-sized breed with a trim form and long legs. They get along brilliantly with others (including animals) and like to keep things lighthearted and playful. They’re also a pup of few words and rarely bark.  

However, this breed does need exercise for both their brains (try a puzzle toy or lick mat) and bodies outside of the apartment.

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 13–15 years  
• Temperament: Charming, loving, mischievous  

The chonky Pug will keep you on your toes with their mischievous personality, but they sure do know how to turn on the charm after any shenanigans. This breed’s small size, socialness, adaptability, high trainability, and low propensity for barking make them an ideal apartment companion.   

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 11–13 years   
• Temperament: Friendly, bright, amusing

With their permanently affixed tuxedo, the Boston Terrier is a dashing pup who turns heads wherever they wander. Bright and a bit goofy, this breed does particularly well in urban settings largely due to its social nature, high trainability level, and low levels of barking.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–18 years  
• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, outgoing  

When you see the regal Shih Tzu coming with their train of silky hair, it’s impossible not to stop and take note (and a few awws are in order as well). Despite their upper-crust appearance, this apartment-friendly dog is approachable, kind-hearted, and needs more cuddles than exercise.  

• Size: Extra small  
• Lifespan: 12–15 years  
• Temperament: Playful, charming, gentle 

The Maltese is very much a lap dog, which is about all the square footage their tiny selves think they need. The hallmark trait of this compact canine is a long, white coat—but they are also known for offering deeply bonded companionship, unfaltering cheerfulness, and a keen ability to make new friends. 

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 14–16 years   
• Temperament: Intelligent, outgoing, funny 

The doting Havanese has several qualities that make them ideal for apartment living. This cutie plays nicely with others, making it easy to walk through the apartment complex and around the neighborhood park.  

Havanese are very trainable, have medium mental and physical exercise needs, and can adapt to all sorts of settings.  

• Size: Medium  
• Lifespan: 13–18 years   
• Temperament: Alert, lively, affectionate 

Lovingly referred to as “Velcro dogs,” the Chinese Crested prefers to remain at their pet parent’s side whenever possible. These dogs thrive on affection, have a bright eagerness about them, and are easy to train. Their stature, medium energy levels, and super social nature make them well-suited to apartment life.  

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 10–18 years   
• Temperament: Intelligent, agile, self-confident  

Don’t be misled by the Toy Poodle’s petiteness: This canine packs a ton of personality. You’ll be kept on your toes with their notable intelligence and confidence, and they will make friends wherever you go.  

While Toy Poodles need daily mental and physical stimulation, they can easily burn extra energy in small quarters (think zoomie laps around the couch).  

• Size: Small  
• Lifespan: 10–18 years  
• Temperament: Active, proud, smart 

Though larger than the Toy Poodle by about 10 pounds, the Miniature Poodle also offers up the same soft curls, a spunky personality, and a keen intelligence. Still small enough to burn off energy in tighter quarters, they’re also famously friendly, affectionate, and trainable, making them a solid contender for your next roommate.  

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 8–10 years  
• Temperament: Friendly, courageous, calm 

If you’re seeking a noticeably quiet apartment-friendly dog breed, the English Bulldog might very well top your list. This stout companion is known for letting out a gruff grunt here and there, but otherwise likes to keep it calm.  

This snuggly pup also brings a charming (and at times silly) disposition and easygoing personality.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 14–15 years  
• Temperament: Alert, playful, sensitive  

The svelte Italian Greyhound is a playful and devoted pup who’ll become your bestie in no time. This adaptable, affectionate breed has medium energy needs: a daily walk and quick game of fetch will do. As one of the smaller breeds on this list, they relish a good lap cuddle and will also be delighted to share the bed when it’s time to turn in.

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–13 years  
• Temperament: Charming, low-key, patient  

While some pups need several daily doses of stimulation, the Basset Hound’s vibe says, “I’m good chilling right here”—and this makes them one of the best low-energy dogs for apartments. Their go-with-the-flow attitude also makes them excellent candidates for small-space living; just be sure to get them outside daily for some scent work. 
 
Remember that you don’t need a sprawling setup to give your dog a space of their own: A compact crate or cozy bed can create a dedicated snooze spot, while small treat-dispensing toys provide enrichment without taking over your living room.

The best dogs for apartment living are generally small to medium-sized, sociable, easy to train, and have low to medium amounts of energy. Being less inclined to bark a lot is also a major perk for neighbors (and you).  

Yes, large dog breeds can thrive in apartments with the right training, socialization, physical activity, and routine. Make sure to consider how the breed’s specific needs will suit your lifestyle so everyone’s happy.  

Apartment-friendly dogs who are famously quiet include Greyhounds, Whippets, Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. While barking can still happen, they are less prone than many other breeds.  

Yes, apartment-friendly dog breeds often possess traits that make them great for first-time pet parents. These include sociability, adaptability, ease of training, easygoing temperament, and manageable exercise needs.