10 of the Best Dogs for Apartment Living

Just because you live in an apartment, doesn’t mean your dreams of owning a dog have to go out the window. In fact, there are plenty of dog breeds that are more than suitable for smaller living quarters. When looking for the perfect apartment pup, choose a breed with lower energy levels. You’ll want a dog that doesn’t need lots of exercise and won’t bark too much. Today I’m sharing 10 of the best dogs for apartment living according to the American Kennel Club.

Basset Hound

These long eared, watch dogs are known for being incredibly lazy. Long bouts of exercise are not their jam, making them a perfect breed for apartments. 

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog, weighing in at around 15 pounds. They are some of the best dogs for apartment living due to their low energy levels and lack of barking. Plan to make time for a walk every day and that will be enough exercise for these fluffy pups.

Boston Terrier

Another small breed dog, Boston Terriers are affectionate and make great apartment dogs. Due to being a brachycephalic breed, they tend to overheat quickly so keeping them indoors is best for their health. They don’t need much space or exercise and will be content spending their days snoozing on the couch.

Bulldog

All a Bulldog wants is a quick walk and a nap with their humans which is why they have quickly become one of the most popular apartment breeds. These lazy pups will thrive in a quaint home as long as they have somewhere comfy to snooze.

Bulldogs are notorious for their barking, however, so if your neighbors aren’t dog people, this may not be the breed for you.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you’re an apartment dweller who likes to live an active lifestyle, the CKCS is the breed for you. These small breed dogs don’t need a huge yard to roam around, but they do enjoy going on adventures from time to time. 

Dachshund

Dachshunds are hound dogs, meaning they can be incredibly vocal when they want to be. Their barking makes them less than ideal for apartment dwelling. However, if your neighbors don’t mind the noise, they can be a great choice for a small space.

Dachshunds don’t require much exercise and can even be fully exercised indoors if needed. This is great for those living on high floors who aren’t able to get their dog outdoors very often.

Greyhound

Despite being known for their speed, greyhounds really just love to sleep. They aren’t very vocal, making them one of the best dogs for apartment living. If you’re looking for a larger breed that will thrive in an apartment setting, the greyhound is an obvious choice. Set aside time to exercise them each day and you’ve got the perfect apartment companion. 

Pomeranian

Weighing in at a max of 8 pounds, the Pomeranian is a great dog breed for a small living space. They’re super friendly pups who will do great with one long walk a day. 

Unfortunately, Pomeranians are known for their love of barking. If you have quiet neighbors, these balls of fluff may not be the most suitable option.

Pug

Another brachycephalic breed, the pug is at the top of the best dogs for apartment living. These smush faced dogs have low energy and barking levels which has made them a fan favorite for apartment dwellers. They thrive on human companionship and will be thrilled to be the center of attention at all times.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s are an all around perfect pet for apartments. They’re small, low energy, and not very vocal. Shih Tzu’s are super friendly and do well with children and other pets. They’ll be more than happy to snuggle up for couch cuddles every day. 

Remember, just because your dog doesn’t require a ton of exercise and time outdoors, doesn’t mean they don’t need any at all. All dog breeds need to be walked daily and given time to socialize and sniff out their surroundings. If you’re looking for an apartment pet that needs no exercise at all, a cat may be your best bet.