Top 10 Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream of owning a dog. In fact, many small dog breeds are well-suited for compact living spaces thanks to their size, temperament, and exercise needs. If you’re looking for a furry roommate that thrives in an apartment setting, here are ten of the best small dog breeds to consider.
1. French Bulldog
With their adorable bat ears and easygoing personality, French Bulldogs are ideal for apartment dwellers. They don’t bark much, don’t need a ton of exercise, and love lounging with their owners.
Size: 16–28 lbs
Energy Level: Low to moderate
Why it works: Quiet, friendly, and low-maintenance
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate and adaptable, Cavaliers are a favorite among city dog lovers. They’re friendly with neighbors and kids, and they’re just as happy in a studio apartment as in a house.
Size: 13–18 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Why it works: Social, gentle, and easy to train
3. Pug
These charming clowns of the dog world are incredibly people-oriented. They’re calm indoors, not too vocal, and perfectly content napping on the couch.
Size: 14–18 lbs
Energy Level: Low
Why it works: Low energy, minimal barking, very affectionate
4. Havanese
The national dog of Cuba, Havanese are cheerful and intelligent companions. They love people, get along with other pets, and are quick to adapt to apartment life.
Size: 7–13 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Why it works: Hypoallergenic coat, small size, loves companionship
5. Boston Terrier
Smart, playful, and always stylish in their tuxedo coats, Boston Terriers are known for being city-smart dogs. They are polite with neighbors and generally quiet indoors.
Size: 12–25 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Why it works: Friendly, intelligent, doesn’t bark excessively
6. Chihuahua
Tiny but full of personality, Chihuahuas are one of the most compact dogs you can own. With proper socialization, they can be loyal, loving companions in small spaces.
Size: 4–6 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Why it works: Very small, easy to exercise indoors
7. Shih Tzu
Originally bred for royalty, Shih Tzus are calm, loyal lapdogs. They require regular grooming, but their mellow personality makes them a great fit for apartments.
Size: 9–16 lbs
Energy Level: Low to moderate
Why it works: Quiet, loving, great with families
8. Miniature Schnauzer
Mini Schnauzers are friendly, smart, and love to be part of family activities. They’re not too hyper and can thrive in smaller living spaces with regular walks.
Size: 11–20 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate
Why it works: Alert but not loud, easy to train
9. Dachshund
These little hounds are courageous, curious, and full of spunk. While they may bark at noises, they can be trained to be calm and quiet apartment companions.
Size: 11–32 lbs (standard & mini)
Energy Level: Moderate
Why it works: Compact body, playful, adaptable
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t let their glamorous coats fool you—Yorkies are tough, smart, and love being around people. Their small size and alert nature make them excellent apartment watchdogs.
Size: 4–7 lbs
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Why it works: Small footprint, affectionate, hypoallergenic
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog for apartment living isn’t just about size—it’s about temperament, noise level, and adaptability. Each of the breeds above brings its own charm to city life, so consider your lifestyle and energy level when picking your pup.
For more breed guides and personalized recommendations, visit our Dog Breeds hub.