10 Best Apartment Dog Breeds 2024

Looking for a furry friend to share your small space? Here are the top 10 apartment-friendly dog breeds for 2024:

1. French Bulldog
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
3. Bichon Frise
4. Shih Tzu
5. Greyhound
6. Pug
7. Bulldog
8. Havanese
9. Dachshund
10. Yorkshire Terrier

These breeds thrive in apartments due to their:

• Small to medium size
• Low exercise needs
• Quiet nature
• Adaptability to indoor living

But remember: Any dog can be a good apartment dog with proper care and training.

Key to apartment dog success:

• Regular exercise (even indoors)
• Consistent training
• Proper grooming
• Attention to breed-specific needs

With the right breed and care, you can have a happy, healthy dog in your apartment.

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1. French Bulldog

Frenchies are apartment-living superstars. These little dogs pack a big punch in a small package.

Size and Exercise

They don't need much space or exercise. A couple of short walks and some indoor play? That's all it takes.

Personality

Frenchies are loving goofballs with hilarious faces. They're quiet most of the time, only barking when someone's at the door. Your neighbors will thank you.

Health

Their flat faces can cause breathing issues and overheating. Keep your place cool and well-ventilated when it's warm out.

Grooming

Short coat = easy care. But don't forget:

• Clean those face wrinkles daily
• Check ears often
• Brush weekly

Training

Smart? Yes. Stubborn? Also yes. Start training early and use treats. Get them used to people and other pets for good apartment behavior.

Cost

Brace yourself: Frenchies can cost $4,000 to $25,000 CAD. And that's before vet bills.

They're the second most popular dog in America for a reason. Laid-back, cuddly, and perfect for city living. With some TLC, a Frenchie could be your ideal urban buddy.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are apartment-living superstars. These little dogs are big on personality.

Size and Exercise

One solid walk a day? That's all these pups need. They're not bouncing off the walls, so couch potatoes, rejoice!

Personality

Cavaliers are lap dogs through and through. They're all about their humans, not their zip code. Got other pets? No problem. These easy-going pups play well with others.

Health

Watch out for:

• Ear troubles (check 'em often)
• Heart hiccups
• Hip hassles

Grooming

Brush 3-4 times weekly to avoid a tangled mess. Toss in a few pro grooms yearly, and you're golden.

Training

Start young, stay positive. These dogs can be easily distracted, so keep that leash handy in busy spots.

Cost

Plan for $80-$90 monthly for food, stuff, and care.

Bottom line? Cavaliers care more about who they're with than where they live. They're perfect for apartment folks craving a loving, chill buddy.

3. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, white fluffball that's PERFECT for apartment living. These little guys are like walking cotton balls with a personality to match.

Size and Exercise

Bichons need about an hour of exercise daily. A couple of walks and some indoor playtime will keep them happy.

Personality

These pups are like little clowns. They're playful, loving, and get along with EVERYONE - kids, other pets, even that grumpy neighbor down the hall. But heads up: they can get a bit clingy if left alone too long.

Health and Grooming

Bichons are pretty healthy, living 14-15 years on average. Their coat is hypoallergenic (great for allergy sufferers), but it needs work:

• Brush 3-4 times a week
• Pro grooming every 4-6 weeks

Training

Bichons are smart cookies, but they can be stubborn. Keep training fun and short. And socialize them early to avoid shyness.

Cost

Be ready for regular grooming bills and maybe some extra costs if they get separation anxiety (like dog walkers).

Bottom line? If you want a fluffy little sidekick and don't mind some grooming, a Bichon might be your perfect match. They're not just pets - they're tiny, cloud-like companions who want to be part of your world.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus: tiny royals with big hearts. Perfect for apartment living. Here's why:

Size and Exercise

These pint-sized pups fit comfortably in cozy apartments. A couple of short walks and indoor playtime keep them happy.

Personality

Friendly and outgoing, Shih Tzus love attention. They're great with kids, other pets, and neighbors. But they can get clingy if left alone too long.

Health and Grooming

Shih Tzus live 10-16 years on average. Their hypoallergenic coat needs care:

• Daily brushing
• Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
• Regular baths

Training

Smart but stubborn. Keep training short and fun. Early socialization prevents shyness and excessive barking.

Cost

Expect regular grooming bills and potential health issues related to their flat faces and big eyes. Consider pet insurance.

Shih Tzus make great apartment dogs. With their low exercise needs & small size, they're fine to live just about anywhere. — FrenchieWiki

Want a regal couch companion who's up for short strolls? A Shih Tzu might be your match. Just be ready for grooming and lots of love!

5. Greyhound

Think Greyhounds are just for racing? Think again. These gentle giants are actually couch potato champions.

Size and Exercise

Greyhounds aren't marathon runners. They're sprinters. Two 15-minute walks a day? That'll do it.

Apartment Living 101

1. Potty Schedule: Every 3-4 hours. First thing in the morning, last thing at night.
2. Balcony Safety: High railings (1.4 meters+) are a must. These dogs can jump.
3. Lazy Bones: Get a comfy bed. Your Greyhound will thank you.
4. Brain Games: Food puzzles or hide-and-seek keep them sharp indoors.

Health and Neighbors

Short coat? Check. Quiet nature? Double check. Your neighbors won't even know you have a dog.

Money Matters

Working full-time? Budget for a dog walker. Greyhounds get lonely after 4-5 hours solo.

Greyhounds need at least a 30-minute walk every day, which should be split into two walks if there is no yard available. — GSN (Greyhound Safety Net)

Bottom line: Greyhounds can rock apartment life. But they're not for everyone. They need outings and company. If you can swing that, you'll have a chill buddy who's always up for a nap after a quick stroll.

6. Pug

Pugs are tiny powerhouses of personality. At just 14-18 pounds and 10-11 inches tall, they're tailor-made for apartment living.

Why Pugs Love Apartments:

• They're couch potatoes
• They're not big barkers
• They're small
• They're cuddle experts

Pugs don't need a yard, but they do need walks. Two 15-20 minute strolls a day keeps them happy and healthy.

Health Watch:

Pugs can struggle to breathe because of their flat faces. Keep your place cool and well-aired. Regular vet visits are a must.

Training Tips:

Pugs can be stubborn. Start training early, keep it positive, and make it quick. Get them used to neighbors and other dogs to avoid anxiety in shared spaces.

Grooming:

Pugs shed. A lot. Brush weekly, bathe monthly, and your apartment won't turn into a fur factory. Don't forget those face wrinkles - clean them daily.

I had my pugs in small apartments for years. It worked great. — A happy pug owner

If you're out a lot, think about a dog walker or fun toys to keep your pug busy.

Give a pug the right care, and you'll have the perfect apartment buddy.

7. Bulldog

Bulldogs are apartment living champs. These stocky, medium-sized dogs don't need much space to thrive. They're chill, low-energy, and perfect for smaller homes.

Size and Exercise:

• Weight: About 50 pounds
• Height: Short and compact
• Exercise: Short walks, roughly half a mile daily

Bulldogs are cool with light exercise. A quick stroll twice a day keeps them happy and healthy. No need for long hikes or intense play.

Apartment-Friendly Perks:

• Quiet: Rarely bark
• Lazy: Love lounging
• Kid-friendly: Patient and gentle
• Trainable: Quick learners

Health and Care:

Bulldogs overheat easily. Keep your place cool, especially when it's hot. A fan or AC is a must.

English Bulldogs are also not very vocal — though they are known for snoring! — so barking shouldn't be an issue. — Shameless Pets

Apartment Living Tips:

• Provide tough chew toys
• Set up a cool nap spot
• Use puzzle feeders for brain work
• Keep walks short but regular

Bulldogs rock city life. No yard needed, and they're happy indoors. Just remember: they snore and drool. If you're cool with that, a Bulldog might be your perfect apartment buddy.

8. Havanese

Havanese dogs are tiny charmers that thrive in apartments. These pint-sized pups pack a big personality punch.

Size and Exercise:

A quick walk and some indoor play keep Havanese happy. They don't need much space to live their best lives.

Why They're Great for Apartments:

• Quiet
• Low shedding
• Kid and pet-friendly
• Adaptable

These "velcro dogs" love sticking close to their humans. They'll follow you everywhere, room to room.

Grooming:

Havanese have long, silky coats. To keep your place fur-free:

• Daily brushing
• Regular pro grooming
• Consider a "puppy cut"

Havanese are small but sturdy, playful, and make good watchdogs without aggression. They're great for those who want a low-exercise dog with a long coat that doesn't shed much. — Michele Welton, Dog Expert

Apartment Living Tips:

1. Beat separation anxiety:

• Use puzzle toys
• Hire a dog walker
• Train them to be alone

2. Master potty training:

Be patient. Use crate training consistently.

3. Keep their minds busy:

• Try interactive toys
• Short training sessions
• Play indoor games

Havanese are awesome apartment dogs, but they're not for everyone. They crave attention and hate being alone. But if you want a small, loving buddy who's cool with tight spaces, a Havanese might be your perfect match.

9. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small dogs with BIG personalities. They're perfect for apartments, but they need some special care.

Size and Exercise:

These sausage-shaped pups fit in small spaces and don't need a yard. But they DO need regular exercise to stay healthy and behaved.

Apartment Pros:

• Small size (most landlords love that)
• Love to lounge and cuddle
• Don't need outdoor space

Apartment Challenges:

1. Barking (it's LOUD)
2. Stubbornness (especially with potty training)
3. Exercise needs (they can get hyper without it)

Tips for Happy Dachshunds:

1. Tame the barking:

• Block window views that trigger barking
• Use toys to keep them busy
• Train early (it pays off)

2. Stick to a schedule:

• Potty breaks at least 5 times daily
• Regular walks and playtime

3. Keep their brain busy:

• Puzzle toys are your friend
• Try scent games (they love to hunt)

4. Make a cozy spot:

• Give them a safe space in your apartment
• Turn a balcony into a mini garden if you can

Dachshunds can get lonely. If you work long hours, think about a dog walker or daycare.

With some effort, a Dachshund can be an awesome apartment buddy. Just be ready for a dog that's as stubborn as it is cute!

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are tiny dogs with big personalities. These pint-sized pups are perfect for apartment living.

Size and Exercise:

Yorkies don't need much space, but they do need daily walks and playtime. A quick walk or some indoor fetch keeps them happy.

Apartment Pros:

• Small and easy to carry
• Low shedding
• Adapt well to indoor living

Apartment Cons:

• Can be barky
• May get lonely
• Need regular grooming

Tips for Happy Yorkies:

1. Stop the barking:

-   Train with treats
-   Give them puzzle toys
    

2. Beat loneliness:

-   Use treat toys when you're out
-   Set up a cozy playpen
    

3. Grooming:

-   Brush daily
-   Get regular trims
    

4. Keep them busy: - Train them - Use interactive toys

Yorkies love company. If you work long hours, think about a dog walker or daycare. With some TLC, these tiny terriers make great apartment buddies.

Wrap-up

Living with a dog in an apartment? It's totally doable. Here's how to make it work:

Pick the right pup: Not all dogs are apartment-friendly. Our list gives you 10 solid options, but remember: every dog is unique.

Move it or lose it: Dogs need exercise, period. The American Kennel Club says 30 minutes of daily activity can cut behavior problems in half. Make it happen.

Stick to a schedule: Dogs love routine. Set regular times for walks, meals, and playtime.

Teach apartment manners: "Quiet" is your new favorite command. If you're struggling, don't be afraid to call in the pros.

Get creative with space:

Play nice: Clean up after your dog and keep the noise down. Happy neighbors make for easier living.

FAQs

What is the best hypoallergenic dog for a small apartment?

The Havanese is a top pick for hypoallergenic dogs in small apartments. Here's why:

• They shed very little
• They're small
• They're quiet and loving

Havanese produce less dander than many other breeds, making them good for allergy sufferers. But remember, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

Any dog can be suited to apartment living as long as the dog guardian is making meeting the dog's needs a priority. — Renee Rhoades, R+ Dogs founder

Pro tip: Can't brush daily? Try a "puppy cut" to keep their hair short and easy to manage.