Size is not always the determining factor in dog breeds that are best suited for apartment living. Some small breeds would be terrible for apartment living, while some larger breeds could feel right at home in smaller spaces. Dogs with calm personalities, quiet demeanors, and low exercise requirements are arguably the most suited for smaller spaces. With all breeds, it is important that the dog gets enough exercise to keep them happy, healthy, and well behaved in an apartment or small home.
- Mastiff
The Mastiff may be a large breed, but these dogs are surprisingly suitable for apartment living. While they are generally active in the puppy stage, adult Mastiff’s only require moderate exercise and have a very gentle temperament. A daily walk will keep Mastiff’s happy and their quiet behavior won’t annoy any neighbors.
- Pekingese
The Pekingese is known as being friendly and moderately quiet with a very low energy level. They do require a lot of love, so owners should be ready to come home and snuggle with their Pekingese if they choose this breed. Until their owner comes home, they will happily snooze all day. Pekingese also make great watchdogs without being overly yappy.
- Greyhound
While the Greyhound is known for its lightning fast speeds on racetracks, this breed is actually quite suitable for smaller spaces. One might think that Greyhounds need a lot of exercise, but this is not the case. Greyhounds are much more content with a daily walk and maybe a short burst of running for five minutes since they are bred for short but quick distances. The rest of the time, this breed is known as a huge couch potato and will gladly curl up to doze the day away. Their short coats require little maintenance and they are a quiet breed.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easygoing dogs that can be active if you desire, but can also just enjoy simple down time. They love to be snuggled by their owners and their size is perfectly suited to apartment living. While some of these dogs may sound a warning bark at strangers, most are quiet.
- French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are usually less than 28 pounds with coats that are short and easy to manage, making this dog a popular choice for apartment or condo life. This dog doesn’t need a lot of exercise either, but make sure to keep the apartment from overheating since their pushed-in snout can make them prone to heat-related collapse.
- Havanese
The Havenese is a cheerful, excitable dog without being overly yappy. They are affectionate dogs that are typically good with children. Only 10-15 pounds, they are perfectly suited to smaller spaces and can get plenty of exercise inside the apartment.
Pugs are mischievous, playful, and affectionate, but most importantly, they are able to live in many different environments. Whether they are going on walks or sleeping on your lap, they are content to do anything as long as it involves being with you. Their exercise requirement can be met inside smaller spaces and many love to display random bursts of activity followed by a long snooze.
- Lhasa Apso
At only 12 to 18 pounds, the Lhasa Apso is petite but sturdy. Lhasa Apso’s are typically affectionate towards their families but do not require an extreme amount of attention. While they are more wary of strangers, they do not usually give excessive warning barks and will be a quieter companion. Their exercise requirement is minimal and will typically match to the family’s exercise routine.
- Bulldog
The Bulldog is a great apartment dog due to his low exercise level and size. They are smaller but sturdy dogs that only require a short walk and are perfectly fine with spending the day watching TV with their owners. Their short coats require minimal maintenance, but the apartment must be kept at a cooler temperature since the Bulldog is prone to overheating.
- Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are known as being bold little dogs that are suspicious of strangers and loving to their families. He is not known to bark at strangers unless this dog’s exercise requirements are not met, which should be easily handled with some toys or a short walk. Scottish Terriers are great for apartments for their size and known to be good family pets.