If you live in an apartment or condo and have a pet-friendly unit, you might be considering adding a dog to your home. Many dogs can adapt well to smaller living spaces, especially if they are from smaller to medium-sized breeds, though some larger breeds can also be suitable.
Tip: Any dog, regardless of breed, may get bored in a confined space, which can lead to unwanted behaviors. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise and mental stimulation through play, puzzle toys, and interaction.
Breed Characteristics: The best dog breeds for apartments or condos are usually quieter and have moderate to low energy levels. Smaller dogs generally fit better in these environments, although some toy breeds can be too vocal for close neighbors.
Here are 15 breeds that are well-suited for apartment or condo living:
01 of 15: Basset Hound
Basset hounds are generally low-key and moderately energetic. They enjoy daily walks but don’t require excessive exercise. As they age, they become even more relaxed.
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, brown, tan, white, red, and lemon
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
02 of 15: Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is known for being loyal and cheerful with a moderate energy level. They are not overly noisy and enjoy daily play and walks.
Height: 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Soft coat; colors include white, white and apricot, and white and cream
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
03 of 15: Bulldog
Bulldogs are medium-sized with moderate energy and a low tolerance for vigorous activity. They need regular walks and some playtime but are usually quiet and loyal companions.
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; colors include red, white, fawn, and fallow, with patterns like brindle or piebald
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
04 of 15: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is gentle and affectionate with a medium energy level. Cavaliers enjoy daily walks and companionship but are generally calm and not overly vocal.
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky coat; colors include black and tan, black and white, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
05 of 15: Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small but full of personality. They have medium to high energy levels and need daily exercise. They may be vocal, but training can help manage barking.
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
06 of 15: Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are affectionate and alert. Their small size and medium energy level make them well-suited for apartments. They enjoy mental stimulation through dog sports and puzzle games.
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Hairless or powderpuff (soft coat); colors include black, blue, cream, and more
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
07 of 15: Greyhound
Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy at home. They enjoy a good run but are content with daily walks and a cozy spot to relax. They may experience separation anxiety, so training is beneficial.
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, blue, fawn, red, white, and brindle
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
08 of 15: Maltese
The Maltese is a playful and gentle dog that only requires basic daily exercise. They are less vocal compared to many other small breeds and love to cuddle.
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: White, long and silky coat
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
09 of 15: Poodle
Poodles (toy, miniature, and standard) are intelligent and can adapt to apartment living. They have moderate to high energy levels and may need extra exercise. They are generally disciplined and responsive to training.
Height: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: up to 10 inches
Weight: Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; miniature: 10 to 15 pounds; toy: 4 to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, black, brown, and gray
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
10 of 15: Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a friendly and playful breed that needs only basic exercise. They form strong bonds with their owners and are content to relax at home.
Height: 9 to 10 1/2 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, gold, liver, silver, red, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
11 of 15: Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are smaller versions of Greyhounds with similar traits. They are affectionate, enjoy occasional sprints, and adapt well to apartment life.
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Short and smooth; colors include grey, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
12 of 15: French Bulldog
French Bulldogs require minimal exercise but benefit from daily walks. They are generally quiet and adapt well to apartment living.
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat; colors include brindle, fawn, white, or combinations
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
13 of 15: Pug
Pugs are affectionate and playful, with a personality that belies their small size. They need moderate exercise and can adapt to apartment life, though they should not be overexerted due to their flat faces.
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat; colors include fawn or black
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
14 of 15: Havanese
Havanese are adaptable and thrive in various living conditions. They require minimal exercise and enjoy indoor play and cuddling.
Height: 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky coat; colors include black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
15 of 15: Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are low-maintenance in terms of exercise but need mental stimulation and attention. They enjoy daily walks and can adapt well to apartment living if their needs are met.
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat; colors include black, seal, or brindle with white markings
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Breeds to Avoid
Certain breeds may struggle with apartment living due to their high exercise needs or tendency to be overly vocal. Breeds that require a lot of space to run, such as Dalmatians and herding dogs like German Shepherds, may become restless and bored in a small space. Additionally, breeds known for excessive barking, such as the Beagle or Finnish Spitz, may not be ideal for close living situations.
