Best Companion Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

I live in a city apartment with my German Shepherd, and people are often surprised by it. The common reaction is: “But German Shepherds aren’t apartment dogs!” My reply: it’s not just about size. In fact, apartment dogs come in all shapes and sizes. What matters is energy, temperament, and training. That being said, a big, energetic dog may not be the right choice for all apartment dwellers, especially those who are new to pet parenting. That’s why I’ve put together this guide on the best apartment dogs based on size, energy level, and personality. 

We’ll break down what traits make a dog great for tight quarters, spotlight top breeds, big and small, and share tips from my own experience as a city pet parent. Whether you’re in a New York City studio or a suburban condo, you’ll see that with the right breed, anyone can find a perfect city pup. 

What Makes a Dog Good for Apartment Living?

It’s easy to assume small equals easy to handle but many tiny dogs are actually firecrackers that need constant activity. The key elements that decide a dog’s suitability for living in small spaces are energy levels, quiet temperaments, and trainability. Good apartment dogs are ones who tend to be calm, laid-back, and tolerant of close quarters, much like how some breeds naturally communicate with each other.. For example, a Boston Terrier or Bulldog may be larger than a Chihuahua, but they often nap most of the day and only need light exercise. 

On the other hand, some small breeds like Jack Russell Terriers or Yorkies are so high-energy that they may not do well in an apartment-style living. Canine trainer and dog behavior expert Liz Dimit says, “The size of the dog isn’t the only consideration when deciding whether a breed will be a good fit for your living space. Many large breeds have surprisingly low activity levels and are happy just lounging on the sofa. Focus on a dog’s temperament and activity needs.” 

TL:DR: Choose low-energy dogs for apartments. That way you won’t end up with a hyper pup tearing up your rug out of boredom!

Best Small Indoor Dogs for Apartments

Looking for pint-sized pals? Here are some of my favorite best small indoor dogs that thrive on indoor life:

• French Bulldog: These compact, easygoing dogs are made for condo life. They’re famously quiet and friendly, and don’t need extensive exercise. I’ve seen Frenchies happily snooze on a studio couch all day, waking only for occasional brief walks
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Sweet and affectionate, Cavaliers love curling up in your lap. They’re gentle and don’t need much space, so even a small apartment feels big enough. They can be so quiet that you won’t even notice they’re there unless someone drops some food
• Shih Tzu: With their long flowing coats and calm personality, “Shih Tzus are ideal indoor companions… They do require substantial grooming and regular coat care to keep their fur soft and shiny.”. They tend to lounge around as long as they get a short morning or evening walk. A Shih Tzu will never protest being an indoor dog but they do require substantial grooming. Be ready for daily brushing if you pick a long-coated variety
• Chihuahua: Don’t underestimate these little characters. They’re tiny enough for any space and often surprisingly laid-back. Chihuahuas are perfect small-space dogs. They adapt easily to quiet indoor life as long as they get a brief walk or two. You might notice them doing zoomies in the living room and then settling for a nap minutes later
• Bichon Frise: These fluffy white charmers thrive in apartments. Bichons adapt well to smaller spaces and love being around people. My friend’s Bichon is happiest following her from room to room at home – pure cuddly perfection in a city flat

Medium and Large Breeds That Do Well in Apartments

Believe it or not, sometimes the fluffiest couch potato is a gentle giant. Many larger breeds have mellow personalities that suit city life. One classic example is the Greyhound, often labeled the  “ultimate couch potato.” They only need an occasional gallop and otherwise nap quietly. Making them one of the best apartment dogs. Another surprise: Bulldogs, both English and French, make great apartment companions. They’re short, stocky, and notoriously calm, making them perfect for small spaces. Let’s take a look at what other medium and large sized dogs fit this bill: 

• Greyhound: These gentle racers are famously chill indoors. They might sprint at the dog park, but inside they just want to snooze. They are perfectly content with a brief daily walk and plenty of rest
• English or French Bulldog: One look at these wrinkly characters and you know they love napping. English Bulldogs are calm and even-tempered. They rarely barking and only need moderate exercise. They really are big babies. Their French cousins (Frenchies) are even smaller but share that couch-loving vibe
• Great Dane: Surprise, surprise, a Great Dane also makes the cut for the best apartment dogs. Don’t let their size intimidate you. Danes are oversized snugglers. Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy and do well in modest spaces, especially when they’re introduced to a consistent puppy feeding schedule. They may knock over furniture and other things if the space is too crammed but their temperament is rarely an issue
• Whippet: A smaller cousin of the Greyhound, Whippets are likewise quiet indoors. Whippets generally need only short bursts of exercise and will curl up on a rug for hours. They’re essentially petite greyhounds, and many city folks consider them ideal
  
• Basset Hound: These floppy-eared hounds are surprising apartment buddies. They need their daily sniff-walk, but once inside they transform into mellow couch loungers.

Low-Energy Dogs for Apartments

Low-energy dogs for apartments make life easy. They’re just as happy playing with a toy indoors as chasing squirrels outside. Here are a few guaranteed couch companions:

• Pug: These wrinkly clowns are playful but don’t need endless runs. Pugs are loyal and even-tempered, quiet, and rarely bark. Even when they do, who can tell it’s a bark! A pug will happily flop onto your lap after a short indoor romp.
• Maltese: Tiny and white as snow, Maltese are mostly indoor cuddle monsters. They’re hypoallergenic and love being indoors. They don’t require intense exercise either
• Dachshund: This little hound might think it’s big, but dachshunds don’t need tons of space. They’re playful but adapt well and are happy lounging indoors as long as they get their daily dose of exercise and play time
• Boston Terrier: I can’t resist mentioning another Boston. These snub-nosed sweeties are friendly and very quiet. They “stay pretty inactive” indoors and expend energy in short walks

Each of these breeds tends to be content with a few short walks and lots of lap time. They can sleep through thunderstorms or neighbor dogs barking, making them golden for close living. If you really want a stress-free pal, these low-energy dogs for apartments are hard to beat.

Training and Care Tips for Apartment Dogs

Even the calmest dog needs the right routine, training and care to thrive. Here are a few indoor dogs care non-negotiable that you must account for before bringing home a canine companion:

1. Potty breaks and exercise

Any dog, even a 4-pounder, needs to go out regularly to relieve themselves and get some fresh air. A mid-day bathroom break and a short walk are musts, especially when housebreaking a puppy. The best approach is to put your dog and yourself on a schedule and adhere to it consistently. This avoids accidents and keeps them comfortable. 

2. Crate training

Crate training is your friend. With patience, a crate becomes a dog’s cozy den and can even help with separation anxiety. It prevents accidents or chewing when you’re not home. 

3. Calm behavior 

Since neighbors are close by, discourage unnecessary barking early. Teach a quiet command by rewarding them only when they settle quietly. It can also help to leave a radio on or play white noise to calm your pet down when you know there’ll be lots of building noise. 

4. Mental stimulation

Even indoor dogs need brain exercise. Use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or calming toys and chews to keep them mentally stimulated, or simple hide-and-seek games with treats to offer your dog the right mental stimulation. It’s a key part of indoor dog care. Remember: a mentally worn-out dog is a calm, happy dog. 

5. Make time for your dog

In my experience, the best way to keep a dog in good spirits and make sure they’re in the right temperament is to engage with them meaningfully throughout the day. Play gentle tug-of-war, teach a new trick, or even run up and down the stairs a few times. Now, you don’t have to dedicate hours of your time to this. Short 5-10 minute play sessions peppered across the day do the trick. 

Of course, consistency is key. Regular training and care can turn even a large breed into a polite apartment mate. Case in point: my mellow GSD. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Apartment Dog

To make sure you choose the right dog for your apartment lifestyle, make sure you steer clear of the these traps: 

• Focusing only on size: Many people pick a tiny dog thinking “small space, small dog,” but size isn’t everything. A 10-pound dog can be sky-high energy while a 90-pound dog might be a couch potato. Always check activity level and barking tendencies first
• Ignoring exercise needs: Even calm dogs need regular activity. Dogs thrive on exercise and mental stimulation. Skipping daily walks or playtime often means chewed slippers and restless pacing
• Not considering noise and barking:Apartments magnify sounds. Don’t adopt a “barky” breed on impulse — and remember, proper puppy socialization helps minimize barking habits. It can become a nightmare for you and your neighbors
• Overlooking grooming needs: Long-haired or high-maintenance coats can be a hidden headache in small homes. Always consider fur care when making a choice
  

Avoiding these mistakes means you’ll end up with a dog who can easily adapt to your lifestyle. After all, the best apartment dog is the one whose needs match what you can give, not just the smallest one you can find.

Takeaway

Choosing the perfect apartment dog isn’t just about finding the smallest puppy in the litter. It’s about matching a dog’s energy level, temperament, and needs to your lifestyle. From the quiet Greyhound to the little Bichon, many breeds, big and small, can thrive in condos if you do your homework. Think about how much time you can spend walking and playing, how sensitive your neighbors are to noise, and how much maintenance you can handle.

In my case, living with my German Shepherd has taught me to look beyond stereotypes. Even a “large breed” dog can be perfectly happy in a city if given the right routine. So talk to reputable breeders, shelters, or veterinarians about breed personalities. Meet dogs in person to sense their energy. With a little patience and research, you’ll find an apartment dog that feels like the perfect fit for your home.