How To Choose the Best Dogs for Apartments With Limited Space

When it comes to spoiling fur babies, comfy beds, the tastiest treats, and new toys are just the icing on the pup cup. 

Where they rest their head is equally important — and that’s about more than the “dogs on the bed” debate. It’s also about your apartment.

Your four-legged friend doesn’t care about wallpaper patterns or gym amenities. But a comfortable space compatible with their size, energy level, and social needs is essential to their health and happiness. 

If you’re considering adopting a dog, plenty of breeds make perfect candidates for apartment living. Here are the 35 best dogs for apartments.

35 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Most dogs are content simply being by their human’s side. But not all breeds are good dogs for an apartment. Some need large spaces and backyards, and others are a little too vocal to keep the peace, even if you try to soundproof your apartment.

Here are 35 of the best dogs for apartments that you (and your neighbors) will love:

The Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Small dogs in small apartments just make sense. Pomeranians, dachshunds, and other toy dog breeds take up little space and don’t need as much exercise. Here are our favorite small breeds and toy breeds ideal for apartment living:

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Medium

Don’t let the long name (and long hair) fool you. The cavalier King Charles spaniel was bred for royalty, but these pups aren’t as high maintenance as their bougie lineage suggests.

They’re affectionate and easy-going. The cavalier King Charles spaniel is a great apartment dog that’s happy to prance around the house or curl up and snuggle.

2. Lhasa Apso

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Low

Lhasa apsos are low-energy couch potatoes that make ideal apartment dogs. Whether you work from home or not, these pups are content lounging around all day after an energetic morning walk — and some games for mental stimulation.

3. Maltese

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Low

Maltese dogs are affectionate and friendly dogs, making them great companions. Despite a reputation for being well-behaved, they can get loud when they’re bored or lonely. To reduce their tendency to bark, give plenty of stimulation and socialization.

4. Boston Terrier

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

As you can probably tell by the name, Boston terriers are great city dogs. They’re quiet, chill, and up for anything. Digital nomads who need a dog breed that loves adventure but settles quickly, look no further. 

5. Chihuahua

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Medium

Small dogs tend to get a bad rap for being yappy. Although bad habits like barking can always lessen with proper training, Chihuahuas are naturally quiet, affectionate pups. With a little training, they’ll break all the toy breed stereotypes. Plus, they’re great lap dogs, making them the perfect companions at a dog-friendly restaurant or a pet-friendly bar. 

6. Pug

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Low

Like many humans, pugs will almost always choose sleep over exercise. These low-energy pups are great for small spaces with limited room for running around since they only need a few quick walks a day. 

Small Breed Bonus 

If you’re looking for a small breed to adapt to a small space, here are five more apartment dog breeds to look for:

7. Pomeranian

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

8. Dachshund

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

9. Australian terrier 

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

10. Pekingese

• Trainability: Low
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Low

11. Toy fox terrier

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: High

The Best Medium-Sized Apartment Dogs

Not everyone agrees that pint-sized pals are best. Medium-sized dogs in the 20- to 60-pound range offer the perfect balance between little and too large. Breeds like English bulldogs, basset hounds, and corgis are happy sprawling on the apartment floor or chasing frisbees at a dog-friendly beach. Here are seven to consider: 

12. Miniature Australian Shepherd and Australian Shepherd

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: High

Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with tons of energy, thanks to their herding background. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad indoor dogs. With obedience training, shepherds are great for active owners with flexible work schedules who enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re a dog owner who can’t wait to shut the computer and head to the dog park, Aussies are a great choice.

13. English Bulldog and French Bulldog

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Low

Despite their muscular appearance, bulldogs are low-energy pups that thrive in apartment settings. Their friendly demeanor and minimal barking make them excellent companions for spaces of all sizes — but you might want enough distance from their infamous snoring.  

Although both breeds of bulldogs are medium-sized, remember that English bulldogs can get much heavier than their French counterparts, tipping the scale at nearly 50 pounds. 

14. Cocker Spaniel

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: High

Cocker spaniels are medium-sized dogs known for their gentle and affectionate temperament. They adapt well to apartment living — as long as they get regular exercise and engagement. Their size and social nature make some of the best indoor dogs for families, couples, and singles alike. 

15. Welsh Corgi

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: High

Corgis were bred to watch cattle and take their job as protectors seriously. For lone renters, these adorable, short-legged pups are great low-maintenance dogs that offer excellent companionship and affection. Due to their alert instincts, invest in training for proper barking behaviors.

16. Basset Hound

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Low

Despite being hunting dogs, the even-tempered basset hound is a popular option for apartment living. They’re extremely loyal and offer great companionship, but they require lots of training to keep that loud basset bark and alert hunting instinct in check. 

17. Manchester Terrier

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

Manchester terriers were bred for urban living, making them an ideal dog for apartments. With proper training, they’re incredibly loyal, well-behaved dogs. Manchester terriers are family-centric, friendly pups, meaning too much alone time can make them stir-crazy. 

18. Shiba Inu

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: High
• Shedding: High
• Energy: Medium

Active apartment dwellers eager to get their daily Vitamin D will love Shiba Inu as an exercise companion. Regular movement and toys stimulate them just enough so they’re happy lounging around the house. 

The Best Big Dogs for Apartments

Despite what some say, size doesn’t always matter. Although a big, energetic German shepherd or husky with a big bark isn’t ideal for apartment life, plenty of big dog breeds fit right in. 

Here are three big dog breeds that will happily pass out on the floor of a dog-friendly restaurant or cozy apartment:

19. Greyhound

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

Despite being the fastest dog breed, greyhounds are lazy, quiet dogs. With enough exercise and a big bed (and a couch, dog bed, and plenty of floor space) to splay out across, greyhounds are happy apartment dwellers. 

20. Newfoundland 

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: High
• Energy: Medium

Newfoundlands are enormous — like 150 pounds enormous. But their size makes them lazy companion dogs. With a little exercise and plenty of bones to chew on, they’ll likely spend most of their time sleeping. These gentle giants are affectionate snuggle buddies for a night of Netflix.

21. Great Dane

• Trainability: High
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Medium
• Energy: Low

Similar to the Newfoundland, Great Danes are quiet, passive dogs. Although they’re great companions, they’d rather hang out on the couch rather than travel across the country with you. Due to this breed’s chronic joint problems, just take the elevator instead of the stairs.

Bonus: Apartment Dogs That Don’t Shed

Pet hair is like glitter — you never get rid of it all. But cleanliness isn’t the only reason to consider a non-shedding dog like a shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier, or bichon frisé. These breeds are also great for allergy management, and they tend to smell less than dogs with thick or oily coats that trap odors. 

Here are some of our favorite hypoallergenic breeds that make good inside dogs: 

22.  Havanese

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

23.  Yorkshire Terrier 

• Trainability: High
• Barking: High
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

24.  Brussels Griffon 

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

25.  Affenpinscher 

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

26.  Shih tzu

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Low

27.  Poodle

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

28.  Maltese

• Trainability: Medium 
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

29.  Bichon Frisé 

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

30. Bolognese

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Low

31. Xoloitzcuintli

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

32. Cairn Terrier

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: Medium

33. Scottish Terrier

• Trainability: Medium
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

34. Spanish Water Dog

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

35. Golden Doodle

• Trainability: High
• Barking: Medium
• Shedding: Low
• Energy: High

3 Things To Consider Before Bringing a Dog Into Your Apartment

Finding a dog-friendly apartment complex isn’t the only thing to do before turning your four-legged friend into an apartment dog. Whether you’re moving your dog into smaller digs or choosing a pup at your local pet adoption center, keep the following tips in mind: 

1. Big paws, small apartment: While many large dogs get along great in cramped spaces, high-energy breeds need plenty of space to run, hunt, and play. No matter a dog’s size, pay attention to their energy needs and whether you have the space and time to stimulate them.
2. Damage risks: The zoomies are adorable, but certain breeds also scratch floors, dent walls, and damage furniture. Be sure you have the time to give your dog the training and play it needs to avoid costly behavior issues.  
3. Ongoing expenses: A fur baby isn’t a one-time purchase. Before becoming a dog parent, analyze food, veterinary appointments, and kenneling expenses — because they add up. If you work out of the home, you should also look into dog walkers or day camps.

Find Pet-Friendly Apartments With Landing

For dog owners, home is where your pet is. And that doesn’t stop when you travel.

Landing offers fully furnished dwellings with the best amenities for you and your four-legged friend. And when it’s time to explore somewhere new, our flexible, short-term leases and seamless transfers make it possible. Join Landing today and find the perfect next home for you and your furry friend.