List of 45-Breeds To Choose From, What Dogs Are Good For Apartments | Find The Best Fit
Published: 03 Mar 2025
If you live in an apartment and also love dogs, then finding what dogs are good for apartment living can be a challenge. You would probably look for a dog that’s friendly, low-maintenance, and comfortable in a smaller space.
Choosing a dog for an apartment isn’t just about size; it’s about finding a breed that fits your lifestyle. You need an adaptable dog that doesn’t bark too much and is happy indoors. In this list, you will find the 45 dog breeds that are ideal for apartments, considering factors like temperament, energy levels, and ease of care.
List of Dogs Perfect for Apartments
1-Chihuahua (Weight: 2-6 lbs) Traits: Small and loyal, Chihuahuas love being your lap dog. One of the tiniest dogs in the canine world earns a place on our list. Chihuahuas are famous for their bold and lively personalities, and their small size makes them perfect for carrying around!
2-Papillon (Weight: 4-9 lbs) Traits: Papillons are small dogs with big, fluffy ears that look like butterfly wings. They are very smart and easy to train. Known for being friendly and lively, Papillons make great pets for families and can get along with everyone.
3-Maltese (Weight: 4-7 lbs) Trait: These puppies have soft, white fur all over their bodies. Pet owners often trim their fur to keep it neat, but show dogs have long coats. Maltese dogs are loving and loyal, making them a great choice for families.
4-Toy Poodle (Weight: 4-6 lbs) Traits: Just like bigger poodles, toy poodles are very smart. The American Kennel Club says they are so clever that they sometimes seem more like people than dogs!
5-Yorkshire Terrier (Weight: 4-9 lbs) Traits: You might recognize Yorkies by their long, shiny coats at dog shows, but they were originally used for hunting rats in mines and mills. Today, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and people love them for their bold and lively personalities.
6-Silky Terrier (Weight: 8-10 lbs) Traita: These 10-inch-tall puppies are slightly bigger than their relative, the Yorkshire terrier, and much less noisy. You’ll enjoy petting your silky terrier’s soft, shiny blue-and-tan coat!
7-Bolognese (Weight: 7-9 lbs) Traits: You’ll adore this fluffy pup just as much as you love the sauce it’s named after! The Bolognese, from Italy and part of the bichon family, is known for being smart, clever, and calm. If you’re after a dog with a relaxed energy, this is the perfect match!
8-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Weight: 13-18 lbs) Traits: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after British kings Charles I and II, who loved toy spaniels. These silky dogs come in four colors: Blenheim (chestnut on white), tricolor (black on white), black and tan, and ruby red.
9-Shorkie (Weight: 6-10 lbs) Traits: The Shorkie is a playful mix of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkie. Known for their cute, small size and friendly nature, these dogs come in various colors and make great companions for families.
10-Pomchi (Weight: 4-8 lbs) Traits: The Pomchi is a lovable mix of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. These small, energetic dogs come in various colors and are known for their playful, spunky personalities, making them great for apartment living.
11-Pekingese (Weight: 7-14 lbs) Traits: Pekingese were originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty, known for their elegance and strong loyalty. Just look at their fluffy mane! With moderate to low energy, they make great apartment dogs, as long as they get short walks and some playtime.
12-Maltipoo (Weight: 5-20 lbs) Traits: The Maltipoo is a friendly mix of a Maltese and a Poodle. Known for their playful nature and hypoallergenic coats, they make great companions for families and apartment living.
13-Miniature Schnauzer (Weight: 11-20 lbs) Traits: Miniature Schnauzers are known for their bushy beards and eyebrows, giving them funny, almost human-like expressions. They make great family dogs with their gentle nature, and since they shed less, you won’t have to worry about fur all over the house.
14-Cocker Spaniel (Weight: 20-30 lbs) Traits: These floppy-eared dogs are loved for their energetic and cheerful personalities, as well as their beauty. Their silky coats come in various colors and patterns, and they’re soft and cuddly to the touch.
15-West Highland White Terrier (Weight: 13-22 lbs) Traits: West Highland White Terriers, or “Westies,” are known for their cute, toy-like faces and playful personalities. Despite their small size, they’re surprisingly strong and tough.
16-Dachshund (Weight: 16-32 lbs) Traits: Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, are known for their spunky personalities and curious nature. Despite their small size, they’re confident and bold, making them surprisingly tough little dogs.
17-Beagle (Weight: 20-30 lbs) Traits: Beagles are loved for their friendly faces and playful, curious personalities. Known for their great sense of smell, they’re energetic and always eager to explore, making them fun and active companions.
18-Rat Terrier (Weight: 10-25 lbs) Traits: Rat Terriers are known for their energetic personalities and keen hunting instincts. With their compact size and strong build, they’re tough, lively, and always ready for adventure, making them great companions for active families.
19-Shiba Inu (Weight: 17-23 lbs) Traits: Shiba Inus are admired for their fox-like appearance and confident, independent personalities. Though they can be a bit aloof, they are loyal and intelligent, making them a great choice for experienced dog owners.
20-Alaskan Klee Kai (Weight: 10-18 lbs) Traits: Alaskan Klee Kais are known for their striking resemblance to Huskies, with their fluffy coats and bright, alert eyes. Despite their small size, they’re energetic, intelligent, and loyal, making them excellent companions for active families.
21-Border Terrier (Weight: 11-16 lbs) Traits: Tough and determined while working, the Border Terrier is affectionate and good-natured at home. Originally bred for the countryside, they can thrive in the city as long as they get plenty of exercise.
22-Dandie Dinmont Terrier (Weight: 18-20 lbs) Traits: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is sturdy and determined while working but affectionate and gentle at home. Originally bred for hunting, they adapt well to family life and thrive with regular exercise and attention.
23-Toy Australian Shepherd (Weight: 15-20 lbs) Traits: The Toy Australian Shepherd may be small, but it’s full of energy and intelligence. Loyal and affectionate at home, this breed thrives on exercise and mental challenges, making it a great companion for active owners.
24-Cairn Terrier (Weight: 13-14 lbs) Traits: The Cairn Terrier is small but full of spirit and curiosity. Originally bred for hunting, this sturdy and fearless breed is also affectionate and playful, making it a great companion for families and active owners.
25-French Bulldog (Weight: 16-19 lbs) Traits: French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds, especially in cities. With their cute bat-like ears and affectionate nature, they make great companions. Plus, they rarely bark, making them perfect for apartments and shared spaces!
26-Italian Greyhound (Weight: 7-14 lbs)
Traits: Italian Greyhounds are a beloved breed, especially for those who love elegant, slender dogs. With their sleek build and affectionate nature, they make loyal companions. Plus, they thrive in both small apartments and larger homes, enjoying cozy cuddles just as much as playtime!
27-Poodle (Toy or Miniature) (Weight: 4-15 lbs) Traits: Poodles are one of the most popular and intelligent dog breeds. With their curly, low-shedding coats and playful nature, they make excellent companions. Plus, they come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—so there’s a perfect Poodle for every home!
28-English Toy Spaniel (Weight: 8-14 lbs)
Traits: The English Toy Spaniel is a charming and affectionate breed, known for its silky coat and sweet expression. These small, lovable dogs thrive on companionship and make excellent lap dogs. Plus, their gentle nature makes them a perfect fit for quiet homes and apartment living!
29-Schipperke (Weight: 10-16 lbs) Traits: The Schipperke is a small but fearless breed, known for its fox-like face and lively personality. These energetic dogs are always curious and love to explore. Plus, their loyalty and playful nature make them great companions for active families!
30-Basset Hound (Weight: 40-65 lbs) Traits: Basset Hounds are known for their droopy ears and soulful eyes, with a calm and laid-back personality. Though they have a strong sense of smell and love to track scents, they’re gentle and friendly, making them great companions for families and relaxed homes.
31-Bulldog (Weight: 40-50 lbs) Traits: Bulldogs are known for their distinctive wrinkled faces and stocky build, with a calm and affectionate nature. Despite their tough appearance, they’re gentle and loving, making them perfect companions for families and apartment living.
32-Pug (Weight: 14-18 lbs) Traits: These smush-faced dogs are the descendants of royalty: Pugs were once the chosen companions of Chinese emperors! They’re also great house dogs for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
33-Shih Tzu (Weight: 9-16 lbs) Traits: Shih Tzus are small, sweet dogs with a luxurious coat and a friendly, affectionate personality. They’re known for being great lap dogs, enjoying cuddles and companionship, making them perfect for families or those living in apartments.
34-Lhasa Apso (Weight: 12-18 lbs) Traits: Lhasa Apsos are small, sturdy dogs with a beautiful long coat and a confident, independent nature. Originally bred as guard dogs, they’re loyal and affectionate with their families, making them great companions for both homes and apartments.
35-Morkie (Weight: 4-7 lbs) Traits: Morkies, a mix of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier, are small, playful, and full of energy. Known for their adorable looks and affectionate nature, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike, thriving in both homes and apartments.
36-Chinese Crested (Weight: 8-12 lbs) Traits: The Chinese Crested is a distinctive breed with a hairless body and a soft, fluffy crest on its head, tail, and feet. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, these small dogs are perfect companions, especially for those living in apartments.
37-Lowchen (Weight: 9-15 lbs) Traits: The Löwchen, also known as the “Little Lion Dog,” is a small, elegant breed with a distinctive lion-like mane. These cheerful, affectionate dogs make wonderful companions, and their friendly nature makes them great for families and apartment living.
38-Tibetan Spaniel (Weight: 9-15 lbs) Traits: The Tibetan Spaniel is a small, confident dog with a beautiful coat and a charming, independent personality. Originally bred as a companion for monks, they are loyal and affectionate, making them great pets for families or those looking for a loving lap dog.
39-Cockapoo (Weight: 12-19 lbs) Traits: The Cockapoo, a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, is a friendly and energetic dog known for its curly, low-shedding coat. With their playful nature and affectionate personality, they make great companions for families and adapt well to both homes and apartments.
40-Maltipoo (Weight: 5-20 lbs) Traits: The Maltipoo, a mix of Maltese and Poodle, is a small, affectionate dog with a soft, hypoallergenic coat. Known for their playful nature and friendly personality, they make excellent companions for families and individuals, thriving in both homes and apartments.
41-Toy Fox Terrier (Weight: 3.5-7 lbs) Traits: The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, lively breed with a confident and playful personality. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, they make excellent companions and are well-suited for families or individuals living in apartments.
42-Miniature Pinscher (Weight: 8-12 lbs)
Traits: Energetic but manageable, great for active apartment dwellers.
43-Jack Russell Terrier (Weight: 13-17 lbs)
Traits: The Jack Russell Terrier is a small but energetic breed with a lively and intelligent personality. Known for their strong work ethic and curiosity, they make great companions for active families who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
44-Dachshund (Weight: 16-32 lbs)
Traits: Playful and fun-loving, they adapt well to apartment life.
45-Chihuahua Mix (Weight: 5-10 lbs)
Traits: Chihuahua mixes are small, spirited dogs with big personalities. Combining the charm of a Chihuahua with the traits of other breeds, they’re loyal, affectionate, and playful, making them great companions for families and individuals, especially in apartment settings.
Tail End Thoughts
Remember to check your apartment’s pet policy before bringing home a new friend.
By choosing wisely and creating a nurturing environment, you can enjoy a fulfilling life with your dog, no matter how big or small your apartment may be.
If you’re ready to bring a dog into your apartment, consider visiting local shelters to find the perfect match. Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips on training, care, and choosing the best dog for your lifestyle!
