Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: 15 Picks Compared (Size, Energy, Barking and More)
Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: 15 Picks Compared (Size, Energy, Barking and More)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean you can't have a dog. Millions of dogs live happily in apartments, condos and small homes across the US. The key is choosing a dog whose needs fit your space, schedule and lifestyle.
Size is only part of the story. Some tiny dogs are barky and high-energy, while some large breeds, like Greyhounds, are famously calm couch potatoes. Noise level, exercise needs, how well a dog handles being alone and your building's rules all matter.
In this comparison guide, we'll share 15 breeds that often do well in apartments, compare them on size, energy, barking and grooming, and explain what to look for in any apartment dog, including adopting a mixed breed. We'll also cover tips for apartment life with a dog.
What makes a good apartment dog?
Look for these traits when choosing an apartment-friendly dog:
- Moderate or low energy. Happy with daily walks and indoor play, not hours of running.
- Lower barking tendency. Important for thin walls and close neighbors.
- Adaptability. Comfortable with elevators, hallways and neighbors.
- Comfort being alone. Handles short periods alone without distress.
- Manageable size. Fits your space and building rules.
- Easy to house train. Especially if you're several floors up.
- Friendly temperament. Calm around strangers and other dogs in shared spaces.
The AKC notes that a dog's energy level and noise often matter more than size for apartment living.
Check your building first
Before you choose a breed, check your lease or building rules. Many apartments have weight limits, breed restrictions, pet deposits, monthly pet rent or limits on how many pets you can have. Some require proof of vaccinations, licensing or renters insurance that covers pets.
Ask about nearby green space, pet waste stations and whether there's a dog run or park nearby. These can make daily life much easier.
How we chose these breeds
There's no official list of apartment breeds, so we looked at the traits that matter most in shared buildings and small spaces: energy level, tendency to bark, adult size, how well they handle being alone for a few hours and how easy they are to exercise on city walks. We drew on breed descriptions from groups like the AKC and real-world experience from apartment dog owners.
Remember that every dog is an individual. A calm Border Collie may be a better apartment dog than a frantic Chihuahua. Use these breeds as a starting point, then meet the actual dog.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: Small (13 to 18 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Low. Grooming: Moderate.
Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle and adaptable companion dogs. They enjoy walks and play but are equally happy cuddling on the couch. They're generally friendly with people and other dogs. They can be prone to heart and eye conditions, so choose a responsible breeder or rescue.
2. French Bulldog
Size: Small (under 28 lb). Energy: Low to moderate. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low.
Frenchies are one of the most popular apartment dogs in the US. They're playful, affectionate and usually quiet. As a flat-faced breed, they can struggle in heat and with intense exercise, so keep walks gentle in warm weather.
3. Bichon Frise
Size: Small (12 to 18 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Moderate. Grooming: High.
Bichons are cheerful, social and adaptable. Their coat sheds very little but needs regular grooming. They can be prone to separation anxiety, so they're best for owners who are home often or can provide company.
4. Shih Tzu
Size: Small (9 to 16 lb). Energy: Low. Barking: Moderate. Grooming: High.
Bred as companion dogs, Shih Tzus are happy in small spaces and enjoy short walks and lots of lap time. Their long coat needs regular grooming, or a shorter "puppy cut" for easier care.
5. Havanese
Size: Small (7 to 13 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Low to moderate. Grooming: High.
Havanese are friendly, smart and very adaptable. They love people and are often good with kids. Like many companion breeds, they prefer not to be left alone for long periods.
6. Boston Terrier
Size: Small (12 to 25 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low.
Bostons are lively, friendly and compact. They enjoy play and walks but adapt well to apartment life. Like other flat-faced breeds, they need care in hot weather.
7. Pug
Size: Small (14 to 18 lb). Energy: Low. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low, but they shed.
Pugs are charming, social and happy with short walks. They're prone to weight gain and breathing issues, so watch portions and avoid exercise in heat.
8. Maltese
Size: Toy (under 7 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Moderate. Grooming: High.
Maltese are gentle, affectionate and very portable. Their silky coat needs daily brushing or regular trims. They may be prone to tear stains; see our guide to dog tear stains.
9. Greyhound
Size: Large (60 to 70 lb). Energy: Low indoors, bursts of speed outdoors. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low.
Surprised? Retired racing Greyhounds are often called "45 mph couch potatoes." They're calm, quiet and gentle indoors and need a couple of walks a day and occasional chances to sprint in a safe, fenced area. Many rescue groups place Greyhounds in apartments. Check weight limits in your building first.
10. Whippet
Size: Medium (25 to 40 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low.
Whippets are quiet, gentle and love soft furniture. They need daily walks and safe places to run. Their thin coats mean they may need a sweater in cold weather.
11. Basset Hound
Size: Medium (40 to 65 lb). Energy: Low. Barking: Can howl. Grooming: Low, but they shed and drool.
Bassets are laid-back and affectionate. They enjoy leisurely sniff walks. Their howling can be loud, so they may not suit buildings with thin walls.
12. English Bulldog
Size: Medium (40 to 50 lb). Energy: Low. Barking: Low. Grooming: Low, but they need wrinkle cleaning.
Bulldogs are calm and happy with short walks. They're sensitive to heat and can have breathing issues, so air conditioning is important in summer.
13. Pomeranian
Size: Toy (3 to 7 lb). Energy: Moderate. Barking: Moderate to high. Grooming: Moderate.
Poms are lively and fit easily into small spaces. They can be vocal, so early training to manage barking helps. Our guide to why does my dog bark so much has tips.
14. Bolognese
Size: Small (5.5 to 9 lb). Energy: Low to moderate. Barking: Low. Grooming: Moderate.
A lesser-known cousin of the Bichon, the Bolognese is calm, quiet and devoted. They enjoy short walks and lots of time with their people.
15. Adult mixed-breed rescues
Adult rescue dogs can be some of the best apartment companions. With an adult dog, you can see their energy level, size and personality before you adopt. Many shelters and rescues know which dogs are calm, quiet and good with neighbors.
Ask the shelter about barking, behavior when left alone and how the dog handles stairs and elevators. Our guide to adopting an adult or senior dog has more tips.
Quick comparison
Here's a quick snapshot of how these breeds compare:
- Quietest picks. Cavalier, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Greyhound, Whippet, Bolognese.
- Lowest exercise needs. Shih Tzu, Pug, Bulldog, Basset Hound, Greyhound indoors.
- Lowest grooming. French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Greyhound, Whippet.
- Best for allergy-sensitive homes. Bichon, Havanese, Maltese, Bolognese shed less (no dog is truly hypoallergenic).
- Best for heat-sensitive care. Flat-faced breeds need air conditioning and gentle summer walks.
- Best if you're away more. Calmer adult rescues and Greyhounds often cope well with routines.
Use this table as a shortlist, then spend time with individual dogs before deciding. Ask breeders, rescues and foster families how each dog behaves when left alone, around noise and on busy streets. Those real-world answers matter more than any breed label, and they're the best way to find a dog who will be relaxed and happy in your home.
If you can, visit a dog more than once and at different times of day. A dog who seems calm in the morning may be full of energy by evening, and that tells you a lot about how they'd fit your schedule.
Breeds that may find apartments harder
High-energy working and herding breeds, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Siberian Huskies and Jack Russell Terriers, often need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They can live in apartments with very active owners, but they may become bored, noisy or destructive without enough activity.
Breeds prone to barking or howling, like Beagles and some hounds, may also be challenging in buildings with close neighbors. That doesn't mean it's impossible; it just takes more planning.
Exercising an apartment dog
No yard doesn't mean no exercise. Most apartment dogs are happiest with two or three walks a day plus some indoor brain games.
- Sniff walks. Let your dog stop and sniff. Mental work tires dogs out.
- Stair work. Short sessions on stairs can help healthy adult dogs burn energy. Skip it for puppies, seniors and flat-faced breeds.
- Hallway fetch. Soft toys only, and check your building's noise rules.
- Puzzle feeders. Turn meals into games. See brain games for dogs.
- Dog parks and daycare. Great social outlets for friendly dogs. Read dog park etiquette first.
- Training sessions. Five-minute trick sessions build focus and calm.
For cold or rainy days, our indoor exercise guide has plenty of ideas.
Barking, noise and keeping neighbors happy
Barking is the most common source of complaints in apartment buildings. Most barking has a cause you can work on: boredom, alerting to hallway sounds, separation stress or excitement.
- Mask hallway noise. A fan, white noise or soft music near the door helps.
- Block the view. Window film can calm dogs who bark at passersby.
- Teach a quiet cue. Reward silence after a bark or two.
- Tire them out before you leave. A walk and a chew make alone time easier.
- Watch for separation stress. Barking only when you leave may be anxiety. See separation anxiety.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors. A friendly hello and a phone number go a long way.
Our guide to why dogs bark so much explains each type of barking and how to help.
Potty plans for high-rise living
Elevators and long hallways make quick potty trips harder, especially with puppies and seniors. Plan your route and timing before you bring a dog home.
Find the nearest patch of grass and any building pet relief area. Carry young puppies to the elevator so they don't have accidents on the way. Some owners use an indoor grass patch or pee pads on a balcony for emergencies, though most dogs do best with a consistent outdoor routine.
Puppies may need to go out every couple of hours. Our guide on how long dogs can hold their pee has a full chart by age, and crate training a new puppy explains how a crate helps with house training.
Why an adult or senior dog can be the perfect apartment dog
Puppies are adorable, but they're also loud, energetic and need potty breaks around the clock. For many apartment dwellers, an adult or senior dog is the easiest match.
Adult dogs often come house trained, past the chewing stage and with a known energy level and bark style. Shelters and rescues can tell you how a dog behaves in a kennel, a foster home or around noise, which is valuable information for apartment life. Senior dogs in particular are often calm, cuddly and happy with shorter walks.
If you're considering adoption, read adopting an adult or senior dog and bringing home a rescue dog.
Quick picks by lifestyle
Not sure where to start? Match the breed to your daily life:
- Work long hours. Adult Greyhound, Basset Hound or a calm adult rescue, plus a midday walker.
- Work from home. Cavalier, Havanese or Bichon Frise, who love company.
- First-time owner. Cavalier, Havanese or an adult mixed breed with a known history.
- Allergies. Bichon Frise, Maltese or Havanese, which shed less. No dog is fully hypoallergenic.
- Active city walker. Whippet or Boston Terrier.
- Quiet building. Greyhound, Whippet, Basset Hound or French Bulldog, which tend to bark less.
- Very small space. Maltese, Pomeranian or Shih Tzu.
Setting up a small space for a dog
A well-planned layout makes even a studio feel roomy for two. Give your dog a defined spot of their own, like a bed or crate in a quiet corner away from the front door, so they have a place to settle when neighbors come and go.
Use vertical storage for toys, leashes and food to keep floors clear. Add washable rugs for traction on hard floors, and a door mat with a towel for wiping paws. If you have a balcony, never leave your dog out there unsupervised, and check that railings are too narrow for small dogs to slip through.
Our dog-proofing your home guide has more room-by-room tips.
The extra costs of apartment dog life
Renting with a dog often comes with fees you won't face as a homeowner. Budget for pet deposits, monthly pet rent, possible breed or size restrictions, renters insurance with pet liability coverage, and services like dog walkers or daycare if you work long days.
These costs vary a lot by city and building, so ask your landlord for the full pet policy in writing before you sign a lease. Our annual dog cost guide helps you plan the rest of the budget.
Moving into an apartment with your dog
Moving is stressful for dogs, especially from a house with a yard. Keep their routine as steady as possible through the move: same meal times, same walk times, same bed.
On moving day, keep your dog in a quiet room or with a friend so they don't slip out while doors are open. In the new apartment, set up their bed, water and toys first so they have a familiar corner. Walk the building and neighborhood together several times in the first week, so elevators, stairwells and new smells become normal.
Expect a few days of extra barking or restlessness as your dog adjusts. Lots of walks, brain games and patience usually help them settle within a couple of weeks. Update your dog's microchip and ID tag with your new address right away.
Being a good dog-owning neighbor
A few simple courtesies keep everyone in the building happy. Always pick up after your dog, including in landscaped areas and near entrances. Keep your dog on a short leash in hallways, lobbies and elevators, and let others choose whether to say hello. Wipe muddy paws before walking through shared spaces. If a neighbor seems nervous around dogs, give them room and a friendly smile.
Tips for apartment life with a dog
These habits make apartment life easier for dogs and neighbors:
- Daily walks. At least two to three a day, plus potty breaks.
- Indoor enrichment. Puzzle toys, scent games and short training sessions.
- Noise management. Rugs, white noise and training to reduce barking.
- Elevator manners. Teach your dog to sit calmly and give others space.
- Potty plan. Know your nearest green space; consider grass pads for small dogs.
- Midday help. A dog walker or daycare for long workdays.
- Good neighbor habits. Pick up waste, keep your dog leashed and manage barking.
Our guides to indoor exercise for dogs in winter, brain games for dogs and choosing doggy daycare or a dog walker can help.
- Energy and noise matter more than size. Some big dogs are calm; some small dogs are busy and barky.
- Check building rules first. Weight limits, breed restrictions and fees vary.
- Many companion breeds thrive. Cavaliers, Frenchies, Havanese, Shih Tzus and more.
- Greyhounds can be great. Calm indoors with a couple of walks a day.
- Adult rescues are a smart choice. You can see their personality and energy upfront.
Small space, big love
The right dog can make even the smallest apartment feel like home. Choose a dog whose energy, noise level and needs match your lifestyle, and plan for daily walks and enrichment. With a little preparation, you and your pup can thrive together in city life.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here's to happy apartment living with your dog.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog for an apartment?
Calm, adaptable, relatively quiet dogs like Cavaliers, French Bulldogs, Havanese, Shih Tzus and Greyhounds often do well.
Can big dogs live in apartments?
Yes. Calm large breeds like Greyhounds can thrive with enough walks and building approval.
What are the quietest apartment dogs?
Cavaliers, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Greyhounds, Whippets and Bolognese tend to be quieter.
What dogs don't do well in apartments?
High-energy working and herding breeds may struggle without lots of exercise.
Are hypoallergenic dogs good for apartments?
Low-shedding breeds like Bichons and Havanese can be, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
How do I stop my apartment dog barking?
Manage triggers, add white noise, train a quiet cue and provide enough exercise.
How much exercise does an apartment dog need?
It varies, but most need at least two to three walks a day plus play.
Can I adopt a rescue dog for my apartment?
Yes. Ask the shelter about energy level, barking and how the dog handles being alone.
What should I check before getting a dog in an apartment?
Pet policy, weight limits, breed restrictions, fees and nearby green space.
Do apartment dogs need a yard?
No. Daily walks, play and enrichment can meet most dogs' needs.