For folks who rent an apartment, own a condominium or even have a small house, all is not lost when looking to adopt a dog. Your loving apartment environment can be the perfect forever home for these dogs.

1. Pug
2. Chihuahua
3. Poodle
4. Boston Terrier
5. Bichon Frise
6. Shih Tzu
7. Greyhound
8. English Bulldog
9. Bassett Hound
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you are thinking of welcoming a furry family member into your life, you might be wondering which are the best apartment dogs. Considering the best options for both you and your new BFF can be a step that saves you a lot of heartache in the future. This post is all about the top 10 best apartment dogs for new dog owners.

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Apartment life is great. Your home is modern, convenient, secure and cozy. You can easily introduce a little happy paws into your home if it is a breed suited to apartment life. 

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The first step that can’t be missed is checking with the apartment management if you are allowed a pet dog. Even if you see neighbors running around with their cute fur ball pooches you still should check as regulations can change and nothing would be more heart-breaking than bringing home your pet then having to rehome it.

Okay, onto the joyful part of choosing your new best friend. Small dogs are often considered the best apartment dogs. But some large dogs don’t require a lot of exercise so can also be suitable for living a great apartment life. 

Quiet dogs that don’t bark too much are also ideal. Next you need to consider how much exercise a dog needs. It is great if you have easy access to a park or walking trail. But if you need to travel to reach a nice spot for your dog to run around you need to consider choosing a dog that needs less exercise. 

Here are the top 10 dog breeds ideal for apartment living. In no particular order, these are the ones that we consider to be some of the best apartment dogs with some information on why they will suit your apartment lifestyle. 

Best Apartment Dogs: Pug

The pug has a reputation as being a bit of a lazy bones, and sleep a lot (up to 14 hours per day) so an apartment dwelling is going to suit this one down to the ground. They do need to go walkies when possible to avoid too much weight gain. They are so quiet your neighbors might not even hear it. Perfect for apartment living. You can also look into getting a patch of indoor grass for him to go potty on when you are not home.

Some dog owners prefer pee pads because they are super easy to clean!

Having a patch for peeing is nice, but should never take the place of outdoor time and exercise. All dogs need fresh air, sunshine and walking.

Pugs are adorable and lovable dogs that make great companions for living in an apartment. Not only do they have an extremely friendly, loving, and loyal personality, they are also very low-maintenance dogs. Pugs are small in size which helps them fit into small living spaces with ease. They tend to require minimal exercise and grooming, so you don’t have to worry about too much upkeep. Plus, their short snouts and distinctive looks are sure to keep your neighbors talking! 

Pugs also have great temperaments and get along well with other people and pets. They are curious and inquisitive by nature, which makes them very entertaining and fun to be around. They are also very loyal and will stick by your side no matter what. They will quickly become your best friend and companion. 

All in all, pugs make wonderful apartment dogs. They are friendly, loyal, and require minimal upkeep. Not to mention, they look awfully cute in their little outfits! So, if you are looking for a furry companion to join your apartment life, look no further than the pug dog breed.

Best Apartment Dogs: Chihuahua

This adorable, tiny toy dog can live in a handbag so give it a while apartment or condo and you will see a very joyful dog. Chihuahuas can’t get enough love and attention so will follow you all around the apartment as you go about your daily life. Those sweet puppy dog eyes will try to distract you from your housework which can alone be enough exercise for this sassy mini canine.

Chihuahua dog breeds are a popular choice for small apartments due to their compact size and easy-going nature. They may be tiny, but their personalities are bigger than life! Chihuahuas are well known for their loyalty and intelligence, and they’re also highly adaptable to new environments.

Chihuahuas require minimal exercise, making them a perfect fit for those who don’t have lots of time to spend walking their pup. They’re also great at entertaining themselves, so they can be left to their own devices while owners are away. Chihuahuas are also relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they don’t need frequent trips to the groomer.

Chihuahuas have a reputation for being fiercely protective, so they make great watchdogs and can alert owners of any potential threats. They’re also known for their big personalities, so they’ll be sure to keep you entertained!

When it comes to apartment living, Chihuahuas are a great choice for those looking for a small and loyal companion. With their low maintenance requirements and protective nature, Chihuahuas are sure to make life in a small apartment more enjoyable.

Poodle

The poodle comes in 3 posh sizes – toy, miniature and standard – so can fit well into apartment living. They train easily and are obedient and keen to please. They are social and love to get outdoors often so if your condo or apartment has some garden space it will be perfect for your poodle.

Additional Information: How Often Should Poodles Be Groomed?

I have many miniature Poodle neighbor dog breeds and I can say, they make fantastic apartment dogs! There is plenty of room in an apartment for a toy or miniature Poodle to play ball and get lots of exercise too.

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds for apartment living. They have a number of qualities that make them well-suited to life in a smaller space. 

For starters, the breed is highly intelligent and easily trained. This makes them great for teaching basic commands and tricks, as well as general house etiquette. Plus, their intelligence makes them a great companion for those living in an apartment.

Poodles are also a low-shedding breed. This makes them great for those living in an apartment, as it reduces the amount of pet hair and dander that accumulates in a smaller space. 

The breed is also known for being extremely loyal and friendly. They are great companions and form strong bonds with their owners, making them perfect for those living in an apartment away from family and friends.

Finally, poodles are generally quiet and unobtrusive. This makes them ideal for those living in an apartment, as their barks are not too loud or disruptive to neighbors.

All in all, poodle dog breeds make great apartment dogs. They are intelligent, loyal, low-shedding, and quiet companions that will be sure to bring joy to any small space.

RELEVANT: How Often Do Poodles Need To Be Groomed?

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier pretty much ticks all the boxes for traits needed to live comfortably and happily in an apartment. It is calm, doesn’t bark much and doesn’t need a lot of exercise. 

Boston terriers are an ideal breed for apartment dwellers! Not only are they an incredibly friendly breed, but their small size also makes them perfect for tight living quarters. They’re very loyal, so you can count on them to be your devoted companion if you live alone. Plus, their short coats are low-maintenance and don’t require much grooming. 

Another great thing about Boston terriers is that they’re incredibly adaptable, so they can adjust to almost any living environment. They don’t require a lot of exercise, so even if you don’t have a backyard, they’ll still be content with a few daily walks. And their curious nature makes them great companions for learning and exploring the world around them – perfect for city life! 

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Boston terriers are also known for their intelligence, which means they’re easy to train and can learn quickly. You can teach them all sorts of tricks, from basic commands to more advanced behaviors. What’s more, they’re very social and get along well with other people and animals. 

All in all, Boston terriers make wonderful pets for apartment dwellers. They’re small, low-maintenance, and full of personality, making them the perfect fit for city life. So if you’re looking for a loyal companion that will bring a smile to your face, look no further than the lovable Boston terrier!

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a popular choice for people who live in an apartment. You need to make sure the daily dose of outdoors time is given regularly – exercise and play time is key. This breed is really compatible with families including children and other pets. They do love companionship so shouldn’t be left alone for too long. The Bichon Frise is a great dog for apartment and condominium living.

If you’re a dog lover who lives in an apartment, then the Bichon Frise is the perfect dog breed for you! This small, white powder puff of a pooch is known for its intelligence and friendly demeanor, making it the ideal choice for city dwellers who don’t have the luxury of a big backyard. 

The Bichon Frise is an active breed, but they don’t need a lot of space to get their exercise. A few trips to the dog park and regular walks should be enough to keep them fit and healthy. They are also very sociable and love interacting with other dogs, so they won’t miss having a lot of doggy friends. 

Bichon Frise dogs are perfect for people who live in apartments because they are relatively quiet and don’t bark very often. They are also very easy to train, so you won’t have to worry about housebreaking them. They are also great with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any family.

Overall, Bichon Frise dogs are the perfect breed for apartment living. They are intelligent, friendly, and active, so they won’t get bored in a small space. Their small size and quiet nature make them the ideal choice for city living, and they are a great choice for families and dog lovers alike. So, if you’re looking for a pup that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, then the Bichon Frise is the perfect dog for you!

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog that will fit right into living in an apartment. Needing little exercise and space to be content, it has a lovely temperament and loyal, loving nature that you will fall in love with instantly.

Since they can be jumpy around strangers and prefer to be in their own territory you could have a little homebody pooch on your hands who might never want to leave the apartment. We all feel like that sometimes!

Shih Tzu is a super cute dog breed that is perfect for those living in apartments. Not only are they one of the best small dog breeds, but they are also one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. These fluffy little pooches are easy to care for, don’t need much space and are great at adapting to small living quarters. 

Shih Tzu can be a great addition to any small living space, as they are incredibly low maintenance and don’t require much activity. They are also one of the smallest, yet hardiest of all dog breeds. This makes them ideal for those who have little space, but still want a pet. 

Shih Tzu also make great companions due to their friendly and loyal nature. These little dogs are known to be very affectionate and often bond quickly with their owners. Plus, their small size makes them easy to carry around or take on trips. 

Overall, Shih Tzu are the perfect breed for apartment living. They are low maintenance, can adapt to small spaces, and are incredibly loyal and affectionate. If you’re looking for a cute, loyal, and low-maintenance dog that can fit into your apartment lifestyle, this is the breed for you!

Greyhound

You could be forgiven for thinking a large Greyhound isn’t a good fit for apartment living. But it actually is because they have a mellow, chilled out and adaptable nature and don’t need a lot of exercise.

Greyhounds do best in a single-pet family. They make great pets because the are very easy to train.

English Bulldog

You can’t go wrong with an English Bulldog as it doesn’t need as much exercise and is a cool and soft-natured pooch (despite it’s adorable grumpy expression).

They are great as part of a family unit, like children or can make an excellent and protective companion for someone living solo. Be sure to get your English Bulldog a comfy bed!

Best Apartment Dogs: Basset Hound

The Basset Hound will fit in well to apartment living even if you only have a small living space. They are easy to train, intelligent and fun-loving dogs. They do love company so are probably best with an owner or family who are not away from home for long stretches of time.

Basset Hound breeds make some of the best apartment dogs around! Not only are they low maintenance, but they are also incredibly loyal, intelligent, and loving.

They require minimal exercise, and are friendly and welcoming with people and other animals. Basset Hounds also tend to be very quiet, so they don’t cause too much disruption in an apartment setting. With their short legs and long body, Basset Hounds are also incredibly cute, making them the perfect companion for anyone living in an apartment!

Plus, their short coats don’t require much grooming, making them one of the best dogs for those with busy schedules. All in all, Basset Hounds make some of the best apartment dogs around, and are sure to bring joy and love to anyone who adopts one.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The cheeky and lovable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes the list of best apartment dogs because of it’s well-behaved and eager-to-please nature. A toy dog, this spaniel does love human company so will be giving you lots of love as soon as you arrive home. A daily walk and a weekly brush will make for a happy spaniel. Also another bonus is it doesn’t shed much fur. They make great apartment dogs!

There are many breeds of dog that can live their best life in an apartment or condo and this list in our opinion features the best apartment dogs. Of course there are always factors to consider such as the size of your apartment, the outdoors environment and how much time you are at home.

Also remember all dogs love human company and will be wagging their tails with glee when you get home. Too much alone time can lead to a dog becoming bored and getting destructive. You don’t want to come home to find your expensive couch has been trashed by your pet because he misses you. 

Buying or adopting a senior dog can also be a lovely way to give a home to an old pooch that might not have such a high chance of finding a forever home as a cute puppy does. A senior dog will happily lounge around in your apartment and won’t be begging for a daily run. Senior dogs are the best apartment dogs because they are so grateful to be re-homed and loved by you!

There is a lot to consider when buying or adopting a puppy or dog. Take your time to consider all the factors and you will soon have the cutest housemate imaginable living with you in your apartment.

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