Don’t let apartment living deter you from having a dog. Not all breeds need large spaces to get out energy, or access to a yard, in order to live a happy life. Many dogs are content with small spaces, staying indoors and lounging on the couch or dog bed, moseying along only when they need to do their business. Not all dogs are meant for apartment living, but there’s plenty of breeds that are well-suited for this lifestyle. That could mean they are little dogs with high energy, but don’t need a lot of space to get it out. Or, they could be big dogs who are lazy to the bone, and don’t need much room to roam.  

When choosing an apartment dog, it’s important to consider a few things. For one, is the breed known for barking, and if so, will this put you in bad standing with your neighbours? How does the dog do with strangers, especially when confined in an elevator? Let’s take a look at the top apartment dogs.

Top 10 Apartment Dogs Breeds according to the American Kennel Club

1. French Bulldogs

2. Bulldogs

This is a dog with an unmistakable face and a memorable personality. While Bulldogs aren’t small in size, they do fair well in small spaces. They generally need a moderate amount of exercise, but are happiest when curled up on a comfy cushion, snoozing away. Be sure to keep the air condition on when it’s hot and humid outside, as Bulldogs don’t fair well in high temperatures. 

This is a dog with an unmistakable face and a memorable personality. While Bulldogs aren’t small in size, they do fair well in small spaces. They generally need a moderate amount of exercise, but are happiest when curled up on a comfy cushion, snoozing away. Be sure to keep the air condition on when it’s hot and humid outside, as Bulldogs don’t fair well in high temperatures. 

3. Yorkshire Terrier

These prissy-looking pint-sized pals certainly don’t take up much space. The tallest they grow is eight inches, and they don’t tend get bigger than seven pounds. That, paired with their hypoallergenic fur, makes them great dogs for apartment living. Don’t let their size fool you—Yorkshire Terrier also make vocal guard dogs. 

4. Dachshund

5. Miniature Schnauzer

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This is an alert but even-tempered chum who is very flexible about living arrangements. Depending on their humans’ lifestyle, Cavs can adapt to a high energy routine, or one that involves a lot of downtime. Regardless of the pace of their day to day living, you can always count on Cavs to be loyal companions.

7. Shih Tzu

The regal lineage of this breed is part of what makes them ideal apartment dwellers. Even though they were originally been bred for Chinese palace living, Shih Tzus don’t need much space to roam. They much prefer lounging with their humans, with loads of cuddles. Shih Tzus are also very patient and affectionate with children. 

8. Boston Terrier

9. Pomeranian

10. Havanese

This fancy-haired breed thrives in social settings, making them the bon vivants of the dog world. It’s part of makes them  good for apartment living, where shared spaces like elevators and lobbies are hard to ignore. They are happy just about anywhere, and with just about anyone, young or old,  as long as they’re showered with attention.