If you are looking for a pup, these are the best apartment-friendly dog breeds!
Many of us have probably been told that you can’t own a pup unless you don’t live in a house with a yard where they can play and run around. While they might be true in some cases, there are plenty of pooches that thrive in apartments, bringing playtime, cuddles, love, and endless tail wags to your doorstep.
Whether you live in a studio or a city loft, these apartment-friendly dog breeds will fit right into your lifestyle. From low-energy lap pups who love to be lazy to slightly bigger breeds that will shower you with affection, there’s a furry friend out there, waiting to be welcomed in your home.
As experts say, it’s not just about size—energy levels, personality, and exercise needs are all key factors when it comes to making the right match. In today’s article, we’ll talk about the cutest apartment-friendly dog breeds that are happy to curl up by your side without needing a sprawling backyard.
So, if you’re ready to become a pup owner and are looking for the perfect four-legged roommate, this article is for you! Let’s begin!
1. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds, and you’ll have the time of your life with a small pooch like this. Weighing less than 10 pounds and being only 8 to 10 inches tall, this gorgeous companion is one of America’s favorites for a reason—they’re affectionate, lovely, playful, friendly, and adaptable dogs that do well in small spaces.
Known for their gentle nature and temperament, low energy levels, and easy trainability, the Maltese is the perfect choice for someone who’s not blessed with a large space or a yard.
They have a hypoallergenic coat and don’t usually bark a lot, but keep in mind that they need company. If you leave your precious Maltese home alone, they might become resentful or jealous of other pets or humans.
2. Havanese
Experts say the Havanese is one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds, and you’ll see why in a second. This moderately active pup stands 9 to 12 inches and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. It’s friendly and playful and can easily learn new things and tricks.
Moreover, the Havanese can easily adapt to confined areas and loves to cuddle with their favorite humans. If you’re the kind of person who likes to take long walks, this pup is the right choice for you. Even though they don’t have a lot of energy, these lovely pooches thrive when their owners take them for a walk in the park.
Other than that, this furry friend doesn’t bark a lot, sheds a few strands of hair, and needs daily coat grooming. If you want a Havanese and don’t like having a messy home, this pet grooming kit will make your life easier.
3. Boston Terrier
We continue with these apartment-friendly dog breeds, and this time is all about the Boston Terrier. This beautiful and friendly pup has an average height of 10 to 17 inches and weighs around 10 to 25 pounds. They can easily adapt to small places, and the good news is that they shed very minimally.
The playful disposition of this little dog breed makes it the perfect choice for city people who need an energetic canine companion. Even if they require a lot of movement, introducing them to different indoor sports can be a fantastic way to burn off their energy.
All things aside, the Boston Terrier is a dog that requires little care and may live happily in an apartment. Not to mention, they will surely make your life better and more enjoyable!
4. Bulldog
Did you know that the Bulldog is one of the most adorable couch potatoes? One of their favorite things to do is cuddle up on the couch with their favorite humans, and I don’t know about you, but I’m all about that.
Even though they don’t bark a lot, they’re still pretty nosy—they’re not popular for grunting, snorting, and snoring for nothing, are they? Still, it’s hard to stay mad at them—especially knowing their short snouts and breathing issues mean they need extra care to stay cool during those hot summer months.
While they can be pretty lazy, they still need regular walks and exercise to stay healthy. If you want to adopt a pup like this and aren’t much of an active person, you’ll be happy to hear that Bulldogs get tired quickly.
Last but not least, this lovely pup is one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds for anyone who wants a medium-sized, low-maintenance furry friend. Perfect!
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is another apartment-friendly dog breed that will add love, affection, and happiness to your life. This cheerful furry companion weighs between 12 and 18 pounds and is around 9 to 12 inches tall.
Cute, friendly, and intelligent, this adorable pup is a great addition to any family with younger children. This medium-energy pooch doesn’t have high exercise requirements, so a walk in the park and a short fetch session will keep them happy and healthy.
Once this pup bonds with you, they’ll do everything in their power to please you, and the best part is that they’re easy to train. Another thing you’ll love is that they have hypoallergenic coats, so they’re indeed one of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds.
…Aren’t they gorgeous? I just love them!
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Is there someone who wouldn’t like to own a beautiful and tiny Yorkshire Terrier? This is one of the most popular apartment-friendly dog breeds, and for good reason: they don’t shed much, are easy to train, are affectionate and friendly, and have medium energy.
However, even though they’re small, they can be pretty feisty, so it’s best to take them to the dog park so they socialize with other pups. Moreover, your little Yorkshire Terrier might need extra exercise to be tired and happy, so take them for longer walks, play fetch with them, and engage them in different activities that will help burn off their energy.
Even though these lovely pups can easily adapt to apartment living, keep in mind that some of them are known for barking. They love to observe their environment, and their brave personality makes them very vocal at times.
…Do you have a favorite dog breed? I’m all about Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Corgis! Their playful nature, ability to get along with my kids, and knack for making me laugh have completely won me over. I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s chat in the comments below!
7. Coton de Tulear
The beautiful and fluffy Coton de Tulear is one of the cutest and friendliest apartment-friendly dog breeds. They weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and don’t stand more than 11 inches. According to experts, this canine friend is an excellent apartment-friendly dog breed, known for its small size, gentle demeanor, and adaptability.
Moreover, this fluffy, cotton-like pooch is playful yet laid back, making it ideal for cozy living spaces. They’re social dogs that thrive on companionship, forming deep bonds with their favorite humans.
Since Coton de Tulears don’t have high energy levels, daily walks, and some indoor playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. And if you’re one of those people who prefer a cleaner living space, you’ll be happy to hear that this lovely pup has a low-shedding coat.
Last but not least, this dog’s calm temperament means they’re unlikely to disturb your neighbors and can easily adapt to different environments, as long as you spend time with them and make them feel loved.
What do you think of these apartment-friendly dog breeds? Which one would you choose as your perfect furry companion? Let us know in the comments below! If you found this article helpful and want to explore more, check out this amazing post from Pet Compilation—we think you’ll love it: The Best 8 Small Dogs for Seniors
