Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Calling all units from the indoor army, it is time to assemble. Apartment dwellers may seem introverted, but everybody wants company. If you know an indoorsman or are one yourself, you may wonder if a dog is even a viable option for you. The good news is that yes, they absolutely are. However, you might be incorrect in your approach of assuming all small breeds are great for apartment conditions; long story short, they aren’t. So, in this blog post, we’ll provide you with a list of the best small dogs for apartments.

What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?

We mentioned in the introduction how just because a dog is of a smaller breed, it doesn’t automatically entail, no pun intended, that they are compatible with smaller living conditions. There are several big dogs that are low on energy and are more than happy just lounging away on the bed or the sofa, watching The Price Is Right. Size doesn’t matter much here. What does matter is temperament, energy levels, tendencies, and how yappy they are.

A great small dog for apartment living should:

• Be relatively chill

• Have low-to-moderate energy levels. An exception can be made if you’re just an apartment dweller but go out regularly for rigorous exercise. Yes, people like that exist.

• Be friendly toward people and other animals

• Be able to be left alone at home or at least have the ability to be trained to do so.

With those factors in mind, here are some of the best small dog breeds for apartments that check all the right boxes.

French Bulldog

Props to your dog culture knowledge if you assumed Frenchies would make an appearance here. These love balls are low-energy, quiet, cuddly, and friendly. They aren’t high-strung and can happily lounge away on the couch for the entire day with no issues. Needless to say, to stop them from developing joint issues and becoming overweight (and let’s not forget they need to go potty), you have to take them for walks, but that’s generally the extent of the exercise they need or enjoy. Due to their breathing issues caused by their short noses, they do not tolerate rigorous exercise or heat well.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

One might assume royalty requires a castle to bear living with low-lives, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very humble. These gentle dogs are small, quiet, and adaptable, so they’re perfectly suited for any apartment living condition. They do, however, suffer from separation anxiety in most cases, so they do not enjoy being left alone, and their long, silky coat requires some maintenance. Those two factors aside, these guys are easygoing and low-maintenance.

Dachshund

Few dogs get the love and recognition that Dachshunds do. Sometimes called the wiener dog or even the hotdog, these sausage-looking dogs are playful and full of personality, winning over most of the country during the 1990s and 2000s. They became a major part of our pop culture. One of the biggest influences was the "Wiener Dog" commercials, especially from brands like Oscar Mayer. Their jingle, "Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener," made them iconic. Marketing gold, dare we say.

However, there is one thing to consider: Dachshunds can be prone to excessive barking. Early training can help curb this habit, though.

Pug

Pugs aren’t like other dogs, and that is what makes them so lovable. They look like they’ve stepped out of a cartoon—goofy-looking with a lovable personality. Small but sturdy, they’re everybody’s best friend. A bit of love, a daily walk, and a bed to lay around on, and these dogs are happy. However, similar to the French Bulldog, their flat faces make it difficult for them to breathe properly, and they’re prone to heat sensitivity. Also, they love food—a little too much for their own good. So, you must portion control unless you want them to balloon up.

Chihuahua

There are two camps here—those who swear by Chihuahuas and those who don’t. However, we’ll be objective about things. Chihuahuas have big personalities and small sizes—a combination that doesn’t fit well with everyone. They love attention, almost to the point of needing it. These feisty little dogs have a “big dog in a small dog body” syndrome and will bark at everyone they don’t love, which is basically anyone outside their family. This problem is largely propagated by social media and shows. With proper early socialization, these intelligent dogs are just as loving as any other.

Here’s an adorable little fact: they are sensitive to the cold, so you must get them a sweater for the colder months. Awh.

Bichon Frise

There are a few dogs that just makes you melt, and nobody does is better than a Bichon Frise. These absolutely angelic dogs love everybody, human or animal and take very little space. They also don’t shed much, which is great for allergy sufferers.

Tips for Apartment Living with a Small Dog

Create a Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Set regular times for walks, meals, and playtime.

Provide Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys and training sessions can keep your dog entertained indoors.

Manage Barking: Train your dog to bark less and reward quiet behavior.

Use Pee Pads or a Balcony Potty: If outdoor access is limited, these can be helpful alternatives.

Socialize Your Dog: Introduce your dog to new people, pets, and environments to reduce anxiety.

Conclusion

Living with a dog in an apartment isn’t that difficult, especially when the dog is physically small, low on energy, calm by nature, and as much of a couch potato as us apartment dwellers. However, if you suffer from allergies, it’s best to opt for hypoallergenic breeds and groom your dog regularly. That aside, all dogs require a basic level of exercise to stay fit and healthy, and this excludes their daily need to go out and do their business.

Related Articles:

• Are Cockapoos Ideal for Apartment Living? A Comprehensive Guide

• Are Cocker Spaniels Good for Apartments?

• Small Dog, Big Responsibilities: Do's and Don'ts for Teacup Havapoo Owners

• Top 10 Best Non Shedding Small Dog Breeds You Can Consider