Apartment living doesn’t have to mean missing out on the joys of owning a dog. While some may think that only small, low-energy breeds are suitable for apartment living, the truth is that many different breeds can thrive in a small living space. The key is to find a breed that matches your lifestyle and provides the right balance of exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Surprisingly, some larger or more energetic breeds can also adapt well to apartment living, as long as they get enough physical activity and mental engagement. In this article, we explore 11 dog breeds that are surprisingly great for apartment living, highlighting why each breed is well-suited to this lifestyle and what makes them ideal companions in a small space.
11. Greyhound
Known for their speed and agility on the race track, greyhounds may seem like an unusual choice for apartment living. However, greyhounds are actually well-suited to life in small spaces. Despite their athleticism, greyhounds are often described as “40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes” because they love to relax and unwind. They are calm and gentle indoors, content to spend most of their time relaxing. Greyhounds do need regular exercise, such as a daily walk or a few short runs around a safe place, but they are generally low-energy dogs that don’t require constant activity. Their calm and quiet nature makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
10. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate breed that is perfectly suited for apartment living. Shih Tzus bred as companion dogs naturally stick close to their human family and adapt well to small living spaces. Shih Tzus are generally calm and don’t require a lot of exercise, which makes them ideal for apartment living. A daily walk and some indoor play time is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Shih Tzus are also relatively quiet, which is a bonus for those living in close quarters with neighbors. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
9. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a compact, muscular breed known for its affectionate and easygoing nature. French Bulldogs are perfect for apartment living because they are low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise. A short daily walk and indoor playtime is usually enough to keep them satisfied. French Bulldogs are also known for being relatively calm, making them a great choice for those living in close quarters with neighbors. Their small size, combined with their friendly and adaptable personality makes the French Bulldog a great companion for apartment dwellers who want a loving and loyal pet.
8. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small, intelligent dogs known for their friendly and adaptable nature. Often referred to as the “American Gentleman” because of their tuxedo-like coat, Boston Terriers are well-suited to apartment living. They are relatively low-energy and only require moderate exercise, such as daily walks or some playtime indoors. Boston Terriers are also known to be relatively calm and well-behaved, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers. Their compact size and friendly personality make them a great companion for those living in small spaces.
7. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, slanted eyes, and distinctive barking, but they are also surprisingly well-suited to apartment living. Despite their large size and hunting background, Basset Hounds are generally low-energy dogs that prefer to relax around the house. They are content with a few short walks each day and don’t need a lot of space to run. Basset Hounds tend to be relatively quiet even indoors, making them a good choice for apartment dwellers. Their calm and quiet nature, combined with their affectionate personality, makes Basset Hounds a great choice for those living in small spaces.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, beautiful breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature. Cavaliers are well suited to apartment living because they are relatively low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of exercise. A daily walk and playtime indoors is usually enough to keep them satisfied. Cavaliers are also known to be relatively calm, making them a great choice for those living in close quarters with neighbors. Their small size, combined with their friendly and adaptable personality makes the Cavalier a great companion for apartment dwellers who want a loving and loyal pet.
5. Basenji
The Basenji, often referred to as the “dog without bark,” is a small, intelligent breed known for its unique voice and calm nature. Basenjis are well suited to apartment living because they are relatively low-energy dogs that don’t require a lot of space to be happy. A daily walk and some indoor play is usually enough to keep them satisfied. Basenjis are also known for being clean and shedding little, making them a great choice for people who prefer a low-maintenance pet. Their calm and independent nature makes them a perfect companion for apartment dwellers who want a calm and easygoing dog.
4. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them an obvious choice for apartment living. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have big personalities and are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. Chihuahuas don’t require a lot of exercise, making them perfect for small living spaces. A daily walk and some indoor play time is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Chihuahuas are also relatively easy to train and they adapt well to apartment living. Their small size, combined with their adventurous and spirited personality makes Chihuahuas a great companion for apartment dwellers who want a loving and loyal pet.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small, beautiful breed known for its charming appearance and graceful gait. Despite their athletic build, Italian Greyhounds are surprisingly well-suited to apartment living. They are generally low-energy dogs that love to relax around the house, which makes them a great choice for people who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. Italian Greyhounds do require regular exercise, such as daily walks or playing indoors, but they are not overly demanding. Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers who want a calm and affectionate companion.
2. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small, sturdy breed known for its calm and independent nature. Originally bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty, the Pekingese naturally tends to stick close to its human family and adapts well to small living spaces. Pekingese dogs are generally low-energy and don’t require a lot of exercise, making them well-suited to apartment life. A daily walk and some indoor play time is usually enough to keep them satisfied. Pekingese dogs are also relatively quiet, making them a great choice for those living in close quarters with neighbors. Their small size, combined with their regal and dignified personality, makes Pekingese dogs a great companion for apartment dwellers.
1. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy breed known for its calm and independent nature. Originally bred as a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries, Lhasa Apsos are naturally alert and protective, making them a great choice for apartment living. Lhasa Apsos don’t require a lot of exercise and are content with a daily walk and some indoor play. They are also relatively quiet, making them a good choice for those living in close quarters with neighbors. Their small size, combined with their loyal and affectionate personality, makes the Lhasa Apso a great companion for apartment dwellers who want a calm and easygoing pet.
Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
Choosing the right dog breed for apartment living is important, where space and noise considerations play a key role. The 11 breeds featured in this article are surprisingly well-suited to small living spaces, offering a balance of calm temperaments, manageable exercise needs, and adaptability. Whether you’re looking for a quiet companion like a Basenji or a small, affectionate pet like a Chihuahua, these breeds can make apartment living fun and satisfying. By choosing a breed that matches your lifestyle, you can ensure a happy, healthy, and harmonious relationship with your canine companion in the apartment.