14 Great Dog Breeds for Apartment Life

Living in an apartment can present challenges for dog owners, mainly due to the limited space. Without a yard or open area for dogs to roam freely, meeting their exercise and bathroom requirements becomes a planned and intentional task. As a pet owner, you should take your dog for regular walks and engage them in activities to keep them happy and healthy. These circumstances can easily become overwhelming, especially when balancing other daily responsibilities.

However, living in an apartment doesn't mean you have to forgo the joys of owning a dog. Many breeds are well-suited for apartment living, adapting easily to smaller spaces. Additionally, innovative pet-friendly solutions like Gotta Go Grass® natural grass pads for dogs make bathroom breaks easier to manage.

The Rise of Dog Ownership in Apartments

The trend toward urban living and apartment dwellings hasn’t diminished people’s love for dogs. In fact, despite the compact living spaces these days, dog ownership is on the rise among apartment dwellers. According to the AVMA 2022 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, over 62 million households in the US own dogs, with nearly 89 million dogs kept as companions. This surge proves that with some adjustments, dogs remain the most popular pets, even in cities where living space can be tight.

6 Key Considerations for Apartment Dwellers Adopting a Dog

For many apartment owners, the key to success lies in selecting the best dog breeds that can handle the confined environment. With careful consideration of the dog’s size, temperament, and exercise needs, owning a dog in an apartment can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Size: Smaller dog breeds are often easier to accommodate in compact spaces, though some larger breeds with laid-back temperaments can also adapt well.

Energy: Some dogs, often due to their size, temperament, or breed characteristics, don't require hours of physical activity. They thrive on short, daily walks and a bit of indoor play, which is ideal for apartment living. Low-energy breeds are also perfect for pet parents with a more relaxed lifestyle.

Shedding: Low-shedding or hypoallergenic dogs help reduce the amount of pet hair in confined spaces, making cleaning more manageable. These breeds are also ideal for family members with allergies, as they produce fewer allergens.

Temperament and Noise: Calm, friendly dogs with a relaxed demeanor are better suited for apartment life. Breeds less prone to excessive barking are especially important for maintaining peace with neighbors in shared living spaces, ensuring a quieter and more relaxed environment.

Trainability: A trainable dog is easier to manage in an apartment, adapting to routines like using grass pee pads for dogs and controlling barking behavior.

Check Out These 12 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

By considering the factors above, you can narrow down your options to breeds that thrive in a smaller living space. Here’s a look at some of the great apartment dog breeds for you.

1. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is known for its laid-back demeanor and low exercise needs despite being on the larger side—weighing 40-75 pounds and standing around 15 inches tall. Their calm nature makes them great apartment dogs, and a simple daily walk should be enough exercise for them.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is one of the smallest breeds, known for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. They are friendly and are known to enjoy indoor games and short walks, making them great apartment dogs. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their curly, white coat, but they shed minimally, keeping your living space tidy.

3. English Bulldog

Compact yet muscular, the English Bulldog weighs 40-50 pounds and stands about 15 inches tall. Their calm temperament and low energy needs make them one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. However, they are sensitive to heat, so avoid rigorous outdoor activities and focus on indoor play during hot weather.

4. Pug

Pugs are among the best apartment dogs with their compact bodies and easy-going nature. Although they aren't built for strenuous activity, they do enjoy short daily walks and indoor play. Except for occasional snoring, these small dogs are relatively quiet, making them ideal for confined spaces.

5. Maltese

The Maltese is a playful and affectionate small dog breed weighing only approximately seven pounds. Their minimal exercise needs and friendly demeanor make them perfect for small apartments, though they can be vocal—whine, bark, and even howl on some occasions—which could be a concern if you're in an apartment building with thin walls.

6. Shih Tzu

Weighing from nine to 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu is a sociable lapdog that thrives well in small-space apartments. They don't need much space or exercise and get along well with children and other dogs, making them perfect for small families living in urban environments.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Although a small breed at an average of just seven pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier has a big personality known for their playfulness and affectionate nature. They require daily walks to burn off energy. Early training is essential to manage their excessive barking, but their compact size and loving temperament make them great apartment dogs.

8. Chihuahua

As one of the smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua is well-suited for apartment life. Their tiny stature makes them easy to accommodate, but training is essential to manage excessive barking and any attitude issues. They need about 20-30 minutes of exercise daily, which should be easy to manage in an apartment setting.

9. Dachshund

Dachshunds also make great pets for apartment living with their small size and playful nature. They are active indoors and love engaging with their owners. Their low-maintenance grooming and compact size make them a favorite among city-dwelling pet parents.

10. Greyhound

Surprisingly, despite their larger size, Greyhounds are one of the best apartment dogs. These dogs are low-energy and love lounging around but still enjoy occasional jogs. Socialization is key to bringing out their mild-mannered, friendly side.

11. Pomeranian

A fluffy, affectionate small dog breed, the Pomeranian is perfect for pet parents who want an engaging companion. They love socializing and enjoy long walks, and their compact size makes them ideal for apartment life. However, they are attached to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety.

12. Poodle

Whether you choose a Toy or Miniature Poodle, this breed is known for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. They are excellent companion dogs, requiring minimal grooming compared to other breeds, and their friendly nature makes them great for living in smaller spaces.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is affectionate, sociable, and small enough—ranging from 13 to 18 pounds—to live comfortably in apartments. They’re great companion dogs, known for getting along well with children and other dogs. A short daily walk and playtime should meet their exercise needs.

14. American Eskimo Dog

While on the fluffier side, the American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes, with the toy and miniature varieties being more recommended for apartments. They’re intelligent and trainable, though regular exercise is necessary to prevent boredom. Daily walks and interactive play can keep them happy and healthy in small spaces.

Potty Training Apartment Dogs with Gotta Go Grass® Pads

Managing bathroom breaks is one of the most challenging aspects of having a dog in an apartment. Not all pet parents have immediate access to outdoor spaces or a dog park. This is where Gotta Go Grass® potty pads come in. These natural, instinctual grass pads provide a sanitary and convenient indoor potty solution. They're long-lasting, biodegradable, and compostable, making them both dog-friendly and eco-friendly. Potty training with Gotta Go Grass® ensures your dog has an indoor bathroom solution, reducing the stress of frequent trips outside.

Final Thoughts

Living in an apartment doesn't mean you can't enjoy the companionship of a dog. From small dog breeds like the Chihuahua and Bichon Frise to larger, low-energy dogs like the Greyhound, there’s a perfect dog breed for every apartment dweller. With the right breed, routine, and innovative solutions, like an indoor grass pee pad for dogs, your dog can thrive in a small environment.