15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
Think you need a house with a yard to own a dog? Think again. These breeds thrive in cozy spaces.
Living in an apartment doesn't mean you can't have a dog. In fact, some breeds are better suited to apartment life than suburban homes. The key factors aren't just size—they're energy level, barking tendency, and adaptability.
Surprising fact: Some large breeds like Greyhounds make excellent apartment dogs, while some small breeds like Jack Russell Terriers need tons of space to burn energy.
🏆 Top 5 Apartment Dogs
1. French Bulldog
The ultimate apartment companion. Frenchies are quiet, don't need much exercise, and love lounging on the couch. They rarely bark and adapt to any living situation. View breed profile →
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, quiet, and happy to curl up in your lap. Cavaliers are adaptable and do well whether you're active or prefer relaxing at home. They're also naturally quiet dogs.
3. Bichon Frise
Small, cheerful, and hypoallergenic. Bichons don't shed much and are known for being quiet. They need moderate exercise but are happy with indoor play and short walks.
4. Pug
Pugs were literally bred to be lap dogs. They're low-energy, love being close to their owners, and are content in small spaces. Just watch the snoring! View breed profile →
5. Boston Terrier
The "American Gentleman" is compact, quiet, and adaptable. Boston Terriers have moderate energy levels and are known for being well-mannered indoors.
🐕 Medium-Sized Apartment Dogs
6. Basset Hound
Don't let their size fool you—Basset Hounds are couch potatoes. They're calm, low-energy, and happy with a daily walk. Just be aware they can be vocal.
7. English Bulldog
Bulldogs are calm, dignified, and require minimal exercise. They overheat easily, so they actually prefer air-conditioned apartments to hot backyards. View breed profile →
8. Shiba Inu
Clean, quiet, and cat-like in their independence. Shibas groom themselves and rarely bark (though they do have a distinctive "Shiba scream"). Great for apartments if properly exercised.
🦴 Surprisingly Good: Large Apartment Dogs
9. Greyhound
Yes, really! Retired racing Greyhounds are calm, quiet, and sleep up to 18 hours a day. They need a daily run but are otherwise content to lounge.
10. Great Dane
Known as "gentle giants," Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy. They need space to stretch out, but they're calm and quiet indoors.
🔇 Quietest Breeds for Apartments
Noise complaints are a real concern for apartment dwellers. These breeds rarely bark:
- Basenji – The "barkless dog" (they yodel instead)
- Whippet – Quiet and low-maintenance
- Italian Greyhound – Gentle and silent
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Naturally quiet
- Bulldog – More snores than barks
⚠️ Breeds to Avoid in Apartments
Some breeds struggle in apartments due to high energy, barking, or space needs:
- Border Collie – Needs constant mental stimulation
- Husky – High energy, loves to howl
- Beagle – Notorious barkers and howlers
- Jack Russell Terrier – Endless energy in a small package
- Australian Shepherd – Needs a job to do
Tips for Apartment Dog Owners
- Exercise matters more than space – A tired dog is a happy apartment dog
- Mental stimulation – Puzzle toys prevent boredom and destructive behavior
- Potty training – Consider pee pads or a balcony grass patch
- Noise training – Teach "quiet" commands early
- Check building rules – Some have breed or size restrictions
Find Your Match
Not sure which apartment breed is right for you? Take our quiz to find breeds that match your lifestyle, activity level, and living situation.