15 Best Dogs Breeds for Apartments or Condos

If you live in an apartment or condo and you live in a pet-friendly unit, you might debate getting a dog. Many dogs can thrive in small homes, particularly small to medium breeds, although certain large breeds aren't out of the question.

Tip

Any dog—regardless of breed—can become bored in a small space, leading to undesirable behaviors. So keep your dog exercised and try puzzle games or toys for mental stimulation.

Breed Characteristics

Dogs that make the best apartment or condo dwellers are breeds that are generally quiet and have low to medium energy. Smaller dogs tend to fit better in these homes, although some toy breeds tend to be yippy breeds and are too noisy for homes that have close neighbors.

Here are 15 of the best dogs for apartments or condominiums.

01 of 15

Basset Hound

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The basset hound is typically a low-key dog. The basset is moderately energetic but tends to get less active with age. Most basset hounds enjoy a daily walk but don't need a ton of exercise.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, brown, tan, white, red, and lemon
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
02 of 15

Bichon Frise

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Bichons are a favorite among small-dog enthusiasts. They're typically loyal and happy dogs with a medium energy level. Although many small dogs are known to be yippy barkers, the bichon isn't too noisy. Daily play sessions and walks should be enough to fulfill a bichon's exercise needs.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Alert eyes; soft coat; colors include white, white and apricot, and white and cream
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
03 of 15

Bulldog

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Medium-sized bulldogs have a moderate energy level. Regular exercise is necessary, but the breed has a pretty low tolerance for activity. A daily walk or two and some games are usually enough. Bulldogs are generally loyal, jovial companions. They're typically fairly quiet—as long as you don't mind some snoring.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Coat and Color: Straight, short, fine-textured, smooth, and glossy; comes in red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping colors include fawn, red, white, brindle, and more
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
04 of 15

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is typically upbeat and happy-go-lucky, yet calm and gentle. It has a medium energy level, benefitting from daily walks and games. But what it really thrives on is companionship. This dog can be moderately vocal but is generally happy to quietly snuggle on the couch.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky coat; colors include black and tan, black and white, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

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05 of 15

Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas pack lots of personality into a tiny frame. The breed has a medium to high energy level, requiring daily walks and play, but its petite size means a small apartment is adequate space. Some Chihuahuas can be a bit vocal, especially when they hear potential intruders, but with adequate training you can curb barking.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; most common colors include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
06 of 15

Chinese Crested

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The Chinese crested tends to be alert and affectionate, enjoying spending time with its family. Their small size and medium energy level make these dogs another great option for apartments. Despite their delicate appearance, they are strong athletes. Dog sports and puzzle games are ideal to exercise their minds and bodies.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Fur on head, feet, and tail (hairless); soft, silky coat (powderpuff); colors include black, blue, cream, and more; its hairless body is usually grayish-pink, often with white spots along the chest and belly
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
07 of 15

Greyhound

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You might know them for racing, but greyhounds are couch potatoes at heart. Although they enjoy a good run, they don't have enough endurance to need more than daily walks. These dogs tend to be highly affectionate and might loudly complain when left alone. Training for separation anxiety can help.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, blue, fawn, red, white, and brindle
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
08 of 15

Maltese

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Playful yet gentle, the Maltese is a delight. It only requires basic daily exercise, including a walk or two and playtime. In addition, the breed is less likely to be vocal compared to many other small dogs. It loves nothing more than sitting in your lap and showering you with affection.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: White, with a long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoat
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

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09 of 15

Poodle

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Poodles of all sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) can do well in apartments. These dogs are intelligent and have moderate to high energy levels. Some poodles might need extra exercise to keep them happy in a small home. But fortunately, they tend to be disciplined and obedient with proper training.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: up to 10 inches
Weight: Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; miniature: 10 to 15 pounds; toy: 4 to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, black, brown, and gray
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
10 of 15

Shih Tzu

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The shih tzu is a happy, affectionate, and playful little dog that only needs basic daily exercise and general training. These dogs tend to become closely bonded with their favorite humans. But if you must leave them at home, they'll likely be happily relaxing while they await your return.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 9 to 10 1/2 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, gold, liver, silver, red, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
11 of 15

Italian Greyhound

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Italian greyhounds are miniature versions of greyhounds. They have similar qualities in a smaller package, they weigh 10 pounds versus 60 pounds. They are a little more manageable for new dog owners or those who gravitate towards smaller dog breeds. They are loving, cozy cuddlers but still like the occasional chance to go for sprint.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Short and smooth; comes in grey, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
12 of 15

French Bulldog

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Frenchies are popular in the U.S., but they've been a top dog in the French countryside since the 1800s. These dogs only need a daily brisk walk each day to keep them in shape. These dogs keep quiet too; they rarely bark.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: under 28 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

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13 of 15

Pug

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Pugs are content to hang out at home. These love bugs are comical, loving, good-natured, and playful. The pug is a little dog with a big personality, so it is ideal for those who want a compact but active companion dog. The even-tempered demeanor of this breed makes it a good choice for families with children. Beware to not overwork this dog, dogs with a flat face are prone to overheating in extreme temperatures. They are opportunistic eaters, so do not overfeed this breed for fear of this dog getting obese.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
14 of 15

Havanese

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This playful, affectionate Cuban dog can thrive in an urban environment, smaller living quarters, or palatial estates. This 10-pound dog can adapt to living almost anywhere. Havanese should get daily exercise, but it does not need a lot of it. These dogs are content to cuddle on your lap or play indoors.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky straight to very wavy with ringlets; comes in black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
15 of 15

Boston Terrier

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Boston terriers do not have great exercise requirements, but they do need some mental stimulation, enrichment, and attention. If they feel neglected, they can develop problem behaviors. They should still get at least one or two daily walks and might enjoy a canine agility course. Apartment and city living should be adequate for this breed.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-sporting (AKC)
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat; white muzzle and chest; rest of their body is black, seal, or brindle
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Breeds to Avoid

If you're on the hunt for a dog breed that can adapt well to apartment living, some dogs don't cut it. Dogs that need a lot of room to run, such as Dalmatians, and herding dogs like German shepherds or Briards, will feel too shut-in and get bored easily. They require a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Another apartment no-no is an excessive barker or howler, such as a noisy beagle or a Finnish spitz, the king barking dog of the canine world. Finkies have the unique ability to bark up to 160 barks per minute.

10 Dog-Friendly Ideas for Apartment Balconies

Article Sources

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

How to Keep Pugs, Frenchies, & Other Flat-Faced Breeds From Overheating. American Kennel Club.
Boston Terrier. American Kennel Club.
7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Finnish Spitz. American Kennel Club.

15 Best Dogs Breeds for Apartments or Condos

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Breed Characteristics

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Breeds to Avoid

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