Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of having a furry companion. Plenty of dog breeds can thrive in small spaces if we meet their needs.
The key is choosing a breed that matches your living situation and understanding what makes certain dogs better suited for apartment life.
When choosing a dog breed for your condo or flat, think about size, energy, and temperament. Some breeds just seem built for compact spaces and still bring loads of joy.
Let’s look at a few breeds that do great in apartments. We’ll also share some tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy in a smaller home.
1) French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are fantastic apartment dogs for city folks. Their compact size and calm attitude fit small homes perfectly.
They’re cheerful and rarely bark, so your neighbours probably won’t complain. These pups are sociable and adapt easily to flat life.
Frenchies are great with kids. If you have little ones, they’ll play and show patience that’s honestly heartwarming.
They don’t need tons of exercise. A couple of short walks and some playtime indoors do the trick.
French Bulldogs have become super popular in apartments. Their laid-back vibe means they’re happy just hanging out at home.
One thing to keep in mind—Frenchies can have breathing issues because of their flat faces. It’s a bit of a trade-off: they don’t need much exercise, but you’ll want to watch for overheating.
They’re friendly and love being close to their people. Whether you live alone or with a family, French Bulldogs just want to be near you.
2) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent choice for flat living. These gentle dogs weigh about 13 to 18 pounds, so they’re just the right size for smaller homes.
They’re calm and friendly by nature. Cavaliers don’t need endless exercise—just a daily walk and some playtime indoors will keep them happy.
These spaniels are loyal companions who bond closely with their people. They’re famously affectionate and patient, especially with children.
Your grooming routine with a Cavalier is pretty manageable. Their silky coat needs regular brushing, but it’s not a huge chore. Minimal grooming means more time for cuddles.
Studies show Cavaliers do just fine in apartments with no outdoor area. That’s a big relief if you live somewhere without a private garden.
They’re quiet, too, so you won’t be stressing over noise complaints.
3) Pug
Pugs are a top pick for apartment dwellers who want a gentle, affectionate dog. These little guys rarely bark and adore their people.
Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller spaces. You won’t need to worry about long walks every day—pugs are happy with less.
Pugs are known for being quiet. They’d rather snuggle than bark, so your neighbours will probably thank you.
That said, pugs can be a little mischievous sometimes. But honestly, their playful side just makes life more interesting.
Lots of pug owners say their dogs are incredibly loving. It’s tough not to fall for their goofy, devoted personalities.
If you’re thinking about a pug, you’re picking a breed with a long history as a city companion. They’ve been making people smile in apartments for generations.
4) Dachshund
Dachshunds are great apartment dogs thanks to their small size and flexible attitude. You’ll see how easily they fit into even the coziest homes.
These unique little dogs are clever and always up for companionship. You don’t need a huge flat to keep a dachshund happy.
They’re content with moderate exercise. One good walk a day and a bit of playtime indoors is usually enough.
Dachshunds are loyal and love being part of your daily routine. They bond closely with their people and adapt well to apartment life.
Heads up, though—they can be pretty vocal. These little watchdogs will let you know if someone’s at the door, which is handy but can be tricky with close neighbours.
Training and early socialisation matter a lot. It’ll help cut down on barking and make sure your dachshund gets along with everyone in the building.
You can pick from smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired coats. There’s a dachshund style to match just about any lifestyle or grooming preference.
Dachshunds crave company. They’re happiest when you’re around, so they’re perfect if you spend lots of time at home.
5) Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a wonderful apartment buddy if you want a small, friendly dog. These pups were bred as house pets and have been warming laps for centuries.
Shih Tzus adapt easily to flat living. They’re small and don’t need a ton of exercise, but regular walks and social outings help keep them happy.
These dogs are outgoing, cheerful, and affectionate. You’ll find them friendly and trusting, which makes it easy to connect with neighbours and other residents.
If your building has shared spaces, your Shih Tzu will love meeting new people and dogs. It’s a great way for them to stay engaged and avoid boredom.
With gentle, positive training, your Shih Tzu will become a fantastic house pet. They’re playful, active, and perfectly suited to life in a smaller space.
6) Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are honestly wonderful apartment companions. Their compact size and gentle nature make them a great fit for city living.
They adapt well to smaller spaces and don’t need a big garden. You won’t find them bouncing off the walls if you live in a flat.
Boston Terriers are excellent house dogs and make surprisingly gentle guards. Their calm temperament usually means they won’t disturb your neighbours with a lot of barking.
These terriers can live happily in apartments without outdoor areas. They don’t crave constant outdoor access like some bigger breeds.
Boston Terriers show moderate aggression compared to many other breeds. That makes them a good choice if you share spaces with other pets or people.
They’re friendly, so kids and other pets usually get along well with them. You can feel pretty confident about bringing a Boston Terrier into your apartment life.
Daily walks are important, but you don’t need to run a marathon. A couple of short strolls and some indoor play keep them healthy and content.
7) Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an excellent choice for apartment living. These small, fluffy dogs usually weigh 12 to 18 pounds, so they’re perfect for smaller spaces.
You’ll notice their cheerful and friendly personality right away. Bichon Frises are gentle with children and usually get along with other pets.
One major perk is their low-shedding coat. Toy and small dogs tend to do better than others in city apartments, and people with allergies sometimes suffer less with dogs like bichons frises.
Your Bichon Frise won’t need tons of exercise. A daily walk and some playtime indoors are usually enough.
They’re adaptable, so if your routine changes, they roll with it. They’re happy to chill during the day and hang out with you in the evenings.
One thing to keep in mind: Bichon Frises need regular grooming. Their fluffy coats need brushing several times a week and a trip to the groomer every month or two.
8) Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are perfect tiny companions for flats. These pint-sized pups rarely weigh more than 6 pounds, so they’re made for small spaces.
You’ll appreciate how little exercise they need. A quick walk or a little playtime indoors is usually enough, and they’re happy to lounge on your sofa most of the day.
Because they’re so small, even a game of fetch in your hallway can tire them out. You don’t need a big garden to keep them active.
Chihuahuas are naturally suited to apartment living, especially with other small breeds. They handle close quarters well.
They’re surprisingly smart and love to learn. Teaching them basic commands or tricks keeps their minds sharp.
However, Chihuahuas can be pretty vocal. They’ll let you know if something’s up, so you might hear some barking at noises from neighbouring flats.
Their unique personality makes them fiercely loyal. They bond closely with their people.
9) Maltese
The Maltese is an excellent apartment companion for city living. These small, elegant dogs usually weigh 4-7 pounds, so they’re easy to fit into compact spaces.
You’ll find that Maltese dogs are playful, neat, and easy to train. Their gentle temperament helps them settle into flat life without fuss.
Your Maltese doesn’t need a ton of exercise. A short daily walk and a little playtime indoors will keep them happy, and their small size means even a small flat is enough space.
They’re famous for their beautiful white coats, but that means you’ll need to brush them daily. Regular grooming keeps their fur looking its best.
Maltese dogs are generally quiet, which makes them great neighbours. They’ll alert you if someone’s at the door but won’t bark just for the sake of it.
They thrive on human companionship. If you work from home or have flexible hours, a Maltese could be the perfect little sidekick for your apartment life.
10) Basenji
The Basenji is a fantastic apartment dog for a bunch of reasons. One of the best things? They don’t bark, so your neighbours will thank you.
Basenjis are naturally quiet and pretty clean. They actually groom themselves like cats, which means less mess in your flat.
They’re medium-sized but still fit well in small spaces. You don’t need a big garden—regular walks and some indoor play do the trick.
Your Basenji will be more independent than some other breeds. If you’re out during the day, they’re usually fine on their own for a while.
They’re smart and learn apartment rules quickly when you train them. You might be surprised at how well they respect boundaries.
The Basenji originally came from Africa and was bred as a hunting dog. That background gives them a calm, focused vibe that works well in flats.
Just remember, Basenjis need regular exercise. A daily walk and some playtime keep them happy and help avoid restlessness in your apartment.
Their short coat is easy to care for and doesn’t need much grooming. That’s a big win for apartment dwellers.
What Makes A Dog Breed Ideal For Apartment Living?
The perfect apartment dog isn’t just about size—it’s about energy, noise, and how well your furry friend adapts to smaller spaces. If you get these factors right, you’ll have a companion who thrives in your home and keeps everyone (including your neighbours) happy.
Size Versus Energy: The Real Considerations
Size isn’t everything when you’re picking a dog for your flat. Lots of people assume small dogs are always better, but that’s not always the case.
A calm Great Dane might happily lounge around all day, while a tiny Jack Russell Terrier could turn your living room into a racetrack.
Energy level really matters. High-energy breeds need lots of exercise and things to do. If you don’t give them outlets, they’ll invent their own—and that’s usually not good news for your furniture.
Here are a few things to consider:
- How much exercise they need daily (some are fine with 30 minutes, others need hours)
- Mental stimulation and boredom
- How well the breed handles being left alone
- How active they are indoors
Low to moderate energy breeds usually fit apartment life best. They’re perfectly happy with shorter walks and indoor play, instead of needing a huge garden to race around in.
Understanding Noise Levels And Behaviour
Noise is your biggest concern when you live close to neighbours. Some breeds are naturally quieter, while others bark at every little sound—sometimes it feels like they’re just waiting for a reason.
Breeds known for excessive barking include most terriers, many small toy breeds, and guard dogs. These dogs often react to footsteps in hallways, other dogs, or unfamiliar noises.
Quieter breeds typically include:
- Bulldogs
- Basset Hounds
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Shih Tzus
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Training matters—a lot. Even naturally vocal breeds can learn better indoor manners with consistent training.
Still, choosing the right breed for your condo life starts with understanding their basic instincts.
Behavioural traits to consider:
- Tendency to bark or howl
- Territorial behaviour
- Anxiety when left alone
- Response to noise from neighbours
Adapting To Limited Space
Space adaptation is about more than square footage. It’s about how your dog uses the space and whether they feel comfortable in smaller areas.
Some breeds just settle in better to confined spaces. They don’t need to patrol a big territory or roam to feel safe.
Indoor activity levels really vary between breeds. Some dogs are happy to snooze most of the day, while others need constant mental stimulation—even when they’re stuck inside.
Key space considerations:
- Comfort in small areas – does the breed settle well in compact spaces?
- Indoor exercise tolerance – can they burn off energy with indoor play?
- Furniture and belongings safety – will they get destructive if bored?
- Sleeping arrangements – do they need lots of space to stretch out?
Apartment-friendly breeds often share these traits:
- Lower prey drive (less likely to chase things)
- Calm indoor temperament
- Minimal territorial behaviour
- Adaptable sleeping habits
Your lifestyle matters too. If you work from home, you might get away with a slightly more energetic breed since you can give them more attention during the day.
Supporting Your Dog’s Happiness In Smaller Spaces
Living in a flat doesn’t mean you have to compromise your dog’s wellbeing. The key is building consistent exercise routines and creating mental activities that help your dog stay happy and mentally engaged.
Daily Exercise And Mental Stimulation
Your dog needs both physical movement and brain challenges to thrive in a flat. Physical exercise should include two or three walks daily—even if they’re not long countryside rambles.
Morning walks help burn off energy before you head out. Evening walks let your dog decompress after hours inside.
Mental stimulation keeps boredom and destructive behaviour at bay. Try these indoor activities:
- Puzzle feeders that make mealtimes last 15-20 minutes
- Hide treats around your flat for sniffing games
- Rotating toys weekly so things stay interesting
- Training sessions for 5-10 minutes, twice a day
Interactive toys work wonders for apartment dogs. Snuffle mats, Kong toys, and treat-dispensing balls keep busy minds occupied.
You can teach new tricks or practice commands during TV breaks. Sometimes, mental work tires a dog out just as much as a walk does.
Building Routines That Foster Wellbeing
Consistent daily patterns help your dog feel safe in a small space. Morning routines should include toilet breaks, feeding, and a walk before your day gets going.
Midday arrangements matter for dogs left alone for hours. Think about dog walkers or doggy daycare if you work full-time.
Evening routines help your dog wind down. This could be dinner, a walk, and just chilling together.
Weekend schedules should include longer adventures. Head to dog parks, beaches, or the countryside to give your dog a break from flat life.
Create a designated space where your dog can retreat when overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a cosy corner with their bed and favourite toys.
Stick to feeding times and toilet schedules as much as you can. Predictability helps reduce anxiety in tight quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many potential dog owners worry about bringing a furry friend into a flat. You might have questions about size, time commitments, or things like shedding and exercise.
What breeds of dogs are well-suited to living in a smaller space like an apartment?
French Bulldogs adapt brilliantly to flat living. They’re compact and don’t need a ton of exercise, plus their calm temperament makes them lovely indoor companions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and thrive in smaller spaces. They’re happy with moderate exercise and love being close to their people.
Pugs naturally suit apartment life because they’re small and don’t demand much activity. They’re content relaxing indoors and don’t need a garden to stay healthy.
Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs, so they excel in flats. Their small size and moderate energy make them perfect for city living.
If you’re out at work all day, which dog breeds can comfortably adapt to being alone?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels handle alone time better than many breeds if you train them for it. They’re calm and can get used to your work schedule with a bit of conditioning.
French Bulldogs usually don’t mind spending time alone during work hours. Their laid-back nature means they’ll often just nap until you’re back.
Shih Tzus can learn to be okay alone for reasonable stretches. They’re independent enough to cope with a standard workday as long as you give them some training and enrichment.
Could you recommend some medium-sized dogs that can thrive in an apartment setting?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are ideal medium-sized flat dogs. They weigh about 5-8 kilograms and have gentle, adaptable personalities that fit small spaces.
French Bulldogs, though a bit stockier, are still considered medium-small and do well in flats. Their sturdy bodies don’t mean they need tons of exercise.
Choosing dogs for apartment life means looking at temperament and size—not just height or weight.
For those of us living in the UK, what dogs are known to be good companions in flats?
All the breeds above work great in British flats. French Bulldogs are especially popular in UK cities—they handle our weather pretty well too.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are actually a British breed, developed for companionship. They’re perfectly suited to UK living and flat environments.
Pugs adapt well to Britain’s mild climate and don’t need lots of outdoor exercise. They’re usually happy with indoor play and short walks.
Even in an apartment, I’d love a larger dog – what breeds should I consider?
While we’ve mostly talked about smaller breeds, some larger dogs can do fine in flats with the right exercise. You’ll need to commit to regular, longer walks and more outdoor time, though.
Check your building’s rules first—many UK flats have size restrictions. Oddly enough, some big breeds like Greyhounds are actually great flat dogs despite their size.
Just remember, exercise needs vary a lot between breeds, so do your homework before picking a big dog for your flat.
Are there dog breeds that won’t shed much, making them ideal for apartment living?
Pugs might surprise you. Even with their short coats, they shed a lot, so you’ll probably notice hair around your flat.
French Bulldogs shed a moderate amount. At least their short hair’s a bit easier to tidy up compared to long-haired pups.
If you’re looking at Shih Tzus, you’ll find they have hair, not fur. That means less shedding, but you’ll need to keep up with regular grooming.
Honestly, their coats can get out of hand without a trip to the groomer every couple of months.
