As property prices continue to soar, more and more people are choosing to live in apartments, with nearly 39 million Americans already doing so.
But if you’re one of those folks and you’re also a dog lover, you might find it tough to find a furry friend that’s the perfect match for your apartment lifestyle.
After all, a good apartment dog should be small, low-energy, calm, quiet, and so much more, right?
But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Apartment Dog Breeds to help you find your perfect match!
So, let’s begin!
1 – Basenji
Well, well, well! Look who’s making an appearance on our list! The Basenji!
This breed is like Hermione Granger from Harry Potter – small, intelligent, and always knows what it’s doing.
These dogs are hypoallergenic, so you can live with them even if you have allergies.
But hold your horses! Don’t underestimate them just yet, because they’re like the Houdini too.
They’re infamous escape artists, so make sure you have the patience and skills to train them properly.
The reward? A loyal and loving companion by your side.
2 – Greyhound
Now, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute, aren’t Greyhounds big and fast dogs that need tons of space to run?”
Well, not really. Cause here’s the secret: Greyhounds are notorious couch potatoes too.
That’s right, they love nothing more than lazing around and taking long, luxurious naps.
So, if you’re an apartment dweller, the Greyhound is a breed that’s worth considering.
Of course, these pups still need regular exercise, but a daily walk or a trip to the dog park is more than enough to tire them out.
And the best part?
Greyhounds are low-shedding and low-maintenance, making them the perfect choice for those who want a furry friend without all the fuss.
3 – Boston Terrier
With a tuxedo-like coat and the nickname “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a small but mighty pup that’s sure to steal your heart.
These friendly and lively dogs are the perfect choice for apartment living, thanks to their compact size and gentle nature.
They’re small enough to easily fulfill their exercise needs indoors without causing a ruckus for your neighbors downstairs.
Moreover, they are almost universally friendly, so they may just beat you to making new friends around your building!
Just be mindful that these pups are sensitive to heat, so you gotta keep them cool indoors – especially on hotter days.
4 – Yorkshire Terrier
It’s the mighty Yorkshire Terrier, or as they’re nicknamed the “pocket-sized powerhouse”!
These little guys may be small, but yep they do pack a punch when it comes to personality.
Not to mention, Yorkies are small in size – they could probably fit in your handbag and won’t take up too much space in your shoebox-sized apartment.
And when it comes to exercise, they’re pretty low maintenance.
You won’t have to worry about taking them on long hikes or runs because, let’s face it, they have short legs and would probably get tired after a few steps.
But here’s the thing – if you’re going to take the plunge and get yourself a Yorkie, make sure you’re ready for all the grooming and upkeep that they need.
It’ll all be worth it when you’re snuggled up with your tiny ball of fluff, binging Netflix on the couch.
5 – Coton de Tulear
Say hello to the Coton – the breed named after their soft, fluffy coat that’s so white it’ll make you think you’re lookin’ at a pack of cotton balls!
These little guys are best suited for retirees, people with mobility issues, or anyone lucky enough to work from home.
Or if you’re the type who loves to travel, the Coton is right up your alley because they’re adaptable little fluffballs who take to new environments like a duck to water.
But here’s the catch – that gorgeous coat we were just talkin’ about comes with some serious grooming requirements.
So be prepared to spend some quality time with your pup at your apartment, giving them a good brushing every day.
6 – Shih Tzu
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer cuteness of Shih Tzus.
These little guys are the lap dogs you’ve been dreaming of!
They’re small and they don’t require a ton of exercise.
Plus, they’re super friendly, so if you’ve got kids or other pets, they’ll fit right in.
But here’s the real kicker: Shih Tzus are incredibly adaptable.
You could plop them down in a mansion or a closet-sized apartment, and they’ll be as chill as long as you give them enough attention and exercise.
7 – French Bulldog
Bonjour to the French Bulldog, or as we like to call them, Frenchies.
With their big, bat-like ears and unwavering loyalty, these guys have been winning hearts for years.
And they’re a particular favorite among urban dwellers cause they’re small in size, light on barking, and not too heavy on the shedding either.
These pups won’t even judge you for binge-watching your favorite show or polishing off a whole bag of chips in one sitting.
In fact, they might even join you for some Netflix and chill – but just make sure they don’t hog the remote!
And when it comes to exercise, you won’t have to worry about it, because the only thing they’ll be chasing is the occasional dust bunny.
Just make sure to take care of their needs, like keeping a close eye on their health, and these little guys will be your best friends for life.
8 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Making it at the Top 3, we’ve got the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – a small, fluffy dog with a heart of pure gold.
These cuties are known for their silky hair, and more importantly, their gentle and loving personalities.
They’re practically begging to be your family’s new best friend!
Oh, and if you’re a social butterfly, even better because they’ll greet guests with open paws and keep them entertained all night long.
So, if you’re looking for a furry companion who’s just as happy in a small space as they are in a sprawling mansion, look no further than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
9 – Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is the canine embodiment of a happy-go-lucky people-pleaser.
These little balls of fluff are perfect for apartment living, especially if you or anyone in your pad has allergies.
Why, you ask? Because their fluffy, snow-white coats not only make them look like cotton candy, but also makes them hypoallergenic!
And they’re extremely friendly, even with other dogs!
So if your neighbor has a pooch, get ready for some tail-wagging playdates!
But before you run out and adopt a Bichon, here’s a heads up: they can be clingy and suffer from separation anxiety.
So make sure to shower them with a lot of love and attention, and don’t leave them alone for too long.
10 – Maltese
And finally, at the top of our list, we have the Maltese.
These pint-sized pups have it all – they’re cute, they’re cuddly, and they’re perfect for apartment living.
They’re tiny and they shed less than a single strand of your hair, making them hypoallergenic superheroes.
They’re also low maintenance in the exercise department, so you can save yourself a trip to the dog park and just play with your furry friend indoors.
But even if you do take them outside, your Maltese is just gonna end up making new friends all along the way cause they’re absolute social butterflies.
With their affectionate and devoted nature, you’ll have a loving companion who’ll never let you feel alone no matter how big or small your apartment is.
And that’s it for the Top 10 Best Apartment Dog Breeds.
Which one of these dogs would you like to pet? Let us know in the comments!
Check out our other articles for all things dog-related.