Living in an apartment can make it difficult to determine which dog breed is right for you. The decision requires added consideration of size, activity level, and disposition to barking before committing to a new furry roommate. But making the right choice is important as it will ensure that you, your dog, and your neighbor on the other side of the wall are content living together in tight quarters.
From smallest to biggest, read on to learn about which breeds are your best bet if you’re an apartment-dweller looking for a new best friend.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are a given because they are super small and they require hardly any exercise. While their size and activity level make Chihuahuas great for apartments, they’re known to be yappy little furballs, meaning the neighbors may not be thrilled. Likewise, Chihuahuas don’t like strangers, so living in a building full of strange neighbors can be tricky.
2. Pug
Pugs can be found on every list of laziest dog breeds, making them a great fit for small apartments. They’re small and they don’t need much space or exercise, since they plan to sleep inside on your couch all day long anyways. Unlike Chihuahuas, Pugs are known to be quiet so your neighbors will love them. Really, the only downside to owning a Pug in a small apartment is that you’re more likely to hear them snore from anywhere in the space.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are another great option if you’re looking for a small and quiet breed for your apartment. Frenchies don’t need a lot of space or exercise, and they are extremely friendly so they won’t mind running into other humans with pets in the hall. This breed is mostly low maintenance, however they do crave human interaction, so don’t plan to leave them alone in the apartment all day long.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are the ultimate lap dog. They are a relatively small breed that requires little space or exercise. In fact, most Shih Tzus really don’t even like the outdoors, so an apartment is perfect for them! Like French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus are very friendly to everyone, including other pets and strangers that you might run into in your building. The pitfall is that this breed sheds a lot, meaning your small apartment could quickly become covered in dog hair unless you brush your Shih Tzu daily. It’s also worth noting that for apartment-dwellers with families, Shih Tzus make great family dogs.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At 10 to 18 pounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are little bigger than the first several breeds on this list. But don’t let that deter you, because this mid-size breed makes a great apartment cuddle buddy. These spaniels are known to grow very attached to their humans. They just want to follow you around all day so living in a small apartment makes it easier for them to find you at all times! Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most people-loving breeds, so they are great with nearby neighbors. Unfortunately, their friendliness and quiet nature make them truly terrible guard dogs.
6. Shiba Inu
If you want a large breed but need a small breed due to tight living quarters, Shiba Inus are a great breed for you. Shiba Inus act like big dogs as they have a high activity level, but only take up the space of a small to mid-size dog. That said, this breed will fit happily in your apartment, but they need regular, vigorous exercise. If you already live an active lifestyle, a Shiba Inu gives you the best of both worlds.
7. Greyhound
If you absolutely need a big dog despite your small living space, a Greyhound might be your best option. This one surprises a lot of people because Greyhounds are large and known for their racing speed and agility. While this breed is speedy, it also is relatively low-energy, meaning they really only need one long, brisk walk each day to quickly expend their energy. Additionally, Greyhounds almost never bark, and the icing on the cake is that it’s easy to adopt young, retired racing Greyhounds that are in need of a home.
8. Chow Chow
Another big dog option for apartment-dwellers is the Chow Chow. Chow Chows are fit for apartment life because they are lazy and their sensitivity to heat means they prefer to stay indoors where it’s cooler anyways. This dog breed is frequently compared to cats due to their independent nature, so they’re fine hanging out in the apartment alone while you’re away. What it really comes down to is whether your apartment is big enough for a breed that can grow to as much as 70 pounds.