28 Ideal Small Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Living

Breeds
By Jonas Becker

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the joy of having a furry companion. Small dog breeds are perfectly suited to apartment life due to their size and adaptability. Whether you’re seeking a playful partner or a cuddly lap dog, the following breeds offer the perfect balance of charm and companionship. From minimal exercise needs to loving personalities, discover 28 ideal small dog breeds that can turn your apartment into a warm and lively home.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

© arikellerman

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate, making them excellent apartment companions. These dogs are known for their expressive eyes and beautiful, silky coats.

They thrive on companionship and are highly adaptable to different living spaces. Cavaliers require moderate exercise, which can easily be met with indoor play or short walks.

Their friendly demeanor makes them great with family members and strangers alike. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are perfect for those who want a loving, easygoing pet to share their apartment life with.

Pug

© tinypawspugrescue

Pugs are compact and charming, suitable for apartment environments. Their amusing personalities and expressive faces bring joy to any home.

Pugs are low-energy dogs, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles. Although they enjoy short walks, they are equally content with indoor play.

These sociable dogs are good with children and adults, forming strong bonds with their families. With their easy-care coat and minimal grooming needs, Pugs are a delightful choice for apartment dwellers seeking a playful and loving pet.

Chihuahua

© prancerthechihuahua

Chihuahuas are the epitome of small dogs, perfect for apartment living. Their tiny size allows them to thrive in limited space, and they often form deep connections with their owners.

These dogs are alert and lively, bringing energy and excitement to their homes. Chihuahuas require minimal exercise, making them suitable for indoor living.

While they can be a bit feisty, with proper socialization, they become loving companions. For those seeking a tiny yet spirited partner, Chihuahuas are an excellent fit for apartment life.

Dachshund

© winthropapts

Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, are adaptable to apartment living. These dogs are playful and curious, always ready for an adventure.

Their moderate exercise needs can be fulfilled with daily walks and indoor activities. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and make wonderful companions.

Though sometimes stubborn, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. A Dachshund’s unique appearance and lively personality bring warmth and joy to any apartment setting.

Boston Terrier

© adoptaboston

Boston Terriers are well-suited for apartments, thanks to their small size and pleasant temperament. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and eager to please.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, and they adapt well to indoor life. Boston Terriers enjoy regular play and short walks, making them ideal for urban dwellers.

Known as the ‘American Gentleman,’ their calm demeanor and easygoing nature make them perfect for families and individuals. Boston Terriers are a delightful addition to any apartment home, offering companionship and charm.

Shih Tzu

© waggingtailsdogrescueny

Shih Tzus are renowned for their affectionate nature and suitability for apartment living. Their small size and friendly disposition make them great companions.

These dogs have moderate exercise needs, easily met with indoor play or leisurely strolls. Shih Tzus’ luxurious coats require regular grooming, adding an element of pampering to your routine.

Their loving personalities and adaptability make them wonderful pets for various living environments. With a Shih Tzu, every apartment becomes a cozy haven filled with affection and joy.

Pomeranian

© tiramisu.the.pom

Pomeranians are small yet vivacious, making them excellent for apartment life. Their fluffy coats and bright personalities bring warmth and joy to any home.

These dogs are active and curious, enjoying both playtime and relaxation. Pomeranians require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats.

Despite their small size, they are confident and protective, forming strong bonds with their families. Pomeranians are perfect for those seeking a spirited and affectionate companion to enhance their apartment living experience.

Yorkshire Terrier

© saveayorkierescue

Yorkshire Terriers are ideal for apartment dwellers, offering elegance and charm. These small dogs are known for their silky coats and lively personalities.

Yorkies require regular grooming and enjoy a mix of indoor play and short walks. They are affectionate and form close bonds with their owners.

Though small, they are brave and make excellent watchdogs. Yorkshire Terriers bring a touch of sophistication and warmth to any apartment, making them beloved companions for those seeking a loyal and stylish pet.

French Bulldog

© alfa_le_frenchie

French Bulldogs are popular for apartment living due to their small size and quiet nature. These sturdy little dogs are friendly, affectionate, and require minimal exercise.

Their short coat makes grooming easy, and they adapt well to indoor life. French Bulldogs enjoy lounging around and are known for their endearing snorts and grunts.

Despite their sometimes stubborn nature, they are easily trainable with patience and consistency. A French Bulldog is an ideal choice for those seeking a loyal and low-maintenance companion to brighten up their apartment.

Bichon Frise

© upointespeight

Bichon Frises are delightful companions, well-suited for apartment living. Their small size and cheerful demeanor make them wonderful pets.

These dogs are friendly and sociable, enjoying interactions with family and friends. Bichons require regular grooming to keep their fluffy coats in top condition.

Their adaptable nature and moderate exercise needs make them perfect for urban environments. With a Bichon Frise, every apartment becomes a lively and loving home filled with joy and laughter.

Havanese

© ms.xena_thewarrior

Havanese dogs are charming and friendly, making them ideal for apartment life. Their small size and social nature endear them to families and individuals alike.

These dogs enjoy being the center of attention and thrive with regular play and companionship. Havanese require grooming to maintain their attractive coats.

Their playful yet gentle demeanor makes them wonderful companions for any living space. A Havanese brings warmth and joy to apartment living, enriching the lives of those who welcome them into their homes.

Pekingese

© cbsnews

Pekingese are known for their regal appearance and loyal nature, making them suitable for apartment living. Their small stature and dignified demeanor make them endearing companions.

These dogs enjoy moderate exercise and are content with leisurely indoor activities. Pekingese require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coats.

Their independent yet affectionate nature makes them ideal for those seeking a devoted pet. With a Pekingese, any apartment becomes a cozy and elegant home, filled with companionship and grace.

Maltese

© petbutlerorangecounty

Maltese dogs are elegant and gentle, perfect for apartment living. Their long, flowing coats and sweet nature make them cherished companions.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their stunning appearance, but their exercise needs are minimal. Maltese enjoy indoor play and short walks.

Their affectionate personality and adaptability make them suitable for any home environment. With a Maltese, every apartment becomes a welcoming and loving space, enhanced by their presence.

Toy Poodle

© cameronsquareapts

Toy Poodles are intelligent and adaptable, making them excellent for apartment life. Their small size and friendly demeanor make them beloved companions.

These dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats in top condition. Toy Poodles enjoy mental stimulation and exercise, which can be met with indoor games and short walks.

Their eagerness to please and learn makes them easy to train. With a Toy Poodle, any apartment becomes a vibrant and joyful home, enriched by their intelligence and charm.

Italian Greyhound

© ildoberescue

Italian Greyhounds are graceful and affectionate, ideal for apartment living. Their slender bodies and gentle nature make them unique companions.

These dogs require minimal grooming and enjoy short bursts of exercise. Italian Greyhounds are known for their loyalty and love for human companionship.

Their sensitive and gentle disposition makes them excellent pets for those seeking a calm and loving partner. An Italian Greyhound brings elegance and warmth to any apartment, making life more enjoyable.

Miniature Pinscher

© nycscr

Miniature Pinschers are lively and confident, suitable for apartment environments. Their small size and spirited personalities make them engaging pets.

These dogs require regular exercise and enjoy active play, both indoors and outdoors. Miniature Pinschers are intelligent and respond well to training.

Their bold nature and loyalty make them excellent watchdogs. With a Miniature Pinscher, any apartment becomes a lively and secure home, filled with energy and devotion.

Papillon

© magicalmonsterhouse

Papillons are small and intelligent, perfect for apartment dwellers. Their distinctive ears and lively demeanor make them delightful companions.

These dogs enjoy mental stimulation and regular play, making them easy to entertain indoors. Papillons require minimal grooming and are highly trainable.

Their friendly and sociable nature makes them excellent pets for families and individuals alike. With a Papillon, an apartment becomes a lively and loving space, enriched by their presence and charm.

Cocker Spaniel

© hoofandpawrescue

Cocker Spaniels are friendly and adaptable, making them suitable for apartment living. Their medium size and affectionate nature make them beloved companions.

These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats and enjoy moderate exercise, both indoors and outdoors.

Their loving disposition and eagerness to bond with their families make them wonderful pets. With a Cocker Spaniel, any apartment becomes a cozy and inviting home, filled with love and companionship.

Chinese Crested

© secondchanceanimalsanctuary.gb

Chinese Cresteds are unique and affectionate, making them ideal for apartment living. Their hairless bodies with tufts of hair give them a distinct appearance.

These dogs require minimal grooming but may need protection from cold weather. Chinese Cresteds enjoy indoor play and short walks.

Their playful and loving nature makes them wonderful pets for families and individuals. With a Chinese Crested, any apartment becomes an interesting and lively home, filled with warmth and affection.

Lhasa Apso

© stumptownstrays

Lhasa Apsos are dignified and independent, suitable for apartment living. Their long coats and confident nature make them intriguing companions.

These dogs require regular grooming and enjoy indoor play and leisurely walks. Lhasa Apsos are known for their loyalty and watchful nature.

Their affectionate yet independent temperament makes them excellent pets for those seeking a devoted friend. With a Lhasa Apso, any apartment becomes a regal and cozy home, filled with companionship and charm.

Scottish Terrier

© threescottiebrothers

Scottish Terriers are bold and independent, perfect for apartment living. Their sturdy build and unique appearance make them captivating companions.

These dogs require regular grooming and enjoy brisk walks and indoor play. Scottish Terriers are loyal and make excellent watchdogs.

Their spirited and dignified nature makes them wonderful pets for those seeking a devoted and protective friend. With a Scottish Terrier, any apartment becomes a lively and secure home, enriched by their presence.

Schipperke

© pupculturerescue

The Schipperke is known for its fox-like face and mischievous spirit. Despite its small size, it’s incredibly vigilant and lively. This breed is perfect for apartment living due to its compact size and adaptability.

Its coat requires regular grooming, but it’s generally easy to care for. Schipperkes are known to be quite active, so they enjoy short walks and indoor play sessions.

Their curiosity and intelligence make them entertaining companions. They may be small, but their big personalities will fill any apartment with joy and laughter.

Norwegian Lundehund

© vorkosmia

The Norwegian Lundehund stands out with its unique physical traits, including extra toes. It’s a rare breed with a fascinating history of hunting puffins.

Despite its hunting background, it’s quite adaptable to apartment life. The Lundehund is energetic and enjoys mental stimulation.

Its unique anatomy allows it to navigate small spaces effortlessly. Regular exercise and mental challenges are keys to keeping this breed happy. Their quirky nature and historical allure make them an intriguing choice for urban living.

Otterhound

© laprescue

The Otterhound may seem like an unusual choice for apartment living, but its laid-back nature makes it surprisingly suitable. Its affectionate and friendly demeanor is perfect for families.

Though larger than typical apartment breeds, its love for lounging makes it adaptable to smaller spaces. Regular grooming is a must to maintain its coat.

This breed enjoys occasional walks and has a charming personality that can brighten any home. Their adaptability and easy-going nature make them a delightful urban companion.

Finnish Spitz

© ourdogfreya

The Finnish Spitz, with its fox-like appearance, is full of energy and joy. Known for its barking, it can be easily trained to manage noise levels, making it suitable for apartments.

This breed thrives on interaction and enjoys playful activities. Regular mental and physical exercise is essential to keep it content.

Its vibrant personality and adaptability make it a charming companion for urban living. With training and affection, the Finnish Spitz can become a beloved apartment pet.

Kooikerhondje

© charming_charlie_dk

The Kooikerhondje is a medium-small breed known for its distinctive orange and white coat. Its serene nature and adaptability make it a great choice for apartment living.

This breed is intelligent and can be easily trained, making them excellent companions. They enjoy moderate exercise and indoor games.

With its elegant appearance and gentle demeanor, the Kooikerhondje is a lovely addition to any apartment. Their loyalty and affectionate nature create a warm, friendly environment.

Manchester Terrier

© Texangals

The Manchester Terrier is a sleek, compact breed with a distinctive black and tan coat. It’s known for its spirited and intelligent nature.

This breed is perfect for apartment living due to its manageable size and need for moderate exercise. They enjoy short walks and mental stimulation.

Their alertness and loyalty make them excellent companions, while their easy grooming adds to their appeal. With proper training, the Manchester Terrier thrives in urban settings.

Tibetan Spaniel

© wallythepeke

The Tibetan Spaniel, with its regal appearance, is known for its intelligence and watchful demeanor. This breed is small yet robust, making it ideal for apartment living.

They are naturally protective and form strong bonds with their owners. Regular grooming keeps their coat pristine.

Tibetan Spaniels require moderate exercise, such as short walks, and enjoy observing their surroundings. Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions in urban homes.