Dogs are man’s best friend, but when it comes to these furry companions—size does matter! If you live
somewhere that is small, cramped, or way up on the penthouse floor, apartments are generally not the
ideal home for dogs that require a lot of space to run, are large or rambunctious.


Not all small dogs are created equal, however. There are some dogs that are much quieter than others
which you may value if you have thin walls and easily irritable neighbors. Other dogs are very friendly
and interact with strangers better than some breeds, and there are many dogs that, while small, still
may have too much energy for a tiny apartment in the city.


These five dogs are the top breeds you should consider for apartment living:

Basenji- These dogs are the perfect breed for apartments because they don’t bark. They also typically stay around 20 pounds and no more than 18 inches high. These dogs are the perfect size to cuddle, have short hair, a curly q tail and pointed ears. The Basenji is known for not behaving himself when left unattended for long periods of time so a household in which people are often home is best for the Basenji.

Bulldogs- While a bull dog may look rather large due to their stocky build, they are often less than 18 inches tall and love to just lay around and sleep the day away. The bulldog breed is known for being lazy and they only like short walks. You won’t have to worry about downstairs neighbors getting upset over your rambunctious bulldog that’s for sure!

Chihuahua- The tiny chihuahua breed rarely exceeds 12 pounds and make phenomenal apartment companions because of their size, minimal needs for exercise, and ability to potty pad train. These dogs are great for elderly or disabled people who can’t take a dog outside often. Chihuahuas are recommended for families with older children and need to be supervised around new people because they can be nippy!

Dachshund- Dachshunds are the smallest breed of hound dog and are known for their short legs. Nicknamed “Weiner Dogs”, these small breed dogs have long bodies and floppy ears. They come in a variety of colors and are lively and affectionate. Dachshunds can also be exercised entirely indoors and trained for potty pads.

Lhasa Apso- If you don’t mind a high maintenance dog, the Lhasa Apso is a super cuddly canine companion for apartment dwellers. These breeds have very long hair and need daily brushing and professional grooming frequently. Their coats are heavy, and they require lots of training and socialization to have good manners. Lhasa Apso’s are loyal and friendly towards their owners.

No matter which dog you choose for your apartment, make sure to research the breed and choose the dog that will make the best addition to your home. Small dogs are known for their feisty personalities and many require more attention and training than you may realize.