If you’re looking for the best dog breeds for apartments, we’re here to help you. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that there are many dog breed choices when selecting a dog breed for apartment living. When selecting the best dog breeds for apartments, you want to focus on breeds that are adaptable, low-maintenance, and comfortable in smaller spaces.
Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Bichon Frises are ideal for apartment living due to their manageable size and calm demeanor. However, Doodle mixes are also a good choice for families, as they offer the intelligence of Poodles combined with low-shedding coats and affectionate personalities.
For personalized recommendations and to explore available puppies, contact Pettito Pet Counselors to help you make a choice. Our team is here to help you find the perfect match for your home and lifestyle, ensuring a seamless and joyful experience.
Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
At Pettito Puppies, we specialize in matching you with the perfect dog for your lifestyle, whether you live in a spacious home or a cozy apartment. Based in Dallas and Oklahoma, Pettito provides expert guidance on choosing the right breed for apartment living.
Here are some of the best apartment-friendly dog breeds available at Pettito:
- French Bulldogs
- Cavapoos
- Shih Tzus
- Bichon Frise
- Bichapoo
- Boston Terrier
- Cavachon
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Chihuahua
- Cockapoo
With Pettito Pet Counselors, we will help you choose a perfect dog breed for apartment living. From hypoallergenic breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier to gentle companions such as the Maltese, our expert team of pet counselors is here to help you find the ideal puppy for your home. With personalized guidance from Pettito Pet Counselors, you can confidently choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and living space, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable experience with your new furry friend.
Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments
People often have distinct ideas about the type of dog they want before searching for one. As an apartment dweller, you may wish to choose a large, small, or medium-sized dog breed that fits comfortably in your living space. Although every dog requires the same fundamental care, some breeds have different activity levels and space requirements.
Small Breeds: Ideal for apartment living, these dogs typically require less space and are generally easier to manage indoors. Breeds such as the French Bulldog, Cavapoo, and Shih Tzu are popular choices for apartment dwellers due to their manageable size and adaptability to smaller living environments. They are also often low-shedding and can be quite content with short daily walks and indoor playtime.
Medium Breeds: While slightly larger, many medium-sized dogs can also thrive in apartments if they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Breeds like the Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel can be excellent choices, provided they have opportunities to get outside and enjoy some playtime in a local park or green space.
Large Breeds: Although it might seem counterintuitive, some large breeds can adapt to apartment living with proper care. Breeds like the Great Dane or Mastiff may fit well if they receive sufficient exercise and have access to outdoor spaces regularly. However, it’s important to consider their higher exercise needs and potential space constraints in smaller apartments.
At Pettito Puppies, we understand that selecting the right breed is crucial for a happy and harmonious life in an apartment. Our team of pet counselors in Dallas and Oklahoma offers expert advice on choosing a breed that matches your lifestyle and living situation. Whether you’re looking for a small, medium, or large breed, we provide personalized recommendations to ensure you find a dog that fits your apartment and your lifestyle.
FRENCH BULLDOG
The French Bulldog, also known as the Bouledogue Francais, is an ideal apartment dog and one of the best small-sized dogs for apartment living. Frenchies are known for their friendly and adaptable nature but are one-person dogs. Frenchies are moderately energetic but can be content with short daily walks and playtime.
These dogs are also relatively low maintenance when grooming, making them perfect for busy apartment dwellers. But you need to take care of cleaning their heavily wrinkled muzzle. Coat colors can be brindle, white, fawn, or brindle and white, with the coat being short and fine.
Their small size and quiet demeanor mean they won’t disturb neighbors, making them a popular choice for those living in close quarters.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 18- 28 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat; colors include fawn, cream, and various shades of brindle
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
BASSET HOUND
This friendly dog breed originally came from France. Basset Hound is a favorite small dog for apartment living due to its calm and laid-back nature. These dogs are moderately energetic but become less active as they age. They get along with everyone, including other dogs.
The Basset Hound enjoys daily walks but doesn’t require extensive exercise, making it perfect for smaller living spaces. This breed has a strong hunting instinct and tends to roam off-leash.
Their short coat comes in various colors, including black, brown, tan, white, red, and lemon, requiring minimal grooming. With a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years, Basset Hounds can be loyal and loving companions for many years. This breed adapts easily to different living situations and can go from the city to the countryside.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Hound AKC | Scenthound UKC
HEIGHT: Up to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 65 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat; colors include black, brown, tan, white, red, and lemon
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 13 years
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
This is one of the most popular dog breeds for apartment living and is an adaptable breed that can do well with an individual or family. Described as gentle, friendly, and affectionate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another easygoing breed.
The coat is long and silky and straight or slightly wavy. This breed does well with professional grooming. Coat colors are black and tan, rich red and white with chestnut markings, or tan and white with black. (tricolor)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and gentle. They are adaptable to various living situations, including apartments. These dogs enjoy moderate exercise and love spending time with their owners. Their friendly nature makes them great with children and other pets, making them ideal for families living in an apartment.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length coat; colors include Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, and ruby
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
BULLDOG
Bulldogs, or English Bulldogs, are suitable for apartment living due to their calm and subdued nature. They do well with moderate exercise, making them wonderful four-legged companions for indoor living. Their gentle temperament and lower energy levels mean they can adapt well to smaller living spaces without becoming restless. Regular wrinkle cleaning is a must, as the English bulldog has a very wrinkly face, more so than the French Bulldog. Another good thing is that they have a short coat and minimal grooming needs. The coat can be brindle, red, white fawn, yellow or piebald.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 12 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 50 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat; colors include brindle, white, red, fawn, and piebald
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 to 10 years
SHIH TZU
The Shih Tzu, also known as the Fo dog, originally came from China. This lively, affectionate, and friendly dog breed has a low activity level and is trusting and easygoing.
The Shih Tzu gets along with children, strangers, and other pets. This is a super sweet, easygoing breed that does well with apartment living. The double-coated coat needs attention, and this breed does well with professional grooming.
Shih Tzus are small, friendly, and adaptable. They enjoy indoor playtime and short walks, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. Their affectionate nature and moderate exercise needs make them wonderful companions for apartment dwellers.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 9 to 10.5 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, flowing double coat; colors include black, white, brindle, and combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
BICHON FRISE
Bichon Frises, also known as Tenerife Bichon, are small, affectionate, and hypoallergenic dogs that thrive in apartment settings. They are known for their playful and friendly demeanor.
The Bichon Frise has a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a medium-length cotton outer coat that everyone loves. Their coloring is usually white, but Bichon Frises can also feature buff, cream, or apricot around the ears or on the body.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their fluffy coat, but their moderate exercise needs are easily met with indoor play and short walks. The Bichon Frise does well with either a family or an individual in a city apartment or suburban home.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, hypoallergenic coat; white is the standard color
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 15 years
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Who doesn’t want to parent a feisty Yorkie? This small and well-balanced dog breed is one of the best for apartment living. Yorkies are always fashionable with their high head carriage and small head. Their distinctive coat is long and silky, and the hair on the muzzle is long and blends into the chest hair.
Yorkie puppies are born black and get their steel blue and tan coloring by two years of age. Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small in size but big in personality. Due to their compact size and moderate exercise requirements, they are perfect for apartment living. Yorkies are known for their loyalty and can be excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual activity.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy UKC | AKC
HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 3-7 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat; colors include blue and tan
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 15 years
HAVANESE
Another popular small apartment dog breed that is easy to care for. The Havanese, also known as the Havana Silk Dog, is a small breed from Cuba. This darling breed is a small apartment dog breed that is affectionate and highly adaptable, making it ideal for apartment living. The Havanese are easily trainable and attentive.
Havanese are known for their friendly and easygoing temperament, and their moderate exercise needs can be easily met with indoor play and short walks. They have a double coat with a long, soft outer coat. The coat colors include black, blue, shades of gold, and parti-colours.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy Group AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat; colors include white, black, cream, and various combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
BOSTON TERRIER
The Boston Terrier, also known as the Boston Bull, is intelligent and alert. These small, lively dogs are known for their friendly and pleasant nature. Although this is a determined and strong breed, Boston Terriers are kind and even-tempered. They tend to get along with everyone, including other pets and small kids.
Due to their compact size and minimal exercise needs, they are well-suited for apartment living. Their smooth, short coat also makes grooming easy, and they always look stylish with their small ears and short tails.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting AKC | Companion UKC
HEIGHT: 15 to 17 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat; colors include black and white, seal and white, brindle and white
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 13 years
Best Doodle Hybrids for Apartment Living
CAVAPOO
The Cavapoo, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, is known for being affectionate and friendly. This hybrid is adaptable to various living environments, including apartments, and enjoys moderate exercise, making it an excellent choice for city living. Professional grooming is often recommended for Cavapoos due to their curly or wavy coats, which can be prone to matting and tangling if not properly cared for.
Cavapoos are highly sociable dogs, getting along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. Their friendly disposition makes them great companions for families and individuals alike.
Cavapoos are also relatively low-shedding, which can be a significant advantage for apartment dwellers concerned about cleanliness. Their moderate energy levels mean they are content with daily walks and playtime but do not require extensive outdoor space to run. This makes them well-suited to the confined spaces of apartment living, where they can thrive with regular mental and physical stimulation.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Hybrid Designer
HEIGHT: 9 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Soft, wavy, or curly coat; colors include cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
COCKAPOO
Most people presume that all small breeds do well in small spaces. That is not true. Many small breeds are jittery and yappy. The Cockapoo, on the other hand, has a calm demeanor and only bark when they deem necessary.
Cockapoos, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, are intelligent and easy to train. They are friendly and playful, making them suitable for apartment living. Cockapoos need moderate exercise and enjoy playtime indoors.
The takeaway with the Cockapoo is that you will need professional grooming, but this breed is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making it a pleasure to have in a small space.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Hybrid Designer
HEIGHT: 14 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 19 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly or wavy coat; colors include black, white, buff, cream, apricot, red, and chocolate
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
GOLDENDOODLE
The Goldendoodle is one of the most popular hybrids in the US because of its sweet demeanor. Everyone adores the Goldendoodle! They are charming, sociable, and loyal. The Goldendoodle comes in various sizes: petite, miniature, medium, and standard. The final size category is determined in adulthood.
Goldendoodles, a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are adaptable and can do well in apartments, provided they exercise regularly. Their intelligence and affectionate personality make them great companions.
The Golden Doodle Association of North America (GANA) says that this breed is a beautiful companion dog and versatile breed that fulfills many roles, such as therapy and service.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Hybrid Designer
HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 90 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly or wavy coat; colors include cream, gold, apricot, red, and chocolate
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
LABRADOODLE
Yet another favorite dog breed that is hypoallergenic and has no issues with apartment living is the labradoodle. They are playful, sociable, and intelligent, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
Labradoodles are known for their playful, sociable, and intelligent nature, making them a fantastic choice for apartment residents. They are well-suited for apartment living if they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting, and their exercise needs are moderate to high. For a Labradoodle in an apartment, ensure you provide plenty of engaging activities such as agility training, swimming, and fetching.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Hybrid Designer
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 65 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly or wavy coat; colors include cream, gold, apricot, red, black, and chocolate
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
Why Trust Pettito Puppies for Your Apartment Dog Needs
Our experienced counselors at Pettito are dedicated to helping you make the best choice for your living situation. From offering insights into breed characteristics to providing advice on care and training, Pettito ensures you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Visit Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, OKC, today to explore our selection of apartment-friendly breeds. Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect companion, whether you’re drawn to the playful Cavapoo or the charming Shih Tzu. Trust Pettito to guide you every step of the way in finding and caring for your new furry friend.
Check out our available puppies and get in touch with our team in Dallas or Oklahoma for tailored advice and support. Your ideal apartment dog awaits!
FAQ’S Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
What are the best small dog breeds for apartment living?
For apartment living, small dog breeds are often the ideal choice due to their compact size and high adaptability to smaller spaces. Popular small dog breeds like the French Bulldog, Cavapoo, and Shih Tzu are perfect for apartment life. Additionally, doodle mixes like the Cockapoo and Goldendoodle, particularly those with smaller parent breeds, are also excellent for apartment dwellers. These breeds are well-suited to apartment living, thriving with shorter walks and indoor play, making them great companions for those in smaller homes or apartments
When choosing a new Doodle puppy, consider the specific needs and traits of the Doodle hybrid, like size, energy levels, and grooming requirements, to ensure a good match with your lifestyle. Consider how active you are and how much time you will need to spend with your new puppy.
What do Redditors Say About the Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living?
We always reach out to Reddit to check out the comments. This was the comment that really resonated with us: “In my experience, the breed of dog doesn’t matter as much as how well it’s trained, socialized, and exercised. I had a border collie & an Aussie in an apartment & they were very happy because we went for walks & fetch sessions daily. As long as you’re willing to do what it takes to keep your dog happy, I think any breed can thrive in an apartment setting.”Marisposamarilla
Worst Breeds for Apartment Living
If you’re looking for an apartment dog breed, some breeds are not cut out for small spaces. Some dog breeds need lots of space to run, and many will feel shut in and cooped up in an apartment.
These breeds include German Shepherds, Dalmatians, and Border Collies. Be on the lookout for dog breeds that may struggle with apartment living, like Huskies, because of their high energy, and giant-sized breeds like Saint Bernards, whose size alone is better suited for homes with large gardens. Reach out to one of our pet counselors at Pettito Dallas to see which puppy is best suited for you if you’re living in an apartment.
