15 Best Dog Breeds for People With Small Living Spaces

“1AKC Maltese Dog Show 2011” by SheltieBoy is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Just because you’re in a tight space doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog! Sure, if you want a larger breed like a husky or a shepherd, you’ll need enough room for them to move around. But the good news for dog lovers is that there are plenty of small dog breeds that can live in an apartment setting. Here are the 15 best dog breeds for people living in small spaces.

Bichon Frise

“Champion Bichons Frises playing showdoggy for the camera” by Al_HikesAZ is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs 12 to 18 pounds and stands about 9 to 12 inches tall. This cheerful breed is friendly and highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. With medium energy levels, the Bichon Frise doesn’t need a lot of exercise—a short walk around the neighborhood is usually enough to keep them healthy and happy.

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

Dog on Leash in Snow
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Often called the “king of lapdogs,” the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel forms a strong bond with their family. These pups dream of a cozy living space where they can keep an eye on their owners, and they can be a bit clingy. This breed is great for apartment living—making it especially suitable for those with busier lifestyles who might not be home all day.

Bulldog

brown and tan short-coated dog lying down
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Even though bulldogs have strong, muscular bodies, they’re known for being lazy loungers. A nice, brisk walk is usually enough exercise for them, and you’ll love their friendly and loyal personalities. However, keep in mind that these pups don’t do well in hot climates because of their short snouts.

Miniature Poodle

“Felix the Miniature Poodle” by Andrew* is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Miniature Poodles are small, non-sporting dogs that originated in Germany. They’re one of three sizes of poodles, alongside standard (the largest) and toy (the smallest). Their fur comes in a wide range of colors, from creamy white to black and tan—and almost everything in between. These pups are easy to train, and thanks to their low-shedding coats and minimal odor, they can be good for allergy sufferers.

Affenpinscher

“Affenpinscher” by Kjunstorm is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Affenpinscher is a German dog breed that has been around since the 1600s. Originally, they were used to catch rats and pests in homes and stables, but they also made great family companions. It’s thought that pugs and German Pinschers were part of the mix to create this breed. These dogs are small, loyal, and affectionate, plus they don’t shed much.

Pekingese

brown and white long haired small dog on brown soil during daytime
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Pekingese are quite independent dogs, which can make them tougher to train compared to other breeds. Their small size and low exercise needs make them a good fit for apartment living. If you have a Pekingese, it’s important to give them plenty of attention and be patient with them. Their luxurious coat needs daily grooming, and these dogs can be stubborn when learning new tricks.

French Bulldog

short-coated white and black puppy
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This breed has recently exploded in popularity among city-dwelling millennials, but French Bulldogs were already a big hit in Paris way back in the 18th century. These adorable pups have a charming personality that has stood the test of time. A quick walk each day is usually enough to keep them in shape, and their tendency to stay quiet is a huge plus for neighbors who appreciate peace and quiet. 

Greyhound

short-coated brown dog
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You might not think that the fastest dog around would be comfortable in a cozy three-room apartment, but surprisingly, these speedy pups really enjoy lounging around for most of the day. They’ve got plenty of energy to burn, so a trip to the dog park for fun and games is just what they need. After a good romp around with their friends—they’ll come home ready to curl up beside you. 

Pug

adult fawn pug with scarf
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A bit playful but very affectionate, pugs are perfect for apartment living thanks to their love for staying indoors. Just be careful if you live in a place with extreme temperatures, as pugs can be sensitive to heat and cold. And watch those treats! Pugs really enjoy food and tend to be couch potatoes, which can lead to a boost in weight if they’re not careful.

German Spitz

“German spitz (Mittel)” by Balano is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

When it comes to loyalty, this spitz breed takes the crown. Their fox-like looks are sure to catch your eye, but you need to be mindful with these alert pups. If not trained properly, they might start barking at strangers. The good news is they’re eager to please and quick to learn—making them great companions with the right guidance.

Boston Terrier

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This stylish pup is one of the best apartment dogs thanks to his perfect mix of size, friendly personality, and easy care. Boston Terriers are known for being loving and friendly, which makes them great buddies for families or individuals. Their tiny size means they can get most of their exercise indoors, so you won’t have to worry about them needing a huge yard.

Biewer Terrier

“File:BiewerHündin.jpg” by Detlef Breiting is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you were thinking about getting a Yorkie, you might want to check out its younger relative, the Biewer Terrier. This breed is fairly new, having come about in the 1980s, but it’s quickly known for being calmer and quieter. Weighing just 4 to 8 pounds—you can easily pick up this little cutie with one hand.

Bedlington Terrier

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And here comes another Terrier! With their distinctively soft and fleecy fur, Bedlington Terriers really stand out from the crowd, but all they really want is to be part of the family. They’re energetic and lively when out and about, so your new buddy will need longer walks and play sessions. But you’ll be rewarded with a dog loyal to the core — and low-shedding.

Chinese Crested

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Last but definitely not least, the Chinese Crested is a unique choice to help you stand out in your neighborhood. The “powderpuff” version has a silky coat all over, while the hairless variety has fur only on the head, feet, and tail—great if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed. Just be sure to protect their exposed skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Maltese

a small white dog standing on top of a lush green field
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The Maltese is a small and affectionate toy dog breed that comes from the Mediterranean region. It’s famous for its silky white fur that beautifully highlights its big, dark eyes. While it can make a charming lapdog, it still needs daily exercise to stay healthy. Despite its small size—this pup can be an alert and fearless watchdog.