20 Dog Breeds for Apartment Living: What to Consider

Treat your pets to the best deals of the year! Explore Black Friday Deals

Living in an apartment does not automatically mean you need a tiny dog. Size matters, but so do activity level, barking, training, grooming, temperament and how much time you can give the dog each day.
A calm larger dog may suit apartment life better than a highly active or vocal small dog. Breed tendencies can help narrow your options, but individual dogs vary, so use this list as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

What Makes a Dog Breed Good for Apartment Living?

Before choosing a breed, consider:

• Activity level: Can you meet the dog's walking and play needs every day?
• Barking: Apartment walls are shared, so frequent barking can create problems.
• Size: Smaller dogs need less physical space, but size alone does not determine suitability.
• Temperament: Calm, adaptable dogs may settle more easily in compact homes.
• Grooming: Some small breeds need frequent professional grooming.
• Time alone: Consider how long the dog will regularly be left without company.
• Building rules: Check your lease, owners corporation or strata rules before bringing a dog home.

Apartment Dog Breed Comparison

Top 20 Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s dive into our top 20 picks of apartment-friendly dog breeds. Each of these breeds has traits that make them perfect for the urban lifestyle.

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are compact and often adapt well to smaller homes. They usually need less vigorous exercise than many working breeds, although daily walks and play are still important.
Because they are flat-faced dogs, warm-weather activity needs careful management.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are small companion dogs that often enjoy close contact with their household.
They can suit apartment living when given regular walks, play and enough company.

3. Greyhound

Greyhounds show why size alone should not decide apartment suitability.
Many adult Greyhounds are relatively calm indoors, but they still need regular exercise and enough space to rest comfortably.
AKC includes Greyhounds among breeds that may adapt well to apartment living.

4. Pug

Pugs are compact companion dogs and generally do not require the exercise levels of highly active breeds.
Their flat-faced anatomy can make them less tolerant of heat and strenuous exercise, which is particularly relevant during Australian summers.

5. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small enough for compact homes, but they can be active and vocal.
Daily walks, indoor play and consistent training are still important.

6. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are compact and generally adaptable.
They still need daily activity, and like other flat-faced breeds, warm-weather exercise requires care.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichons are small, social dogs that can adapt well to apartment life.
Their main trade-off is grooming: the coat requires regular maintenance.

8. Chihuahua

A Chihuahua needs very little physical floor space, but small size does not mean no training is required.
Some can be alert and vocal, so early socialisation and calm behaviour around hallway or neighbour noise are important.

9. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small companion dogs with moderate exercise needs.
They can suit smaller homes, although owners need to budget time for coat and face grooming.

10. Maltese

Maltese dogs are small and people-oriented.
Regular play and walking can fit well into apartment routines, but their coat needs consistent grooming.

11. Havanese

Havanese dogs are social companion dogs that often enjoy being near their owners.
They can adapt to compact homes when their exercise, grooming and social needs are met.

12. English Bulldog

Bulldogs are medium-sized but are often calmer indoors than their build suggests.
They still need regular activity, and heat management is important for this flat-faced breed.

13. Pekingese

Pekingese are compact dogs that can suit quieter homes.
Their coat requires maintenance, and some individuals may alert-bark at unfamiliar sounds.

14. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and active.
They can live well in apartments when provided with daily exercise, training and mental stimulation, but some can be vocal.

15. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers take up little physical space but still need training, play and daily activity.
Their coat may also require regular grooming depending on how it is maintained.

16. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels can adapt to apartments when their exercise needs are consistently met.
They are more active than many small companion breeds and also require regular coat and ear care.

17. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are compact and relatively independent.
Their history as alert dogs means some individuals can be sensitive to hallway or unfamiliar noises, so barking management may matter in apartment buildings.

18. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are small, fine-boned dogs that often enjoy warm indoor spaces.
They still need daily exercise and can be sensitive to cold weather.

19. Poodle (Toy or Miniature)

Toy and Miniature Poodles combine small size with high intelligence.
They can suit apartment living well, but they need mental stimulation, regular activity and substantial coat maintenance.

20. Basenji

Basenjis are often described as “barkless” because they do not usually bark in the typical way.
That does not mean they are silent. They can make other distinctive vocalisations and are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Apartment suitability depends heavily on the individual dog's routine and training.

Are Small Dogs Always Better for Apartments?

No.

A small dog may require less physical space, but some small breeds are energetic, vocal or demanding.

Likewise, some larger adult dogs may be relatively calm indoors.

AKC makes the same broad point in its apartment-dog guidance: body size is only one part of apartment suitability.

Small Dogs for Apartments

If limited floor space is your main concern, small breeds from this list include:

• Chihuahua
• Maltese
• Shih Tzu
• Bichon Frise
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Toy Poodle
• Dachshund
• Italian Greyhound

Still compare exercise, barking and grooming needs rather than selecting on size alone.

Medium Dogs for Apartments

Possible medium-sized options include:

• Cocker Spaniel
• Bulldog
• Basenji
• some larger Miniature Poodles depending on the individual dog

These breeds generally need more space and exercise planning than very small companion breeds.

Tips for Living With a Dog in an Apartment

Build a Predictable Exercise Routine

Regular walks and play are important regardless of the dog's size.

Some breeds need much more activity than others, so match the routine to the individual dog's age, health and energy level.

For everyday walks, compare our dog collars and dog leads and leashes.

Provide Indoor Enrichment

Food puzzles, training games and suitable dog toys can provide mental stimulation between outdoor walks.

Toys do not replace physical exercise, but they can add variety to the dog's day.

Give Your Dog a Defined Resting Area

A dedicated resting space can help keep a small home organised.

Compare dog beds by usable dimensions rather than simply choosing a size label.

Manage Barking Early

Apartment sounds such as lifts, footsteps and neighbouring doors can trigger some dogs.

Reward calm behaviour and work on barking before it becomes an established habit.

Check Building Rules

Rental agreements and strata or owners-corporation rules can affect:

• whether pets are permitted,
• number of pets,
• access to common areas,
• noise requirements.

Check the rules that apply to your property before choosing a dog.

How to Choose the Right Apartment Dog

Ask yourself:

• How much daily exercise can I realistically provide?
• How much barking can the building tolerate?
• How long will the dog be alone?
• Am I prepared for regular grooming?
• Is there convenient outdoor toilet access?
• Is the dog's adult size appropriate for my home?
• Are pets allowed under my housing rules?

Breed tendencies can narrow the list, but individual temperament and lifestyle fit should make the final decision.

FAQs

What are the best dogs for apartments?

There is no single best breed. Good apartment dogs are generally those whose activity, barking, size and social needs match the owner's routine and available space.

Are small dogs better for apartments?

Not always. Small dogs use less physical space, but some can be active or vocal. Temperament and exercise needs are just as important as size.

Can large dogs live in apartments?

Some can. A calm adult large dog whose exercise needs are consistently met may adapt better than a highly active small dog.

What are some quiet dog breeds for apartments?

Breed tendencies differ, and no breed is guaranteed to be quiet. Greyhounds, Cavaliers and some companion breeds are often considered less intense barkers, but individual behaviour and training still matter.

What should I consider before getting a dog for an apartment?

Consider exercise, barking, grooming, adult size, time alone, outdoor toilet access and your building's pet rules.

Can Greyhounds live in apartments?

Many adult Greyhounds can adapt well to apartment life when they receive regular walks and have enough indoor resting space. AKC includes Greyhounds among its apartment-suitable breeds.