20 Best Small Apartment Dogs - Top Small Dog Breeds for Apartments

best small dogs for apartments whippet on couch

By Marnie Kunz

The best small apartment dogs are small dog breeds that can adapt well to communal living spaces. These pups are known for being friendly and well-adjusted, and most are not big barkers. As with all dogs, early socialization and ongoing training are important to help your pup adjust to your lifestyle. We picked these dogs based on their sociability with people and other pups since it’s common to encounter both when living in apartments. We also looked for low to medium-energy dogs and small dog breeds that do not bark a lot.

Check out the list and let us know if we missed any small dogs that do well with apartment living:

Best Small Apartment Dogs

The best small apartment dogs offer companionship and can adapt to living in small spaces. These pups are affectionate and usually get along well with other dogs and people, making them adaptable to apartment living. For each small dog breed, we include their size, activity level, adaptability level, friendliness with strangers and other dogs, and barking level on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest level and 5 being the highest.

Keep in mind that all dogs, even low- to medium-energy small dogs, need mental stimulation, playtime, and walks to meet their exercise needs. They also will adjust to your apartment lifestyle best by socializing with the people, pets, and places in your building. Taking your pup on small, positive trips in the elevator and seeing other people and dogs will help them feel more confident and well-adjusted to the environment.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best small apartment dogs. These affectionate pups are friendly with people and other dogs and are known for their even temperaments. They are a popular dog for living in cities since they are adaptable and tend to get along well with everyone.

Size: 13 to 18 pounds, 12 to 13 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Toy Poodle

Poodles are smart, versatile dogs that thrive in cities and apartments. Toy Poodles, the smaller cousin of the larger Standard Poodle, are small pups that are easy to train, making them great for apartment life. They are also one of the few hypoallergenic dog breeds that do not shed, making them popular with allergy sufferers.

Size: 4 to 6 pounds, no more than 10 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 4 out of 5

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus, the fox-like cute pups that are meme legends, are quiet, adaptable small dogs that adjust well to apartment living. This Japanese dog breed is known for being very clean and cat-like, and they have low-maintenance grooming requirements. They have a medium energy level and will be happy with regular walks and playtime.

Size: 17 to 23 pounds, 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Pugs are some of the best small apartment dogs.

Pug

Pugs are social butterflies that love people and other animals. These cute pups are also generally quiet (besides some wheezing and breathing noises!) and highly adaptable, making them ideal small dogs for apartments.

Size: 14 to 18 pounds, 10 to 13 inches
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 4 out of 5
Barking Level: 1 out of 5

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons are small pups with lovable, big personalities. These dashing small dogs are loyal, alert, and make good watchdogs (and are a little more vocal than most of the dogs on this list). They love to be with their humans and have no problem with living in small spaces.

Size: 8 to 10 pounds, 7 to 10 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 4 out of 5

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. These pups are also currently the most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club. French Bulldogs, or Frenchies as they’re often called, are sociable pups that usually love people, kids, and other dogs. They are adaptable, small and friendly, making them popular for apartment dwellers.

Size: Under 28 pounds, 11 to 13 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 4 out of 5
Barking Level: 1 out of 5

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are friendly pups that are some of the best small apartment dogs. They make lively companions and tend to be on the quieter side as far as barking goes. Boston Terriers are always up for a trip to the cafe or the park and adjust well to city life.

Size: 12 to 25 pounds, 10 to 12 inches
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 4 out of 5
Barking Level: 2 out of 5

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs are some of the best apartment dogs. These jovial, white fluffy pups are gregarious and friendly with people and other pets. The Bichon Frise is adaptable and usually adjusts well to apartment life. These playful pups need regular exercise to stay happy.

Size: 12 to 18 pounds, 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Maltese

Maltese dogs are a low-shedding toy breed that adapts well to apartment living. These affectionate, playful pups are fun and friendly companions. They also enjoy activities like agility and make great small watchdogs.

Size: Under 7 pounds, 7 to 9 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are playful and outgoing pups that are some of the best small apartment dogs due to their adaptability. These cute small dogs are happy to be with people and other animals and can thrive in smaller spaces. Shih Tzus have a medium activity level and enjoy regular walks and playtime.

Size: 9 to 16 pounds, 9 to 10.5 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog with an excellent temperament for living in close quarters with people and other animals. These friendly pups are some of the best small apartment dogs. They’re sociable and are popular dogs for city living. Havanese dogs are smart and trainable and enjoy being the center of attention. They can also be excellent small watchdogs.

Size: 7 to 13 pounds, 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 4 out of 5

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, but these diminutive pups pack a big personality. Chihuahuas are sassy small dogs that are fiercely loyal and protective of their people. These pups are a hit with apartment dwellers for their small size. Don’t let the small stature fool you though – Chihuahuas have plenty of energy and need exercise and mental stimulation. They also make excellent watchdogs, barking at perceived threats.

Size: 6 pounds or less, 5 to 8 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 2 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 5 out of 5

Yorkies are small, sociable pups that are popular for city living.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is another small dog that can adjust well to living in a smaller space. Yorkies are small, adaptable pups that are friendly with people and enjoy socializing. If you want a cuddle buddy in a small package, the Yorkie is a great candidate. As with Chihuhuhas, Yorkies can be prone to barking, so mental and physical stimulation is important to keep them happy and prevent boredom barking.

Size: 7 pounds, 7 to 8 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 4 out of 5

best small dogs for apartments Dachschunds — Dachshunds are outgoing, cute small dogs.

Dachshund

The Dachshund makes a great apartment dog that usually enjoys interacting with everyone from strangers to other dogs. These lively pups come in two sizes – standard, which is medium to small, from 16 to 32 pounds, and miniature, weighing it at 11 pounds or less. Their moderate exercise needs can often be met with indoor play and short walks, fitting well with apartment life.

Size: 16 to 32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds and under (miniature)
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 4 out of 5
Barking Level: 5 out of 5

best small dogs for apartments — Affenpinschers are loyal little dogs.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a popular apartment dog that is loyal and fearless for having such a small size. These toy dogs are sociable and amusing little comedians with a sometimes commercial, serious expression. Affenpinschers also make great watchdogs.

Size: 7 to 10 pounds, 9 to 11.5 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are elegant, quiet dogs that are well-suited to apartment living. These sleek sighthounds are smaller than their greyhound cousins, making them amenable to small spaces. Italian Greyhounds are alert, playful, and affectionate and are happy to play together or enjoy cuddling on the couch.

Size: 7 to 14 pounds, 13 to 15 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 3 out of 5

Whippet

Whippets are apartment-friendly dogs that are medium-sized. These sighthounds do well in small spaces, enjoying couch time and bonding with their owners. They do need enough regular exercise to get out their energy, which you can do with city walks and park trips. This low-maintenance dog is also quiet, making them ideal for apartment life.

Size: 25 to 40 pounds, 18 to 22 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 1 out of 5

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear makes a well-adjusted apartment pet. These playful pups are cheerful companions that tend to get along well with other dogs and all kinds of people. Owners of Coton de Tulears describe them as gentle, witty, and charming dogs.

Size: 8 to 15 pounds, 9 to 11 inches tall
Activity Level: 3 out of 5
Adaptability: 4 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 5 out of 5
Barking Level: 1 out of 5

Basenji

The Basenji, called “the African barkless dog,” is a quiet dog breed that doesn’t bark. These small to medium-sized dogs are active and alert, making excellent apartment dogs if they are given enough exercise. Basenjis are low-maintenance, with a short coat and low-frills appearance.

Size: 22 to 24 pounds, 16 to 17 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 3 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 1 out of 5

Papillon

Size: 5 to 10 pounds, 8 to 11 inches tall
Activity Level: 4 out of 5
Adaptability: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Strangers: 5 out of 5
Friendliness with Dogs: 3 out of 5
Barking Level: 5 out of 5

The Papillon is a tiny toy dog hailing from France. This smart, trainable pup is one of the best small apartment dogs that does not take up much space. Papillons are friendly, active dogs that can learn lots of tricks or compete in agility.