Top 10 Small Dog Breeds for Apartments: Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Choosing the perfect dog for your apartment can feel daunting. Space constraints, noise concerns, and maintenance requirements all play a role in this decision. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here's an expert breakdown of the Top 10 Small Dog Breeds for Apartments, complete with training advice and actionable insights to ensure your pup thrives in a compact living space.
1. French Bulldog
Size: 16-28 pounds
Personality: Friendly, adaptable, low-energy
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low
Maintenance: Low (minimal grooming)
Why They’re Great: French Bulldogs are quiet, low-energy companions who love lounging as much as their humans do. They’re not fans of excessive exercise, making a quick trot around the block more than enough. Their minimal barking tendencies also keep neighbors happy. Bonus: Their unique bat ears and wrinkled faces are guaranteed conversation starters during elevator rides!
Training Tip: Frenchies can be stubborn. Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short to maintain their focus.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 13-18 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, gentle, sociable
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Moderate
Maintenance: Moderate (regular brushing)
Why They’re Great: Cavaliers are known for their affectionate nature. They’ll happily spend hours curled up on your lap, making them perfect for Netflix marathons. They’re also naturally friendly, which means they’re less likely to spook at neighbors, kids, or other pets in a shared building.
Training Tip: Their sociable nature means they can develop separation anxiety. Gradually train them to be comfortable alone using calming toys or treats.
3. Pug
Size: 14-18 pounds
Personality: Playful, charming, laid-back
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low to Moderate
Maintenance: Low (occasional grooming)
Why They’re Great: Pugs are masters of charm. Their love of lounging aligns perfectly with apartment living, but their playful streak ensures they’re never boring. They’re surprisingly adaptable to any schedule, making them great companions for busy professionals.
Training Tip: Focus on portion control during training—pugs are food-driven and prone to obesity. Puzzle feeders work wonders for mental stimulation.
4. Chihuahua
Size: 3-6 pounds
Personality: Loyal, alert, spirited
Noise Level: Moderate
Energy Needs: Moderate
Maintenance: Low (short coat) or Moderate (long coat)
Why They’re Great: With their pint-sized frames, Chihuahuas take up virtually no space, making them perfect for even studio apartments. They’re also incredibly loyal and form tight bonds with their owners, often following you from room to room like a shadow.
Training Tip: Their bold nature can lead to "small dog syndrome." Early socialization and consistent commands help curb excessive barking or defensive behavior.
5. Dachshund
Size: 11-32 pounds (varies by type)
Personality: Curious, brave, lively
Noise Level: Moderate
Energy Needs: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to Moderate (depends on coat type)
Why They’re Great: Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, are both hilarious and heartwarming. They’re independent but deeply affectionate, thriving in apartments with short walks and some playtime. Their curious nature keeps them entertained, especially if you offer puzzle toys.
Training Tip: Their hunting instincts mean they may chase anything that moves. Leash training and basic recall commands are essential.
6. Shih Tzu
Size: 9-16 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, calm, outgoing
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low to Moderate
Maintenance: High (requires regular grooming)
Why They’re Great: Shih Tzus were bred to be royal companions, so they’re naturally suited to being pampered indoors. They’re calm, adaptable, and love being close to their humans. Their silky coats may require regular grooming, but their easygoing personalities more than make up for it.
Training Tip: Start grooming habits early. Desensitize them to brushes and clippers to avoid grooming battles later on.
7. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
Size: 4-7 pounds
Personality: Bold, intelligent, confident
Noise Level: Moderate
Energy Needs: Low to Moderate
Maintenance: High (needs regular brushing and grooming)
Why They’re Great: Don’t let their tiny size fool you—Yorkies are confident and full of personality. They adapt well to apartments and bring a lively, cheerful energy to your space. Their small size also makes them easy to carry along for errands or outings.
Training Tip: Channel their boldness into learning tricks or agility exercises. It keeps their minds sharp and reduces barking out of boredom.
8. Boston Terrier
Size: 12-25 pounds
Personality: Lively, intelligent, gentle
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low to Moderate
Maintenance: Low (minimal grooming)
Why They’re Great: Boston Terriers are nicknamed the “American Gentleman” for their tuxedo-like coats and polite demeanor. They’re quiet, love their people, and require only moderate activity to stay happy. Their compact build and short coat mean they’re low-maintenance and perfect for smaller living spaces.
Training Tip: Leverage their intelligence with puzzle toys and scent games. It prevents boredom and curbs mischievous behaviors.
9. Maltese
Size: Under 7 pounds
Personality: Playful, affectionate, gentle
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low
Maintenance: High (requires regular grooming)
Why They’re Great: Maltese are small but mighty in personality. They’re loving, playful, and surprisingly fearless, often acting as though they’re much larger than their actual size. Their hypoallergenic coats make them a great choice for allergy-prone households.
Training Tip: Teach them independence early to avoid clingy behavior. Gradual alone time helps prevent separation anxiety.
10. Bichon Frise
Size: 12-18 pounds
Personality: Cheerful, affectionate, adaptable
Noise Level: Low
Energy Needs: Low to Moderate
Maintenance: High (frequent grooming)
Why They’re Great: Known as the eternal puppy, the Bichon Frise is cheerful, playful, and sociable. Their hypoallergenic coat is a huge bonus for apartment dwellers, especially in shared buildings. They adapt well to any environment, provided they get regular grooming and a bit of daily exercise.
Insight: Bichons are quick learners, making them easy to train for apartment-friendly habits like potty training on pee pads or staying calm in elevators.
What to look for, in Apartment Living
Noise Control: Breeds with low barking tendencies (e.g., French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) reduce neighbor complaints.
Energy Levels: Opt for low-energy dogs if you have limited time for outdoor activities.
Maintenance Needs: Consider grooming time and budget—high-maintenance breeds like Shih Tzus require more effort.
Summary Chart: Comparing Top 10 Small Dog Breeds for Apartments
Breed | Noise Level | Energy Needs | Maintenance |
French Bulldog | Low | Low | Low |
Cavalier King Charles | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
Pug | Low | Low to Moderate | Low |
Chihuahua | Moderate | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
Dachshund | Moderate | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
Shih Tzu | Low | Low to Moderate | High |
Yorkshire Terrier | Moderate | Low to Moderate | High |
Boston Terrier | Low | Low to Moderate | Low |
Maltese | Low | Low | High |
Bichon Frise | Low | Low to Moderate | High |
Apartment living with a small dog is all about finding the right fit for your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize low noise, minimal maintenance, or an affectionate companion, these breeds bring love and adaptability into your home.
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