The 10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments

Even in small spaces, owning a dog is still possible!

While you'd probably need a large area for large breeds like german shepherds or huskies, many smaller dog breeds can live and feel good in your apartment.

What distinguishes these canines for apartments or small spaces from other dogs?

For one thing, the majority of them are tiny.

Also, many of them are calmer and laid back.

The breed you choose as your pet should suit your lifestyle, as this is the most crucial decision.

In this blog post, we've compiled a list of the best breeds for an urban, city lifestyle.

Aside from having a companion to go home to, your neighbours would also appreciate the minimal noise that these small dog breeds make.

Affenpinscher

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Low to Moderate
• Energy: High
• Shedding: Low

The Affenpinscher is an intelligent, tenacious breed full of personality and vigour.

They are the perfect dog for apartment living, but there are a few things to consider:

They can be challenging to housebreak.

It will be crucial to have access to a dog park to maintain the health of this energetic breed.

Socialisation with both people and other pups is essential!

You can host doggie parties, go on walks, and visit dog-friendly diners.

Training must be regular and from an early age.

Some people would enrol the Affen in puppy schools.

If you have kids or toddlers, this breed may not be suitable.

While Affens are relatively tolerant, you must still supervise them around children.

The Affenpinscher is a keen learner who adapts well to change and gets along well with both canines and felines.

However, they detest having rodent pets like ferrets and hamsters around.

Bichon Frise

• Breed Group: Non-Sporting
• Barking: Low
• Energy: High
• Shedding: Low

The Bichon Frise is a wonderful family dog that is advisable for those with allergies.

This breed is often misidentified as a Poodle because of plush coats.

They make lovely apartment pets because they are a small dog breed that gets along with other animals and people.

Then again, only consider this breed if you have time for daily walks, indoor games, and family activities.

The Bichon has high energy and would need all the exercise he should have to avoid boredom and depression.

 

Boston Terrier

• Breed Group: Non-Sporting
• Barking: Moderate
• Energy: High
• Shedding: Low

The Boston Terrier, or "the American gentleman" because of their tuxedo-like colours, is true to their nickname.

Although still tiny and eager to please, this petite breed is animated and funny.

Boston Terriers are spirited small dog breeds that are lovable and compassionate.

They are great apartment pets for kids and the elderly because of their small size.

Also, be wary of temperate climates, and make sure they are kept indoors because they tend to overheat.

Try to keep them cool at all times with this portable water bottle while you're on a walk.

Related: 10 Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats 

Bulldog

• Breed Group: Non-Sporting
• Barking: Moderate to High
• Energy: Low
• Shedding: Moderate

One of the popular pooch breeds for apartments is the Bulldog. 

This breed is ideal for a laid-back family with young children.

Then again, they may disturb your neighbours if you're in a close-quarter apartment because Bulldogs are somewhat vocal.

The Bulldog is your ideal companion if you enjoy short walks and naps.

They enjoy curling on their master's lap after a quick activity.

Monitoring their food consumption is crucial as they could be sluggish and gain weight.

Bulldogs have a reputation for being couch potatoes despite having muscular builds.

Their short-nosed faces are not the best fit for hot-climate cities.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Moderate
• Energy: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate

For a tiny cutie, the name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a mouthful.

So, fans of this breed refer to them as "Cavs" instead.

They are exceptionally affectionate canines that adapt well to indoor and outdoor environments.

They are renowned for emulating the mood of their pet parents.

Thus, the Cav adjusts to your needs—whether you're a homebody or constantly on the go.

They also don't require big dog beds or kennels that take up a lot of room because they are a small dog breed.

Still, ensure they have a good-sized bed in case they prefer alone time.

Since they are so attached to their humans and happiest when they are by your side, they won't utilise their comfy beds much.

These low-maintenance animals would also make excellent roommates.

Chihuahua

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Moderate to High
• Energy: Moderate
• Shedding: Low

We must warn you that the Chihuahua breed is vocal and may cause a ruckus among your closest neighbours.

This little canine with a big personality is an alert and entertaining "purse dog." 

They also serve as Mexico's national symbol and are among the continent's oldest breeds.

In fact, you can trace the Chihuahua's ancestry back to pre-Columbian eras.

Chihuahuas are graceful pups with Terrier-like characteristics and weigh just about six pounds.

The apple-shaped head of this doggo makes him distinctive.

Their upright ears and full, brilliant eyes are very expressive.

This cutie has a big-dog attitude and is loyal and charming.

Chihuahuas make great city pets, especially for small spaces, since they are tiny and self-assured.

Chihuahuas are adaptable as long as they spend much time with their favourite human.

They're too small to play rough with children, and you need to give them extra comfy blankets during cold weather.

Related: 10 Cat Breeds That Get Along With Dogs

Chinese Crested

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Moderate
• Energy: Low to Moderate
• Shedding: Low

The most classy and graceful dog in your apartment building will undoubtedly be the Chinese Crested.

Even though they are hairless breeds, they aren't exempt from grooming and bathing.

The Chinese Crested needs brushing on their fur on the head, legs, and tail.

Skin health depends on the frequency of their baths.

The benefits of being hairless include the absence of the typical canine smell and, obviously, reduced shedding.

 

 

Dachshund

• Breed Group: Hound
• Barking: Very High
• Energy: Moderate to High
• Shedding: Moderate

The Dachshund is a doggie superstar thanks to his long, low body, perpetually attentive expression, and bright, energetic nature.

This breed unquestionably symbolises pure breeding with their distinctive long-backed physique, short legs, and massive personality.

Despite not being designed for long-distance running, high jumps, or vigorous swimming, Dachshunds are otherwise up for everything.

They make excellent watchdogs since they're observant, intelligent, and bark like huge dogs.

Dachshunds can be bold—almost reckless and a little stubborn because they were bred to hunt dangerous prey independently.

Then again, their lovable attitude and distinctive appearance still make them a favourite, even if they're very vocal!

Havanese

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Moderate to High
• Energy: Moderate
• Shedding: Low

The only breed of dog indigenous to Cuba is the Havanese, a happy little dog with a bounce in his stride and a glint in his large, brown eyes.

These energetic and gregarious pets are growing in popularity, especially among urban Americans.

Havanese make the perfect city dog because of their tiny but sturdy physique, adaptable disposition, and social skills.

Still, they are happy at any place where they can draw fans of all ages. 

Havanese are innate trick dogs because they are intelligent, trainable extroverts with the comedic instincts of a clown.

Although they take their duty seriously and make good watchdogs, Havanese often limit their barking when trained well.

Related: Pet First Aid: What You Should Know

Shih Tzu

• Breed Group: Toy
• Barking: Low
• Energy: Low
• Shedding: Low to Moderate

That lovely expression on those wide, dark eyes as they stare up at you comes from the Shih Tzu!

Owners of this breed are always so enamoured with this tiny "Lion Dog." 

Their coat, available in various colours, is probably one of the favourites of seasoned groomers.

Few canines can match the beauty of a well-groomed Shih Tzu.

This vivacious charmer lives her life just being adorable.

Shih Tzus are very popular with kids because of their good nature and compassion.

They are excellent pets if you live in a small space or if you lack a large backyard because they are small dog breeds that spend the majority of their day in their comfortable beds.

Shih Tzus get their fun by sitting on your lap and looking adorable.

Other dogs live to dig tunnels and chase cats, but Shih Tzus are like royalty. 

Conclusion

With many dogs to choose from, at MrFluffyFriend we hope you found some ideas of what small dog breeds are best for apartments.

In the meantime, check out our shop for all your pet’s needs!

What dog breed do you have in your apartment? Let us know in the comments section below!

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