The Top 6 Best Dogs for a Small Apartment

If you live in a small apartment, let’s face it. Size does matter. Some dogs are bigger and need more space to run around in, while others are content even in small spaces. Let’s take a look at some dogs who will work nicely for a small apartment.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are the most popular toy dog breed in the United States. Their tiny size of only 7 pounds makes them perfect for apartment life. The Yorkie is a great lap dog, providing you give her a lot of attention. There are different types of personalities within this breed. Some Yorkies are cuddly and perky, wanting to follow around their owners. Others act mischievously and frequently get into everything they can. Definitely an indoor breed, the Yorkshire Terrier is sensitive to weather that is too hot or too cold.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier dog on the grass
Boston Terrier Three Months Old by John P Hession

This friendly gentleman will make a great addition to any apartment home. They are built muscular and compact. This gentle and intelligent breed doesn’t bark a lot, so you won’t have to worry about the neighbors complaining. They are friendly to children, seniors and strangers alike. The Boston Terrier likes to feel like they are part of the family. It has a moderate energy level, so just a daily walk is all he needs.

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested on the grass
Indy Stands by Tommy Gildseth

The Chinese Crested may not be the cutest thing you have ever seen, but the personality of this little guy makes up for it. He is a loving companion that will enjoy lying around the apartment with you. He may be described as lively, alert and affectionate. He will either be hairless, just having hair on the head, tail and feet, or he will be the powderpuff variety, covered in hair. They generally are not over 1 foot in height and 10 pounds.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frisé on a black background
Bichon Frisé by Heike Andres

This cute little French breed does very well living in small spaces. They are said to only bark if someone is at the door. This happy and independent pooch will charm you and your guests. His fluffy white coat makes him looks like a toy to play with. They have compact bodies and baby-doll faces. They are little dogs as they only grow from 9 to 11 inches tall, weighing only around 7 to 12 pounds.

Pug

Pug dog on the grass
Mops duke mopszucht vom maegdebrunnen by Xidrep

Known as the clowns of the dog world, Pugs have a great sense of humor and like to show it. Bred to be a lap dog, Pugs need human camaraderie. This small, stocky dog will warm your heart with his wrinkled face. They are not prone to excessive barking, but they make good watchdogs. An indoor dog, the pug is sensitive to becoming too hot or too cold. Good with other dogs and cats, the Pug is also a great friend to children.

Shih Tzu

Two Shih Tzu dogs walking
Two red and white haired shih tzu littermates by DavidoJames

The Shih Tzu is another breed that is well-suited for apartment life. Bred solely to be a companion dog, this little princess only grows to about 10 inches tall and weighs 9 to 16 pounds. Her long hair is the most noticeable feature of this dog. As long as you don’t mind grooming it, you will appreciate having a Shih Tzu as a pet. She doesn’t require a lot of exercise, just a bit of pampering.

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