DogBreedsFinder

Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Apartment suitability is about more than size. A small but vocal breed can be a nightmare in a shared building, while a larger, low-key dog can be a brilliant flat companion. The breeds below tend to score well on apartment compatibility in our dataset — but a great apartment dog still needs daily exercise, mental stimulation, and routine. Before committing, check your tenancy permits dogs, your building has manageable access, and you can realistically meet the breed's exercise and outlet needs.

118 breeds in this category

French Bulldog small

French Bulldog

From France

Adaptable, charming, even-tempered

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
Bulldog medium

Bulldog

From England

Calm, brave, affectionate, steady

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
Dachshund small

Dachshund

From Germany

Lively, clever, bold, sometimes stubborn

Hound Energy 3/5
Yorkshire Terrier toy

Yorkshire Terrier

From England

Feisty, alert, affectionate, bold

Toy Energy 4/5
Miniature Schnauzer small

Miniature Schnauzer

From Germany

Spirited, friendly, smart, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel toy

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

From England

Affectionate, gentle, friendly, patient

Toy Energy 3/5
Shih Tzu toy

Shih Tzu

From Tibet

Outgoing, affectionate, alert, charming

Toy Energy 2/5
Boston Terrier small

Boston Terrier

From United States

Friendly, bright, amusing, adaptable

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Pomeranian toy

Pomeranian

From Germany

Inquisitive, bold, lively, extroverted

Toy Energy 4/5
Havanese small

Havanese

From Cuba

Affectionate, social, playful, clever

Toy Energy 3/5
Staffordshire Bull Terrier small

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

From England

Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold

Terrier Energy 4/5
English Cocker Spaniel medium

English Cocker Spaniel

From England

Merry, affectionate, responsive, keen

Sporting Energy 4/5
Greyhound large

Greyhound

From England

Mild, polite, sensitive, athletic

Hound Energy 3/5
Whippet medium

Whippet

From England

Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate

Hound Energy 4/5
Italian Greyhound toy

Italian Greyhound

From Italy

Affectionate, sensitive, alert, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Shiba Inu small

Shiba Inu

From Japan

Alert, confident, spirited, reserved

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Chow Chow medium

Chow Chow

From China

Aloof, loyal, independent, watchful

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
Bichon Frise small

Bichon Frise

From France

Cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, playful

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Maltese toy

Maltese

From Malta

Gentle, playful, affectionate, alert

Toy Energy 3/5
Lhasa Apso small

Lhasa Apso

From Tibet

Independent, loyal, alert, dignified

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
Papillon toy

Papillon

From France

Bright, friendly, lively, eager

Toy Energy 4/5
Pug small

Pug

From China

Charming, mischievous, loving, sturdy

Toy Energy 2/5
Chihuahua toy

Chihuahua

From Mexico

Devoted, alert, bold, lively

Toy Energy 3/5
Miniature Pinscher small

Miniature Pinscher

From Germany

Fearless, curious, lively, bold

Toy Energy 4/5
Cairn Terrier small

Cairn Terrier

From Scotland

Cheerful, alert, independent, tough

Terrier Energy 4/5
West Highland White Terrier small

West Highland White Terrier

From Scotland

Friendly, confident, spirited, smart

Terrier Energy 4/5
Scottish Terrier small

Scottish Terrier

From Scotland

Steady, confident, independent, alert

Terrier Energy 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier medium

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

From Ireland

Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited

Terrier Energy 4/5
American Cocker Spaniel small

American Cocker Spaniel

From United States

Merry, affectionate, responsive, gentle

Sporting Energy 4/5
Field Spaniel medium

Field Spaniel

From England

Sweet, thoughtful, active, eager

Sporting Energy 4/5
Keeshond medium

Keeshond

From Netherlands

Alert, friendly, outgoing, intelligent

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Norfolk Terrier small

Norfolk Terrier

From England

Fearless, friendly, alert, energetic

Terrier Energy 4/5
Norwich Terrier small

Norwich Terrier

From England

Affectionate, energetic, fearless, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
Sealyham Terrier small

Sealyham Terrier

From Wales

Calm, brave, inquisitive, humorous

Terrier Energy 3/5
Skye Terrier small

Skye Terrier

From Scotland

Loyal, dignified, spirited, reserved

Terrier Energy 3/5
Bedlington Terrier small

Bedlington Terrier

From England

Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
Manchester Terrier small

Manchester Terrier

From England

Bright, spirited, observant, loyal

Terrier Energy 4/5
Toy Manchester Terrier toy

Toy Manchester Terrier

From England

Alert, devoted, lively, clever

Toy Energy 3/5
American Hairless Terrier small

American Hairless Terrier

From United States

Lively, curious, alert, affectionate

Terrier Energy 4/5
Rat Terrier small

Rat Terrier

From United States

Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious

Terrier Energy 4/5
Australian Terrier small

Australian Terrier

From Australia

Spirited, alert, affectionate, courageous

Terrier Energy 4/5
Silky Terrier toy

Silky Terrier

From Australia

Alert, friendly, inquisitive, spirited

Toy Energy 4/5
Tibetan Terrier medium

Tibetan Terrier

From Tibet

Affectionate, sensitive, playful, loyal

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Chinese Crested toy

Chinese Crested

From China

Affectionate, playful, alert, sensitive

Toy Energy 3/5
Japanese Chin toy

Japanese Chin

From Japan

Charming, graceful, sensitive, witty

Toy Energy 2/5
Pekingese toy

Pekingese

From China

Dignified, loyal, brave, opinionated

Toy Energy 2/5
Brussels Griffon toy

Brussels Griffon

From Belgium

Alert, sensitive, curious, loyal

Toy Energy 3/5
Affenpinscher toy

Affenpinscher

From Germany

Fearless, funny, alert, curious

Toy Energy 3/5
Schipperke small

Schipperke

From Belgium

Alert, confident, curious, mischievous

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Xoloitzcuintli medium

Xoloitzcuintli

From Mexico

Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Peruvian Inca Orchid medium

Peruvian Inca Orchid

From Peru

Gentle, alert, agile, affectionate

Hound Energy 3/5
Alaskan Klee Kai small

Alaskan Klee Kai

From United States

Alert, curious, energetic, reserved with strangers

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
American Bullnese small

American Bullnese

From United States

Affectionate, playful, easygoing, loyal

Toy Energy 2/5
Barbet medium

Barbet

From France

Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable

Sporting Energy 4/5
Bichon Havanais small

Bichon Havanais

From Cuba

Affectionate, bright, social, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Biewer Terrier toy

Biewer Terrier

From Germany

Happy, loyal, confident, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Bench-Legged Feist small

Bench-Legged Feist

From United States

Energetic, keen, loyal, eager

Terrier Energy 4/5
Biewer toy

Biewer

From Germany

Cheerful, loyal, confident, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Bohemian Terrier small

Bohemian Terrier

From Czech Republic

Cheerful, clever, calm, affectionate

Terrier Energy 3/5
Bolognese toy

Bolognese

From Italy

Loving, docile, playful, sensitive

Toy Energy 2/5
Cesky Terrier small

Cesky Terrier

From Czech Republic

Calm, courageous, pleasant, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
Chin toy

Chin

From Japan

Charming, sensitive, playful, alert

Toy Energy 2/5
Chow Chow medium

Chow Chow

From China

Dignified, loyal, reserved, independent

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Continental Toy Spaniel toy

Continental Toy Spaniel

From France

Friendly, intelligent, alert, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Coton de Tulear small

Coton de Tulear

From Madagascar

Happy, affectionate, witty, sociable

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Czesky Terrier small

Czesky Terrier

From Czech Republic

Calm, brave, friendly, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier small

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

From Scotland

Determined, gentle, dignified, friendly

Terrier Energy 3/5
Danish-Swedish Farmdog small

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

From Denmark

Friendly, lively, attentive, willing

Working Energy 4/5
Dutch Smoushond small

Dutch Smoushond

From Netherlands

Friendly, lively, affectionate, alert

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
English Bulldog medium

English Bulldog

From England

Gentle, brave, loyal, easygoing

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
English Springer Spaniel medium

English Springer Spaniel

From England

Friendly, eager, attentive, active

Sporting Energy 5/5
English Toy Spaniel toy

English Toy Spaniel

From England

Gentle, loving, merry, reserved with strangers

Toy Energy 2/5
Galgo Espaol large

Galgo Espaol

From Spain

Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift

Hound Energy 4/5
Galgo Español large

Galgo Español

From Spain

Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift

Hound Energy 4/5
German Spitz (Medium) small

German Spitz (Medium)

From Germany

Lively, attentive, affectionate, bold

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
German Spitz (Small) toy

German Spitz (Small)

From Germany

Bright, devoted, vocal, playful

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Glen of Imaal Terrier small

Glen of Imaal Terrier

From Ireland

Spirited, patient, loyal, brave

Terrier Energy 3/5
Indian Spitz small

Indian Spitz

From India

Alert, playful, intelligent, loyal

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier small

Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier

From Ireland

Gentle, courageous, patient, game

Terrier Energy 3/5
Japanese Spaniel (Chin) toy

Japanese Spaniel (Chin)

From Japan

Charming, sensitive, playful, alert

Toy Energy 2/5
Japanese Spitz small

Japanese Spitz

From Japan

Lively, affectionate, alert, intelligent

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Japanese Terrier small

Japanese Terrier

From Japan

Clever, lively, loyal, alert

Terrier Energy 4/5
King Charles Spaniel toy

King Charles Spaniel

From England

Gentle, loving, playful, reserved

Toy Energy 2/5
Kokoni small

Kokoni

From Greece

Lively, cheerful, smart, loyal

Toy Energy 3/5
Kromfohrlander small

Kromfohrlander

From Germany

Friendly, lively, affectionate, intelligent

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Kyi-Leo small

Kyi-Leo

From United States

Affectionate, calm, playful, alert

Companion and Toy Energy 3/5
Lancashire Heeler small

Lancashire Heeler

From United Kingdom

Alert, smart, cheerful, confident

Herding Energy 4/5
Lhasa Apso small

Lhasa Apso

From Tibet

Aloof, loyal, lively, confident

Non-Sporting Energy 2/5
Lucas Terrier small

Lucas Terrier

From United Kingdom

Friendly, cheerful, steady, affectionate

Terrier Energy 3/5
Löwchen small

Löwchen

From France

Friendly, lively, affectionate, outgoing

Toy Energy 3/5
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog) small

Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)

From France

Happy, affectionate, sociable, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt) small

Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt)

From France

Affectionate, playful, alert, friendly

Toy Energy 3/5
Manchester Terrier (Standard) small

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

From England

Bright, spirited, loyal, keen

Terrier Energy 4/5
Manchester Terrier (Toy) toy

Manchester Terrier (Toy)

From England

Alert, affectionate, playful, keen

Toy Energy 4/5
Markiesje small

Markiesje

From Netherlands

Friendly, calm, intelligent, alert

Toy Energy 4/5
Mexican Hairless medium

Mexican Hairless

From Mexico

Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive

Non-Sporting Energy 3/5
Mi-Ki toy

Mi-Ki

From United States

Sweet, calm, attentive, friendly

Companion and Toy Energy 2/5
Miniature Fox Terrier toy

Miniature Fox Terrier

From Australia

Fearless, bold, playful, loyal

Terrier Energy 4/5
Miniature Poodle small

Miniature Poodle

From France

Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Pembroke small

Pembroke

From Wales

Affectionate, smart, bold, friendly

Herding Energy 4/5
Pembroke Welsh Corgi small

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

From Wales

Outgoing, smart, bold, loyal

Herding Energy 4/5
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Pio) medium

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Pio)

From Peru

Gentle, alert, affectionate, sensitive

Hound Energy 3/5
Petit Brabançon toy

Petit Brabançon

From Belgium

Affectionate, alert, sensitive, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Poodle large

Poodle

From France

Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Poodle (Miniature) small

Poodle (Miniature)

From France

Intelligent, eager, lively, affectionate

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Poodle (Toy) toy

Poodle (Toy)

From France

Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno small

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

From Portugal

Playful, alert, friendly, hardy

Hound Energy 4/5
Prazsky Krysavik toy

Prazsky Krysavik

From Czech Republic

Cheerful, alert, friendly, brave

Toy Energy 3/5
Russian Toy (Moscow Toy Terrier) toy

Russian Toy (Moscow Toy Terrier)

From Russia

Cheerful, alert, sensitive, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka toy

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

From Russia

Affectionate, lively, well-balanced, sweet

Toy Energy 3/5
Scottish Terrier (Scottie) small

Scottish Terrier (Scottie)

From Scotland

Courageous, dignified, spirited, loyal

Terrier Energy 3/5
Standard Poodle large

Standard Poodle

From France

Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused

Non-Sporting Energy 4/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier small

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

From United States

Lively, loyal, smart, playful

Terrier Energy 4/5
Tenterfield Terrier small

Tenterfield Terrier

From Australia

Cheerful, alert, affectionate, bold

Terrier Energy 4/5
Tibetan Spaniel small

Tibetan Spaniel

From Tibet

Gay, assertive, intelligent, alert

Toy Energy 3/5
Toy Fox Terrier toy

Toy Fox Terrier

From United States

Intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal

Toy Energy 4/5
Toy Poodle toy

Toy Poodle

From France

Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful

Toy Energy 3/5
Volpino Italiano small

Volpino Italiano

From Italy

Lively, affectionate, alert, playful

Toy Energy 3/5

How we choose breeds for this list

Apartment-friendly rating ≥ 4.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a good apartment dog? +

Lower-than-average noise tendency, manageable energy, tolerance for time alone, and adaptability to less private space. Size matters less than these traits.

Do small dogs always do well in flats? +

No. Some small breeds are notably vocal or anxious, which can make flat living harder than expected.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

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