Dog breed lists
Best Dog Breeds for Apartments
A good apartment dog isn't just a small one. It's a dog that settles indoors, is happy with a couple of good walks, and doesn't need a yard to be content. These breeds are compact, calm at home and moderate in their daily exercise needs.
-
1
Toy
Chihuahua
Smallest dog, biggest opinion.
- 2–6 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 30–60 min a day
-
2
Toy
Maltese
Professionally adorable since antiquity.
- 4–7 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 30–60 min a day
- 3
-
4
Toy
Italian Greyhound
The tiny, elegant Velcro greyhound.
- 7–14 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 45–60 min a day
- 5
-
6
Toy
Shih Tzu
Bred for palaces, still expects one.
- 9–16 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 30–60 min a day
-
7
Toy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Royal lapdog, spaniel to the core.
- 13–18 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 45–60 min a day
- 8
-
9
Non-Sporting
Bichon Frise
A cotton ball with a social calendar.
- 12–18 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 30–60 min a day
-
10
Non-Sporting
Boston Terrier
The American Gentleman in a tuxedo.
- 12–25 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 45–60 min a day
-
11
Non-Sporting
French Bulldog
A pocket-sized comedian with big opinions.
- 16–28 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 30–60 min a day
-
12
Hound
Beagle
A nose on legs with a cheerful soul.
- 20–35 lbs
- Calm indoors
- 45–75 min a day
-
13
Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Small dog, enormous opinions.
- 18–22 lbs
- Settles well
- 45–60 min a day
-
14
Hound
Dachshund
A badger hunter in a very long frame.
- 16–32 lbs
- Settles well
- 30–60 min a day
How we picked
A breed makes this list if it tops out at 50 lbs, is calm indoors (7 out of 10 or better), has moderate energy, and needs 75 minutes of exercise a day or less. We rank calmest first, then smallest. We don't rate barking yet, so read the guide's Personality section for how vocal a breed is. Every dog still needs daily walks and attention.
Questions people ask
What makes a dog good for an apartment?
Mostly temperament, not size: a dog that settles indoors, copes with being home for part of the day, and is content with regular walks. Size helps with space, and moderate exercise needs mean you can meet them without a yard.
Do small dogs always do better in apartments?
No. Some small breeds are lively, vocal or need a lot of activity, while some larger breeds are calm and quiet indoors. Check a breed's energy and calm-at-home ratings along with its size.
How much exercise does an apartment dog need?
Every breed on this list needs about 30 to 75 minutes a day, split across walks, play and training. Apartment living works when that routine is kept, so think about your schedule before you choose.