15 Dogs for Apartment Living

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Having a pet dog in an apartment can be great if you choose the right breed and have enough space at home. This article lists the best 15 dog breeds for apartment living and the ideal home size for each breed.

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Bichon Frise

These friendly apartment dogs are easy to love, get along great with families, and do not need much room. They are fluffy, white dogs that bark less than other small breeds. But they love attention and need lots of cuddles. They do well in apartments that are 300 sq. ft. or larger.

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Miniature Poodle

This breed is great for apartment dwellers who lead active lives. They are smart and friendly and love to play, enjoying time with their owners. Their compact size and their allergy-friendly fur make them perfect for living in small spaces. They stand between 11 and 15 inches tall and weigh around 15 to 18 pounds.

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Dachshund

Dachshunds are cute, small dogs that fit well in little apartments. Their short legs and loud barks might bother neighbors, so soundproofing your place is a smart move. Keeping them busy with toys and regular walks. These dogs are devoted to their owners and can live happily in areas between 250 and 750 square feet.

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Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a lively and fun-loving breed, standing about 10 to 15 inches tall and weighing 10 to 22 pounds. They hardly shed and easily adjust to apartment life. This playful small breed is perfect for city residents wanting an energetic dog. These dogs are easygoing and do well living in an apartment.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are loved worldwide and are bold dogs that love their owner’s attention. They are great pets for apartment dwellers who are also active. Even though they are small, Yorkies require more exercise than other dogs their size. While they adapt well to apartment life, they bark quite a bit.

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Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are perfect for apartment living. These small guard dogs do not require much grooming since they do not shed a lot. These little ones enjoy affection and love to sit on laps in the evening. They fit well in spaces as small as 250 sq. ft. and can handle walks and exercise in any weather.

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Pug

Pugs are easy to care for and do not need much room. Making sure your home is safe for them can stop any messes or damage. Pugs are great for small apartments like studios or one-bedrooms. They just need a short walk, about 15-20 minutes, every day. They are known to be great companions for kids.

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French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are small, calm, and polite, making them ideal for tight living quarters. They enjoy playtime but do not need much exercise. A half-hour walk each day is sufficient for their health. While they are generally quiet, they might bark at unexpected noises, such as doors being opened or shut.

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American Eskimo Dog

Eskies are polite little dogs, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall. They need plenty of exercise and brain games, or they might start causing trouble. Eskies shed a lot, so a good brush often helps control the fur. With regular grooming, these friendly dogs are happy living in apartments.

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Bulldog

People who love dogs often choose bulldogs for apartments since they are simple to take care of. They are indoor pets that do fine with brief walks. Bulldogs are calm and do not need much activity, fitting well in a small studio or a one-bedroom apartment ranging from 250 to 750 square feet.

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Maltese

This tiny breed, the Maltese, weighs under 10 pounds and stands 8 to 10 inches tall. They are a favorite among small dogs because they are sweet, fun, loving, and do well in tight spaces. Their low energy, easy trainability, gentle nature, and allergy-friendly coat make them perfect for apartment life.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The lovely Cavalier is perfect for small homes and does not need much fuss. This charming breed only needs a weekly bath and regular coat brushing to stay clean. This dog breed adores being with their family and happily tagging along with their owner, not needing much room at all.

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Italian Greyhound

This dog breed is a mini version of a racing greyhound; these little guys weigh around 10 pounds, not 60. They are friendly and ideal pets for apartment living. Italian Greyhounds are delicate and prefer calm, quiet spaces. They form a lifelong bond with a single owner and can be happy in apartments of all sizes.

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Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is bigger than many other breeds mentioned, weighing 40 to 65 pounds. They are famous for their long ears. Doing scent-based games indoors can entertain them. If you are considering a Basset Hound for a small space, keep in mind they can be noisy when left alone. Their bark is one of the loudest among dog breeds.

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Shih Tzu

In Mandarin, Shih Tzu means “little lion.” They are small, lively dogs with a loving personality. Their size means they do not need a lot of space for exercise. Playing with a toy a few times a day in your apartment is usually plenty for them. They are under 15 pounds and 8 to 12 inches tall.