10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments and Homes

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, often called "Frenchies," are super popular, and it's easy to see why. They're known for their adorable bat-like ears and those cute, wrinkly faces. Even though they look kind of muscular, they're actually really gentle and love to cuddle. They can be a little stubborn sometimes, but they're also smart and want to please you, which makes training them not too hard.

French Bulldogs are great for apartment living because they're small and don't need a ton of exercise. They're happy with a short walk or some playtime indoors. Plus, they don't bark a lot, which is a big win if you have neighbors close by. They usually weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, so they're easy to manage in smaller spaces. Making them one of the best apartment dogs.

Taking care of a French Bulldog means feeding them a good diet with enough protein and fat. Also, regular checkups with the vet are important to keep them healthy. With the right care, they can live long, happy lives and bring lots of joy to your home.

Here's a quick look at what they need:

• Daily short walks
• A balanced diet
• Regular vet visits
• Lots of love and attention

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2. Pug

Pugs! These little guys are total characters. I've always thought they look like they're permanently surprised, which is pretty funny. They're definitely one of those breeds that people either adore or just don't get, but for apartment living, they can be a solid choice. Pugs are known for their charming and laid-back personalities, making them great companions in smaller spaces.

They're not big barkers, which is a huge plus when you're trying to avoid annoying your neighbors. However, fair warning, they do shed. Like, a lot. Especially in the spring and fall. So, if you're not a fan of vacuuming, maybe think twice. But if you're okay with a little extra fur, their calm and affectionate nature can make them ideal apartment buddies. Plus, they don't need a ton of exercise, a few short walks a day usually does the trick. Just be mindful of their breathing, since they can be prone to some issues because of their flat faces.

Pugs are super affectionate and love being around their people. They're not the kind of dog you can leave alone for hours on end without them getting a little sad. They thrive on attention and cuddles, so if you're someone who works from home or is generally around a lot, a pug might be perfect for you. They're also pretty adaptable and can do well in various living situations, as long as they get the love they need. If you are looking for the ideal choice for households, look no further.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are total sweethearts. They're known for being super affectionate and adaptable, which makes them great apartment dogs. I mean, who wouldn't want a little buddy that's happy just being near you? They were adored by royalty for generations, and it's easy to see why.

They bond strongly with their families and love attention. They're also pretty good with kids, which is a big plus if you've got little ones running around. They really do thrive on companionship, so if you're someone who works from home or is around a lot, a Cavalier might be perfect for you. Just be aware that they don't like being left alone for long periods – they can get a bit anxious.

They're not super high-energy, but they still need their exercise. A couple of daily walks should do the trick, and they also enjoy playing games. Plus, they're smart and relatively easy to train, which is always a bonus. Just keep in mind that they need regular grooming to keep their coat looking good and to prevent ear infections. Those floppy ears can be prone to problems if you don't keep them clean.

One thing to consider is that Cavaliers are prone to certain health issues, like mitral valve disease and hip dysplasia. It's important to be aware of these potential problems and to get your dog from a reputable breeder who screens for these conditions. Their typical lifespan is around 12-15 years, so it's a long-term commitment.

4. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are known for their charming personalities and adaptability, making them great apartment dogs. They're often called "American Gentlemen" because of their tuxedo-like markings. These dogs are playful and intelligent, but also enjoy relaxing with their families. They generally weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and stand 15 to 17 inches tall.

Boston Terriers are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in smaller living spaces.

They do need regular exercise, but it can be easily managed with daily walks and indoor playtime. Boston Terriers are also known to bond well with all family members, making them excellent family companions. However, potential owners should be aware of potential health issues, such as breathing problems due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature. Regular vet check-ups are important to ensure their well-being.

Owning a Boston Terrier is a rewarding experience. Their affectionate nature and adaptability make them ideal for apartment living. With proper care and attention, they can bring joy and companionship to any household. Just be prepared for some potential snoring!

Here's a quick overview of the breed:

• Affectionate and friendly
• Adaptable to apartment living
• Playful and intelligent
• Moderate exercise needs
• Prone to some health issues

5. Maltese

Maltese dogs are great for apartments! They're small, loving, and really do well in smaller spaces. Usually, they weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and stand about 8 to 10 inches tall. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them awesome pets, and they fit right into family life. Plus, they often live for around 12 to 15 years, so they're long-term buddies. If you're looking for extra tall dog gate, consider one that's easy for you to step over but secure enough to keep your Maltese safe.

Even though they're small, Maltese dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime are important, even if you don't have a ton of space. They can be a bit barky, but with good training and socializing early on, they can become well-behaved pets that get along with strangers and kids. Getting them used to new people and pets early is key to preventing anxiety.

Maltese dogs love attention and can get jealous if left alone too long. They need regular grooming to keep their coats looking good, so be ready for that commitment.

To keep their beautiful coats in top shape, regular grooming is a must. Maltese dogs have a single coat that needs brushing several times a week.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Size: Small (6-9 pounds)
• Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate
• Life Span: 12-15 years

Maltese dogs are known for their sweet nature. They love being the center of attention. They are also known to be brave. They bond closely with their families. This breed has been around for a long time, and they used to be companions to royalty. Today, they still love to be pampered and don't need a lot of room to run around. They are a popular small dog breed for a reason.

6. Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodles are a smart choice for apartment living. They're not too big, but they still have plenty of energy. I remember when my neighbor, Sarah, got a Miniature Poodle named Coco. Coco was always up for a game of fetch in the living room or a walk around the block. They're super adaptable and love being around their people.

They stand about 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. This size makes them easy to manage in smaller spaces. Plus, they're known for being intelligent and easy to train.

Miniature Poodles need both physical and mental stimulation. If they get bored, they might start chewing on things or barking more than usual. Regular walks, puzzle toys, and training sessions can help keep them happy and well-behaved. Their hypoallergenic coat is also a big plus for people with allergies.

I've heard from many owners that Miniature Poodles are great companions. They're playful, affectionate, and always up for an adventure, whether it's a trip to the park or just cuddling on the couch. They really do bring a lot of joy to any home.

Here's a quick look at what makes them great apartment dogs:

• Adaptable to small spaces
• Intelligent and trainable
• Hypoallergenic coat
• Playful and affectionate

7. Greyhound

Okay, so hear me out. Greyhounds? In an apartment? Seems crazy, right? Everyone thinks of them as these super speedy racing dogs, and they are the fastest dog in the world. But here's the thing: they're actually huge couch potatoes.

They love a good sprint, but mostly they just want to chill.

They don't need tons of exercise. A couple of 30-minute walks a day, plus a chance to run around in a fenced area now and then, is usually enough to keep them happy. If you're gone for long periods, they might get bored and destructive, so keep that in mind. But if you can give them the attention they need, they're surprisingly good apartment dogs.

Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, and clean. They don't bark much, and they're relatively low-shedding. Plus, they're super affectionate and love to cuddle. Just make sure you have a comfy couch for them to lounge on!

8. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas! These little guys are definitely characters. They're small, like really small, which makes them perfect for apartments. I mean, you could practically lose one under the couch. But don't let their size fool you; they've got big personalities.

They tend to bond super strongly with one person, which is sweet, but it can also mean they're a bit wary of strangers. And they can be barkers, so keep that in mind if you have thin walls. But overall, if you're looking for a tiny dog with a ton of attitude, a small dog breed like a Chihuahua might be your perfect match.

Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and can be quite protective of their owners. Early socialization is key to help them get along with other pets and people. Consistent training can also help manage their barking tendencies.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Size: Tiny (usually under 6 pounds)
• Energy Level: Surprisingly energetic
• Apartment Friendly: Yes, but be mindful of barking

9. Dachshund

Dachshunds, also affectionately known as wiener dogs, sausage dogs, or doxies, are instantly recognizable thanks to their long bodies and short legs. These little guys come in two sizes: standard and miniature. For apartment living, the miniature dachshund is often the better choice. They're sweet, playful, and can adapt well to smaller spaces.

While they're loving with their families, dachshunds can be a bit wary of strangers, so early socialization is key. They need about an hour of exercise each day, but it can be broken up into shorter walks and play sessions. This helps prevent boredom and anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behaviors. Durable chew toys are also a must to keep them entertained.

With consistent training, dachshunds can get along great with kids and other pets. However, they do have a high prey drive, so recall training is super important, especially if you have smaller animals around. Establishing a routine with both physical and mental stimulation will keep your apartment dogs happy and healthy.

Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues due to their unique build, so proactive care and regular vet check-ups are essential. This includes watching their weight to prevent back problems, which they are particularly susceptible to.

Here's a quick look at what you can expect:

• Size: Miniature (under 11 pounds), Standard (16-32 pounds)
• Life Span: 11-15 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, sometimes stubborn

10. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, often called "little lions" (that's what their name means in Mandarin!), are lively and affectionate toy dogs. They don't need a ton of space, making them great apartment dwellers. A few daily toy-chasing sessions usually keep them happy and healthy. They bond strongly with their families and adapt quickly to home life.

They usually weigh less than 15 pounds and stand 9 to 12 inches tall. Their playful and loving nature makes them great companions. However, Shih Tzus can be a bit vocal, so that's something to keep in mind.

Here's a quick look at what you can expect:

• Size: Small (9-12 inches, under 15 pounds)
• Energy Level: Moderate. They don't need huge amounts of exercise.
• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and generally easygoing.

Regular vet visits are important to watch out for potential health problems like dental issues. With proper care and attention, Shih Tzus can live long and happy lives. They bring a lot of joy and unconditional love to any home. If you're looking for dog proof gate, make sure it's tall enough, as these little guys can be surprisingly agile!

While they're generally hardy, it's worth noting a few potential health concerns:

• Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)
• Dental problems
• Eye issues (due to their facial structure)

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it. Picking a dog for a smaller place doesn't have to be a huge headache. It's really about finding a good fit for your life and your home. All the breeds we talked about can do great in an apartment or a smaller house, as long as they get enough attention and exercise. Remember, even a small dog needs walks and playtime. With a little planning, you can definitely find a furry friend who will be happy and healthy right there with you, no big yard needed.