25 Best Apartment Dog Breeds (Vet-Reviewed List)

Get it right, and you’ll have a calm, happy companion who never bothers the neighbors. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at nonstop barking, destroyed furniture, and noise complaints from downstairs.

We reviewed dozens of breed guides, vet resources, and real apartment-owner experiences to build this list of the best apartment dog breeds for every lifestyle, whether you want a tiny lap dog, a hypoallergenic companion, or a surprisingly chill large breed that folds up small on your couch.

Every entry below includes shedding, barking, and energy levels so you can compare at a glance.

What Makes a Dog Breed Good for Apartment Living?

Before jumping into the list of the best apartment dog breeds, it helps to understand what actually matters. Contrary to popular belief, size is not the deciding factor.

A 60-pound Greyhound that sleeps 20 hours a day can be a far better apartment dog than a 6-pound terrier that barks at every footstep in the hallway. Here’s what really determines whether a breed will thrive in a small space:

• Energy level: Low- to moderate-energy dogs adjust faster to apartment life than high-drive working or herding breeds.
• Barking tendency: Quiet breeds keep neighbor relationships (and lease renewals) intact.
• Shedding and grooming needs: Low-shedding breeds mean less cleanup in tight spaces.
• Trainability: Easy-to-train dogs adapt faster to elevators, hallways, and shared walls.
• Separation tolerance: Dogs that handle alone time well are better suited to apartment schedules.

Keep these five factors in mind as you go through this list of the best apartment dog breeds — they matter more than square footage ever will.

Best Small Apartment Dog Breeds

Small breeds are the most popular pick among the best apartment dog breeds, and for good reason: they take up less floor space, eat less, and are easier to carry through crowded lobbies.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs top nearly every list of the best apartment dog breeds because they are small, calm, and rarely bark. A 20–30 minute walk is usually enough exercise for the day. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: low-moderate.

Bichon Frise

Cheerful, hypoallergenic, and eager to please, the Bichon Frise is a longtime favorite among the best apartment dog breeds for families and first-time owners alike. Shedding: very low. Barking: low-moderate. Energy: moderate.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate and gentle, Cavaliers bond deeply with their owners and adapt well to small spaces, though they can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. Shedding: moderate. Barking: moderate. Energy: moderate.

Shih Tzu

Bred as a royal lap dog, the Shih Tzu is happiest curled up indoors and needs minimal outdoor exercise, making it one of the best apartment dog breeds for people who work from home. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: low.

Maltese

Tiny, affectionate, and hypoallergenic, the Maltese thrives in small spaces and bonds closely with its family. Shedding: very low. Barking: low-moderate. Energy: low-moderate.

Havanese

Playful but not overly active, the Havanese is quiet, easy to train, and does best with plenty of companionship rather than long hours alone. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: moderate.

Boston Terrier

Compact and even-tempered, Boston Terriers can meet most of their exercise needs indoors and rarely bark excessively. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: moderate.

Pug

Pugs are affectionate, low-exercise companions that love lounging, making them a classic entry among the best apartment dog breeds for laid-back households. Shedding: moderate-high. Barking: low. Energy: low.

Yorkshire Terrier

Toy-sized and hypoallergenic, Yorkies need only short daily walks but do require consistent training to prevent excess barking. Shedding: very low. Barking: moderate. Energy: moderate.

Chihuahua

The world’s smallest breed needs almost no exercise and adapts easily to apartment square footage, though early training helps curb yappy tendencies. Shedding: low-moderate. Barking: moderate-high. Energy: low-moderate.

Toy Poodle

Highly intelligent and hypoallergenic, the Toy Poodle is one of the easiest small breeds to train, which makes hallway manners and quiet behavior simple to teach. Shedding: very low. Barking: low-moderate. Energy: moderate.

Papillon

Despite their delicate look, Papillons are sturdy, smart, and adaptable, needing only moderate daily activity to stay content indoors. Shedding: moderate. Barking: moderate. Energy: moderate.

Best Medium and Large Apartment Dog Breeds (Yes, They Exist)

Not every entry on a list of the best apartment dog breeds has to be tiny. Several medium and large breeds are actually calmer indoors than their small counterparts.

Greyhound

Often called “45-mph couch potatoes,” Greyhounds have low indoor energy and are famously quiet, making them a surprising standout among the best apartment dog breeds for people who want a bigger dog without the chaos. Shedding: low. Barking: very low. Energy: low (after a daily sprint).

English Bulldog

Slow-moving and low-energy, English Bulldogs are content with short walks and long naps, though they need climate-controlled spaces due to breathing sensitivity. Shedding: moderate. Barking: low. Energy: low.

Basset Hound

Easygoing and low-energy, Basset Hounds are happy sprawled on the floor, though their deep bay can occasionally be an issue for thin walls. Shedding: moderate. Barking: moderate. Energy: low.

Cavalier-sized Corgi

Corgis are moderately active but compact enough for apartment life, provided their herding instincts are channeled through daily walks and play. Shedding: high. Barking: moderate. Energy: moderate-high.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Surprisingly calm indoors for their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants who do well in larger apartments with owners who can manage their exercise and grooming needs. Shedding: high. Barking: low. Energy: moderate.

Great Dane

Nicknamed the “gentle giant,” the Great Dane is surprisingly low-energy indoors and often prefers lounging over roaming, as long as daily walks are provided. Shedding: moderate. Barking: low. Energy: low-moderate.

Best Hypoallergenic Apartment Dog Breeds

If allergies are a concern, these are widely considered the best apartment dog breeds for sensitive households:

Standard or Miniature Poodle

Poodles shed minimally and are among the most trainable breeds, making them ideal for shared walls and allergy-prone roommates. Shedding: very low. Barking: low-moderate. Energy: moderate-high.

Portuguese Water Dog

Low-shedding and intelligent, the Portuguese Water Dog needs regular mental and physical activity but produces very little dander. Shedding: very low. Barking: moderate. Energy: high.

 Schnauzer (Miniature)

Wiry-coated and low-shedding, Miniature Schnauzers are alert watchdogs that do well in apartments with consistent training. Shedding: low. Barking: moderate-high. Energy: moderate.

Quietest Apartment Dog Breeds (Neighbor-Approved)

Basenji

Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji doesn’t bark at all, though it does make other vocalizations. It’s an excellent pick if noise complaints are your biggest concern. Shedding: low. Barking: none (unique yodel-like sound). Energy: moderate-high.

Chinese Crested

Quiet, affectionate, and low-shedding, the Chinese Crested prefers to stay close to its owner rather than bark at passersby. Shedding: very low. Barking: low. Energy: low-moderate.

Italian Greyhound

A miniature version of the classic sighthound, the Italian Greyhound is quiet, low-shedding, and needs only moderate exercise. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: moderate.

Whippet

Gentle and calm indoors despite their racing speed outdoors, Whippets round out our list of the best apartment dog breeds for owners who want a quiet, athletic companion. Shedding: low. Barking: low. Energy: moderate (with a need for a daily sprint).

Quick Comparison Table: Best Apartment Dog Breeds at a Glance

Dog Breeds to Avoid in Apartments

Just as important as knowing the best apartment dog breeds is knowing which ones to avoid unless you can meet their needs.

High-energy working and herding breeds like Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and German Shepherds often struggle without hours of daily exercise and large open spaces.

Without it, they can become destructive, restless, or excessively vocal, which is a fast track to noise complaints and chewed-up furniture.

Tips for Raising a Dog Successfully in an Apartment

• Prioritize daily walks: Even the calmest of the best apartment dog breeds need at least one to two walks a day for physical and mental health.
• Invest in early training: Crate training and bark control make a huge difference in shared-wall living.
• Use enrichment toys: Puzzle feeders and chew toys reduce boredom-driven destruction.
• Check building pet policies: Confirm weight limits and breed restrictions before choosing your dog.
• Socialize early: Frequent exposure to elevators, hallways, and neighbors builds a calm, confident dog.

Final Thoughts

There is no universal answer to which breed is “the one”; the best apartment dog breeds ultimately depend on your energy level, allergy needs, and tolerance for barking.

Small, low-energy breeds like the French Bulldog and Bichon Frise are safe bets for beginners, while calm large breeds like Greyhounds and Great Danes prove that size alone should never rule out a breed.

Whichever you choose from this list of the best apartment dog breeds, matching temperament and energy to your lifestyle is the real key to a happy home for both of you.

FAQs

1. What is the number one best apartment dog breed?

There’s no single breed that fits every household, but the French Bulldog is consistently ranked among the best apartment dog breeds thanks to its small size, low exercise needs, and quiet temperament.

2. Can big dogs live in apartments?

Yes. Energy level and temperament matter more than size. Calm large breeds such as Greyhounds and Great Danes often make better apartment dogs than small, high-energy breeds.

3. What are the quietest apartment dog breeds?

Basenjis, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes rank among the quietest apartment dog breeds, rarely barking unless startled or bored.

4. Which apartment dog breeds are best for allergy sufferers?

Poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dogs are widely considered the best hypoallergenic apartment dog breeds due to minimal shedding and dander.

5. How much space does a dog actually need in an apartment?

Most dogs need enough room to stand, turn, and stretch, plus regular walks outside. Daily exercise and mental stimulation matter far more than square footage.

6. Are puppies harder to raise in an apartment than adult dogs?

Generally yes. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks and closer supervision, which can be more demanding in multi-floor buildings without direct yard access.

7. What dog breeds should I avoid in an apartment?

High-energy working and herding breeds, such as Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherds, are best avoided unless you can commit to intense daily exercise.