You can still be a great dog parent if you don’t have access to a big backyard. The best thing about dogs is that there’s a breed for every type of living situation. Though a hyper German Shepherd might not work for your cozy condo, plenty of breeds make for great apartment dogs. 

Even if you live in a crowded city, adopting a dog can work out. The 2020 US Census reveals that more than 80% of Americans live in big cities and metropolitan areas, so you aren’t alone. All you need is a unit in dog-friendly apartments and an adaptable breed. We’re here to help with our list of the best apartment dogs. 

What characteristics do the best apartment dogs have in common?

Depending on your living situation, what qualifies as “good apartment dogs” varies from person to person. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your new city dog: 

• Size: Toy breeds tend to do better in small living spaces and usually have minimal exercise requirements. But large breeds can be great apartment dogs, too, so long as they get enough physical and mental stimulation. 

• Exercise Requirements: If you live in a densely populated area like New York City, walking your pup can be a challenge. Are you ready to be committed to a breed with high exercise requirements?

• Trainability: Good manners are a must for city dogs. Even if you live in dog-friendly apartments, nobody wants a pup who will bark all day or chew up rental furniture. Some breeds are easier to train than others. 

• Shedding Level: You might not mind a shedding dog, but it’s a different story if you have roommates. 
• Adaptability: If you are renting your current place, odds are you might have to move a few times throughout your dog’s life. Would the breed you want do well in a completely different living situation? 

Most city dwellers prefer small, low-energy breeds that can fit in their tote bag and accompany them on errands. Some people prefer a large breed that encourages them to get active and out of the house for walks. Take time to reflect on which breed would be a good fit for your lifestyle. 

Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Maltese

Height: 7-9 inches

Weight: 7 pounds or less

Exercise Requirements: Low

Shedding Level: Little to no shedding 

Trainability: 3/5 

At a fully-grown weight of 7 pounds or less, Maltese can thrive in small living spaces. Their little legs don’t require a big backyard to get their daily step count. These pups love following their humans around, whether it’s around the apartment or accompanying them on errands. 

Maltese dogs are also adaptable and relatively quiet compared to most toy breeds. They aren’t the type to yap all day long and upset your neighbors. Attention, cuddles, and playfulness are the only things Maltese need to be the best apartment dogs. 

Basset Hound

Height: Up to 15 inches

Weight: 40-60 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low

Shedding Level: Low

Trainability: 3/5

Looking for a lovably lazy breed? A Basset Hound might be right up your alley. Though they’re larger than most city dogs, Basset Hounds are very low-energy and consider the jump from the floor to the couch as their main form of exercise. 

Basset Hounds are some of the best apartment dogs that don’t fall into the small breed category. One of our favorite things about Bassets is their sweet demeanor. These pups may sound an occasional deep howl, but they are quiet and reserved most of the time. 

Pug

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low

Shedding Level: Medium

Trainability: 4/5

Pugs are another lovably lazy breed that makes for great apartment dogs. These short-nosed pups have a little more energy that can easily be burned out with a game of fetch. One benefit to this breed is their eagerness to please their humans. It makes these pups easier to train and more enjoyable to take on outings. 

Just beware of this Pug’s love of food. Little exercise and lots of food is a bad combo that can result in dog obesity. If you have a food-motivated Pug, use low-calorie treats as a reward for training sessions. 

Greyhound

Height: 27-30 inches

Weight: 60-70 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Medium

Shedding Level: Low to medium

Trainability: 3/5

Does the fastest breed really make for the best apartment dogs? It’s true–Greyhounds are fantastic city dogs that can laze about on the couch all day or do sprints around the park. These pups are quiet, well-tempered, and easy to keep clean. 

If you can’t keep up with daily walks, a Greyhound may not be for you. The mental and physical stimulation of exercise is what helps them stay so laid-back. Greyhounds that don’t get enough exercise can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors. 

French Bulldog

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: Under 28 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low

Shedding Level: Low

Trainability: 4/5

French Bulldogs (or Frenchies) are a classic pick for the best apartment dogs—and for good reason. These compact pups are low-energy, love attention, and don’t require long walks to stay happy. With their charming personalities and minimal shedding, French Bulldogs are a great fit for pet lovers in need of a city dog. 

The quiet nature of French Bulldogs is another plus. Unlike more vocal breeds, Frenchies rarely bark without reason, which makes them ideal for apartment buildings with thin walls. So long as you don’t mind their snoring, Frenchies are great companions for city dwellers.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low to Medium

Shedding Level: Low

Trainability: 4/5

Elegant, affectionate, and easygoing, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers. They’re small enough to feel comfortable in tight living spaces but confident enough to join you for walks and outings. 

This breed thrives on companionship and prefers not to be left alone for long periods of time. If you work from home or have a flexible schedule, a Cavalier is perfect for you. These pups tend to be friendly with neighbors, gentle with kids, and social with other dogs, making them perfect for metro environments. 

Shih Tzu

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low

Shedding Level: Low

Trainability: 4/5

Originally bred to live in palaces, Shih Tzus are bred for indoor living. These affectionate dogs love lounging in air-conditioned apartments and being pampered by their humans. With a lovey-dovey nature and low exercise requirements, Shih Tzus are happy to camp out in the apartment all day. 

Though their long coats may seem high-maintenance, these pups don’t shed much. Just be sure to brush them regularly and clean their eye gunk to help them look and feel their best. 

Havanese

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Exercise Requirements: Low to medium

Shedding Level: Low

Trainability: 4/5

Why are Havanese great apartment dogs? It’s simple–these pups are friendly, fluffy, and full of charm. Havanese were originally bred as a lap dog for the Cuban aristocracy, which means lounging is in their DNA. Their small size and gentle temperament make them a great choice for dog-friendly apartment dwellers. 

Havanese are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze. They also tend to be quiet, which is a big win in close quarters. Though they enjoy playtime and short walks, intense daily exercise is unnecessary. Their long, silky coat does require regular grooming, but in return, you get a hypoallergenic pup who loves to snuggle.

Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy City Dogs

No matter what breed you choose, there are a few hacks to make apartment living easier for you and your furry friend. Here are a few tips for sharing a space with even the best apartment dogs:

Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, so establish one as soon as you bring your pup home. Regular meals, walks, and playtime can help reduce anxiety and destructive behavior. 

Prioritize Mental Stimulation

In a smaller home, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, training games, and scent work are great ways to keep your city dog stimulated. 

Respect Your Neighbors & Roommates

Even well-behaved breeds bark sometimes. Help your dog feel secure and limit unnecessary barking by making your apartment a calm, cozy environment. Socialization and training can also help prevent fear-based barking.

Make the Most of Your Walks

For good apartment dogs, walks are more than potty breaks—they’re their main source of stimulation. Let your dog sniff, explore, and take their time. Bonus points if you can visit a nearby park or socialize with other pups.

Why City Dogs Thrive on Sundays Dog Food

Finding the right doggy diet is just as important as picking the right breed, especially if you live in the city. There’s limited space, less time outdoors, and a faster-paced lifestyle that leaves less time for you to test out different dog foods. That’s where Sundays for Dogs comes in. 

Sundays is 100% human-grade dog food with a clean list of ingredients. Each recipe is packed with real meat, fruit, veggies, and whole grains. We leave out the synthetic ingredients and artificial flavoring since they offer zero benefit to your pup. 

City dwellers love Sundays because it’s slowly air-dried. That means it’s shelf-stable and ready to serve–zero prep required. If you have limited storage and little time to cook homemade dog food, Sundays is the easiest way to feed your pup healthy whole foods. 

No more lugging heavy bags of kibble up four flights of stairs! Sundays delivers directly to your door (or doorman if you live in a high-rise). With our customized subscription plan, you’ll get automatic deliveries before your pup runs out of food. 

Try Sundays for Dogs and get a personalized meal plan built just for your pup. Our subscribers automatically save 20% on every order and get free shipping with each delivery.