25 Little Dogs That are a Perfect Fit for Apartment Living

Posted by Denette Wilford on February 14, 2019

Just because your living space is small, doesn't mean your dog has to be. That being said, if you're not keen on sharing your space with a pooch that takes up a ton of room and you'd rather look at smaller breeds, no one would blame you. Plus, these little fluffballs are impossible to resist.

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    Pug

    They're mischievous, loving couch potatoes, so you probably want a smaller space to contain and cuddle them in anyway. Monitor the treats, though. Their laziness makes them prone to obesity.

    These animal BFFs will make your day.
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    Toy Poodle

    They're smart, easy to train and while regular walks are definitely recommended, they will also tire easily after some apartment chasing and play.
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    Dachshund

    The shortest, cutest, most loyal guard dog you could ever ask for. Though they have little big dog syndrome and, sadly, their bark can be almost bigger than them. They're also easy to groom and the perfect combo of moderately active and relatively lazy, lending themselves well to apartment life.
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    Maltese

    No yard needed for this itty-bitty seven-pounder. And while a Maltese might require a couple walks a day, considering its size, you won't be out long. They're also super playful and don't shed a ton.

    Need some dog name inspiration? Here you go!
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    Chihuahua

    They're small, sweet, sassy and don't require a lot of exercise. Chihuahuas also love to be spoiled and lavished with attention; they're basically tiny children.
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    Papillon

    They're lovable, intelligent and don't require a ton of exercise. And the breed will never leave you alone again (sorry, even trips to the bathroom are no longer solo).

    Proof that dogs can be total divas.
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    Bichon Frise

    They're hypoallergenic, love just about everyone they encounter and their average weight is around the 15-pound mark so, while playful, won't hog all the covers at night.
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    Brussels Griffon

    They're lively, sturdy, affectionate and love to snuggle. So, if your apartment is small, just all the more reason to cuddle this little one.
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    Japanese Chin

    Japanese Chins are highly agile and cat-like, yet they make great indoor companions. The breed is great at adapting to any living situation, palatial or tiny.
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    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    These beauties enjoy a walk around the block, then a snuggle on your lap. They don't get bigger than 18 pounds, so ideal for a studio apartment.
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    Miniature Pinscher

    Min Pins are intelligent and take to training quite well, which means they can be left at home for long periods of time. They are moderately energetic, but a walk or a quick zip around the condo will tire them out and they'll want to curl up in a corner and snooze for eight hours. We should all be so lucky.
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    Shih Tzu

    The breed was originally bred to live inside Chinese palaces, but they don't know any better. Your little fluffball won't even notice how small the apartment is.

    You might also like these royal pets we can't get enough of.
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    Boston Terrier

    These little dogs are popular for a reason. Not only do they adapt extremely well to both active and less-active lifestyles, but they're quiet and hypoallergenic. They do have a lot of energy, so if you want them to expend it, they need a park or a long walk. But look at that face. Irresistible!
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    Coton de Tulear

    Cotons might love a game of fetch and their daily walks, but aside from that, they keep their exercise levels on low. Add in their small stature and easy maintenance coats and you've found the perfect apartment dog.
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    Basenji

    Basenjis have cat-like tendencies, so they like to groom themselves and they're quite quiet. They also don't shed a lot and are odourless, a huge plus for small spaces. The breed needs daily, vigorous exercise to avoid boredom, otherwise it can get a little mischievous.

    These dog breeds are most likely to run away. Consider yourselves warned!
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    Havanese

    If you want a dog for a shadow, then a Havanese is for you. They do enjoy long walks and you better enjoy grooming your dog. Their coats seem to attract dirt and leaves, so if you want to keep the outside from coming in to your condo, consider keeping the fur short.
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    French Bulldog

    All this little guy or gal needs is a brisk walk every day to keep them in sufficient shape. Bonus? They rarely bark so your neighbours might not even know you have a pooch.
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    Lowchen

    The toy breed is playful, yet low energy, gentle and affectionate and will cuddle you in your small space as long as you want it to.
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    Pekinese

    Because of their size and affectionate nature, the Pekinese make for great apartment pets. They will bark at strangers, though, so start the training early.

    Which pet is right for you? Take this quiz to find out!
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    Pomeranian

    These furry balls of cuteness are perfect for humans full of energy, yet are OK for those who spend time away from the apartment, too. They do require daily walks and consistent brushing and early training is a must for these barkers.
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    Yorkshire Terrier

    Yorkies may be small in stature, but they have big personalities. However, daily walks will expend that energy. They're also minimal shedders so you won't be spending too much time vacuuming your carpets and furniture.
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    Schipperke

    Schipperkes may be small, but they have big personalities. They take to training well and like to have a task. Combine that with their compact size and you'll see why they have great qualities for a small living space.

    These rare dog breeds are almost too cute to handle.
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    Chinese Crested

    Looks are deceiving: the Chinese Crested is a surprisingly laidback breed. And their energy matches their owner. That's right, the breed is happy to lay in bed for hours, an ideal roommate for the a low-maintenance apartment dweller.
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    Bulldog

    They may seem like muscular brutes that you wouldn't dream of putting in your worst enemy's china shop, but they are lazy as hell. A brisk stroll is all this one needs and then it's sleepy time.

    FYI, bulldogs are just one of the more expensive dog breeds you can own.
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    West Highland Terrier

    While their small size helps, the Westie is also smart and responsive so it can easily be trained for apartment living. They're also energetic (but not too energetic), versatile and adaptable. You're welcome.

    These pups may be small, but bigger golden retrievers are equally adorable.
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