What Dogs Are Good For Apartments?

Many breeds — large and small — can thrive in apartments as long as their needs for exercise, companionship, and quiet time are met. As more renters become dog owners (40% of renter households in 2025 versus 31% in 2019), the need for dog-friendly apartments is growing. The size of your apartment and your daily schedule will likely impact which dog breed is best for you. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose a dog that fits your living situation and lifestyle, plus share some of the best apartment-friendly breeds to help you start your search.

How to choose the best dog for an apartment

To find the best dog for apartment living, consider the following:

• Your apartment: Does your building have dog restrictions or rules? Is the size of your space and the floor you live on going to limit the types of dogs that work best for you?
• Your lifestyle: How much time are you willing to commit for routine care? Do you want a dog with a temperament that will mesh well with your personality?
• Your preferences: Are you comfortable caring for a large dog? Do you mind dogs that shed or require grooming?

Consider your apartment

Building rules

Before you fall in love with a breed, check your apartment’s pet policy. Many pet-friendly apartment buildings have weight limits (often under 40 pounds) or prohibit certain breeds altogether. Make sure your lease allows your preferred breed before committing. Be mindful of the additional fees associated with a pet, too. Sometimes, pet deposits and fees vary based on the dog’s breed and size.

Noise levels

Apartments are typically multi-level and share walls with multiple neighbors. Consider the amount of noise that will carry when your dog barks, jumps, or runs around. Smaller dogs may walk more quietly but bark more. Larger dog breeds, like Basenjis or French Bulldogs, are generally low-volume companions but may have a heavy step.

Apartment size

The size of your apartment may impact the dog you choose. Large dogs need room to stretch out, which may make them better suited for larger apartments. Smaller dogs usually don’t require much indoor space, which may make them a good option for studio or 1-bedroom apartments.

Floor level

Do you live on the first floor of the building, somewhere in between, or at the top? A larger dog that needs room to run around may not be an issue if you live on the first floor, but it may quickly turn into countless noise complaints if you have neighbors below your unit.

Be realistic about your lifestyle

Time commitment

Dogs thrive on attention and consistency. Consider your work schedule, social life, and travel habits. Puppies and high-energy breeds need several hours of daily engagement, while mature or low-energy dogs can adapt to longer stretches alone.

Exercise needs

Every dog needs movement. Even lower-energy breeds benefit from daily walks and play sessions. If you’re drawn to active breeds, make sure you can commit to longer walks, runs, or trips to the dog park.

Ideal temperament

When it comes to apartment living, temperament often matters more than size. Dogs that are calm, quiet, and easy to train tend to handle confined spaces better than those that are high-strung or overly vocal. Think about your own energy level, too — a relaxed owner and a relaxed dog make the best match.

• Calm, mellow dogs: Greyhounds and Basset Hounds are often described as couch potatoes — content with a soft bed and a daily walk.
• Active, social dogs: Breeds like the Bichon Frise or American Eskimo are great for active owners but need consistent physical and mental stimulation.
• Companion-focused dogs: Pugs and Shih Tzus love human company and adapt easily to small spaces when given attention and short outings.

Think of practical factors

Dog size

Small breeds like Shih Tzus and Pugs often adapt well to smaller spaces, but still need daily walks and playtime to stay balanced. Gentle, low-energy large breeds — like Greyhounds — can also settle comfortably in a small apartment with enough daily walks, but may benefit from having extra room to stretch out.

Shedding and grooming

Some breeds, like Shih Tzus and Poodles, have hair that requires regular grooming but minimal shedding, which can be great for shared spaces. Others, like Golden Retrievers or Basset Hounds, shed more and may need extra vacuuming in tight quarters.

Health considerations

Be aware of breed-specific health issues that might affect apartment living. For example, large breeds like Great Danes can develop joint issues that make stairs difficult, while short-snouted dogs (like Bulldogs or Pugs) may struggle in warm or poorly ventilated spaces.

Best dogs for apartment living

There’s no single “best” apartment dog — many breeds and mixed-breed dogs can adapt beautifully to small spaces when their exercise, companionship, and training needs are met. Rather than focusing on size alone, think about temperament, noise levels, energy, and grooming needs.

Here are a few general categories of dogs that commonly thrive in apartment settings, along with illustrative examples you can use as a starting point for your research:

Low-energy or laid-back dogs

Ideal for renters who prefer a calm home environment or have predictable routines. Examples often include breeds like Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, or Bulldogs, which are typically content with daily walks and plenty of rest.

Small companion breeds

Many smaller breeds were developed specifically to live closely with their owners and adapt well to modest spaces. Examples include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pugs, or Havanese — generally affectionate, people-oriented, and suited to apartment life with regular outings.

Low-shedding or hypoallergenic breeds

A helpful choice for shared spaces where shedding, odors, or allergens may be a concern. Examples include Poodles, Bichon Frises, or Bedlington Terriers, which typically shed less but may require routine grooming.

Quiet or lower-barking breeds

In buildings with shared walls or strict noise rules, quieter dogs may be a better match. Breeds like Basenjis, French Bulldogs, or some Greyhounds are often known for being less vocal than average.

Mixed-breed dogs

Don’t overlook your local shelters or rescue groups. Mixed-breed dogs often have balanced temperaments, varied energy levels, and fewer breed-specific health concerns. Adoption counselors can help you choose a dog whose personality fits your lifestyle and living space.

If you’d like to compare breed traits such as activity level, grooming needs, barking tendencies, or size, you can explore the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) breed comparison tool, which allows you to review multiple breeds side by side.

Which dog breed should I choose for my apartment?

When deciding among these breeds, think about your daily rhythms and priorities. There’s no single “best” apartment dog, just the right fit for your apartment building, habits, and lifestyle. Visit shelters, talk to breeders, or use the AKC comparison tool to help you make a thoughtful, long-term choice.

Whatever dog breed you choose, make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. Renters insurance can help cover certain pet-related liability, such as injuries your pet causes to others. Pair your coverage with a separate pet insurance policy to take care of all your pet’s health care needs.