Best Dog Breeds for Apartments

Guide overview

Browse dog breeds that may fit apartment life better, with attention to size, barking, and exercise needs.

These breeds are generally easier to picture in apartment life because of their size, noise level, or exercise profile.

Who this guide helps

Use this page when these are the tradeoffs you care about most.

What to compare before you choose

• Apartment-friendly often comes down to manageability, noise, and how easy the dog is to settle indoors after exercise.
• A small dog is not automatically easier in an apartment if it barks often or becomes restless without enough stimulation.
• Focus on temperament, routine, and daily livability more than size alone when comparing these breeds.

Featured breeds

English Bulldog

Non-Sporting • England • Medium size

40–55 lbs • 8–10 years

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting • France • Small size

20–28 lbs • 10–12 years

Whippet

Hound • England • Medium size

25–40 lbs • 12–15 years

Peruvian Inca Orchid

non-sporting • Peru • Medium size

8–55 lbs • 12–14 years

Shar Pei

Non-Sporting • China • Medium size

45–60 lbs • 8–12 years

Chow Chow

non-sporting • China • Medium size

45–70 lbs • 8–12 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

toy • England • Small size

13–18 lbs • 9–14 years

Cavapoo

designer • Australia • Small size

12–25 lbs • 12–15 years

Cockapoo

designer • United States • Small size

12–24 lbs • 14–18 years

Boston Terrier

Non-Sporting • United States • Small size

12–25 lbs • 11–13 years

Pug

Toy • China • Small size

14–18 lbs • 12–15 years

Shih-tzu

Toy • Tibet • Small size

9–16 lbs • 10–16 years

Sussex Spaniel

sporting • England • Medium size

35–45 lbs • 12–15 years

Dandie Dinmont

terrier • Scotland • Small size

18–24 lbs • 12–15 years

Glen of Imaal Terrier

terrier • Ireland • Medium size

32–40 lbs • 10–15 years

Thai Ridgeback

hound • Thailand • Medium size

35–75 lbs • 12–13 years

Xoloitzcuintli

non-sporting • Mexico • Medium size

10–50 lbs • 13–18 years

Skye Terrier

terrier • Scotland • Small size

25–40 lbs • 12–14 years

References

Reference links below include the breed pages featured here, along with kennel-club directories and standards where available.

1. American Kennel Club breed directory
   American Kennel Club
2. Royal Kennel Club breeds A-Z
   The Royal Kennel Club
3. Royal Kennel Club breed standards
   The Royal Kennel Club
4. English Bulldog — American Kennel Club breed profile
   American Kennel Club
5. English Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
   The Royal Kennel Club
6. English Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
   The Royal Kennel Club
7. French Bulldog — American Kennel Club breed profile
   American Kennel Club
8. French Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
   The Royal Kennel Club
9. French Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
   The Royal Kennel Club
10. Whippet — American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club
11. Whippet — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
    The Royal Kennel Club
12. Whippet — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
    The Royal Kennel Club
13. Peruvian Inca Orchid — American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club

Frequently asked questions