Most owners will know how hard it can be when choosing the perfect dog breed as there are countless cute breeds of dogs. However, choosing the best dog breeds for apartments can be made easy with the right information. When choosing a good apartment dog, there is much more to consider than simply browsing the smallest dog breeds. Dog shedding, barking and energy requirements are critical factors to look over before you commit.

The Affenpinscher is a feisty smart breed full of character and energy. They are an ideal dog for apartment living, although there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Lucky for apartment goers, this breed isn’t suited for life in the backyard. The American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent dog breed that thrives in family activities – great with kids! To ensure your Eskie lives a happy and healthy life, follow these recommendations:

The American Hairless is a through and through house pet, coming in both coated and hairless varieties. Protective of their pack leaders, this small dog breed makes for a great watchdog. Both types of breed barely shed, so a once-a-week light brush is plenty! The AHT needs exposure to people and dogs between 7 weeks and 4 months to grow into a good apartment dog. Puppy school is a great choice. Daily walks with some extra play inside is enough exercise for this small breed.

If your apartment is upbeat and active, the Australian Terrier is the perfect clown-like dog for you. Nicknamed the ‘bossy’, this cute breed of dog is happiest when part of family life. The bossy has such respect and attachment for its human, it will match their moods. To keep your Aussie Terrier from chewing and ripping your apartment to pieces, exercise several times a day and never, ever, let him get bored. Dog and child friendly, but not guaranteed – ensure supervision. If you’re the proactive type, the bossy is an entertaining and fun dog for your apartment.

Born a true swimmer, the barbet is a joyful, responsive and agreeable cute dog breed. Apartment goers can expect a mix of lounging around and fun puzzling indoor games. Additionally, several walks a day will keep the barbet happy. The Barbet doesn’t shed much, but occasional grooming will keep this small dog breed happy. For more details on grooming, view here. Calm natures and easy living, the Barbet can be up with the best dog breeds for apartments.

The Basenji, an extremely unique breed for devoted owners. I only recommend you get a Basenji if you meet the following:

No matter your household type – small or large, the Basset is a good apartment dog if none of your troops have allergies. Friendly and active, take them for an hour walk daily with some extra games in the mix. Their small size makes them some of the best dog breeds for apartments. If your apartment is the warmer type, cut their hair accordingly.

If you’re after a laid back family friend that is kid-friendly, look no further than the Basset Hound. This cute dog breed is relatively easy to take care of and is somewhat lazy so grab a The IKEA SPANST Collection is Every Guy’s Dream Space. One thing to consider is their potential to drool. This good apartment dog has great endurance, so long walks once a day is enough exercise. They’re a big dog on little legs and can be quite heavy to carry – food for thought if you have stairs.

The next best thing from a pet lamb is the Bedlington Terrier. Obvious from its appearance, the lamblike dog breed is the centre of attention in your household. Also, relative if you’re a one-man-band. This dog is a small to medium apartment dog and can create some household maintenance. Keys to making a smooth upbringing in your apartment include:

Often mistaken as a Poodle, the Bichon Frise is a great family dog recommended for those with allergies. As a small dog breed, they make good apartment dogs and get along with additional animals and people. The BF gets sensitive when left alone, so only consider this breed if you have time for daily walks, indoor games and family activities.

If playful, energetic and fun is you, look into the Biewer Terrier. Pronounced ‘beaver’, this cute breed of dogs are suited to those without backyards – great for apartments! They’re also highly adaptable to most living situations benefiting those who apartment hop. This breed is quite yappy at times, especially with strangers lurking about. Socialisation in puppy-hood can help.

The Bolognese is one for the consistent and patient type. A true companion dog and family lover, but also manipulative. Your apartment may be off to a messy start as housetraining is difficult, however, stick to your guns and you’ll have a best buddy for life.

If you’re an active family, you’ll love the Border Terrier. Born with a powerful drive to dig and hunt, this small breed of dogs are determined, energetic, friendly and loving. Make sure to spend as much time together as they revert to destructive and noisy behaviours when left alone.

The Boston Terrier is a spunky breed of dog that is gentle and affectionate. Small in size, they make good apartment dogs for children and the elderly. They have a tendency to overheat, so ensure they’re kept indoors in temperate climates.

A lively and affectionate breed, the Brussels Griffon is a good active apartment dog with a great sense of humour. Sensitive and high-strung, you’ll find the Griffons tend to bond closely with one member. They usually get along with other pets but can become fear biters if trained roughly.

The Bulldog is one of the more popular dog breeds for apartments. This breed suits the easy-going family with young kids. Brief walks and a nap in their master’s lap is this breeds speed. However, monitor their food intake as they can be lazy and become overweight.

A sensible & friendly breed the Cairn Terrier needs to be with his family, ranking as one of the best dog breeds for apartments. Curious and quick to learn, this cute breed of dogs need to know who’s the leader, or will take lead! This pet is for anyone who wants an alert and independent dog with a take-charge persona on life.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is more or less a watchdog with a friendly expression. Perfect for those with potential unwanted strangers around your space. Consider the following:

An athletic breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be some of the best apartment dogs. They’re very attached to their people, so much you may find them following you everywhere! This cute breed of dog is eager to meet everybody – great for popular apartments. This one is for the hikers, runners, beachgoers and dog sport enthusiasts.

The Cesky Terrier is a great apartment dog to add to your family. Expect weekly brushing and clipping every six to eight weeks. A successful therapy dog, the Cesky only needs moderate amounts of exercise.

Larger-than-life, the Chihuahua loves nothing more than being with people. One of the smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua is amongst the top ten watchdogs recommended by experts. Set aside 20-30 minutes of exercise each day for this curious explorer. A good apartment dog and wonderful travel companion, the Chihuahua can’t be left unattended.

If you’re after a quiet apartment dog, the Chinese Crested is not for you. Destructive and noisy behaviours are a result of separation anxiety – be sure to spend lots of time with this breed. Highly intelligent, the Chinese Crested can almost read your mind and is likely to lay in your bed for hours. Unless trained from a young age, this wonderful family dog is likely to bite strangers.

Trustworthy, gentle and loving, the Cocker Spaniel loves to please his humans. Their small size makes them good apartment dogs with children, pets and the elderly. An excellent therapy dog, quiet commands are recommended to control their barking habits.

An exceptional apartment dog, the Frenchie loves to play as much as relaxing on the sofa. His focus is on being a fantastic family friend, thriving on human contact. Owners of the French Bulldog need to be consistent, firm and patient with a creative flair in training, otherwise, he will get bored.

Bred to be a human companion, this small dog breed is best suited to retiree’s, empty nesters or the worker from home. Always ready for a good time, the Coton De Tulear is a flexible traveller and will adapt to your needs. He is great for walks, and inside games will easily satisfy his exercise needs.

An excellent family companion, the Dachshund has been close to the top of the most popular dogs since the ’50s. Their small size and ease of care make them some of the best dogs for apartment living. Active indoors and out, this cute dog breed loves to be close with his humans.

The Havanese is one to stick close to his owner’s side, hence the nickname ‘velcro dog’. Super affectionate towards dogs, strangers, cats and children, the velcro dog is a good addition to the family. A 100% house dog, they adapt well in apartments. Versatile and wonderful, they do best if someone’s home during the day to keep company.

One would think the Greyhounds favourite task is running when really, all they love to do is sleep. With many royal fans, this good apartment dog is friendly towards people and dogs. They are obviously great jogging/running partners, but are also satisfied with walks. Ensure your greyhound gets socialisation to bring out their sweet, mild nature.

Small breeds of dog like the Japanese Chin are not suited to outdoor living and fenced yards, making them good apartment dogs. A cat-like nature defines this breed’s desire to climb things and get high up in his living space. With all the qualities of a companion dog, the Japanese Chin benefits those who cannot get around easily and families with older children. Intelligent and well-mannered, he enjoys a daily walk or play-session.

If you’re after a loyal family companion, the Lhasa Apso is a great choice. Although not entirely a kid dog, the mischievous and sturdy small dog breed enjoys sharing life with family. To ensure a successful addition to your family you must think carefully about:

Considered one of the toy dog breeds, the Lowchen is playful, gentle, robust and energetic – perfect for adults and kids alike. This breed is easy going, getting along with most pets and fitting into any apartment with dogs. Small breeds of dogs with big personalities like the Lowchen strive when with their people. Allow 20 minutes a day to exercise this breed with emphasis on quiet command training.

Gentle and fearless, the Maltese is devoted to his people. So much they require a lot of human attention. Quick learners when rewarded for their efforts, this cute breed of dog excels as a companion and therapy dog. I do not recommend this dog for:

A lover of long walks, the Manchester Terrier is a terrific watchdog. Loyal, hearty and eager to learn, try to avoid separation anxiety. This will lead to noisy behaviours in a breed that is already known to be vocal. Exercise and training are great prevention tools! As the Manchester Terrier is sensitive, they’re unsuitable for children families.

A skilled escape artist and dynamite personality bring a new meaning to independence – this breed is his own dog. Fearless and energetic, the Miniature Pinscher can be quite the handful. Qualities of a strong pack leader, correct training and handling will prevent this small breed of dog from becoming a tyrant in your apartment. Not a good choice for first-time owners.

If you’re willing to make room for a truly individual personality, the Pekingese may be for you. Well aware of his ancestral royalty he will greet you with dignity and pride, demanding that respect in turn. Very loving and affectionate with their family, this small dog breed likes to think they’re in charge of everything. A self-important attitude can make training difficult – don’t be harsh. For the right owners, they make some of the best dogs for apartment living.

Cute breeds of dogs like the Pomeranian have much more to offer than their fluffy appearance. Compact and active, this breed is a loyal family friend best suited to the elder or busy owner. They enjoy long walks, meeting people and sightseeing.

Keen intelligence and a proud nature give the Poodle great people skills. Elegant and clever, active owners best suit the needs of this small dog breed. Be careful not to spoil or undertrain, this will allow them to think they’re alpha.

A clown at heart, Pugs are amongst the best dog breeds for apartments due to size, sense of humour, exercise needs and watchdog potential. Thriving on human companionship, the Pug loves to be centre of attention and is heartsick if otherwise. If you’re into pug-parades, pug dress ups and pug get-togethers, you’ve found the best apartment dog.

If your apartment complex has strict noise rules, maybe wise to consider another breed. Nicknamed the LBD, (little black devil) the Schipperke is a patrol dog destroying mice and other vermin in his way. Easily lead to trouble by his curiosity, this breed of dogs do well when given a job to do. If well trained and attended to, he’ll be forever well-behaved. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day to burn off excess energy.

If socialised well and not harshly treated, the Shiba Inu is a good family dog with a spirited personality. Keeping them in a fenced and enclosed area is essential – good apartment dogs. Bold and fiery, this breed is generally suspicious on strangers and loves a chase – ensure you have a durable dog leash! Training should start early to develop proper canine manners. First-time owners may get frustrated with this breed. Work with a trainer who understands this breed for best results.

Size, personality, adaptability and friendliness make the Shih Tzu the best dog breeds for apartments. Whether you’re in the city or suburbs, this small dog breed will join you for couch cuddles every time. If you have children and pets, do not worry! This breed is outgoing and loves a meet and greet with friends and strangers.

Small breeds of dogs like the Silky Terrier can add a lot of love and spice for the right owner. They’re happiest when they can spend all day in your company. This breed is a terrier, however, and terrier traits must be considered:

The Toy Fox Terrier is a loyal and loving dog breed ready to amuse its family. As devoted companions, they’re extremely protective of their humans. If you need someone to cuddle and binge-watch Netflix, this breed is for you. A good apartment dog is a house-trained dog, and the Toy Fox Terrier house trains really well.

If you’re a dog-orientated family, the Yorkshire terrier will do well in your care. Lots of attention is needed with this feisty yet loving breed. They do well in apartments, just make sure to get out for some exercise each day. They can be aggressive with strangers and dogs so make sure to socialise and train them from a young.