The 10 best dog breeds for small spaces

Apartment-loving pooches

Want a dog but not sure how to make it work in your small space? There are plenty of breeds of pups who don’t need a mansion to feel at home. These pups are masters of indoor fun, turning your living room into their own play paradise. No need to worry about long walks in the rain – they’re cool with quick potty breaks and indoor games. Plus, their friendly and affectionate personalities will have you wrapped around their little paws in no time.

These delightful canine companions are the perfect fit for small-space living.

French Bulldog

The compact size of the French Bulldog means they won’t take up much room in your cozy apartment, and their low energy level means they won’t be bouncing off the walls. They’re content with indoor play and short walks, which is perfect for those living in apartments without easy access to large outdoor spaces.

Additionally, their calm and affectionate nature makes them great for apartment neighbors, as they won’t be causing a ruckus with excessive barking or high-energy bursts.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel boasts a noble heritage as a favorite of British royalty. Their gentle and adaptable nature makes them a top pick for small living spaces. Their small size means they won’t require a ton of space to roam around, and they’re quite content being lap dogs. They thrive on human companionship and are perfectly happy to curl up with you in your compact home. Plus, their peaceful demeanor also means they won’t be causing disturbances for your neighbors, making them a fantastic choice for apartment living.

Chihuahua

These pint-sized pups are the perfect fit for apartments and small homes. They’re tiny enough to comfortably live in apartments without the need for a big yard. Indoor play sessions, a snuggly blanket, and your attention are all they need to be content.

Pug

Pugs are excellent small space dogs because of their low activity level and their love for indoor living. Their short snouts and brachycephalic features mean they can’t handle too much exercise, making them perfectly content with indoor playtime and leisurely walks around the block. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them adaptable to apartment living, as they enjoy spending time with their human family rather than needing outdoor space to roam.

Cute Shi Tsu Dog At Home — SeventyFour/istockphoto

Shih Tzu

This breed doesn’t need a vast amount of space to thrive, and are content with indoor play and short walks. Their luxurious coat is relatively low shedding, making them a good fit for apartment dwellers concerned about excessive grooming. Plus, their friendly demeanor makes them great neighbors, as they’ll happily greet visitors with a wagging tail and a smile.

Cute little bichon frise running through house — freemixer/istockphoto

Maltese

This breed is perfectly content being indoor lap dogs and don’t require a lot of room to roam. Their small stature also means they won’t intimidate neighbors or take up too much space in your apartment. These gentle and loving dogs adore indoor playtime and will happily curl up in your lap for cuddles.

Dachshund

This breed’s small size allows them to comfortably live in small spaces without feeling cramped. Dachshunds are intelligent, and can be trained to use indoor potty areas, making them suitable for apartments without immediate outdoor access.

french bulldog looking at camera lying down on wood flooring — Edwin Tan /istockphoto

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier’s small size and friendly disposition make them ideal for small living spaces. They don’t require a large yard and are content with indoor play and short walks. Their low-maintenance coat sheds minimally, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers looking to keep their living space tidy. Their affectionate and sociable nature means they’ll happily make friends with neighbors and other pets in the building.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians thrive on indoor play and mental stimulation, which can be easily provided in an apartment setting. Engage them in stimulating indoor activities, and they’ll reward you with endless affection and delightful pom-pom wagging.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are energetic, but can easily get their exercise needs met indoors through play and interactive toys. Plus, their moderate exercise requirement means they won’t demand excessive outdoor time, making them suitable for small spaces without yards.