Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Living in 2025

Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Living in 2025: In 2025, urban life continues to thrive, with more people than ever living in apartments or smaller dwellings. As city spaces grow tighter and pet ownership rises, the demand for dog breeds that thrive in compact, indoor environments is also increasing. But apartment living doesn’t mean compromising on companionship. With the right breed, even a small space can become a haven for you and your canine companion.

This guide explores the top dog breeds for apartment living in 2025, along with essential traits to consider, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make an informed choice.

Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Living in 2025

1. What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?

Not every dog is cut out for apartment life. The best breeds for this environment typically have some (or all) of the following traits:

• Low to moderate exercise needs
• Small to medium size
• Low barking tendency
• Adaptability to indoor environments
• Trainability and calm temperament
• Tolerance for being alone (for work hours)

Breed size isn’t always the deciding factor—energy level and personality often matter more. For example, a high-energy Jack Russell Terrier may struggle more in an apartment than a low-key Great Dane.

2. Top Dog Breeds for Apartment Living in 2025

Here are some of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers this year, including modern lifestyle compatibility, popularity trends, and care considerations.

1. French Bulldog

• Size: Small (under 28 lbs)
• Energy: Low
• Barking: Rare
• Shedding: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: Low

Frenchies are at the top of nearly every apartment-friendly list—and for good reason. Their calm temperament, compact size, and quiet nature make them ideal for close quarters. In 2025, their popularity remains high due to their low-maintenance lifestyle and adaptability to urban environments.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Size: Small (13–18 lbs)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: Low to moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: Medium

This affectionate, people-loving breed thrives indoors and is content with short walks. They’re perfect for households that want a gentle, adaptable companion and don’t mind some grooming upkeep. They’re especially well-suited to seniors or home-based professionals.

3. Havanese

• Size: Small (7–13 lbs)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Minimal (hypoallergenic)
• Grooming Needs: High (regular brushing required)

Cuba’s national dog is intelligent, friendly, and loves companionship. Havanese dogs are playful without being hyper, and they don’t bark excessively—ideal for neighbors in close proximity.

4. Boston Terrier

• Size: Small (12–25 lbs)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Grooming Needs: Minimal

With their tuxedo-like coats and cheerful personalities, Boston Terriers are a hit among apartment dwellers. They’re sociable, low-shedding, and surprisingly sturdy for city walks. Their compact build also makes them ideal for elevators and small stairwells.

5. Dachshund

• Size: Small (11–32 lbs depending on type)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: Moderate to high
• Shedding: Moderate
• Grooming Needs: Depends on coat type

Dachshunds (miniature or standard) are curious and loyal. While they may bark occasionally, they can be trained to minimize vocalization. They love burrowing and snuggling, and short walks suit their long backs.

6. Pug

• Size: Small (14–18 lbs)
• Energy: Low to moderate
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: High
• Grooming Needs: Low (frequent brushing for shedding)

Pugs are quintessential lap dogs with a goofy side. They’re adaptable, affectionate, and tolerant of compact living. Their biggest challenge in apartment life is their susceptibility to overheating—keep them cool and indoors during warm weather.

7. Chihuahua

• Size: Tiny (under 6 lbs)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: High if untrained
• Shedding: Low
• Grooming Needs: Low

As the smallest breed in the world, Chihuahuas are built for apartment life. They love sunbathing and being carried. Training is essential to curb barking, but their loyalty and size make them great urban companions.

8. Shih Tzu

• Size: Small (9–16 lbs)
• Energy: Low
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Grooming Needs: High (daily brushing or regular trims)

Shih Tzus are laid-back and affectionate, perfect for people who work from home or spend a lot of time indoors. Their long coats need maintenance, but many owners keep them in a short “puppy cut.”

9. Maltese

• Size: Small (4–7 lbs)
• Energy: Low to moderate
• Barking: Low
• Shedding: Very low (hypoallergenic)
• Grooming Needs: High

These toy dogs are gentle and loving, ideal for quiet apartment life. Their hypoallergenic coat appeals to allergy sufferers, though regular grooming is needed.

10. Greyhound (Surprising Pick!)

• Size: Large (60–70 lbs)
• Energy: Low (despite speed)
• Barking: Rare
• Shedding: Low
• Grooming Needs: Low

Although they’re tall, Greyhounds are calm, quiet, and love lounging. They only need a few short walks a day and are surprisingly apartment-friendly due to their “couch potato” nature. Retired racing Greyhounds are especially well-socialized.

11. Yorkshire Terrier

• Size: Small (4–7 lbs)
• Energy: High
• Barking: High if not trained
• Shedding: Low (hypoallergenic)
• Grooming Needs: High

Yorkies are energetic and loving, with a loyal streak. While they may bark, proper training and mental stimulation help. Their size makes them ideal for small spaces, and their coat is low-shedding, though it needs upkeep.

12. Miniature Schnauzer

• Size: Small (11–20 lbs)
• Energy: Moderate
• Barking: Moderate
• Shedding: Low
• Grooming Needs: Medium to high

Miniature Schnauzers are alert, intelligent, and affectionate. They do well with a routine and respond well to training. Their wiry coats don’t shed much but need regular trims.

READ ALSO: 5 Easy and Fun Tricks to Teach Your Dog

3. Tips for Apartment Dog Owners in 2025

Regardless of breed, making apartment life work for your dog requires effort and planning:

• Create a daily exercise routine (even 20–30 minutes helps)
• Invest in mental stimulation toys to prevent boredom
• Train for quiet behavior—your neighbors will thank you
• Use odor control systems, especially if potty training indoors
• Establish a pet-friendly area for rest, feeding, and play
• Check for pet restrictions in your building before adopting

4. Future Trends in 2025 for Urban Dog Ownership

As of 2025, several trends are reshaping how apartment owners live with dogs:

• Smart pet tech: Automated feeders, treat cameras, and wearable trackers help maintain pet health and routine even with busy schedules.
• Pet-friendly co-living buildings: Many new apartments include dog runs, wash stations, and even doggy daycares.
• Sustainable pet care: Eco-conscious owners are prioritizing organic foods and biodegradable waste bags.
• Micro-dog popularity: Tiny breeds (under 10 lbs) continue to rise in demand due to space constraints and portability.

FAQs

Can large dogs live in apartments?

Yes, some large dogs like Greyhounds, Great Danes, or Newfoundlands are known for their calm demeanor and low exercise needs. As long as they receive adequate walks and stimulation, they can adapt well to small spaces.

What breeds should I avoid in an apartment?

Avoid breeds that:

• Bark excessively (unless you can train them)
• Have high energy and space needs (e.g., Border Collies, Belgian Malinois)
• Struggle with separation anxiety unless you’re home often

How can I keep my dog happy in an apartment?

• Stick to a regular exercise and feeding schedule
• Rotate interactive toys
• Give access to windows for visual stimulation
• Arrange playdates or use local dog parks
• Train basic commands to encourage good behavior

What’s the quietest apartment-friendly breed?

Basenjis, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the quietest. Basenjis don’t bark at all they make yodel-like sounds.

Which dog breeds are hypoallergenic for apartment living?

Great hypoallergenic picks for apartments include:

• Poodles (toy or miniature)
• Maltese
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Miniature Schnauzers

Note: No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but these breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens.

Are mixed-breed dogs suitable for apartments?

Absolutely! Many mixed breeds have traits that make them perfect for apartment life. Adoption centers can help match you with a temperamentally suitable dog, regardless of breed.

How much exercise do apartment dogs need?

Most apartment-friendly breeds need 30–60 minutes of daily activity, broken into short walks and indoor play. Toy breeds may need less; energetic breeds require more.

Are smart devices useful for apartment dogs?

Yes! In 2025, pet tech devices like:

• Automatic treat dispensers
• Pet cameras
• Smart collars
  help busy urban dwellers monitor and interact with their pets from afar.