There is something soul-warming about coming home to a furry friend who is always happy to see you.
Dogs make great companions.
I cannot count how many times my pups were able to turn my entire day around.
While many dog breeds do need bigger living arrangements, there are quite a few that can be more than content living in a smaller home.
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The following breeds make the perfect apartment friendly small dogs.
1. Pomeranian – The Fluffy Sidekick
These fearless furballs are outgoing, loving, but also quite protective of their favorite humans.
They are small, only standing at about 7 inches, and weighing no more than 10 pounds.
They do well in smaller living quarters so would do very well in an apartment or condo.
2. Toy Poodle – The Curly-Haired Cutie
The smallest of the Poodle breed, this adorable pup should be no taller than 10 inches and weigh no more than 10 pounds.
They are sweet and perky, with larger than life personalities.
Thanks to their tiny size they do quite well in smaller homes, although they can be a bit yappy so you’ll want to be aware of having close neighbors.
3. Miniature Poodle – The Slightly Bigger Curly-Haired Cutie
The ‘medium’ of the poodle breeds, a miniature is only a bit bigger than the toy.
A miniature poodle is typically about 15 inches in height and about 10 pounds when fully grown.
As with all poodles, this guy has a great temperament and can be the perfect apartment pet.
Read: Poodles Dog Breed Information
4. Pug – Smooshy-Face Sweetie
Smooshy face dogs are undeniably cute, and the Pug takes the cake.
From the adorable face to the curly tail these darling pooches are a great addition to any family.
They are not big by any means (even if they think they are) and can be quite happy in a smaller home.
5. Schipperke – The Powerhouse
Small but powerfully built, the Schipperke was originally bred for controlling the rat population.
They are more likely to chase balls these days and are quite content with being a family pet.
They are very intelligent, with an extraordinary ability to learn new things.
They would adapt quickly to an apartment setting.
6. Shiba Inu – Crazy but Cute
These small dogs can fit in well in an apartment or condo setting, only growing to between 13 to 15 inches tall and usually under 25 pounds.
They can be feisty, but not mean, and will regularly let you know that, despite his small size, he is the boss.
Learn: Shiba Inu Dog Breed Information
7. Shih Tzu – The Perfect Friend
Pronounced, She Zoo.
These shaggy-haired pups are an awesome family addition.
They do well with children and other pets, and thanks to their calm personalities, are just as happy in an apartment as they would be in a mansion.
8. Silky Terrier – Long-Haired Beauty
The Silky Terrier is a cousin to the Yorkie.
They are small, with silky, fine, hair.
They are quite beautiful, and they know it.
They do very well living in smaller homes, like an apartment, or condo.
9. Toy Fox Terrier – Tough and Tiny
Like most Terriers, the toy fox can be energetic and playful.
They do not, however, need a large area to do so.
Being a toy breed they are much smaller, under 12 inches in height, than most other dogs.
Schedule some regular playtime, and he will be as happy as can be.
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10. Yorkshire Terrier – The Baby
Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds there are.
They are usually under 10 pounds and stand only 7-8 inches tall.
They do great in apartments as you’ll likely be carrying them around when they aren’t asleep on your lap, that is.
11. Miniature Dachshund – Hot Dog
The Mini Weiner dog, even their nickname is cute.
As their miniature category suggests, they are perfect for apartments and need minimal exercise.
They are prone to becoming overweight so regular walk are necessary.
12. Havanese – Your Newest Family Member:
The Havanese is known as a family breed.
They are gentle and affection but will not turn down a good game of fetch.
If you don’t mind taking him for a walk at least once a day than this pup can live comfortably in your smaller home or appointment.
Read To Learn: 30 Medium Sized Dog Breeds For Apartment
13. Japanese Chin – Sweetface
Once you’ve set sights on these adorable pooches, you’ll not soon forget them.
They are unbearably cute and have a sweet personality to go with it.
They are another brachycephalic breed so you’ll need to take certain precautions to avoid any medical issues.
14. Lhasa Apso – The Yapper
The Lhasa is another pup who enjoys being carried around.
They have a very calm disposition, and as long as you don’t mind a bit of barking, like much of the smaller dog breeds, they can do quite well in an apartment or condo.
15. Lowchen – Hear Me Roar
Affectionately known as ‘The Lion Dog’, these beauties make terrific pets, even for those with smaller living arrangements.
They are friendly and very easy to train.
Mild exercise is needed but a walk or two a day should suffice.
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16. Maltese – Not Just Your Grandma’s Dog
Just like her designer cousin, the Maltipoo, these dogs are sweet-natured and very pretty.
They typically prefer to be carried about and are small enough to do so.
They do just fine in a smaller home.
17. Manchester Terrier – The Good Boy
The Manchester Terrier is a good looking boy in his own right.
These pups come in both toy (no more than 12 pounds) and standard (no more than 22 pounds) sizes.
They like to play but do not need much room to do so.
18. Miniature Pinscher – Greased Lightning
These handsome boys remind us of those old, 1950s greasers.
They are sleek and striking looking.
They are identical to the Doberman except for their tiny size.
They are quite smart and learn new commands with ease.
They do well in any environment, just be sure to provide daily walks or runs.
19. Pekingese – Smooshy Face Sweetheart
This smooshy face baby is quite the beauty.
With her adorable face, ad long, flowing locks, she is definitely a winner in the looks department.
This dog is more likely to be following you around or napping in your lap, so she will do well in smaller homes.
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20. Basenji – The ‘Quiet’ One
This short-haired, smaller breed, are great for apartment living for two main reasons.
One, they are on the smaller side and tend to be a bit calmer, and two, they are not as talkative as other breeds, although contrary to popular belief, they are not bark-less.
They just do not bark as loudly, or as much as other dogs.
21. Bichon Frise – A Cloud of a Pup
The Bichon Frise is a little, powder puff of a dog.
Small and sweet, they tend to be a one-person dog.
That is not to say they don’t love the rest of their humans, they just happen to form a unique bond with a particular one.
22. Boston Terrier – Awesomely Arrogant
Ah, these little guys are super cute and make fantastic pets.
They do great in smaller homes and do not need much exercise.
They can be a bit hyperactive so be sure to put aside some playtime.
Read: Boston Terrier Dog Breed Information
23. Brussels Griffon – The Grump Face
That charming face will melt your heart every time.
They are sweet and will guard their family, animals and humans alike, with their lives.
They are smaller than they want to be and as such, do very good living in an apartment or condo.
24. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Bow Down, Peasants
Another glorious choice from the spaniel family, and just like the Cocker, the Cavalier King Charles was originally bred to be a hunting dog.
They do need a decent amount of exercise but otherwise fare well in smaller homes.
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25. Chihuahua – The Ankle Biter
Although they might believe themselves to be big, bad, tough guys, Chihuahua’s are one of the smallest dog breeds out there.
They are very well-known for their feisty personalities and protective nature.
They do great in apartments, especially since they’ll spend the majority of their time in your lap.
Read: Chihuahua Dog Breed Information
26. Chinese Crested- Bald is Beautiful
Unique does not describe the Chinese Crested well enough.
From the awesome mohawk to their barely-there coat, they are certainly a sight to see.
They are incredibly sweet too.
Like many small and toy breeds, they usually bond strongly with a favored human.
27. Coton De Tulear – Shaggy Lovebug
Looking like something out of a fairytale, the Coton De Tulear has a sweet temperament and gets along with anyone and everyone, humans and animals alike.
They do very well in apartments due to their smallish stature calm disposition.
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28. Affenpinscher – Scruffy Cutie Pie
With his scruffy looks and charming disposition, the Affenpinscher does well in practically any living situation.
They are easily trained and very laid back.
They typically weigh no more than 10 pounds and get no taller than 12 inches.
29. American Eskimo – The Fluffball
These fluffy dogs do just fine in a smaller home however thanks to their thick coats should be more of an indoor pet, especially in warmer climates.
They are smart and adaptable, as long as they get daily exercise will do well in an apartment or condo.
30. Cocker Spaniel – The Companion
Cocker Spaniels make great family pets and are incredibly intelligent, therefore quite easy to train.
Thanks to their sweet and loving nature they can get very close to his humans.
While they enjoy outdoor activities, they are just as content to spend a day lounging about.
They are not a large breed and are well-suited to apartment living.
31. Whippet – Handsome and Smart
With their inquisitive expressions, the Whippet can emote his feeling very well and is not shy about doing so.
They are a smaller breed, although some are closer to medium in size, standing at around 17-22 inches tall and weighing no more than 40 pounds.
Daily walks are a must but otherwise, these guys are super adaptable to any living situation.
Learn: 17 Awesome Large Dog Breeds For Apartment
32. Swedish Vallhund – Short Guy with an Ego
Part of the shepherd family, the Vallhund is not as big as he thinks he is.
They can be a bit on the active side but providing they get enough exercise, can do quite well in a smaller dwelling.
They are sweet, like all Shepherds, and very smart.
These guys will be an excellent addition to any home.
33. French Bulldog – The European
A smaller version of their English cousin, these little tough guys take their role as family pet very seriously.
They are fiercely protective of their humans and unfailingly loyal.
They are happy to be the King of the household and don’t mind if that household happens to be a smaller palace.
Read To Learn: French Bulldog Breed Information
34. Basset Hound – Happier Than He Looks
With their soulful, big brown eyes, it is nearly impossible not to fall in love on first sight.
Basset Hounds are one of the most laid back breeds you’ll ever meet.
They are one of the laziest dog breeds out there and does not care if he lives in an apartment or a house, so long as his favorite snoozing spot is available.
35. Welsh Corgi – Your Majesty
If they are good enough for the Queen of England, then they must be something special.
Corgis are a fantastic breed.
Short and compact, but boasting a larger than life personality, these pups don’t need a palace and can thrive in an apartment, condo, or small home.
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36. Bulldog – The Hidden Teddy Bear
Bulldogs are super cute, sweet, and make terrific family pets.
They are a brachycephalic breed (smooshed Faced) so you should be aware of genetic breathing complications.
They are more of a couch potato than an athlete so they do pretty well in a smaller home, such as a condo or an apartment.
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37. Bolognese – He’s Got That Look
The Bolognese is very adept at companionship.
They love their human families, sometimes being loyal to a fault.
With the sweet, expressional faces, it isn’t hard to figure out why these pooches are so beloved.
They are not big in size anyway, growing to be around 1 foot in height and can weigh up to 14 pounds.
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38. Maltipoo – The Best of Both Worlds
Poodles are quite popular when it comes to designer breeds.
The Maltipoo, poodles and maltese cross, is an awesome little dog, with a very sweet personality.
They form a special bond with their humans and are small enough to thrive in smaller homes.
They can get to be a little over a foot tall and, at the most, weighs 20 pounds.
39. Papillon – The Princess
Shaggy haired and feisty, these little pups make up for their small stature with their massive personalities.
They typically only grow to be about 11 inches in height and are usually no more than 10 pounds.
40. Peekapoo – The Perfect Blend
An undeniably cute mix of a Pekingese and a poodle, these small dogs make the perfect apartment companion.
As with many smaller breeds they are quite vocal, especially when left to their own devices, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Read: 29 Large Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
41. Rat Terrier – Cuter than His Name Suggests:
Despite the name, these little pups are nothing like their rodent namesake.
They are sweet but very energetic.
They do very well in a smaller home so long as they get adequate exercise.
They love to play, and will probably not take no for an answer.
42. Italian Greyhound – Just as Fast as The Big Boys
Greyhounds, in general, are amazing dogs.
The Italian Greyhound is just a miniature version of a standard, which by the way standard greyhounds are one of the few larger breeds that fare well in an apartment setting.
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43. Yorkipoo – A Mix of Cuteness
An adorable mix of a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle, the Yorkiepoo is one of the most popular of the ‘designer breeds’.
They rarely get bigger than 10 pounds and are not as energetic as other smaller breeds.
They are more likely to be snuggled on the couch than begging to play fetch.
These little pups can do very well in a smaller environment.
Which Small Dog Breed You Like Most For Your Apartment?
Whichever breed you choose will surely enrich your life in ways you can’t even imagine.
When looking for your new pet, check shelters and rescues first.
There are many animals that need forever homes.
Be sure to let us know which pup you have decided to adopt, or if you think we missed one that should be on the list!
Have you recently acquired a new furry friend?
Tell us all about it in the comments below!
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