Best Dog Breeds for Small Homes and Apartments

Posted by Billy Francis

Living in a small home or apartment has its perks. Compact cribs will save you time on maintenance inside and out, give Fido the chance to be part of a bigger canine community and often offer “pawsome” shared amenities like private dog parks. While less space can be beneficial, it doesn’t suit every breed. Bigger dogs and high-energy hounds may struggle to get the exercise they need in a small home without space for the zoomies and a fenced backyard to play in. If you’re planning on adding a pooch to your studio apartment, a St. Bernard might feel claustrophobic in smaller living quarters. However, these delightful dog breeds make great companions for cozy homes and love being by your side at all times.

Bichon Frise

“A member of the compact canine club.” Photo by @lily_monet

These fantastic fluff balls take the title of man’s best friend seriously and love nothing more than spending time with their owners. The ideal four-legged roommate, they’re usually easy to train and can adapt quickly to new surroundings. Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic, which means they can skirt past restrictive pet policies. The average Bichon only weighs 11 pounds, so they’re unlikely to intimidate cat people in the building if you pass them in the hallway. As an added bonus, Bichons are low-maintenance pups who require only moderate exercise.

Boston Terrier

“Room for two?” Photo by @jovi_the_bostie

The Boston Terrier will make the “pawfect” addition to your bite-sized bungalow. This fun-loving, family-friendly breed goes with the flow and will take adjusting to apartment living in stride. Bostons are small breeds, generally weighing between 10 and 25 pounds, so they won’t take up too much room on the couch. They have a reputation for being high energy, but will tire themselves out dashing around the house or on a visit to the local dog park.

Greyhound

“Honestly, I’m really fast when I want to be.” Photo by Unsplash/Annie Spratt

If you don’t want to downsize your dog to suit a smaller home, give a Greyhound a chance. That’s right, the fastest dog breed on the planet actually likes to take it easy most of the time and makes for a fantastic home buddy. As long as you're willing to make regular trips to an open grassy field where your best friend can run like the wind, she’s more than happy to chill the rest of the time and keep you company while you watch dog movies. This lanky breed is typically tall and skinny, weighing 50-70 pounds. Often used in racing and then discarded, these gentle and affectionate dogs can often be found at shelters and Greyhound rescue organizations like Greyhound Adoption of Ohio and Arizona Adopt-a-Greyhound. Give one of these “40-mph-couch potatos” the chance to squeeze into your life and enjoy retirement in a cozy home.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

“I’m the king of my tiny castle.” Photo by Unsplashed/Geoff Oliver

The adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an amiable little dog who’s well suited to accommodations of any size. Cavaliers are easy to train and will win over any weary neighbors with their sweet eyes, silky coats and wonderful temperament. Weighing in at 13 to 18 pounds, this breed is bound to fit snugly into your heart and home. Cavaliers don’t require much exercise and would be happy joining you on a walk around the neighborhood. They’re also known for being quiet, so they shouldn’t disturb anybody else living in close proximity.

Brussels Griffon

“I make scruffy look good.” Photo by Unsplashed/Abbie Love

Brussels Griffons are a toy breed that’s full of energy and will be a hit at any apartment get-together. Known for a haircut that leaves them with a big bushy beard, these pocket-rocket pups will keep you company on long walks to the dog park during the day, but are known to be champion snugglers, too. Brussels Griffons weigh an average of 8 to 12 pounds. Great for shared spaces, they don’t shed much and are hypoallergenic.

French Bulldog

“I may be small, but I’ll still steal your spot.” Photo by BringFido

The French Bulldog will steal your heart and your place on the couch. There are many reasons why they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Weighing under 30 pounds, Frenchies are known for their trademark bat-like ears and agreeable disposition. These little bundles of joy don’t need much to be content, which is why they make great roommates in smaller homes. If you add one to the pack, your new best friend’s short hair and minimal shedding will mean less cleaning to worry about than other breeds. Frenchies love to let loose at the dog park, but don’t require a ton of outdoor exercise to keep them happy. They’ll also fit in wherever you live because they get along well with children and other dogs, and won’t annoy your neighbors with excessive barking.

Basenji

“The sun’s nice and everything, but can we go home now?” Photo by Unsplashed/Marius Cern

If you’re part of an active household that needs to keep the volume turned down at home, the Basenji could be the right fit for you. Due to their flat larynxes, the most this mutt can muster is a charming chortle instead of a noisy bark. These dogs are also hypoallergenic, short-haired and won’t drop any drool on the carpet. The average Basenji weighs around 25 pounds. Bred for hunting, they are super intelligent and full of energy. They require an owner willing to entertain them through training and going on lots of adventures.

Pomeranian

Not to be confused with a pom-pom. Photo by Unsplashed/Ian Deneumostier

Stay and play with a Pomeranian at your pad. Weighing between 3 to 7 pounds, this tiny ball of fluff packs a big personality into a small package. Poms are great for apartment life because they are intelligent, easily trained and fit comfortably even in tiny homes. They don’t require too much outdoor play or long walks, as long as you’re happy to take part in indoor exercises and go out for regular bathroom breaks. Pomeranians are so small that you will need to pom-proof the apartment before your new best friend moves in to make sure he doesn’t get stuck or hurt himself on household items.

Which dog breed would suit your home best? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Flickr/sendaiblog.