Dogs Blog 
Discover the top 15 calmest dog breeds for apartments living, ideal for city dwellers, and those with limited space. Find your perfect furry companion with our comprehensive guide to low-energy, apartment-friendly canines.
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up the dream of having a furry companion. In fact, many dog breeds thrive in smaller living spaces, providing you with the love and companionship you desire.
When it comes to finding the perfect dog for apartment living, the key is to look for calm, low-energy breeds that don’t require extensive exercise and are less prone to excessive barking.
Top 15 Calmest Dog Breeds For Apartments & Small Homes
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 15 calmest dog breeds that are perfectly suited for apartment living. So, let’s dive in and find your future best friend!
15# Pomeranian
Pomeranians are a small, fluffy breed that’s perfect for apartment living. These adorable dogs usually weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand 6-7 inches tall. Known for their lively personalities, Pomeranians are sure to capture your heart.
Despite their small size, Pomeranians can be energetic and require daily walks and playtime. However, their exercise needs are relatively low compared to larger breeds, making them suitable for apartment living. Pomeranians are intelligent, and alert, and bond closely with their owners.
Pomeranians can be wary of strangers and may not be the best choice for households with young children. However, they make excellent companions for singles, seniors, and families with older children.
14# Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are a medium-sized breed that’s well-suited for apartment living. These lovable dogs usually weigh between 20-30 pounds and stand 13.5-15.5 inches tall. Known for their beautiful, wavy coats and friendly, affectionate personalities, Cocker Spaniels make excellent companions.
Cocker Spaniels have moderate energy levels, which means they require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. However, their exercise needs are manageable for apartment dwellers, as they’re content with indoor activities and a few short walks each day. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, easy to train, and bond closely with their owners, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
These social dogs get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. However regular vet visits, proper care, and grooming will help ensure a happy, healthy life for your Cocker Spaniel.
13# Maltese
The Maltese are a small, elegant breed that’s well-suited for apartment living. These charming dogs usually weigh between 4-7 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall. Known for their long, silky white coats and friendly dispositions, Maltese dogs make excellent companions.
Maltese dogs are adaptable and easily adjust to various living situations. They’re content with a couple of short daily walks and some indoor playtime, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. These affectionate dogs are known for their devotion to their owners and their desire to be close to their favorite person.
Maltese dogs are social and get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs. They are also generally good with children, making them great companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
12# Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, making them an ideal choice for apartment dwellers. These tiny dogs usually weigh between 3-6 pounds and stand 6-9 inches tall. Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty, devotion, and big personalities packed into small bodies.
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can be energetic and require daily walks and playtime. However, their exercise needs are relatively low compared to larger breeds, making them suitable for apartment living. Chihuahuas can be quite affectionate and bond closely with their owners, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times.
Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers and may not be the best choice for households with young children. However, they make excellent companions for singles, seniors, and families with older children. Regular vet visits and proper care will help ensure a happy, healthy life for your Chihuahua.
11# Havanese
The Havanese is a small, affectionate breed that’s well-suited for apartment living. These charming dogs usually weigh between 7-13 pounds and stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall. Known for their silky, flowing coats and friendly personalities, Havanese dogs make excellent companions for people of all ages.
Havanese dogs are adaptable and easily adjust to various living situations. They’re content with a couple of short daily walks and some indoor playtime, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. These affectionate dogs crave human interaction, and they’re happiest when they can snuggle up with their favorite person.
Havanese dogs are known for their social nature, making them great companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. They also get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs.
10# Dachshund
Dachshunds, affectionately known as “wiener dogs” due to their elongated bodies, are a popular choice for apartment dwellers. These small, unique-looking dogs typically weigh between 16-32 pounds, depending on their size classification (miniature or standard), and stand 8-9 inches tall.
Dachshunds are adaptable dogs that are content with lounging around the apartment, making them an excellent choice for those with a more sedentary lifestyle. They still require daily walks and playtime, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to more energetic breeds.
These charming dogs are affectionate and bold, and bond closely with their owners. Dachshunds can be stubborn at times, but their strong personalities make them endearing companions. They generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized, and they can be good with children if raised together.
9# Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are a small, friendly breed that’s perfect for apartment living. These dogs usually weigh between 12-25 pounds and stand 15-17 inches tall.
Boston Terriers are adaptable dogs that are content with lounging around the apartment, making them an excellent choice for those with a more relaxed lifestyle. They still require daily walks and playtime, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to more energetic breeds.
These affectionate and social dogs bond closely with their owners, making them wonderful companions for singles, seniors, and families alike. Boston Terriers also get along well with other pets and are generally good with children.
8# Whippet
Whippets often referred to as “miniature Greyhounds,” are another breed that’s well-suited for apartment living due to their calm demeanor and low energy levels. These elegant dogs typically weigh between 25-40 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall.
Despite their slender build and racing heritage, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy dogs that enjoy lounging around the house. They still require daily walks and occasional opportunities to run in a secure area, but their exercise needs are minimal compared to other breeds.
Whippets are affectionate and intelligent and bond closely with their owners. These graceful dogs are known for their easy grooming, as their short coats require minimal maintenance and they shed less than many other breeds.
7# Greyhound
Greyhounds may seem like an unlikely choice for apartment living due to their large size and reputation as racing dogs. However, these gentle giants are actually quite calm and well-suited for small spaces. Greyhounds typically weigh between 60-70 pounds and stand 27-30 inches tall.
Despite their size and athletic abilities, they do require daily walks and occasional opportunities to run in a secure area, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to other large breeds.
Greyhounds are affectionate and gentle, they generally get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. These elegant dogs are known for their easy grooming, as their short coats require minimal maintenance and they shed less than many other breeds.
6# Basenji
The Basenji is a unique breed that’s well-suited for apartment living due to their calm demeanor and low-maintenance nature. Weighing between 22-24 pounds and standing 16-17 inches tall, Basenjis are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and quietness, they’re often referred to as the “barkless” dog.
Basenjis are independent and can be somewhat aloof, but they also form strong bonds with their owners. They have a moderate energy level, which means they require daily exercise, but their need for space is minimal compared to larger, more energetic breeds.
These elegant dogs are affectionate and get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Basenjis are also known for their grooming ease, as they groom themselves much like cats and have minimal shedding.
5# Pug
Pugs are a small, wrinkly-faced breed that makes a great apartment companion. Typically weighing between 14-18 pounds and standing 10-13 inches tall, Pugs are known for their friendly, loving nature and their strong bond with their owners.
Pugs are adaptable dogs that are content with lounging around the apartment, making them an excellent choice for individuals who work long hours or have a more sedentary lifestyle. They still require daily walks and playtime, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to more energetic breeds.
These charming dogs are affectionate and social, making them great companions for singles, seniors, and families alike. Pugs also get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs.
4# Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a small and affectionate breed, making them perfect companions for apartment living. These charming dogs usually weigh between 9-16 pounds and stand 9-10.5 inches tall. Known for their long, flowing coats and endearing facial expressions, Shih Tzus are sure to steal your heart.
Shih Tzus are adaptable dogs that are content with lounging around the house, making them an excellent choice for those with a more relaxed lifestyle. They still require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy, but their exercise needs are relatively low compared to more energetic breeds.
These social and friendly dogs bond closely with their owners, making them wonderful companions for singles, seniors, and families alike. Shih Tzus also gets along well with other pets and is generally good with children.
3# Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small fluffy dogs that are well-suited for apartment living. Weighing between 7-12 pounds and standing 9.5-11.5 inches tall, these adorable dogs have a cheerful disposition and make wonderful companions for people of all ages.
Bichons are intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners. While Bichons have a moderate energy level, they’re content with daily walks and indoor playtime, making them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers.
These loving and social dogs form strong bonds with their owners and get along well with children and other pets.
2# Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant breed that’s well-suited for apartment living. Weighing between 13-18 pounds and standing 12-13 inches tall, these charming dogs have a gentle, friendly temperament and are known for their devotion to their owners.
Cavaliers are adaptable and easily adjust to various living situations. They’re content with a couple of short daily walks and some indoor playtime, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. These affectionate dogs crave human interaction, and they’re happiest when they can snuggle up with their favorite person.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their social nature, making them great companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. They also get along well with other pets, including cats and other dogs.
1# French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, affectionately known as “Frenchies,” are a popular choice for apartment dwellers due to their compact size, low energy levels, and easy-going nature. These small, muscular dogs typically weigh between 16-28 pounds and stand 11-12 inches tall. With their charming personalities and unique appearance, Frenchies are hard to resist.
One of the most notable traits of French Bulldogs is their adaptability. They’re content to lounge around the apartment, making them ideal for individuals who work long hours or have a more sedentary lifestyle. While they still require daily walks and playtime, Frenchies are generally low-maintenance dogs when it comes to exercise.
French Bulldogs are known to be affectionate and bond closely with their owners, which makes them excellent emotional support animals. They also get along well with other pets, including cats, and are generally good with children.
In Conclusion
When it comes to finding the perfect dog for apartment living, there are plenty of calm, low-energy breeds to choose from. The key is to find a breed that fits your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences.
With this comprehensive list of the top 15 calmest dog breeds for apartment living, you’re sure to find the perfect furry companion for your urban oasis.
Remember to provide your new best friend with the love, care, and attention they deserve, and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving companion for years to come.
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