Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a dog. With urban living on the rise—over 36 million Americans reside in apartments—finding a dog breed that thrives in compact spaces is key. The best apartment dogs are typically small, low-energy, quiet, and adaptable, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your lifestyle without disturbing neighbors. After analyzing expert reviews and ratings from trusted sources like the American Kennel Club (AKC), PetMD, and Apartments.com, we’ve selected the top three dog breeds for apartment living in 2025. These pups are perfect for small homes, offering love, loyalty, and minimal hassle. Read on to discover the best dog breeds for apartments and find your ideal furry roommate!
Why Choose a Dog for Apartment Living?
Apartment-friendly dogs are ideal for city dwellers due to their compact size, low exercise needs, and calm temperaments. These breeds adapt well to smaller spaces, require minimal outdoor time, and are less likely to bark excessively, keeping peace with neighbors. In 2025, pet-friendly apartments are increasingly common, with about half of U.S. rental units welcoming dogs, though breed and weight restrictions may apply. The right dog can turn your cozy apartment into a warm, joyful home without the challenges of high-energy or large breeds. Let’s explore the top three dog breeds that excel in apartment settings.
1. French Bulldog
Best Overall Dog for Apartments
Key Features:
- Size: 11-13 inches tall, 16-28 lbs.
- Energy Level: Low; short daily walks (15-20 minutes) suffice.
- Temperament: Affectionate, quiet, adaptable, great with people.
- Barking: Minimal, ideal for shared walls.
- Grooming: Low-maintenance, short coat.
- Rating: 4.8/5 (AKC, PetMD, Apartments.com).
Why It’s #1:
The French Bulldog claims the top spot as the best apartment dog for 2025, named the AKC’s most popular breed for three consecutive years due to its small size and adaptable nature. Experts at PetMD and Apartments.com praise its low energy and quiet demeanor, making it perfect for small spaces. Frenchies are content with short walks or indoor play, and their minimal barking won’t disturb neighbors. Their short, smooth coats require little grooming, and their love for lounging makes them ideal lapdogs. However, their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure makes them sensitive to heat, so avoid long outdoor sessions in hot weather. Their friendly, clownish personality adds charm to any apartment. PetMD Review, AKC
Best For: Apartment dwellers seeking a low-maintenance, quiet companion.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Best for Affection and Adaptability
Key Features:
- Size: 12-14 inches tall, 13-18 lbs.
- Energy Level: Low to medium; 20-30 minutes of daily exercise.
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, loves companionship.
- Barking: Moderate, trainable to be quiet.
- Grooming: Medium; regular brushing for silky coat.
- Rating: 4.6/5 (ManyPets, Daily Paws).
Why It’s Great:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a top pick for its loving nature and adaptability, as highlighted by ManyPets and Daily Paws. Bred as lapdogs, Cavaliers thrive in small spaces, happily snuggling with their owners. Their low to medium energy level is satisfied with a daily walk or indoor play, and they’re easy to train, reducing barking with consistent effort. Their silky coats need regular brushing, but shedding is manageable. Cavaliers are social, getting along with kids, pets, and strangers, making them perfect for apartment communities. Their only downside? They don’t like being alone for long, so they’re best for owners who work from home or can provide company. ManyPets Review
Best For: Apartment residents who want a cuddly, social dog.
3. Bichon Frise
Best Hypoallergenic Apartment Dog
Key Features:
- Size: 9-12 inches tall, 12-18 lbs.
- Energy Level: Medium; 20-30 minutes of daily exercise.
- Temperament: Cheerful, friendly, intelligent.
- Barking: Low to moderate, easily trained.
- Grooming: High; regular brushing and professional grooming needed.
- Rating: 4.5/5 (The Spruce Pets, Highland Canine).
Why It’s a Standout:
The Bichon Frise is a fantastic choice for apartment dwellers with allergies, thanks to its low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, as noted by The Spruce Pets and Highland Canine. This small, cheerful breed is full of personality, adapting well to small spaces with a daily walk or indoor fetch. Bichons are intelligent and eager to please, making training straightforward to curb barking. Their fluffy white coats require regular grooming to stay pristine, which may increase maintenance costs. Their friendly nature suits families, and their compact size fits even the tiniest studios. The Bichon’s playful yet calm demeanor ensures it thrives in urban settings without causing a fuss. The Spruce Pets Review
Best For: Allergy-prone apartment dwellers seeking a lively, low-shedding pet.
How We Chose the Top Dog Breeds for Apartments
Our rankings are based on a 2025 analysis of expert reviews from sources like the AKC, PetMD, Apartments.com, and ManyPets. We evaluated:
- Size: Small to medium breeds (under 30 lbs) for space constraints.
- Energy Level: Low to medium energy, satisfied with short walks or indoor play.
- Barking: Minimal vocalization to avoid neighbor complaints.
- Temperament: Adaptable, friendly, and trainable for apartment life.
- Grooming and Shedding: Low-maintenance or hypoallergenic coats for cleanliness.
- Ratings: Expert scores (4+ stars) and user feedback from pet communities.
We prioritized breeds with traits suited for small spaces, considering apartment restrictions (e.g., weight limits) and urban noise concerns. All breeds are AKC-recognized and adaptable to pet-friendly rentals, with data cross-referenced from 2025 sources for accuracy.
Tips for Choosing the Right Apartment Dog
- Check Apartment Pet Policies: Confirm breed and weight restrictions with your landlord. About 50% of U.S. rentals are pet-friendly, but rules vary. Spot Pet Insurance
- Match Energy Levels: Choose low-energy breeds like French Bulldogs for small spaces or medium-energy breeds like Bichons if you’re active.
- Control Barking: Train early to minimize noise, especially for breeds like Cavaliers or Bichons, using positive reinforcement.
- Exercise Needs: Ensure access to nearby parks or indoor play areas. Short daily walks (15-30 minutes) suit most apartment dogs.
- Grooming Commitment: Opt for low-shedding breeds like Bichons if allergies or cleanliness are concerns, but budget for grooming costs.
- Socialization: Select friendly breeds to handle apartment interactions (e.g., elevators, lobbies). Socialize early to prevent anxiety.
Tips for Apartment Living with Dogs
- Provide Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys or training games to keep dogs engaged in small spaces.
- Maintain a Routine: Regular walks and feeding schedules prevent restlessness.
- Soundproofing: Use rugs or curtains to dampen noise for sensitive breeds.
- Health Precautions: For brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, avoid overheating with short, shaded walks.
- Neighbor Consideration: Train your dog to stay quiet and polite in shared spaces like hallways or elevators.
Conclusion
The French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Bichon Frise are the top dog breeds for apartment living in 2025, offering the perfect blend of size, temperament, and adaptability for small spaces. The French Bulldog leads with its quiet, low-energy nature, ideal for urban dwellers. The Cavalier is a cuddly companion for those craving affection, while the Bichon Frise shines for allergy sufferers with its hypoallergenic coat. These breeds ensure your apartment feels like home without the stress of high-maintenance pets. Choose one of these pups to bring joy, love, and companionship to your cozy space in 2025!
Sources: American Kennel Club, PetMD, Apartments.com, ManyPets, The Spruce Pets, Highland Canine
