32 Most Popular Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

If you live in an apartment and dream of having a furry companion, you’re in luck! Many small dog breeds are ideal for apartment living due to their compact size, gentle temperament, and adaptability. In this ultimate guide, we’ve rounded up 32 of the most popular small dog breeds that thrive in apartment settings.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or looking for a new canine roommate, this list will help you find the perfect pup to match your lifestyle.

Why Small Dogs Are Ideal for Apartments

Before we dive into the breeds, let’s explore why small dogs are such a great fit for apartment living:

• Compact size: Easily manageable in small spaces.
• Lower exercise needs: Many are content with indoor play and short walks.
• Less noise and mess: Generally easier to clean up after.
• Friendly with neighbors: Many are social and well-mannered.

However, not all small dogs are alike. Some are more energetic, vocal, or stubborn than others — so breed selection is key.

The 32 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartment Life

Let’s take a look at the top contenders, organized alphabetically for easy reference. Each entry includes typical height, coat colors, and life expectancy:

1. Affenpinscher

Weight	7–10 lbs
Height	9–11.5 in
Coat Colors	Black, gray, silver, red, and beige
Personality	Curious, confident, loyal
Lifespan	12–15 years

The Affenpinscher is nicknamed the “monkey dog” due to its expressive face. They are bold and amusing, perfect for people who want a dog with a big personality and a small body. Their wiry coat requires occasional grooming.

2. American Eskimo Dog (Toy & Miniature)

Weight	6–20 lbs (Toy: 6–10 lbs, Miniature: 10–20 lbs)
Height	9–15 in
Coat Colors	White or white with biscuit cream
Personality	Smart, energetic, alert
Lifespan	12–15 years

With its fluffy white coat and bright eyes, the American Eskimo Dog makes a delightful and beautiful pet. They love learning tricks and are friendly and trainable. They do shed, so regular brushing is needed.

3. Bichon Frise

Weight	12–18 lbs
Height	9.5–11.5 in
Coat Colors	White, sometimes with cream or apricot shadings
Personality	Cheerful, playful, affectionate
Lifespan	14–15 years

The Bichon Frise is cheerful and friendly, ideal for urban living. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming. They’re social and do best with families or individuals who are home often.

4. Border Terrier

Weight	11.5–15.5 lbs
Height	10–11 in
Coat Colors	Red, wheaten, grizzle & tan, blue & tan
Personality	Affectionate, alert, good-natured
Lifespan	12–15 years

This scruffy-coated terrier is both tough and sweet. They are adaptable, love to be active, and can also relax indoors. Their coat is weather-resistant and requires minimal grooming.

5. Boston Terrier

Weight	112–25 lbs
Height	15–17 in
Coat Colors	Brindle, seal, or black with white markings
Personality	Friendly, lively, intelligent
Lifespan	11–13 years

Boston Terriers, known as “The American Gentleman,” are charming and sociable. Their compact size and affectionate nature make them ideal for apartment living.

6. Brussels Griffon

Weight	8–10 lbs
Height	7–10 in
Coat Colors	Red, black, black & tan, belge
Personality	Loyal, curious, comical
Lifespan	12–15 years

This breed forms strong bonds with its humans and prefers indoor life. They’re expressive and often compared to little Ewoks thanks to their facial hair and big eyes.

7. Cairn Terrier

Weight	8–10 lbs
Height	7–10 in
Coat Colors	Red, black, black & tan, belge
Personality	Loyal, curious, comical
Lifespan	12–15 years

Best known as Toto from The Wizard of Oz, Cairn Terriers are spirited and love exploring. They’re hardy, independent, but affectionate with family.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight	13–18 lbs
Height	12–13 in
Coat Colors	Blenheim, tricolor, ruby, black & tan
Personality	Affectionate, gentle, adaptable
Lifespan	12–15 years

Cavaliers are lapdogs at heart, gentle with children and easy to train. They adapt well to apartment life with regular walks.

9. Chihuahua

Weight	3–6 lbs
Height	5–8 in
Coat Colors	Any color — solid, marked, or splashed
Personality	Devoted, alert, sassy
Lifespan	14–17 years

The world’s smallest dog is full of attitude. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and alert, thriving as indoor pets with light exercise needs.

10. Chinese Crested

Weight	8–12 lbs
Height	11–13 in
Coat Colors	Any color or combination
Personality	Playful, affectionate, gentle
Lifespan	13–18 years

Available in Hairless and Powderpuff varieties, this breed is perfect for allergy-prone owners. They love cuddling and are calm indoors.

11. Cocker Spaniel

Weight	20–30 lbs
Height	13.5–15.5 in
Coat Colors	Black, tan, red, buff, and various parti-colors
Personality	Gentle, affectionate, eager to please
Lifespan	12–15 years

Cocker Spaniels are known for their soulful eyes and silky ears. They’re friendly, social, and enjoy indoor company, though they need regular walks and grooming.

12. Dachshund (Miniature)

Weight	11 lbs and under
Height	5–7 in
Coat Colors	Red, black & tan, cream, chocolate, dapple, and more
Personality	Clever, courageous, devoted
Lifespan	12–16 years

The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hot dog, and more. They come in smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired varieties. Despite their short legs, they’re lively and affectionate with family.

13. English Toy Spaniel

Weight	8–14 lbs
Height	9–10 in
Coat Colors	Black & tan, ruby, Blenheim, prince Charles (tricolor)
Personality	Gentle, reserved, affectionate
Lifespan	10–12 years

These calm, lap-loving spaniels are ideal for apartment living. They’re quiet, polite, and attach strongly to their people.

14. French Bulldog

Weight	16–28 lbs
Height	11–13 in
Coat Colors	Fawn, cream, brindle, white, or combinations
Personality	Adaptable, playful, patient
Lifespan	10–12 years

Frenchies are compact and low-energy, with a lovable clownish charm. They rarely bark and are one of the most popular apartment dogs.

15. Havanese

Weight	7–13 lbs
Height	8.5–11.5 in
Coat Colors	All colors and combinations
Personality	Friendly, smart, sociable
Lifespan	14–16 years

The national dog of Cuba, Havanese are charming and people-focused. They do best in homes where they’re not left alone for long.

16. Italian Greyhound

Weight	7–14 lbs
Height	13–15 in
Coat Colors	Many colors including black, blue, fawn, red, and cream
Personality	Gentle, alert, affectionate
Lifespan	14–15 years

A mini version of the Greyhound, this breed is sleek and sensitive. They love warm blankets and indoor life but enjoy short bursts of exercise.

17. Japanese Chin

Weight	7–11 lbs
Height	8–11 in
Coat Colors	Black & white, red & white, or tricolor
Personality	Noble, charming, loving
Lifespan	10–14 years

The Japanese Chin is quiet and graceful, often compared to a cat in behavior. Ideal for owners wanting a gentle and dignified companion.

18. Lhasa Apso

Weight	12–18 lbs
Height	10–11 in
Coat Colors	Black, white, gold, cream, and more
Personality	Loyal, independent, confident
Lifespan	12–15 years

Originally temple watchdogs in Tibet, Lhasas are brave yet cuddly. They’re independent but bond closely with their families.

19. Maltese

Weight	Under 7 lbs
Height	6–9 in
Coat Colors	White
Personality	Gentle, playful, affectionate
Lifespan	12–15 years

Maltese dogs are true lap companions, adored for their silky white coats. They’re lively indoors and need minimal outdoor space.

20. Miniature Pinscher

Weight	8–10 lbs
Height	10–12.5 in
Coat Colors	Black & rust, chocolate & rust, red
Personality	Fearless, spirited, alert
Lifespan	12–16 years

Often called the “King of Toys,” the Min Pin is bold and active. They do well in apartments with mental stimulation and short daily walks.Often called the “King of Toys,” the Min Pin is bold and active. They do well in apartments with mental stimulation and short daily walks.

21. Pekingese

Weight	7–14 lbs
Height	6–9 in
Coat Colors	Gold, cream, red, black, sable, and combinations
Personality	Regal, devoted, stubborn
Lifespan	12–14 years

Once palace dogs of Chinese royalty, Pekingese are independent and affectionate with their owners. Their thick coat requires regular grooming, and they prefer quiet, low-activity homes.

22. Pomeranian

Weight	3–7 lbs
Height	6–7 in
Coat Colors	Orange, black, white, cream, blue, sable, and more
Personality	Energetic, bold, extroverted
Lifespan	12–16 years

With their fox-like face and fluffy coat, Pomeranians are social butterflies. They are alert and enjoy attention, making them ideal for involved owners.

23. Pug

Weight	14–18 lbs
Height	10–13 in
Coat Colors	Fawn, black
Personality	Charming, playful, comical
Lifespan	13–15 years

Pugs are famous for their expressive faces and humorous personalities. They’re relatively low-energy and happy lounging around with their humans.

24. Schipperke

Weight	10–16 lbs
Height	10–13 in
Coat Colors	Black (most common), but also fawn or cream
Personality	Curious, energetic, loyal
Lifespan	13–15 years

This small, fox-faced breed is bold and curious. They make excellent watchdogs and enjoy activity indoors and out.

25. Scottish Terrier

Weight	18–22 lbs
Height	10 in
Coat Colors	Black, brindle, wheaten
Personality	Independent, dignified, loyal
Lifespan	11–13 years

“Scotties” are spirited and sturdy. They’re confident and reserved, making them good companions for quieter households.

26. Shih Tzu

Weight	9–16 lbs
Height	9–10.5 in
Coat Colors	Black, All colors
Personality	Sweet, friendly, outgoing
Lifespan	10–16 years

These long-haired lapdogs are affectionate and low-energy. Regular grooming is needed, but their calm demeanor fits well in apartment life.

27. Silky Terrier

Weight	8–10 lbs
Height	9–10 in
Coat Colors	Blue and tan
Personality	Curious, spirited, affectionate
Lifespan	13–15 years

Similar to the Yorkie but with a slightly more refined build, Silky Terriers are elegant and energetic. They enjoy companionship and light exercise.

28. Toy Fox Terrier

Weight	3.5–7 lbs
Height	8.5–11.5 in
Coat Colors	White with black and tan or chocolate
Personality	Agile, alert, intelligent
Lifespan	13–15 years

These pint-sized terriers are agile and smart. They’re easy to train and eager to please, enjoying both snuggle time and play.

29. Toy Poodle

Weight	4–6 lbs
Height	Under 10 in
Coat Colors	White, black, apricot, red, and more
Personality	Intelligent, alert, friendly
Lifespan	14–18 years

Like their larger cousins, Toy Poodles are highly trainable and hypoallergenic. They’re active and elegant, perfect for owners who enjoy grooming and training routines.

30. West Highland White Terrier

Weight	15–20 lbs
Height	10–11 in
Coat Colors	White
Personality	Hardy, friendly, lively
Lifespan	13–15 years

“Westies” are sturdy and confident. Their thick white coat needs brushing, but their loyalty and sociability make them excellent indoor pets.

31. Yorkshire Terrier

Weight	4–7 lbs
Height	7–8 in
Coat Colors	Blue and tan
Personality	Brave, affectionate, feisty
Lifespan	11–15 years

The ever-popular “Yorkie” is small but bold. They’re affectionate, adaptable, and perfect for lap-loving apartment dwellers.

32. Dachshund (Miniature)

Weight	11 lbs and under
Height	5–7 in
Coat Colors	Red, black & tan, cream, chocolate, dapple, and more
Personality	Clever, courageous, devoted
Lifespan	12–16 years

The dachshund has many nicknames: doxie, wiener dog, sausage dog, hot dog, and more. They come in smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired varieties. Despite their short legs, they’re lively and affectionate with family.

Final Thoughts

Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to forgo the joy of dog ownership. With the right small breed that matches your lifestyle, you can enjoy years of love, loyalty, and companionship — all within your cozy urban space.

Whether you’re looking for a couch cuddle buddy or a compact playmate, there’s a perfect pup waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Looking to learn more about choosing the right dog? Follow our blog for expert advice, breed comparisons, and apartment-friendly pet tips!