Apartment-Friendly Breeds: Urban Canine Companions
Finding the perfect apartment dog involves more than size alone. The ideal urban companion combines adaptable temperament, moderate exercise needs, and quiet demeanor - qualities found across multiple breed groups.
Best Breed Groups for Apartment Living
Toy Group
Specially bred as companions, these petite breeds excel in small spaces:
- Minimal space requirements
- Lower exercise demands
- Generally quiet temperaments
Beyond Size: The Energy Factor
Several large breeds thrive in apartments thanks to:
- Low to moderate energy levels
- Calm indoor demeanor
- Minimal barking tendencies
Important for giant breeds: Avoid apartments with stairs to prevent joint stress.
Apartment suitability depends more on energy level and temperament than sheer size, with several large but low-energy breeds making excellent urban companions (provided there is enough space in the apartment!)
Recommended Apartment Breeds - Listed By Size
Dachshund
Height: 5-9"
Weight: Standard=16-32; Miniature= < 11 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #6
Why: Compact, fits anywhere; may bark
Bonus: Small enough to carry in elevators/buses
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Shih Tzu
Height: 9-10.5"
Weight: 9-16 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #20
Why: Quiet, low-energy, and happy to lounge.
Bonus: Minimal exercise needs
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Havanese
Height: 8.5-11.5"
Weight: 7-13 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #25
Why: Adaptable, friendly, and rarely barks.
Bonus: Hypoallergenic coat
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Boston Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 12-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #23
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French Bulldog
Height: 11-12"
Weight: 16-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #1
Why: Lazy, quiet, and thrives in small spaces.
Bonus: Minimal exercise needs
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12-13"
Weight: 13-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #13
Why: Calm, affectionate, and adapts to small spaces.
Bonus: Rarely barks, great with neighbors
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Basset Hound
Height: Up to 15"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #34
Why: Low-energy, and affectionate.
Bonus: Minimal exercise requirements
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Bulldog
Height: 14-15"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #9
Why: Ultra-low energy; perfect for couch cuddles.
Bonus: Rarely barks
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Whippet
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #50
Why: Quiet and content with short bursts of exercise.
Bonus: Minimal barking
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Dogue de Bordeaux
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 110-145 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #96
Why: Ultra-low energy - famous for "napping marathons" between bathroom breaks.
Bonus: Minimal barking.
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Bullmastiff
Height: 24-27"
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #67
Why: Surprisingly low-energy - content with short walks and being a living room guardian.
Bonus: Quiet nature; rarely barks.
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Afghan Hound
Height: 25-27"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #110
Why: Couch-loving sprinter - needs 1-2 intense runs/week but otherwise lounges.
Bonus: Quiet and cat-like (often perches on furniture).
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Newfoundland
Height: 26-28"
Weight: 100-150 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #47
Why: Calm indoor presence despite massive size.
Bonus: Gentle with children
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Greyhound
Height: 25-30"
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #118
Why: "45 mph couch potato" - sleeps 18+ hours daily.
Bonus: Minimal grooming needs
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Saint Bernard
Height: 26-30"
Weight: 120-180 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #62
Why: Naturally sedentary-but does need moderate exercise.
Bonus: Excellent cold weather tolerance
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Mastiff
Height: 27.5-30"+
Weight: 120-230 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #40
Why: "Furniture dog" - moves less than your couch.
Bonus: Natural deterrent without barking
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Great Dane
Height: 28-32"
Weight: 110-175 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #21
Why: The ultimate "couch potato"; sleeps 18+ hours daily and prefers lounging over pacing.
Bonus: Gentle demeanor despite size
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