The Best Small Dogs for Apartments, Including People with Kids and Allergies

There are plenty of advantages to owning a small dog. Not only are diminutive breeds less expensive to feed, but they also generally need less space. However, even the best small dog breeds crave walks and outdoor time, so pick wisely to dedicate enough time to your small, furry friend. Little dogs can also make some of the best companions out there — they’re easy to cuddle and make great travel partners. 

If you happen to zero in on a favorite breed, go meet one in person. Dog trainer Russell Hartstein, CEO of Fun Paw Care Puppy and Dog Training in Los Angeles, says it’s important to remember dogs, like people, are individuals. Regardless of what a breed is “known” for, Hartstein recommends meeting with a dog individually to determine if it’s the right fit for you and your family. 

Whether you’re looking for a pup that will thrive in a small space or you’re hankering for a lap dog, here are some of the best small dog breeds Hartstein recommends all aspiring small-dog owners consider.

Whether you’re living in a smaller apartment or looking for a dog that won’t trigger your allergies, here are four of the best dog breeds to look into. 

Limited square footage doesn’t disqualify you from having a furry friend! If you live in a small apartment, Hartstein recommends Shih Tzus, who are friendly with other dogs (a bonus for roof-top potty breaks), not too loud, and perfectly tiny.

While Hartstein says no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there are some more allergy-friendly dogs. The affectionate and intelligent Toy Poodle needs to get brushed and groomed often, but they shed less hair, making them a great match for someone with allergies.

If you’re looking for a small, family dog, Hartstein says the French Bulldog — which is bred to be smaller than their standard Bulldog cousins — could be a great match. They’re also low maintenance, which means you can pay more attention to your kiddos. “They have short hair that doesn’t need much grooming, and they love to lie around the house and snore and make fun noises,” Hartstein says.

The Westie makes a great walking and exploring partner — this breed loves to be active and experience the world. But Hartstein says they come with one caveat: Make sure to dog train and socialize this little guy, or he could become spooked by new experiences.

Of course, there are so many more amazing and adorable kinds of dogs to make part of your family. Here are 24 more of the best small dog breeds to consider. 

Fabulously fluffy, a Pomeranian’s personality is just as adorable as you’d expect. These fun little pups don’t require much exercise and are perfectly content playing indoors. They’re sweet, loyal and love it when you lavish them with attention. 

The low-maintenance Basenji is one of the best small dog breeds for apartment dwellers for one major reason: these are the only dogs that never bark! Combine that wonderful feature with their diminutive size and lack of shedding, and you can see why Basenjis and apartments are a match made in heaven. 

Looking for a pup that will follow you around all day long? Look no further than the adorably elegant Chinese Crested. These devoted pups are perfect for people who work from home, since they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. What’s more, the Chinese Cresteds needs very little outdoor exercise, making it one of the best small dog breeds for apartment or other small-space living. 

A low-energy dog is well-suited for small-space living. That’s why we love the Italian Greyhound, which is just a miniature version of the beautiful, greyhound. These quiet, docile dogs require very little exercise and tend not to get wild in the house, either. Consider it a win for your neighbors below you! 

A toy breed that’s enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, the Cavalier King Charles is extremely friendly toward both humans and other dogs. Hartstein says they may not be the brightest dogs in the world, but they are some of the friendliest and most loving. Another bonus: They’re quite docile, and you can expect them not to bark too much. 

Who can resist the Pug’s trademark, wrinkled face? Pugs are one of the lower-energy small breeds, so they don’t require as much exercise and space as other dogs. If you’re a hard sleeper in the market for a good laugh, a Pug might be up your alley: Hartstein says people love pugs because they make hysterical snoring sounds when they sleep.

If you’re willing to put in some training time, Beagles can make great companions. “They’re energetic and love to howl and bark, so a person needs to train with them often,” Hartstein says. “As a working dog, they also require a lot of exercise.” So be sure you have time to dedicate to walking and playing with your beagle.

These allergy-friendly cuties are in the poodle family, but are much more petite. While they’re energetic and need regular exercise, they aren’t big barkers and don’t shed. Hartstein says Bichon Frises love to cuddle and make great family members.

Yorkies are tiny, cute, allergy-friendly, and love to cuddle, so they’re the perfect movie-marathon companion. They are quiet and calm, but great with new people and other pets. Just keep in mind that this breed can be a bit high-maintenance. “Yorkies may be small, but they sure bark a lot if they are not trained and socialized well,” Hartstein says.

This working dog has two brothers, the Standard and the Giant Schnauzer. Hartstein says all three are particularly spirited, alert, and friendly, and they love being trained by their parents.

These long-coated beauty queens are wonderful snugglers and companions — plus, they’re allergy-friendly. But like any other dog, the Maltese has its requirements: They need lots of grooming, and they thrive when their owners shower them with attention.

Hailing from Cuba, these little darlings are sweet-tempered and versatile — Hartstein says they are just as pleased to snore the day away with you or to go for a walk around town. The best of both worlds! Although the breed is often white, there are other colors, such as black and gold, for those who want a different hue.

There’s probably no small breed more sophisticated looking than a Cairn Terrier. This wire-haired dog is intelligent and eager to learn and train with you, so they make a great family dog. 

Hard to pronounce, but easy to live with. The Coton du Tulear is a playful, intelligent, and affectionate breed who loves to be with the family. They require more grooming than other dogs, but they are adaptable to many living conditions and environments.

Some people think they look similar to monkeys, but these unique dogs are fun, adorable, and intelligent. As a terrier, they are a working dog that requires training and socialization.

This adorable little package will cuddle like the best of them. Don’t let their small stature fool you; the Australian Terrier is an intelligent dog that should be trained and worked with often.

Tiny, white, and adorable. The Bolognese requires grooming more often, but you won’t find a breed that’s more eager to be your best friend. Plus, Hartstein says they’re one of the most intelligent dogs out there. 

These shorties sometimes get confused with their friends, French Bulldogs. Boston terriers are fun, spunky, and wired for fun and a good ball chase. Get them home and they will cuddle on the couch with you for hours. Just don’t forget to train them, or you will have a wired dog with behavior problems.

If this dog’s mug doesn’t make you grin, nothing will. This small dog makes a wonderful best friend and is a snuggling expert. Just get ready to be somewhat involved: Hartstein says Griffons love to dog train and learn new obedience tricks.

Corgis are adorable, fluffy dogs that look like a mix between a German Shepherd and a Dachshund. This breed thrives when you keep them active and busy — Hartstein says they are intelligent working dogs that will herd you if you don’t give them a job or train with them.

Hailing from Mexico, this small dog is spunky and can be yappy if their needs are not met. They need to be trained to not have behavior problems, but they make wonderful cuddlers and companions.

Known as a wiener dog to many, Hartstein says this long and strong dog makes a wonderful best friend for its smart, funny, and cuddly personality. They can be a bit more aggressive, so make sure to stay on top of training. Also, be prepared to get outside with your pup often, as dachshunds need to go on walks regularly.

The papillon (which means butterfly in French) gets its name for its characteristic, butterfly-like ears. Small, intelligent dogs that love to please their owners, Papillons are ideal companion dogs. 

A top-notch cuddle partner who knows how to make you laugh? That’s not your ideal partner, that’s a Pekingese. Hartstein says this breed is known for being big dogs trapped in little dogs’ bodies. “They’re not loud, they’re very small, and they love to be socialized and walked for short distances,” he says.

Before bringing any dog home, even a small one, it’s important to do plenty of research into what it will take to train and care for them. Here are some FAQs people tend to have about small dog breeds. 

Although some of the best small dog breeds can live in limited space, that doesn’t mean they are content sitting on a couch all day. “Any small breed can be full of energy and need a lot of exercise — it depends on their genetics,” says Alexandra Basset, a behavior consultant at Dog Savvy.

“Prospective dog owners need to gauge a dog’s energy levels and temperament before adopting them.” In addition to researching a particular breed, also take time to meet the specific dog you’d like to take home. Be sure you’re ready for a high-energy pup or one that needs a lot of walking before committing. 

The best advice Jonathan Solis, a dog trainer and owner of Whisker Bark, has is to keep at it. “For apartment training, consistency is key,” he says. Solis also notes that creating boundaries within your apartment and crate training are a great place to start, and then you can introduce larger spaces outside your home that your pet will encounter. “Elevators, shared spaces, and noise control are all important aspects that, with patience and consistency” you can train your dog to be comfortable with, he says. 

Basset also stresses the importance of routine bathroom breaks. “A dog usually will have to go potty after eating, so setting a schedule that includes walking a dog after they eat is a good idea,” she says. Because apartment complexes share walls and are often noisier environments, try desensitizing your pup to common sounds, such as neighbors coming and going. Basset also says it’s a good idea to socialize your pup well, as they’ll encounter others in small spaces, such as hallways and elevators.

Although no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, some of the best small dog breeds also happen to be allergy-friendly. If you or someone who will be visiting your apartment often is allergic, consider adopting a Bichon Frise, Yorkie, Toy Poodle, or Maltese.