Posted by Margaret Outridge
on March 07, 2025
Thinking of adding a fluffy bestie to your life but living in an apartment?
This is a question breeders and animal health care workers are asked all the time:
I want a dog, but I live in a small apartment. Will this breed be suitable for my living circumstances?
And what a great question to ask.
Choosing the right breed for you and your living circumstances is imperative to ensure both your dog's physical and mental wellbeing - as well as your own.
Huskies? No.
Cattle dog or Aussie Shepherd? No.
You're going to want to look for a dog based on a number of factors:
- Low Energy Level
- Less Barking tendencies
- Small in size
- Relaxed Temperament
Don't stress.
Dog's fitting all 4 of these categories do exist.
Whether you’re after a low-maintenance companion or an active little explorer, we’ve rounded up the best apartment-friendly dog breeds suited to Australian city living.
What Makes a Dog Apartment-Friendly?
When looking for the perfect apartment dog, consider:
Size: Smaller dogs generally adapt better to compact living spaces, as well as requiring smaller equipment (such as a bed) to keep them comfortable.
Energy Levels: Some breeds require less exercise and can be content with short daily walks.
Temperament: Dogs with calm and adaptable personalities are ideal for shared buildings.
Barking Tendencies: A quieter breed is more neighbour-friendly.
1. French Bulldog 'Frenchie'
French Bulldogs are a top choice for apartment dwellers.
Why?
They’re compact (potato-like, even), low-energy, and known for their affectionate nature. These little companions love lounging around just as much as you do, but still get excited about a daily walk. And a daily walk IS important. They love their food, and they are prone to obesity because of their chill nature, and love of food.
A 30-minute stroll every day will be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Plus, their minimal grooming requirements make them a low-maintenance option for busy city dwellers.
Our ST ARGO Pick: The Sage Collar looks beautiful on a cream Frenchie.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) was originally bred to warm the laps of royals on their carriage journeys.
So if you're looking for a lap dog, yeah, you'll want to listen to this.
They have an incredibly gentle temperament and affectionate nature, making them ideal indoor pets.
They're on the smaller side of breeds, so adapt well to smaller spaces. They also generally enjoy socialising, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Be mindful that King Charles can be prone to health issues related to their long ears and nose. They're not eligable on many airlines to travel, due to their 'snub nose' feature.
If you're looking for a dog to cuddle up with in a cosy apartment, has a gentle temperament (won't bark the apartment block down), and aren't looking to travel with them, you should consider a Cavalier.
Our ST ARGO Pick: Keep your Cavalier looking as royal as their title with a chic Ruby Red harness for comfortable city strolls.
3. Greyhound
Surprisingly, Greyhounds make fantastic apartment dogs! While they are known for speed, they’re actually couch potatoes who love lounging for most of the day. They require minimal exercise, making them a great fit for smaller living spaces.
Our ST ARGO Pick: Elevate your Greyhound’s sleek look with a Bottle Green harness walk set...it looks FAB on grey coats.
4. Dachshund 'Doxie', 'Sausage Dog'
Dachshunds are playful, small, and adaptable, making them great for apartment life. They have moderate exercise needs and love burrowing into cozy spaces.
They're a little parcel with A TONNE of personality - and kg for kg they're incredibly loyal to their people. That's why it's important to train them from an early age, because they can have the tendency to develop barking habits when they feel like their family is threatened (ie. the postman or neighbour)...
Our ST ARGO Pick: The hands-free lead is perfect for managing your adventurous little sausage dog on walks around the block.
5. Pug
Pugs are known for their affectionate and charming personalities. They are relatively low-energy and love lounging indoors. However, they can be prone to weight gain, so a daily walk is essential for their wellbeing. If they gain too much weight, they can struggle to breathe. So it's very important they get their daily hot girl walk in.
They're small, chilled, compact and lazy. The perfect apartment dog, really.
Our ST ARGO Pick: Keep your couch potato comfortable and cute in a brown harness walk set.
6. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are intelligent, easy to train, and hypoallergenic—making them perfect for apartment living. Their playful yet adaptable nature means they’re happy in smaller spaces as long as they get enough mental stimulation.
Important: You'll want to train them and have them interract with a wide range of people, children and dogs from a young age. They can be on the anxious side if they're not properly acclimatised to new situations, people and animals.
Our ST ARGO Pick: A brown collar walk set to keep walks stylish and practical.
7. Cavoodle 'Cavapoo'
We know, they're not really a dog breed yet, but they deserve a mention.
A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavoodles are a very popular choice in Australia.
They are affectionate, intelligent, and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for apartment living. Their small size and friendly nature make them perfect for families and singles.
When properly raised, they are very outgoing, sociable dogs who enjoy a walk or two to the dog park for a play.
Being crossed with the Cavalier (the OG lap dog), and a Poodle (highly-intelligent) they're incredibly needy and get lonely easily. So keep this in mind if you travel a lot or are away from home for long periods. You may need to book them into daycare or leave them with a family member of friend.
Our ST ARGO Pick: Match your Cavoodle’s charm with a taupe collar walk set for their daily walks.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are low-energy dogs that love companionship. Their small size and calm demeanour make them perfect for apartment living.
Reminder: Regular grooming is essential to keep their long coats looking fabulous.
Our ST ARGO Pick: A hands-free lead in cream and matching treat pouch will make your daily walks easy and stylish.
9. Rescue Dogs
Many rescue dogs are well-suited for apartment living!
Local shelters often have small and medium-sized dogs that are already accustomed to indoor life.
It's important to enquire about the dog's particular energy level, and reactivity to noise.
Tips for Keeping Your Apartment Dog Happy
Daily Walks & Playtime: Even low-energy breeds need daily mental and physical stimulation.
Comfortable Space: Create a cozy corner so that your dog can have some space to retreat to for peace and quiet.
Quality Accessories: Invest in durable and fashionable accessories that suit your city lifestyle.
Socialisation: It's really important to socialise your dog as much as possible, to allow them to thrive in a bustling urban setting.
FAQs: Apartment-Friendly Dogs
What should I consider before getting a dog in an apartment?
Before choosing a dog, consider their energy levels, barking tendencies, and temperament. Some breeds thrive in smaller spaces, while others may struggle. Also, check if your building has pet-friendly policies.
Are there any dog breeds I should avoid in an apartment?
High-energy working breeds like Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and Cattle Dogs generally don’t do well in apartments. They need lots of space and mental stimulation to stay happy.
How much exercise does an apartment dog need?
It varies by breed. Some low-energy breeds, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, are happy with a 30-minute walk a day. Others, like Toy Poodles and Cavoodles, need more playtime and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Can I have a dog in an apartment if I work long hours?
If you're away for long hours, consider a low-maintenance breed or a rescue dog that’s already used to a quieter lifestyle. Hiring a dog walker or enrolling them in doggy daycare can also help keep them happy.
How do I stop my dog from barking in an apartment?
Early training and socialisation are key. If your dog barks excessively, ensure they’re getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. Consider training techniques or calming accessories to help manage their behaviour.