15 Best Condo Dogs for Apartments or Condos These dogs are perfect if you live in cozy quarters. By Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws and The Spruce Pets. She's also a registered veterinary technician with over 20 years of expertise in the field of veterinary medicine. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 10/09/25 Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images If you live in an apartment or condo and you live in a pet-friendly unit, you might debate getting a condo dog. Many dogs can thrive in small homes, particularly small to medium breeds, although certain large breeds aren't out of the question. Here are 15 of the best dogs for apartments or condominiums. Tip Dogs of any breed can become bored in small spaces, leading to undesirable behaviors. Ensure they get regular exercise, and engage them with puzzle games or toys for mental stimulation. 01 of 15 Basset Hound Credit: Nick Noyas / Getty Images The basset hound is typically a low-key dog. The basset is moderately energetic but tends to get less active with age. Most basset hounds enjoy a daily walk but don't need a ton of exercise. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: Up to 15 inchesWeight: 40 to 65 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, stubborn, friendlyEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, brown, tan, white, red, and lemonLife Span: 12 to 13 years 02 of 15 Bichon Frise Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris Bichons are a favorite among small-dog enthusiasts. They're typically loyal and happy dogs with a medium energy level. Although many small dogs are known to be yippy barkers, the bichon isn't too noisy. Daily play sessions and walks should be enough to fulfill a bichon's exercise needs. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inchesWeight: 12 to 18 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, friendlyEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Soft coat; colors include white, white and apricot, and white and creamLife Span: 14 to 15 years 03 of 15 Bulldog Credit: Scott Van Dyke / Getty Images Medium-sized bulldogs have a moderate energy level. Regular exercise is necessary, but the breed has a pretty low tolerance for activity. A daily walk or two and some games are usually enough. Bulldogs are generally loyal, jovial companions. They're typically fairly quiet—as long as you don't mind some snoring. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 14 to 15 inchesWeight: 40 to 50 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, docile, willfulEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Straight, short, fine-textured, smooth, and glossy; comes in red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tippingLife Span: 8 to 10 years 04 of 15 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Credit: Tatsiana Volkava / Getty Images The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is typically upbeat and happy-go-lucky, yet calm and gentle. This dog has a medium energy level, benefitting from daily walks and games. But what they really thrive on is companionship. This dog can be moderately vocal but is generally happy to quietly snuggle on the couch. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 12 to 13 inchesWeight: 13 to 18 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Medium-length, silky coat; colors include black and tan, black and white, and moreLife Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 5 of 15 below 05 of 15 Chihuahua Credit: Tomoaki Takahashi / Getty Images Chihuahuas pack lots of personality into a tiny frame. The breed has a medium to high energy level, requiring daily walks and play, but the petite size means a small apartment is adequate space. Some Chihuahuas can be a bit vocal, especially when they hear potential intruders, but with adequate training you can curb barking. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: Up to 6 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Lively, alert, loyalEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Smooth or long coat; most common colors include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and redLife Span: 14 to 16 years 06 of 15 Chinese Crested Credit: Martine Roch / Getty Images The Chinese crested tends to be alert and affectionate, enjoying spending time with family. Their small size and medium energy level make these dogs another great option for apartments. Despite their delicate appearance, they are strong athletes. Dog sports and puzzle games are ideal to exercise their minds and bodies. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, intelligent, socialEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Fur on head, feet, and tail (hairless); soft, silky coat (powderpuff); colors include black, blue, cream, and more; hairless body is usually grayish-pink, often with white spots along the chest and bellyLife Span: 13 to 18 years 07 of 15 Greyhound Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris You might know them for racing, but greyhounds are couch potatoes at heart and make good condo dogs. Although they enjoy a good run, they don't have enough endurance to need more than daily walks. These dogs tend to be highly affectionate and might loudly complain when left alone. Training for separation anxiety can help. Breed Overview Group: Hound (AKC)Height: 27 to 30 inchesWeight: 60 to 70 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, gentleEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short coat; colors include black, blue, fawn, red, white, and brindleLife Span: 10 to 13 years 08 of 15 Maltese Credit: mixetto / Getty Images Playful yet gentle, the Maltese is a delight. They only require basic daily exercise, including a walk or two and playtime. In addition, the breed is less likely to be vocal compared to many other small dogs. This condo dog loves nothing more than sitting in your lap and showering you with affection. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 7 to 9 inchesWeight: Up to 7 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, fearless, alertEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: White, with a long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoatLife Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 9 of 15 below 09 of 15 Poodle Credit: Teppei Kaku / Getty Images Poodles of all sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) can do well in apartments. These dogs are intelligent and have moderate to high energy levels. Some poodles might need extra exercise to keep them happy in a small home. But fortunately, they tend to be disciplined and obedient with proper training. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: up to 10 inchesWeight: Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; miniature: 10 to 15 pounds; toy: 4 to 6 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Active, intelligent, affectionateEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, black, brown, and grayLife Span: 10 to 18 years 10 of 15 Shih Tzu Credit: The Spruce / Kevin Norris The shih tzu is a happy, affectionate, and playful little condo dog that only needs basic daily exercise and general training. These dogs tend to become closely bonded with their favorite humans. But if you must leave them at home, they'll likely be happily relaxing while they await your return. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 9 to 10.5 inchesWeight: 9 to 16 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, loyalEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, flowing coat; colors include black, blue, brindle, gold, liver, silver, red, and moreLife Span: 10 to 18 years 11 of 15 Italian Greyhound Credit: RAUL RODRIGUEZ / Getty Images Italian greyhounds are miniature versions of greyhounds. They have similar qualities in a smaller package, but they weigh ten pounds versus 60 pounds. They are a little more manageable for new dog parents or those who gravitate towards smaller dog breeds. They are loving, cozy cuddlers but still like the occasional chance to go for sprint. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 13 to 15 inchesWeight: 7 to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, companionableEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short and smooth; comes in gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combinationLife Span: 14 to 15 years 12 of 15 French Bulldog Credit: Jenifer Johnson / EyeEm / Getty Images Frenchies are popular in the U.S., but they've been a top dog in the French countryside since the 1800s. These dogs only need a daily brisk walk each day to keep them in shape. These dogs keep quiet too; they rarely bark. For these reasons, they’re good condo dogs. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: Under 28 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyalEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and whiteLife Span: 10 to 12 years Continue to 13 of 15 below 13 of 15 Pug Credit: Lam Ka Yan / EyeEm / Getty Images Pugs are content to hang out at home. These love bugs are comical, loving, good-natured, and playful. The pug is a little dog with a big personality, so they are ideal for those who want a compact but active companion dog. The even-tempered demeanor of this breed also makes it a good choice for families with children. Beware not to overwork this dog, as dogs with a flat face are prone to overheating in extreme temperatures. They are opportunistic eaters, so do not overfeed this breed for fear of this dog getting obese. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 10 to 13 inchesWeight: 14 to 18 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Smooth, short double coat in fawn or blackLife Span: 13 to 15 years 14 of 15 Havanese Credit: Scott Zdon / Getty Images This playful, affectionate Cuban dog can thrive in an urban environment, smaller living quarters, or palatial estates. This 10-pound dog can adapt to living almost anywhere. Havanese dogs should get daily exercise, but do not need a lot of it. These dogs are content to cuddle on your lap or play indoors. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC)Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inchesWeight: 7 to 13 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Bright, even-tempered, companionableEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Silky straight to very wavy with ringlets; comes in black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and redLife Span: 14 to 16 years 15 of 15 Boston Terrier Credit: Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images Boston terriers do not have extensive exercise requirements, but they do need some mental stimulation, enrichment, and attention. If they feel neglected, they can develop problem behaviors. They should still get at least one or two daily walks and might enjoy a canine agility course. Apartment and city living should be adequate for this breed. Breed Overview Group: Non-sporting (AKC)Height: 15 to 17 inchesWeight: 12 to 25 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Smooth, short coat; white muzzle and chest; rest of body is black, seal, or brindleLife Span: 11 to 13 years Breed Characteristics Dogs that make the best apartment or condo dwellers are breeds that are generally quiet and have low to medium energy. Smaller dogs tend to fit better in these homes, although some toy breeds tend to be yippy breeds and are too noisy for homes that have close neighbors. Breeds to Avoid If you're on the hunt for a condo dog breed that can adapt well to apartment living, some dogs don't cut it. Dogs that need a lot of room to run, such as dalmatians, and herding dogs like German shepherds or briards will feel too shut-in and get bored easily. They require a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation. Another apartment no-no is an excessive barker or howler, such as a noisy beagle or a Finnish spitz, the king barking dog of the canine world. Finkies have the unique ability to bark up to 160 barks per minute. 10 Dog-Friendly Ideas for Apartment Balconies FAQ What are the space requirements for dogs in apartments or condos? Dogs typically require some space to move around, but many can thrive in small apartments as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation, such as walks and puzzle games. How do I manage barking in an apartment setting? Training is essential to curb barking, especially with breeds known to be vocal. Keeping dogs occupied with toys and ensuring they have enough companionship can help reduce excessive barking. How much exercise do condo dogs typically need? Exercise needs vary per breed, but generally, daily walks and playtime are sufficient for most small to medium breeds suitable for apartment living. Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to Keep Pugs, Frenchies, & Other Flat-Faced Breeds From Overheating. American Kennel Club. Boston Terrier. American Kennel Club. 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Finnish Spitz. American Kennel Club.