Best Dog Breeds for Apartments and Flats
What really makes a dog suit apartment life — energy, noise and size — plus seven breeds worth considering, with honest notes on each.
Sunny · · 3 min read
The best apartment dog is one with moderate energy, a tendency to be quiet, and a size that suits your space, stairs and lifts. Breed gives you a starting point, but each dog's personality and your daily routine matter just as much. Here is what to look for, and some breeds that often do well.
What actually matters
Energy level
Energy matters more than size. A dog that needs two hours of running a day will struggle in a small flat if you can't provide it, whatever its size. Low-to-moderate energy dogs that settle well indoors are the easiest fit.
Noise
Barking carries through walls and corridors. Some breeds were developed to bark as watchdogs or to "give voice" while hunting. A dog that barks at every footstep in the hallway can cause real problems with neighbours and landlords.
Size and practicalities
Think about the day-to-day:
- Can you carry the dog up stairs if the lift breaks, or when they are old or injured?
- Is there a safe spot nearby for toilet breaks, including late at night?
- Does your building or tenancy allow dogs, and are there size limits?
Time alone
Many apartment dwellers work long hours. Most dogs shouldn't be left alone for a full working day. Plan for a dog walker or daycare, and build up time alone gradually — our guide to leaving a puppy home alone explains how.
Breeds that often suit apartments
| Breed | Size | Honest note |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Gentle and quiet, but can be prone to heart disease (mitral valve disease) and other inherited conditions — choose health-tested parents. |
| Shih Tzu | Small | Happy with short walks and listed by The Kennel Club as suited to a flat, but needs daily grooming and care in the heat. |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Cheerful and low-shedding; often dislikes being left alone and needs regular professional grooming. |
| Havanese | Small | Sociable and adaptable; can bark at the door and needs grooming. |
| Boston Terrier | Small–medium | Lively but compact and usually not a big barker; flat-faced, so can struggle with heat and breathing. |
| Greyhound (often retired racers) | Large | Surprisingly calm "couch potatoes" indoors, but need a safe place to sprint and have a strong urge to chase small animals. |
| French Bulldog | Small | Quiet and low-exercise, but a flat-faced breed prone to serious breathing problems — research carefully and avoid extreme features. |
Breeds that often find apartments hard
Some breeds can live in flats with very committed owners, but they often struggle:
- High-energy working breeds — Border Collies, Huskies and Belgian Malinois need a lot of physical and mental work.
- Vocal hounds — Beagles and Basset Hounds can bay loudly, especially when alone.
- Busy terriers — many are energetic, alert barkers.
- Giant breeds — they may be calm, but stairs, small rooms and lifts can be a challenge, especially as they age.
Don't forget mixed breeds and rescues
Many of the best apartment dogs are mixed breeds and rescue dogs. With an adult dog, you can often see their energy level, noise and toilet habits before you commit — something you can't know with a puppy. A good rescue will tell you honestly whether a dog has coped in a flat or foster home, and can match you with a calm, settled dog.
Making apartment life work
- Walk at least twice a day, with time to sniff — sniffing is tiring in a good way.
- Use food puzzles and short training sessions for indoor enrichment.
- Train a "settle" so your dog learns to relax on a mat.
- Plan toilet trips — especially for puppies, who need to go out frequently.
A crate or puppy pen can help with house training and give your dog a safe den. Our crate training guide walks you through it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a large dog live in an apartment?
Some can. A calm, low-energy large dog that gets good daily walks can be happier in a flat than a small, high-energy dog that is bored indoors. Stairs, lifts and neighbours matter too.
What is the quietest dog breed for an apartment?
No breed is guaranteed quiet. Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and many Shih Tzus are often fairly quiet, but barking depends heavily on exercise, training and whether a dog is left alone for long.
Are puppies harder in apartments?
They can be, mainly because of frequent toilet trips. Expect to go outside every couple of hours at first, so a ground-floor flat or one near outdoor space helps.