The 15 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners in Apartments
Bringing home your first dog is a joyful milestone, but it‘s crucial to choose a breed that will flourish in your apartment lifestyle. As a longtime dog lover who has raised puppies in apartments and houses alike, I know that certain breeds are much better suited for novice owners in smaller spaces. While every dog is unique, these 15 breeds consistently rise to the top due to their compact size, friendly demeanor, trainability, and moderate exercise needs.
Whether you‘re drawn to the fluffy and affectionate Bichon Frise, the smart and spirited Miniature Schnauzer, or the gentle and even-keeled Basset Hound, there‘s a perfect apartment companion on this list for you. We‘ll dive into the pros and cons of each breed, share expert tips for raising a well-behaved dog in close quarters, and address frequently asked questions about the ins and outs of apartment pet parenting. By the end, you‘ll feel prepped and empowered to take the leap into dog ownership, even in a studio or one-bedroom.
Small, Adaptable Breeds for Apartment Life
According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, 42% of small dogs live in apartments, compared to just 24% of medium dogs and 14% of large dogs. Compact canines tend to adapt more easily to apartment life, with lower exercise needs and taking up less space. Here are five of the best petite pooches for first-time owners:
1. Bichon Frise
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 7-12 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
Cheerful and cuddly, the pint-sized Bichon Frise is a top pick for apartment dwellers. Bichons bond closely with their owners and are highly trainable, eager to please. They need moderate exercise in the form of short walks and playtime. Grooming-wise, their white hypoallergenic coats don‘t shed much, but require frequent brushing and trimming to stay neat and tidy.
"Bichons tend to be very adaptable companions," notes Dr. Stephanie Austin, DVM. "They‘re playful without being too high-energy, and their small size makes them a good fit for apartments. Plus, they‘re usually great with other pets and people."
2. French Bulldog
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 16-28 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
The fun-loving Frenchie is a favorite among city-dwellers for good reason. This even-tempered breed loves being around their owners and is typically polite with guests and neighbors. Frenchies don‘t bark much and have modest exercise needs, content with brief walks and indoor playtime. As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, it‘s important to keep them from overheating and monitor their breathing.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Described as a "love sponge," the sweet Cavalier adores nothing more than snuggling with their favorite humans. They can be a little sensitive, so positive reinforcement training is key. Cavaliers are smart, easy to train, and fairly low-key energy-wise. Daily walks and lots of attention will keep this gentle spaniel happy and healthy.
4. Pug
- Height: 10-13 inches
- Weight: 14-18 pounds
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
Goofy and sociable, Pugs have been charming apartment owners for generations. These small, sturdy dogs are real "people pups" who want to be wherever you are. They don‘t need a ton of room to romp and tend to match their owners‘ activity levels. Health-wise, keep an eye on breathing issues and weight gain, both common in the breed.
5. Shih Tzu
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
With their room-brightening smile and flowing coat, Shih Tzus certainly live up to their name, which means "little lion." Bred to be companion dogs, they‘re content and comfortable in smaller spaces. While daily brushing is required for their long hair (many owners opt for a short puppy cut), Shih Tzus shed minimally. Early training curbs nuisance barking.
Highly Trainable Breeds
Not all first-time owners feel confident training a dog from scratch. If that sounds like you, consider one of these brainy breeds who pick up new tricks with ease:
6. Miniature Schnauzer
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 11-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Whip-smart and energetic, Miniature Schnauzers are real overachievers in the obedience and agility ring. They learn quickly with positive reinforcement and lots of praise. Mini Schnauzers do need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, along with regular professional grooming for their wiry double coat.
7. Papillon
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Weight: 5-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
Though petite and delicate-looking, Papillons are deceptively athletic and agile. They excel in dog sports and thrive on new challenges. Papillons are outgoing and generally good with other pets, though they may chase small animals. Frequent exercise and training sessions are a must for this bright breed.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 27-30 pounds (male), 25-28 pounds (female)
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
Originally bred to herd cattle, Corgis are now beloved for their smarts and silly, affectionate nature. They respond well to reward-based training and bond deeply with their owners. While short-statured, Corgis have plenty of energy and need consistent exercise. Socialization helps them learn to coexist peacefully with other pups.
"Pembroke Welsh Corgis are whip-smart and very trainable, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners," says certified dog trainer Kayla Fratt. "They‘re also super loyal and always up for an adventure, whether that‘s a hike or a trip to the dog park."
9. Poodle (Toy or Miniature)
- Height: under 10 inches (Toy), 10-15 inches (Miniature)
- Weight: 4-6 pounds (Toy), 10-15 pounds (Miniature)
- Lifespan: 10-18 years
Poodles are often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, and their Toy and Miniature varieties fit well in apartments. Their signature curly hypoallergenic coat requires frequent clipping, but sheds very minimally. Poodles of all sizes are active, athletic, and highly trainable. They tend to get along well with other dogs and adore their owners.
Low-Shedding Breeds
If you‘re worried about dog hair overtaking your apartment, look to one of these five low-shed breeds:
10. Maltese
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Weight: under 7 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
The feisty, funny Maltese sports a glamorous white coat that sheds very little, though daily brushing is needed to keep it silky and mat-free. Maltese are people-pleasers who love to be the center of attention. They may be prone to barking, so early training is key for apartment living. These pups make alert watchdogs but are rarely aggressive.
11. Havanese
- Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
Nicknamed the "Velcro dog," the Havanese cherishes being close to their beloved owners. Their long, silky coat is low-shedding but high-maintenance, requiring frequent brushing. Havanese are smart and trainable, though housetraining can be a process. These social butterflies need plenty of playtime and attention.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
- Height: 8-9 inches
- Weight: 4-7 pounds
- Lifespan: 11-15 years
The portable, plucky Yorkshire Terrier fits perfectly in apartments and laps alike. Their glamorous silky coat sheds very minimally, though it requires brushing and trimming. Yorkies learn quickly but may test boundaries, so consistent training is a must. These feisty micro-watchdogs need daily walks and lots of playtime.
13. Miniature Pinscher
- Height: 10-12.5 inches
- Weight: 8-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
The mighty Min Pin is an energetic, fearless companion in a compact package. They barely shed and only need occasional brushing. Min Pins have an independent streak, so they benefit from early training and socialization. These active pups need at least one long walk per day, along with indoor games.
Medium-Sized Breeds
If your apartment has a little more wiggle room, these two medium-sized breeds are well worth considering:
14. Basset Hound
- Height: up to 15 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
With their short legs and long, droopy ears, Basset Hounds are instantly recognizable. They‘re known for being calm, good-natured, and adaptable to different living situations. Bassets get along well with kids and other pets and only need moderate exercise. Their short coat sheds seasonally and requires weekly brushing.
"Basset Hounds are really quite easy to live with, even for first-time owners," explains veterinarian Dr. Robin Jackson. "As long as you stay on top of grooming and give them a couple walks per day, they‘ll be content to lounge at home while you‘re away and snuggle on the couch when you‘re there."
15. Whippet
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 25-40 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
The sleek, speedy Whippet is sometimes described as a Greyhound shrunk down to apartment size. While Whippets need a few vigorous jaunts per day to stretch their legs, they‘re surprisingly low-key indoors and love to cuddle. Their short coats shed seasonally. Early socialization helps this sensitive breed gain confidence.
Tips for Raising an Apartment Dog
Beyond breed selection, all first-time owners should follow these best practices to ensure life with an apartment dog goes smoothly:
- Crate train your new pup to create a cozy "den" and prevent destructive chewing when you‘re away.
- Stick to a potty training schedule. Take your dog out frequently and positively reinforce going in appropriate places. Potty pads can help while you‘re at work.
- Make time for daily walks, trips to the dog park, games of fetch, or romps at the dog daycare. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and nose work is also critical.
- Actively socialize your dog to new people, places, pets, and situations from an early age. Well-run socialization classes can help.
- Teach your pup basic obedience cues like "sit," "down," "stay," and "quiet," and practice them daily. Keep training sessions short and fun, with lots of yummy treats.
- Be courteous by always picking up poop, monitoring barking, and making sure your dog isn‘t a nuisance in communal spaces. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a dog need in an apartment?
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs weighing under 20 pounds can generally thrive in smaller apartments. Larger dogs can adapt if they get sufficient exercise and enrichment. No matter your dog‘s size, aim to walk them at least 20-30 minutes per day.
What if my apartment doesn‘t allow pets?
If you have your heart set on a dog, look for a pet-friendly building. Many apartments allow dogs under a certain size or weight or require a pet deposit and monthly "pet rent." Some insurance companies also exclude certain breeds from coverage, so check your policy.
How much does it cost to have an apartment dog?
Owning a dog costs an average of $1,750 per year, including food, supplies, medical care, and grooming. Renters should budget for a pet deposit, monthly fees, and any damage caused by their dog. It‘s also wise to set aside money for emergencies.
Is it okay to have a dog if I work full-time?
Yes, if you make arrangements for your dog‘s care. Options include coming home at lunch, hiring a pet sitter or walker, or taking your dog to daycare. Crate training or using a playpen can keep young dogs out of trouble for a few hours alone.
Should I adopt an adult dog or puppy?
Puppies are adorable, but they also require near-constant supervision, socialization, and training. Adult dogs often come housetrained and with some obedience training, and their temperament is already established. Both can thrive, it just depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
Wrapping Up
As a devoted dog lover who has cared for multiple apartment canines, I know firsthand that choosing a pet to share your small space is an important decision. By opting for one of these 15 breeds well-suited for first-time owners in apartments, you‘ll set yourself up for success as you embark on the joyful journey of dog parenthood.
Whether you pick a portable cuddler like a Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu, a brainiac Poodle or Papillon, or a mellow Basset or Whippet, rest assured that your new dog can live a full, happy life in your apartment. Manage your expectations, invest time in training and exercise, and be a considerate neighbor, and you‘ll wonder how you ever lived without your four-legged best friend.
