The 5 Best Dog Breeds For People Who Live In An Apartment, According To Owners

Are you currently renting an apartment with plans to add a dog to your family soon? You might already have a breed in mind to adopt, but considering the feedback of other renters with dogs can help you finalize your decision. There are dozens of small- and medium-sized dogs that apartment complexes welcome, but some tend to do better in apartments than others. According to dog owners on various social media sites, the Maltese, bulldog, French bulldog, basenji, and Shih Tzu are among the best breeds for apartment tenants.

These five breeds were picked for a variety of attributes that make them perfect for apartment dwellers, including their size, personality, and social level. With apartment living, you have to consider a dog's needs and whether the space in your unit can accommodate them. For example, some dogs love to run around and be outdoors, such as Siberian huskies. You also need to consider your neighbors and their comfort. Some dogs, including Chihuahuas, bark a lot, so they may also not be ideal if you're sharing walls with someone. 

Although thoughts on "the best" are subjective, according to pet parents, the following breeds are likely to have an easier time in a rental. The following selections were based on social media comments on Reddit and breed-specific dog forums.

The Maltese is among the smallest dog breeds. They weigh only about 7 pounds and are 7-9 inches tall. One Redditor noted,"they're perfect for small spaces and need very little exercise." The AKC also gives the Maltese a 3 out of 5 rating for energy level. These dogs adapt well to change, so if you already have a Maltese and will be moving into a new apartment, you likely won't have to worry about adjustment difficulties.

In the barking department, the Maltese can be a vocal breed without training, but not everyone who's shared their home with one would agree. Reddit users in r/maltese shared a variety of experiences. One described theirs as "literally so quiet." Another said their pup "lets out four barks per year." Others said their Maltese barks only when someone's at the door or if they see another dog through the window. However, it's unclear if these dog parents live in an apartment or a house.

If you're concerned about potential barking issues, you can train your Maltese not to bark as much by rewarding them when they're silent and distracting them with toys. If you're not home, you can leave a puzzle toy, such as the Dr. Catch Puzzle Feeder or similar to keep them busy for longer periods of time.

The bulldog — also known as the English bulldog — falls in the medium-sized breed category. Adult males weigh about 50 pounds while females weigh about 40. One bulldog parent from Reddit's r/bulldogs describes the breed as playful, and one that can get along well with other dogs. The AKC confirms their playfulness level, scoring the breed a 4 out of 5.

A bulldog's energy level is another factor to consider with apartment living. The aforementioned bulldog parent also described their dog as a "lower energy" breed. This means the average bulldog will probably be content to relax indoors with their owner, but would also enjoy moderate exercise. Another Reddit bulldog parent said their bully sleeps 20 hours a day, while a third stated theirs naps and cuddles a lot.

Wondering if bulldogs are barkers? Unlike many smaller breeds, bulldogs aren't typically categorized as dogs that bark excessively, but they're also not the quietest breed. They usually bark, only if they have a good reason to, so you shouldn't have to worry about them waking the neighbors unless someone's trying to break in.

The French bulldog is considered an apartment favorite by many canine parents. Although they're small, they weigh roughly 30 pounds when fully grown. Why are they a favorite? One reason is that they're not very vocal. In fact, one parent on the French Bulldog Forum shared that their Frenchies were not whiny or yappy at all. Another added that the vacuum was the only bark trigger for their French bulldog in their home.

In the energy department, Frenchies are considered moderately energetic. The same forum's users added that they need minimal exercise. However, daily walks should still be the goal. They're also very playful and adaptable, so many Frenchies will be perfectly content with playing with their toys and playing fetch in your living room, bedroom, dog park, or just about anywhere.

Another Frenchie characteristic worth noting is their friendliness. As an apartment renter, you'll likely see or pass by several people throughout the week when you let your pup out for potty times or walks. They're considered very open to strangers, so your Frenchie might make a friend or two at your complex.

The basenji is the perfect breed not only for apartment dwellers, but anyone who wants a dog that doesn't bark. Owners have confirmed their "barkless" nature on several forums, including on Reddit and Dog Forums, and the AKC rated the breed a 1 out of 5 for barking level. It's important to note that while this is the only breed in the world that doesn't bark, it's not silent. They just vocalize in other ways, such as by yodeling or whining.

Basenjis are also a medium-sized dog that most, if not all, pet-friendly apartments will welcome. Adult males top out at around 24 pounds while females weigh about 22, so they won't take up much space in an apartment. You might consider it the perfect size if you want a dog that's not small enough to be an ankle biter, but still small enough to lie on your lap.

This breed also features other likable characteristics that will make you glad to have one around. They're affectionate without being too needy, somewhat friendly with strangers, playful, adaptable, and protective.

The Shih Tzu has topped many lists of breeds that thrive in apartments, due to their size, low energy level, and affectionate nature. Current and former Shih Tzu owners confirmed their low-energy nature on Reddit's r/Shihtzu, but one added that they still need walks. Others noted that they're good with small spaces, due to their small size. The average size of a Shih Tzu is around 9 to 16 pounds and about 10 inches tall when fully grown.

This breed is usually also great with children and other dogs, and is highly adaptable. You might find these qualities beneficial if there are frequently children or other dogs outdoors at your apartment complex, and if you move frequently from one unit to another. Shih Tzus are also very affectionate and easy to train.

One drawback of the Shih Tzu, however, is that these dogs have a tendency to bark a lot, but just as with any other vocal breed, they can be trained. You might also get lucky and get a Shih Tzu that doesn't bark much, as one owner did. Another Redditor shared their experience, noting, "Mine never barked unless she got rowdy playing with her brother."

The methodology for these results involved typing specific phrases into a search bar to retrieve anecdotal evidence of pet characteristics from dog parents with apartment-living experience. These include "the best breeds for apartments," "how often do Malteses bark," "having a bulldog in an apartment," "bulldog temperament," "Frenches in apartments," "Basenjis in apartments," and "Shih Tzus in apartments."