5 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments for Families with Kids

When it comes to living in apartments, having a pet can have some hindrance. Large or medium-sized dogs may not be the best choice for you as they require a lot of places to stretch their legs. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot keep large dogs in apartments. Yes, big dogs can too stay at tighter quarters provided it gets its regular dose of exercise.  However, the size of your pet is not the only thing that will deter you from keeping a pet dog in apartments. If you are a dog lover but space constraints have hindered you in having kept one, then here are some suggestions for best small dog breeds for apartments.

You may want to read our articles:

1. 5 Things to know before keeping a dog
2. Best dog breeds for family and kids 

Let us see what are the best small dog for apartments.

While choosing for your canine friend you need to take into account the dog’s energy levels if the dog is quiet or super noisy and also its level of friendliness. Dogs with lower energy do not mean that they won’t require exercise. On the contrary, smaller dog breeds will require exercise but not so much as compared to a high-energy dog. Smaller dogs will need to be walked regularly or else they may become overweight, depressed, and destructive. So here is my list of the 5 best dog breeds for your family who can live perfectly in apartments too.

1. Pug

If you are thinking of the best small dog breeds for apartments then Pugs are a good choice. They are cute, friendly, and are gentle dogs that are comparatively fuss-free. Let us look at some of the characteristics of Pug and what you need to keep in mind while deciding to keep it.

• Pugs have this very flat face with a short nose and bulging eyes along with all the wrinkles on the face.
• They also have a distinctive curled tail or a curly Q tail.
• Pugs are Brachycephalic dogs which means they are dogs with short noses. Because of their flat face, they are prone to breathing problems, especially in warmer weather.

Pugs and other dog breeds belonging to the brachycephalic family have a problem called or eye prolapse. In this condition, the eye of the dog just pops out or there is the forward displacement of the eye.  This condition can be caused by a trauma to the head or neck or by using a tight leash. While the eye can be popped back into its socket by the owner or a vet, it is advisable that veterinary attention should be done. If however, the prolapse happens over and over again, pugs may require surgery.

• Pugs have a glossy coat and they come in four colors: Black, Fawn, Apricot Fawn, and Silver fawn.
• They have a compact square body with well-developed muscles.
• Pugs do well in almost all kinds of environments but care should be taken to ensure that it is not exposed to high temperatures.
• Pugs are noticed for their wrinkles on the face.

Though it looks cute, yet these layers of wrinkly folds can become a problem as these folds are prone to infections due to moisture accumulation. Pug owners will need to clean inside these creases to avoid moisture being accumulated which can lead to bacteria growth.  In some cases, pugs may also develop a condition known as skin fold dermatitis.

• Pugs are easygoing and can blend in with anyone.

If you are a person who likes to sit at home in front of the television your dog will also do the same. If on the other hand, you are someone who is outgoing and athletic, then take your dog with you. They will learn to love the outdoors.  Training a pug is a walk in the park. Start socializing early with kids and other people and they will surely win hearts with their amiable nature.

• Pugs live as long as 11 years.

They do not need high-intensity exercises but a regular walk will help it to stay fit and active. Pugs that lead a sedentary life and can become prone to obesity. So exercise along with a healthy diet can elongate the lifespan of your pooch.

When it comes to your family, there is no denying that Pugs make an excellent family dog. Pugs have a remarkable and charming personality despite their small size.

They are not aggressive and are good with children.

They are eager to please and as such, they tend to be intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners.  Pugs are very social and so they require human companionship a lot craving for attention and affection from their owners.

Do you think this adorable-looking dog has everything that you are looking for? Then welcome it to your apartment and enjoy the feeling of companionship.

2. French Bulldog

Another best small dog breed for apartments is the French Bulldog. French Bulldog as the name suggests did not come from France but from England. They were created from a dwarf version of English bulldogs which were later crossed between a pug and a terrier.  And voila the result is a great-looking dog.

• French Bulldog comes in four colors: Brindle, Fawn, White, and Black.
• They are 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh around 28 pounds.
• French Bulldogs are known characteristically for their Smushed face.

Yes, they too belong to the Brachycephalic family which means they are dogs with short noses. This makes them noisy labor breathers. Because of their smushed-off nose Frenchies are not comfortable playing in heat or long hours of fetch.

• Another characteristic of French Bulldogs is their wrinkled face, a genetic trait they got from their ancestors.

The wrinkles help to flow the blood away from the eyes should the dog be wounded in a fight. Another feature of French Bulldogs which is hard to miss is their bat-like ears.

• French Bulldogs have reproductive challenges and cannot naturally reproduce.

They need to be artificially inseminated. The French Bulldogs are strong and short. They are broad at the shoulders and are narrow at the loins. This makes them unable to mount the female to reproduce naturally.

• However, they are a great companion and they like to be near their owners. So if you have a French Bulldog make sure to take them with you where ever you go.
• French Bulldogs require very little exercise, a short walk in the park is all that they need and they do very well in apartments.
• They have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years and have few health issues.

Take care while exercising in hot or humid weather as they are prone to heat strokes. They can also have thyroid diseases or impaired thyroid function.  French bulldogs also suffer from a variety of back, disk, and spinal diseases and disorders and they have some eye disorders too.

• Grooming wise it is very easy as they have a short coat of hair which requires very little maintenance. Also, remember to keep their wrinkles dry to avoid moisture retention which can lead to infections.
• They do not bite nor do they bark and are great with every member of the family and are affectionate towards children.
• They can be a little stubborn while training but overall they are a great family dog and are more interested in being pleased than pleasing you.

If you think that this affable dog fits your personality and your lifestyle, then bring one home as there is no better dog than the French Bulldog.

3. Bichon Frise

If you are looking for the best small dog breeds for apartments whom you can pamper a lot then the Bichon Frise is just the one.

• The Bichon Frise is a small dog weighing up to 5 to 10kg and stands 23 to 30 cm in height.
• They have a rounded skull and the muzzle is not pointy.
• Bichon Frise has white hair which consists of a curly, dense coat. T
• They shed very little just like poodles.

While some Bichons do not necessarily have curly hair, some even sport straight hair. Bichons have a standard coat color of pure white while a small amount of buff, cream, or apricot color may be noticed around their ears, snout, paws, or body.

• Their head and legs are proportionate in size to its body.
• Another thing to note is that Bichon Frise is known to have medium to high intelligence. So they are cute as well as intelligent dogs.
• Grooming wise you will have to pay attention as these curly coats require regular brushing.

Bichon Frise does not shed much but their coat is combed to remove loose hair which can lead to matting or tangles. In cases a Bichon Frise’s coat gets severely matted, it can develop a hematoma most likely in the ears. Bichons need to be bathed at least once a month so that their coat remains white.

• Healthwise Bichon Frise has some allergy-related problems. They are also prone to ear infections and serious skin conditions. They are moderately hypoallergenic but they themselves suffer from allergies to flies, tics, chemicals, dust, pollen, etc.
• Bichon Frise is merry and cheerful and they are known to be gentle-mannered, sensitive, affectionate, and playful.

You will not have any problem with Bichons socializing as they are highly sociable. They are also good with children because of their playful and active nature. Bichon Frise’s are developed as a companion dog breed, and they get along with children and other animals.  Remember to start training them early. They tend to be very obedient when trained properly and constantly.

• These companion dogs love to play both outsides as well as indoors. They require some exercise as they tend to be quite active.

If you are looking for a cute and cuddly dog then the Bichon Frise fits your bill. Though active, it can no doubt fit in well in an apartment setting. Just remember to exercise it well whether indoors or taking out for a stroll outside and these companion dogs will be a companion for life.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

They are the quintessential lapdogs who are also great for apartment living. Sweet, kind, affectionate, gentle, and loving, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best small dog breeds for apartments. The breed got its name from King Charles II. He was a great fan of the breed and went on to give them their name.

• The one thing that Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for is their expressive eyes; they have large brown eyes which are sure to melt your heart.
• They also have a silky coat with a little wave and feathering on the ears, chest, legs, tails, and feet.
• Cavaliers come in four colors:
  • Blenheim, having rich chestnut markings on a pearly white background,
  • King Charles: they have black bodies with tan highlights especially in the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and beneath the tail.
  • Ruby Cavaliers: having a chestnut coloring all over and the last color is
  • Prince Charles: having a tricolor which is black and white with tan markings on the cheeks, eyebrows, inside the ears, inside the legs, and on the underside of the tail.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lives an average of 9 to 14 years.

But the breed is prone to mitral valve heart diseases, with heart murmurs that may progressively worsen leading to heart failure. This is the leading cause of death of a cavalier spaniel. Apart from this, they can also suffer from hip dysplasia, a common genetic disease that affects the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires regular grooming.

They need to be bathed once a month to keep them clean. Special attention should be given to the feathered hair on the ear. If not brushed regularly it can lead to matting and tangling.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their sweet, gentle, and loving temperament.

They are very happy-go-lucky dogs who love people and loves companionship. They are also known to be wonderful with children. However, it is important to teach your kids to be gentle with this breed as this is a meekly framed animal.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can live about anywhere.

They are small size dogs who can live perfectly in a small apartment as well as in a big yard. All they need is a daily walk and that’s it. They are also easy to train as they love to please their owners. So you can teach them a hell lot of tricks and they will not disappoint you.

So in general if you are looking for small dog breeds for apartments then there is no doubt that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is definitely the one. Give it a thought and see whether this small breed of lap dog can find a space in your life.

5. Lhasa Apso

If you are looking for the best small dog breeds for apartments which is both beautiful and smart then the Lhasa Apso is the one. The Lhasa Apso’s are also called the supermodel dog. Why? Because of its long silky and flowing hair which perfectly parts in the middle.

• They have flowy coats all the way to the ground which hides their feet.
• The Lhasa Apso’s are a lively breed that is also intelligent.
• They are loyal dogs and are affectionate to those who are closest to them, though they can be a little stubborn at times.
• This majestic and ancient dog has its origin in the Himalayan plateau in the area of Tibet.

In Tibet, these dogs were used by the holy monks where they performed as watchdogs. These dogs are called “Apso Seng Kye” in Tibet which literally means “bearded lion dog”.

• The Lhasa Apso has a long coat that covers the entire body; a feature you cannot miss.

The texture of the coat is heavy straight and hard. It is neither woolly nor silky but is very dense. Lhasa’s come in a variety of colors like black, gold, cream, red, honey, white with various shadings.

• Another interesting quality of this dog is its signature tail that flips uptight over its back.
• Lhasa Apso weighs around 7 to 8 kg and is 25 to 28 cm in height.
• These pretty pooches have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are prone to a few health problems, but are otherwise healthy.

While their vision may deteriorate with age they are also susceptible to a genetic disease called progressive retinal atrophy. It is advisable to get their eye checked by a canine ophthalmologist to make sure they are not developing this disease, as it is heritable in offspring.

• Grooming wise The Lhasa Apso needs care.

Unlike other dogs, the Lhasa Apso does not shed the hair the same way as other breeds. Their hair shedding resembles that of a human hair, slowly and continuously to maintain hygiene and to keep the risk of matting and tangling low. This makes this dog a good option for people with allergies due to its low shedding. Since the Lhasa Apso has long hair, routine brushing and bathing are necessary not only to keep it clean but also to remove dirt and debris that may get caught up in its long hair.

• Bred as an indoor sentinel dog, the Lhasa Apso has a keen and acute sense of hearing.
• They are very loyal to their owners but are wary and suspicious towards strangers.

They can be quite aggressive towards strangers, if left untrained. So proper training at the earliest is a must.  They are very smart and intelligent dogs with a big barking voice in a small package.

• These beautiful and eye-catching dogs are known to be independent and are eager to please their owners. These beauties require early socialization with other dogs and people throughout their life.

If you think these adorable and regal canine companions can be well suited for you and your apartment, then the answer is a definite Yes. The Lhasa Apso may be a small dog but it thinks itself to be a big and mighty dog. And why not; they have been raised as watchdogs and are loyal sentinels along with having a voice like lions.

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Make your Pick!

So here are my 5 picks of the best small dog breeds for apartments. There are other small breeds that can easily make a home in the apartments like the Affenpinscher, the Boston Terrier, the Brussels Griffon, the Chihuahua, the Coton De Tulear, and the Dachshund. While some breeds may require efforts in training, for others it is a walk in the park. But do not forget to socialize your dog.

Early socialization of your dog to other people, children, and other dogs is not only important but is one of the reasons your dog will have a healthy and friendly disposition towards everyone.