15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments: Low Energy, Quiet & Happy Indoors

The biggest misconception about apartment dogs is that size is the deciding factor. It is not. Some large breeds — like the Greyhound — are quiet, low-energy couch potatoes perfectly suited to a small flat. Meanwhile, some small breeds — Jack Russell Terriers being the classic example — are so high-energy and vocal they would drive both you and your neighbours to distraction. What matters far more than size is energy level, barking tendency, independence, and adaptability. Here are 15 breeds that tick all the right boxes.

1. French Bulldog

Size: Small (8–13 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

The French Bulldog is arguably the definitive apartment dog. They are calm, adaptable, quiet, and intensely people-oriented — content to follow you from room to room and nap on the sofa between short walks. They do not require intense exercise, making them ideal for flats without gardens. Note: brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds overheat easily, so keep them cool in summer and avoid strenuous exercise in heat. Choose a reputable breeder who health-tests for airway issues.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Size: Small–Medium (5–8 kg)  |  Exercise: 30–40 min/day  |  Noise: Low to moderate

Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, and genuinely happy to adapt to their owner's lifestyle. They enjoy a good walk but are equally content curled up on a lap. Their silky coat needs regular brushing, and they are prone to heart conditions (MVD), so vet checks are important. Their sociable nature means they can struggle with extended alone time — not ideal if you work very long hours.

3. Greyhound

Size: Large (25–32 kg)  |  Exercise: 1–2 x short sprint sessions + leisure walks  |  Noise: Very low

This surprises many people, but Greyhounds — particularly retired racing Greyhounds — are among the most apartment-friendly dogs in existence. They are calm indoors, sleep up to 18 hours a day, rarely bark, and are gentle with everyone. They do need a secure area for occasional off-lead sprints, but their overall daily exercise needs are lower than most medium breeds. Consider adopting through a greyhound rescue charity.

4. Bichon Frisé

Size: Small (3–5 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low to moderate

Bichons are cheerful, playful, and hypoallergenic — their curly coat sheds minimally, which is a bonus in any enclosed space. They are adaptable and do well in flats as long as they get daily walks and mental stimulation. Their sociable nature means they enjoy being around people, and many owners find them relatively easy to train.

5. Shih Tzu

Size: Small (4–7 kg)  |  Exercise: 20 min/day  |  Noise: Low

Shih Tzus were bred as royal lap dogs and have never forgotten it. They are calm, affectionate, and have modest exercise requirements. Their luxurious coat requires daily brushing or regular professional grooming — factor this into your budget. They adapt readily to small spaces and are generally good-natured with visitors, making them excellent city dogs.

6. Basset Hound

Size: Medium–Large (18–27 kg)  |  Exercise: 30–40 min/day  |  Noise: Low (but can howl)

The Basset Hound is a laid-back, amiable dog that moves at its own leisurely pace. They are low-energy indoors and content with moderate daily walks. Their main apartment caveat is the occasional deep, mournful howl — usually triggered by boredom or being left alone. Consistent training and mental enrichment keep this in check.

7. Pug

Size: Small (6–8 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

Pugs are sociable, humorous, and intensely attached to their humans. Like French Bulldogs, they are brachycephalic and must be protected from heat and over-exertion. They adapt easily to apartment living, require minimal outdoor exercise, and are generally quiet. Their flat faces can cause snoring — endearing to some, less so to light sleepers.

8. Italian Greyhound

Size: Small (3–5 kg)  |  Exercise: 30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

The miniature version of the Greyhound retains all the breed's calm, gentle temperament in a much smaller package. Italian Greyhounds are elegant, sensitive, and bond closely with one or two people. They are sensitive to cold and need a coat in winter — easy to accommodate in a flat. They can be tricky to house-train, so consistency and patience are key.

9. Maltese

Size: Very Small (under 3 kg)  |  Exercise: 20 min/day  |  Noise: Low to moderate

Tiny, charming, and remarkably long-lived (up to 15 years), the Maltese thrives in close quarters. Their white, flowing coat is low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. They are playful indoors, quick to learn, and affectionate with owners. They can be prone to separation anxiety, so gradual alone-time training from puppyhood is worthwhile.

10. Dachshund

Size: Small (Miniature: under 5 kg; Standard: 7–14 kg)  |  Exercise: 30–40 min/day  |  Noise: Moderate

Dachshunds have big personalities in small bodies. They are curious, playful, and adapt well to flat life as long as they get adequate daily walks. Their main health consideration is their long spine — jumping on and off furniture is a significant risk factor for intervertebral disc disease, so ramps or low furniture are advisable. Miniature Dachshunds are a particularly good choice for smaller apartments.

11. Poodle (Toy or Miniature)

Size: Very Small to Small (Toy under 3 kg; Mini 4–7 kg)  |  Exercise: 30 min/day  |  Noise: Low to moderate

Poodles are among the most intelligent dog breeds and adapt effortlessly to apartment life when given mental stimulation. Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat is a huge advantage in small spaces. They are eager to please and highly trainable. Regular professional grooming is required — approximately every 6–8 weeks.

12. Chinese Crested

Size: Small (2–5 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

Distinctively affectionate and deeply loyal, the Chinese Crested — whether the hairless or powderpuff variety — is tailor-made for indoor life. They are quiet, gentle, and bond intensely with their family. The hairless variety needs sunscreen on exposed skin in summer and a coat in winter. Excellent for allergy sufferers.

13. English Bulldog

Size: Medium (18–25 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

The English Bulldog is calm, good-natured, and perfectly happy spending most of the day sleeping on the sofa. They require minimal exercise and rarely bark excessively. Like all brachycephalic breeds, heat and over-exertion are their main risks. Choose a reputable breeder carefully — health issues in the breed are significant.

14. Lhasa Apso

Size: Small (5–8 kg)  |  Exercise: 20–30 min/day  |  Noise: Low to moderate

Originally bred as monastery watchdogs in Tibet, Lhasa Apsos are independent, confident, and surprisingly self-sufficient — which means they handle alone time better than many small breeds. They are calm indoors, devoted to their owners, and adaptable to flat living. Their long coat requires regular maintenance.

15. Boston Terrier

Size: Small (5–11 kg)  |  Exercise: 30 min/day  |  Noise: Low

The "American Gentleman" is a compact, well-mannered companion that thrives in city environments. Boston Terriers are playful but not hyperactive, quiet but communicative, and adapt easily to varying amounts of space. Their short coat is very low-maintenance. They are generally good with neighbours and strangers, making them ideal for flat-dwelling social situations.