If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, you’re not the only one. With the warm weather and extra daylight, springtime is a particularly popular time to bring a pup home. 

The good news for apartment dwellers is that you don’t need a big yard or a large house to adopt a canine companion – there are plenty of small dogs that are good for apartments. But it’s not all about the size. There are other factors you should consider when researching apartment-friendly dogs, including the breed’s personality, activity level, grooming needs, and how much noise they’ll make.

You can search for dogs by breed on websites such as Petfinder or Adopt-A-Pet, as well as your local animal shelter and rescue organizations. Before bringing a furry friend home, check with your property manager to make sure your lease allows dogs as well as if there are any limitations on size or breed. To help you make your decision, we’re breaking down a few of the best large and small dog breeds for apartments, plus a few pointers for owning a dog in a multi-family setting.

Great Dog Breeds for an Apartment

According to the American Kennel Club, apartment residents have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a furry best friend. Here are a few large and small dogs that are good for apartments.

  • Basenjis: This low-shedding, short-haired dog breed was originally used for hunting, so they definitely like to chase, fetch and play. Basenjis are primarily known as a “bark-less” breed, as their larynx only allows them to “yodel.” Weighing around 25 pounds, they are slightly larger than other small dog breeds for apartments on this list, but they’ll do fine in a smaller space as long as they get some daily exercise.
  • Bichon Frise: Part of the poodle family, Bichon Frises are fluffy like a poodle, only smaller. Like Basenjis, Bichon Frises don’t shed, so they’re considered hypoallergenic. They don’t bark too much, and at 11 pounds, they’re among the top small dogs that are good for apartments. Bichons are playful, so they need regular exercise and walks. They’re also highly trainable, can learn tricks, love to cuddle, and are great with children.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These sweet-faced dogs are small in size (13 to 18 pounds) so they don’t require a palace. King Charles Spaniels are smart, very trainable, and friendly with humans as well as other dogs. They love to be near their owners, so while King Charles Spaniels are perfect for apartment living, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.   
  • French Bulldog: Smaller than their standard Bulldog cousins, French Bulldogs are small in stature (usually around 11 to 12 inches tall) but have big, goofy personalities. They have short hair, so you won’t have to groom them much, and they rarely bark, making them an ideal small dogs for apartments. A daily walk or two should suffice for exercise.
  • Greyhound: These lanky dogs are much larger than the other breeds on this list (females can reach 75 pounds, while males can weigh more than 80 pounds) but they are gentle giants who love a good snuggle. Bred originally for racing, Greyhounds need regular exercise such as daily fetch sessions – but they are true couch potatoes at heart. They also don’t bark much, which will make your neighbors happy. Best of all, there are many organizations that find homes for retired racing Greyhounds, including Greyhound Welfare.    

Apartment Dog Owner Etiquette

When living in an apartment community with a dog, a little etiquette goes a long way. While you may love and adore your fluffy companion, that doesn’t mean your neighbor will. You can encourage positive neighborly relations by following a few simple tips.

  • Always pick up after your dog.
  • Keep your pup on a leash in shared spaces like the main lobby or on sidewalks.
  • Be cautiously sociable and let other people know if your dog doesn’t like attention.
  • Make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor exercise.
  • If your dog exhibits extreme barking, separation anxiety, or aggression, consider behavior training. Complaints from neighbors about excessive noise or aggressive tendencies may mean your canine companion has to move out of the community. 

Bring Your Small Dog Home to a Southern Management Apartment

Getting a dog is a big step, especially if you live in an apartment community. You have to be responsible, both financially and emotionally, to open your home and heart to a pet. You also have to be willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog to live in an apartment. Although all dogs need some room to roam, there are many types of large and small dogs that are good for apartments.

If you’re searching for pet-friendly apartments to rent, start with the communities at Southern Management. The Apartments at Charles Plaza, Watermill, and Laurel Park all feature open patio spaces and grassy areas, with plenty of dog parks and trails nearby. If you do bring home a new pup, check out our tips for puppy-proofing your apartment to ensure your furry friend is happy and healthy.

Contact us to set up a tour of any of our apartment communities.