Best 10 Smallest Dogs Suitable for Living in an Apartment
Best 10 Smallest Dogs Suitable for Living in an Apartment. It is important to think about the dog’s temperament, the breed’s care requirements, and whether it can live indoors. Below are the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment, ranked from least to most home-friendly.
10th Place: Shih Tzu
Origin: China | Group: Toy Breed
The Shih Tzu is one of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and regal appearance. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, they are calm, loyal, and love cuddling.
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing and eye cleaning.
Pros: Loving, mellow, apartment-friendly.
Cons: Requires consistent grooming.
9th Place: Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England | Group: Toy Breed
This energetic dog is also among the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. The Yorkie is affectionate, smart, and can adapt well to small spaces.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing to maintain silky fur.
Pros: Great for apartments, lively.
Cons: Needs regular grooming.
8th Place: Dachshund
Origin: Germany | Group: Hound Breed
Among the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment, Dachshunds are quirky and full of character. Their compact size and moderate exercise needs make them great indoor cats.
Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing.
Pros: Loyal, playful, adaptable.
Cons: Can be stubborn.
7th Place: Boston Terrier
Best 10 Smallest Dogs Suitable for Living in an Apartment
Origin: USA | Group: Non-Sporting Breed
The Boston Terrier’s friendly nature and compact body make it one of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. They are perfect for seniors and families alike.
Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing.
Pros: Helpful, easy to train.
Cons: Sensitive to temperature.
6th Place: Bichon Frise
Origin: France | Group: Non-Sporting Breed
This hypoallergenic dog is one of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. Bichon Frises are happy, cheerful, and thrive in cozy spaces.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming to maintain fluffiness.
Pros: Cheerful, affectionate.
Cons: Requires regular grooming.
5th Place: Maltese
Origin: Malta | Group: Toy Breed
The Maltese is elegant and affectionate. It easily ranks among the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. These dogs enjoy indoor life and love gentle play.
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing to avoid matting.
Pros: Gentle, great for small homes.
Cons: Grooming-intensive.
4th Place: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origin: England | Group: Toy Breed
Another entry in the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. Cavaliers are sweet, adaptable, and wonderful with children or elderly owners.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing for coat health.
Pros: Great with kids, adaptable.
Cons: Prone to heart problems.
3rd Place: Pug
Origin: China | Group: Toy Breed
The Pug is clearly one of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. These dogs are funny, loyal, and do not require much space to be happy.
Grooming Needs: Clean facial folds regularly.
Pros: Affectionate, entertaining.
Cons: Respiratory issues are common.
2nd Place: Labrador Retriever
Origin: Canada | Group: Sporting Breed
Surprisingly, Labradors also make the list of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment when given proper exercise. They are friendly, loyal, and family-loving.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing to manage shedding.
Pros: Intelligent, loving.
Cons: Needs plenty of exercise.
1st Place: French Bulldog
Origin: France | Group: Non-Sporting Breed
Without a doubt, the French Bulldog tops the list of the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment. They are affectionate, don’t bark much, and love lounging indoors.
Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing.
Pros: Friendly, requires little space.
Cons: Sensitive to heat.
| 🔢 Rank | 🐶 Breed | 🌍 Origin | 📚 Group | 🧼 Grooming | ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Shih Tzu | China | Toy Breed | 🪮 Daily brushing & eye cleaning | ❤️ Calm, loving, apartment-friendly | ✂️ Needs consistent grooming |
| 9 | Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) | England | Toy Breed | 🪮 Regular brushing | 😊 Energetic, affectionate, adaptable | 🧽 Needs frequent grooming |
| 8 | Dachshund | Germany | Hound Breed | 🧴 Occasional brushing | 🐾 Loyal, playful, indoor-friendly | 🙄 Can be stubborn |
| 7 | Boston Terrier | USA | Non-Sporting | 🧴 Low; occasional brushing | 👍 Friendly, trainable, great for small spaces | 🌡️ Sensitive to temperature |
| 6 | Bichon Frise | France | Non-Sporting | 🧼 Frequent brushing to maintain fluffiness | 😄 Cheerful, affectionate, hypoallergenic | ✂️ Requires regular grooming |
| 5 | Maltese | Malta | Toy Breed | 🪮 Regular brushing to prevent matting | 💖 Gentle, loving, fits in small spaces | 🔁 Needs ongoing coat care |
| 4 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | England | Toy Breed | 🪮 Regular brushing | 👶 Good with kids, friendly, adaptable | 💊 Prone to health issues |
| 3 | Pug | China | Toy Breed | 🧼 Clean face folds regularly | 🥰 Affectionate, sociable, great for apartments | 😮💨 Respiratory problems |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | Canada | Sporting Breed | 🪮 Regular brushing to control shedding | 👨👩👧👦 Friendly, smart, great with families | 🏃♂️ Needs daily exercise |
| 1 | French Bulldog | France | Non-Sporting | 🧽 Occasional brushing | 😎 Easygoing, loving, ideal for small spaces | 🔥 Heat-sensitive |
Basic Care Health Tips
- Provide a safe indoor environment with toys and rest spots.
- Feed appropriate food based on your dog’s age and size.
- Daily walks and mental stimulation are essential.
- Groom regularly and check for ticks or ear issues.
- Schedule routine vet checkups for vaccinations and health checks.
By understanding their grooming, behavior, and health needs, choosing from the best 10 smallest dogs suitable for living in an apartment becomes easier for any pet lover.
