Top 10 Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Apartments

Top 10 Best Low Maintenance Dogs for Apartments

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up the joy of owning a dog. Many breeds are perfectly suited for smaller living spaces and require minimal grooming, exercise, and attention compared to others. Low-maintenance dogs are ideal for busy professionals, first-time owners, or anyone seeking a calm and manageable pet.

These dogs tend to be quieter, adapt well to indoor life, and are usually content with short daily walks. From small lap dogs to more independent breeds, there’s a perfect match for every apartment dweller. Choosing the right breed makes pet ownership enjoyable without the stress. Here are the top 10 best low-maintenance dogs for apartment living.

10. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is an elegant and charming lap dog with an aristocratic air. Known for its expressive eyes and feathered coat, this breed thrives on companionship.

They are gentle, graceful, and very cat-like in their behavior. Chins enjoy indoor play and don’t require extensive outdoor exercise.

Their silky fur needs moderate grooming but is relatively easy to manage. These dogs are quiet, clean, and ideal for calm households.

Their affectionate and polite nature makes them excellent low-maintenance pets.

• Size : 7-11 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 15-20 min
• Grooming: Weekly brushing
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Best For: Busy professionals

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Graceful and serene personality
• Doesn’t require much space or activity
• Rarely noisy or disruptive
• Easy to carry and care for
• Loyal and loving with owners

9. Greyhounds

Greyhounds are surprisingly laid-back and gentle. After a quick burst of activity, they’re happiest lounging on the couch or snoozing in a sunny spot.

Despite their size, they make excellent apartment dogs due to their quiet nature. Greyhounds have short coats that are easy to care for and don’t shed much.

They’re affectionate, polite, and get along well with families and other pets. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for relaxed homes. Greyhounds enjoy love and companionship more than anything else.

• Size : 50-70 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 20-30 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Best For: Want larger dog

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Surprisingly calm indoors
• Loves lounging and quiet time
• Needs only brief daily walks
• Clean and quiet breed
• Adapts well to apartment schedules

8. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they’re packed with personality and sass. They form strong bonds with their owners and make excellent watchdogs despite their size.

Chihuahuas are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise.

They’re content with indoor play and short walks, especially in warm weather. These little dogs are adaptable to apartments and small homes.

With proper socialization, they can get along well with other pets and kids. Their bold attitude and compact size make them perfect for city living.

• Size : 2-6 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 20-30 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Best For: Small spaces

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Extremely small and portable
• Needs very little exercise
• Bonds closely with owners
• Fits well in any sized apartment
• Can be trained to reduce barking

7. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are stocky, wrinkly dogs known for their loyalty and low-energy lifestyle. Despite their serious faces, they’re lovable and gentle companions.

Bulldogs enjoy lounging around and don’t need much activity beyond brief walks.

Their short coat is easy to maintain, and they thrive in indoor environments. They are especially good with children and are often very patient and calm.

While they can be a bit stubborn, their affection for family makes them eager to please. Bulldogs are great for relaxed households looking for a loyal friend.

• Size : 40-50 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 15-20 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Best For: Low energy lifestyle

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Very low energy
• Prefers resting indoors
• Rarely barks
• Loyal and gentle
• Needs moderate grooming due to skin folds

6. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are recognizable by their long ears, droopy eyes, and laid-back personalities. They do best in homes where they can lounge, sniff around, and get occasional exercise.

Their short coat requires little grooming, and they’re generally calm indoors. Bassets are good with kids and other pets, thanks to their gentle nature.

They may be stubborn at times but respond well to kind, consistent training. Their unique look and sweet demeanor make them beloved companions.

• Size : 40-65 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 20-30 min
• Grooming: Weekly brushing
• Noise Level: Generally quiet
• Best For: Want larger, calm dog

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Naturally mellow and easygoing
• Doesn’t need much activity
• Tolerant and affectionate
• Usually quiet indoors
• Great with kids and other pets

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, sturdy dogs with a royal past and a friendly attitude. Originally bred to live in palaces, they love being pampered and close to their humans.

Their long, flowing coats can be clipped short for easier care. Shih Tzus are gentle, affectionate, and great with children and other pets.

They’re not very active and are content with short walks and indoor fun. Their cheerful nature and expressive eyes make them lovable companions.

With a little grooming, they’re easy to maintain and bring a lot of charm into any home.

• Size : 9-16 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 15-30 min
• Grooming: Daily (or puppy cut)
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Best For: Lap dog lovers

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Quiet and calm demeanor
• Ideal lapdog for small spaces
• Needs only light exercise
• Friendly and affectionate
• Requires regular grooming

4. Pug

Pugs are small, round-faced dogs full of personality and affection. With their wrinkled faces and curly tails, they’re instantly lovable and bring joy to every home.

Pugs are known for their clownish behavior and love to entertain. They get along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers.

These dogs don’t need much grooming or exercise, making them great for busy owners. They enjoy indoor play and lounging just as much as short walks.

Their friendly, relaxed nature makes them perfect low-maintenance lap dogs.

• Size : 14-18 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 20-30 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Quiet
• Best For: Couch companions

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Laid-back and loves lounging
• Requires little exercise
• Small, sturdy body fits any space
• Affectionate and good with kids
• Short coat for easy maintenance

3. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are energetic, compact dogs with tuxedo-like markings and a friendly demeanor. Often called the “American Gentleman,” they’re sociable, alert, and easy to train.

They love being around people and do well in various home environments.

These dogs have short coats, so grooming is minimal. Though playful, they don’t need intense exercise regular walks and games will do.

Boston Terriers are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their humorous antics and loyalty make them ideal companions for families and singles alike.

• Size : 12-25 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 30-45 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Minimal barking
• Best For: First-time owners

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Compact and lightweight
• Playful but not overly energetic
• Easy to train and sociable
• Minimal grooming required
• Gets along well with neighbors and pets

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is a gentle, affectionate dog known for its silky coat and soulful eyes. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel combines elegance with a cheerful and loving nature.

It enjoys lounging beside its owner just as much as playful activities.

They are great with children and other animals due to their sweet temperament. Their small size and adaptability make them perfect for both city and country life.

While their coat needs occasional grooming, they are generally low maintenance. Cavaliers are devoted companions that form deep bonds with their families.

• Size : 13-18 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 30-45 min
• Grooming: Weekly brushing
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Best For: Families

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Adaptable and friendly
• Small size suits apartment living
• Happy with short walks
• Good with families and individuals
• Calm and affectionate nature

1. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a compact and muscular little dog with a charming personality. Known for its bat-like ears and smushed face, it’s one of the most popular companion breeds in the world.

Frenchies are incredibly affectionate, loyal, and adapt well to apartment living.

They don’t require much exercise, just short walks and indoor play. Their minimal grooming needs make them easy to care for.

Frenchies thrive on human interaction and enjoy snuggling. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are great with kids and other pets.

• Size : 16-28 lbs
• Daily Exercise: 20-30 min
• Grooming: Minimal
• Noise Level: Very quiet
• Best For: Urban professionals

Why They're Perfect for Apartments:

• Quiet and low-energy
• Minimal exercise needs
• Great with people and very affectionate
• Doesn’t bark excessively
• Thrives in small, cozy space

Disclaimer:

This article offers general insights based on common breed traits and should not replace professional advice.

While the listed dog breeds are typically well-suited for apartment living and are considered low maintenance, individual dogs may have different needs and temperaments.

Before bringing a pet home, it's important to consider your lifestyle and consult with a veterinarian or animal expert to ensure the best match.