Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have the perfect pup. Dog lovers with cozy homes can find breeds that are comfortable indoors. Whether it's an apartment or a starter house, the right dog can fill it with love, not chaos. This guide highlights the best indoor dog breeds for families, kids, and even allergy sufferers. Find your perfect match today.

Key Takeaways:

• Best small apartment dogs: Affenpinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog.
• Best medium apartment dogs: Basenji, Basset Hound, Barbet.
• Best large dog for apartments: Greyhound.
• Quietest indoor breeds: Basenji, Greyhound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Hypoallergenic/low-shedding dogs: Bichon Frise, American Hairless Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier.
• Best family dogs: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Havanese.
• Best breeds for seniors/new owners: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Maltese, Bichon Frisé, Boston Terrier.
• Cleanest indoor dogs: Basenji, Maltese, Bichon Frisé.
• Best for solo/work-from-home: Russkiy Toy, Chihuahua, Affenpinscher, Havanese, Boston Terrier.
• Calmest/loving breeds: Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Cesky Terrier.

​Best Indoor Dog Breeds: Perfect Companions for Apartments and Small Spaces

Living in an apartment or small home doesn’t mean giving up on having a dog. The key is finding a breed that matches your living space, daily routine, and lifestyle. The best indoor dog breeds are typically calm, low-energy, and enjoy spending time close to their people. Whether it’s a studio, condo, or townhouse, there are plenty of breeds that thrive indoors without needing a yard to roam.

Small Breeds That Thrive in Apartments

Small dogs are often ideal for apartment living because of their size, adaptability, and low exercise requirements. The most apartment-friendly small dogs are those that enjoy indoor life and don’t bark excessively.

Top small breeds for indoor living include:

• Affenpinscher – Weighing just 7–10 pounds, Affenpinschers are playful, low-shedding, and love lounging on laps. They are independent but affectionate, making them perfect companions in a studio or small apartment.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – These gentle dogs weigh 13–18 pounds, love cuddling, and adapt well to indoor spaces. Their affectionate nature makes them ideal for families, singles, and seniors alike.
• Havanese – Friendly, intelligent, and small, Havanese dogs thrive on human companionship. They are playful but content to follow their owners from room to room.
• Shih Tzu – Bred as lapdogs, Shih Tzus enjoy short walks and long naps indoors. While they may bark occasionally, their temperament is calm and adaptable.
• French Bulldog – Quiet and low-energy, French Bulldogs require minimal exercise and are generally content lounging indoors.

These small breeds are perfect for anyone seeking companionship without the demands of large outdoor space.

Medium-Sized Dogs for Small Homes

Some medium-sized breeds can also adapt well to apartments if they are calm indoors.

Best medium-sized breeds for indoor life:

• Basenji – Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis weigh 22–24 pounds and groom themselves like cats. They are low-energy indoors but enjoy short play sessions.
• Basset Hound – With a mellow disposition and short legs, Basset Hounds need only a daily walk and plenty of nap time. They are gentle and patient, making them great indoor companions.
• Barbet – Intelligent and friendly, Barbets have curly coats and moderate exercise needs. They are happy playing indoors with toys and engaging in interactive activities.

Medium-sized dogs can fit in smaller homes if their energy levels and temperament match the living situation.

Large Dogs That Adjust to Indoor Living

Although it may seem surprising, some large dogs thrive indoors as long as their exercise needs are met.

Ideal large breed for apartments:

• Greyhound – Weighing around 70 pounds, Greyhounds are quiet and spend most of the day resting. They enjoy short bursts of exercise but are otherwise content lounging indoors.

When living with a large dog, it’s important to ensure there is enough floor space for them to rest comfortably. Greyhounds and similar breeds are calm, quiet, and low-maintenance, making them suitable for small spaces.

Best Indoor Dog Breeds: Hypoallergenic and Low-Shedding

For families or individuals sensitive to allergens, choosing a hypoallergenic breed is essential. These dogs produce less dander, reducing allergy symptoms and keeping indoor spaces cleaner.

Top hypoallergenic or low-shedding breeds:

• Bichon Frise – Fluffy and playful, Bichons have tight curls that trap dander. Regular grooming keeps them clean and comfortable for allergy sufferers.
• American Hairless Terrier – With no hair, this breed produces minimal dander. Skin care is necessary, but they are ideal for serious allergy concerns.
• Maltese, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers – These breeds shed very little, require moderate grooming, and are calm indoors.

Indoor care tips for low-shedding dogs:

• Brush daily for curly or long coats
• Bathe monthly with vet-approved shampoo
• Wipe paws, ears, and bedding regularly
• Use lint rollers and maintain proper air circulation

By keeping a routine grooming schedule, owners can enjoy a clean, comfortable home with a low-maintenance dog.

Quiet Indoor Dogs

Noise is often a concern in apartments with close neighbors. Certain breeds are naturally quieter, making them perfect for shared walls or close living quarters.

Quiet breeds include:

• Basenji – Rarely barks, emits a soft yodel instead
• Greyhound – Calm and low-energy, rarely vocal
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Gentle, follows owners quietly, and rarely creates noise

Other breeds, like the Brussels Griffon or Cesky Terrier, may not bark constantly but will alert when necessary. Reducing indoor barking can also be achieved through training, chew toys, and minimizing outside distractions.

Dogs for Families with Children

Some indoor breeds are well-suited for families with children due to their gentle, patient, and affectionate nature.

Top family-friendly indoor breeds:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Small, patient, and loving with kids
• Basset Hound – Gentle and slow-moving, safe for toddlers
• Bulldogs – Calm, sturdy, and great for young children
• Shih Tzus, Greyhounds, Boston Terriers – Calm, low-energy, and adaptable for groups of children
• Cesky Terriers, Beagles, Havanese – Tolerant of toddler hugs and gentle play

These breeds prioritize temperament over size, making them safe and happy indoor companions for families.

Low-Maintenance Indoor Dogs

For busy owners, breeds that require minimal grooming and exercise are ideal.

Low-maintenance breeds include:

• Affenpinscher – Small, low-shed, minimal exercise
• French Bulldog – Short coat, relaxed, easy care
• Pug – Low-energy, simple grooming, loves indoor naps

Some breeds can also tolerate being alone for longer periods, including Greyhounds, Brussels Griffons, and Japanese Spitz. Other easy-care indoor dogs include Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Russian Toys. Browse available puppies here.

Best Indoor Dog Breeds: Dogs Adaptable to Limited Outdoor Access

Certain breeds do well indoors even with minimal outdoor time, making them perfect for small apartments:

• Affenpinschers – Love human interaction and indoor play
• Japanese Spitz – Clean, quiet, alert, happy with a single daily walk

Many indoor breeds require only brief daily exercise and enjoy resting inside, including Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Whippets.

Best Indoor Dog Breeds for Seniors or First-Time Owners

For elderly or first-time dog owners, calm, friendly, and easy-care breeds are best:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Sociable, cuddly, easy to train
• Boston Terriers – Cheerful, low-energy, manageable
• Pugs – Relaxed, friendly, simple grooming
• Maltese and Bichon Frise – Small, affectionate, low-noise, hypoallergenic

These dogs offer companionship without high physical or grooming demands, making them perfect for owners with limited mobility or experience.

Calm, Affectionate, and Companionable Indoor Dog Breeds

Indoor dogs often excel as companions when they are affectionate, calm, and enjoy being close to their owners:

• Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs – Calm and loving, perfect for cuddling
• Greyhounds – Relaxed, happy to lounge after brief exercise
• Boston Terriers, Havanese, Bulldogs – Steady, friendly, and low-maintenance

Even affectionate dogs can experience separation anxiety. Proper training, gradual time apart, and the occasional pet sitter can help manage alone time effectively.

Clean and Low-Odor Dogs

Hygiene is important for indoor living. Some breeds are naturally clean and have minimal odor:

• Basenjis – Groom themselves like cats, low-shed, odor-free
• Maltese – Soft coats, low oil, easy to maintain
• Bichon Frisé – Odor-free with proper grooming

Regular brushing, bathing, and attention to skin folds, ears, and paws help keep both dogs and homes fresh.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Indoor Companion?

Finding the right dog for your apartment or small home makes all the difference. Consider your space, lifestyle, and allergies, then choose a breed that complements your daily life. ​Apartment living doesn’t limit your choice of dogs. The key is selecting a breed whose temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements match your lifestyle and space.

Small, calm, affectionate, hypoallergenic, and low-noise breeds are perfect for indoor living. From playful yet manageable Boston Terriers to quiet, restful Greyhounds, there’s a perfect dog for every small home.

​Start your search today with Puppy Dreams to meet loving, apartment-friendly pups ready for adoption. Your ideal indoor dog is waiting to make your home complete!