Dogs are amazing friends and companions. Having a dog reduces stress, makes you more active, and there’s nothing like looking at your dog and seeing all the love he has in his eyes for you.

But if you live in an apartment, it’s important to choose the right kind of dog. And while many people assume that the right kind of dog for an apartment is a small dog, a dog’s energy levels are much more important than size.

Here are some things you’ll want to look for in an apartment dog, as well as a list of the best breeds for apartment life for you to consider when choosing the right dog.

What Makes a Good Apartment Dog?

Wondering what exactly to look for in an apartment dog? Here are a few things the breed you choose to live in your apartment should be:

• Easy to train
• Quiet
• Not too high energy
• Friendly

What Makes a Bad Apartment Dog

Just like there are things you should seek out in a breed, there are things you should try to avoid, like a dog that’s:

• Hard to train
• Aggressive
• Loud
• Very high energy

Best Breeds for Apartments

Greyhound

This one might be a surprise right off the bat. Greyhounds are large dogs, who were originally bred as hunting dogs. However, today they are best known for their racing prowess. These dogs can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour—that’s a fast dog!

So how did this breed make it onto this list? Well, Greyhounds seem to have two settings. The first is professional speed racer, while the second is lazy couch potato. Despite being known for racing, Greyhounds love lounging around the house, relaxing. They’re also known to be very affectionate dogs. Because of this, as long as they get enough exercise, they’re perfectly suited to apartment life.

Their main drawback is that these dogs love company, and don’t do well alone. If you’re away most of the day, you might want to consider a different breed.

Great Dane

Another large breed, the Great Dane is one of the biggest dogs you’ll meet. These pups can stand up to 30 inches and weigh close to 200 pounds. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, and then later became known as guardians.

Great Danes are also known as “gentle giants.” These dogs don’t require much exercise, are generally very calm and quiet, and very intelligent which makes them easy to train. Their laid-back personalities make them great dogs for apartment life.

This is one example, however, where size might matter. These dogs are quite large, and many apartment complexes might not allow a dog of this size. But if your complex does, you’ll find living with a Great Dane a loving and gentle experience.

Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. No matter the size, these dogs are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature.

Because Poodles are so intelligent, they are very easy to train. This is ideal if you live in an apartment, since living in a communal space means more rules need to be followed. All three sizes of Poodle can do well in apartments.

Poodles can be highly energetic, however. You might need to make time for a little extra exercise for your dog to keep him from getting bored or destructive during the day while you’re at work.

American Eskimo Dog

Like Poodles, the American Eskimo Dog has three distinct size categories: standard, miniature, and toy. All sizes can do well in an apartment.

Eskies are known for their high intelligence, which makes them very trainable. They’re affectionate and playful dogs, who will want to be part of all your day to day activities. These dogs prefer to be indoors rather than outdoors, which makes them great for apartments.

Because these dogs like to be close to their families, it can be hard on them if they’re alone for most of the day. It’s best to either get them another dog as a companion, or consider a different breed if you work full days outside of the home.

Basset Hound

You’ll recognize these dogs by their long, cylindrical bodies, short legs, and long, floppy ears.

Although these dogs can be stubborn, they are still very smart dogs. With patience and consistency, you can train your Basset Hound to be a perfectly polite neighbor. They also tend to be pretty low-key, so if you’re looking for a calm dog to join you in your apartment, the Basset Hound could be the perfect pup for you.

These dogs do have a tendency to become obese because of their lazier natures. This could be a problem if you live in an apartment, so make sure your dog is getting enough daily exercise to keep him at a healthy weight.

Bulldog

Don’t be fooled by the Bulldog’s history of being used in dog fights. Bulldogs are brave and friendly, and make wonderful and amusing companions.

Bulldogs have a tendency to be stubborn, but you’ll find they’re still eager to please their owners. This is a breed that won’t require much exercise, and their friendliness makes them great dogs for apartment complexes.

Bulldogs do have trouble handling extreme weather. Make sure your apartment is properly air conditioned during the summer.

Basenji

Originating from Africa, Basenjis are also known as “barkless” dogs. Instead of barking, you’ll hear more of a yodel come from this pooch.

These low-maintenance dogs are fairly quiet, which makes them great for apartments where you live in close proximity to your neighbors. These dogs are high energy and love to play.

Because they are very spirited, you’ll need to make sure your Basenji gets regular exercise. A few walks a day will be necessary, along with playtime like fetch or tug inside the apartment will be necessary to keep this dog calm and non-destructive.

Bichon Frise

These little white dogs are friendly, loving, and known for their adorable looks. As an added bonus, these pups’ coats are hypoallergenic, so no need for your neighbors to worry about allergies!

The Bichon Frise’s intelligence makes them very easy to train. They are incredibly personable dogs, and will get along easily with your neighbors.

Bichon Frises do require a lot of exercise, as these are active dogs. Make sure to take them for a few walks a day, and schedule in some indoor playtime and brain games to burn off any excess energy.

Boston Terrier

These little dogs weigh between 12-25 pounds, and sport beautiful, tuxedo coats. Their small size makes them easy to pick up and carry, which many apartment complexes will require if you have a dog.

If you’re looking for a dog that will make you laugh, the Boston Terrier is it. These little guys are known for being amusing, as well as for their general friendliness which makes them well suited for apartment living.

These are very energetic dogs, and will need a lot of exercise to keep them from becoming destructive. Walks and indoor playtime will definitely be necessary with this breed.

Pug

You’ll recognize these dogs by their wrinkly faces and curly tails. Pugs are curious and affectionate dogs, and pack a lot of personality into their small bodies.

Pugs are friendly dogs, and will get along with your neighbors. They’re also easy to train, which means teaching them not to bark at all hours of the day won’t be a hard task. They also don’t require a lot of exercise, so if you’re looking for a more low-key breed, Pugs are perfect.

Because Pugs are such social dogs, they might struggle being left alone all day. If you work from home, or don’t mind getting another pet to keep your Pug company, however, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Shih Tzu

These dogs were originally bred in China, and were a staple for the royal family. They were bred to be companions to the emperor, and for centuries enjoyed being treated as royalty.

Because Shih Tzus have always been first and foremost indoor dogs, they are perfect dogs for apartments. They are generally very calm dogs, and incredibly intelligent, which makes them easy to train.

These dogs do require a fair bit of exercise, though, and their high intelligence means you’ll want to incorporate a lot of brain games into their exercise.