Dogs can live happy and fulfilling lives within the confines of an apartment. People in apartments all over the world live comfortably with dogs of varying sizes.

If you’re an apartment-dweller and thinking about getting a dog, the good news is that despite what many people think, it’s totally fine to bring a dog into an apartment. The most important thing is choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle.

There are many breeds, even some with higher levels of energy, that can live happily in an apartment. It just means that you have to make sure your lifestyle is one that will allow both of you to get out and get the exercise your dog needs.

But if you’re not willing to head out on big hikes every other day, don’t worry. There are lots of low-energy breeds, both big and small, that can join you in your apartment.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This is a small dog in the toy dog breed group. Standing only 12 to 13 inches tall and weighing only 13 to 18 pounds, these little lap dogs were bred specifically for companionship.

This breed won’t have any trouble keeping up with you on a walk, but they’ll be just as content to lounge around on the couch all day with you. When you bring your Cavalier out for a walk, however, just be mindful that he should be kept on a leash at all times. Although Cavaliers have made a name for themselves as lapdogs, they do still retain some of their spaniel hunting instincts.

Overall, however, this is an exceptionally calm breed. Cavaliers are also incredibly friendly and will get along easily with other residents in your building.

Pug

The pug is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world. These dogs weigh 14 to 18 pounds and measure about 10 to 13 inches tall. Despite their small stature, these dogs have a lot of personality.

It’s easy to be charmed by a pug. Their flat, wrinkly faces and expressive eyes have garnered this breed its fame. They make fantastic apartment dogs as they are generally very quiet and low energy. A pug will be more than happy to relax with you over going on a hike.

Bear in mind that a pug’s low energy can be its downfall. These dogs do tend to become obese. So, while your pug might be happy to sit around on the couch all day, you need to make sure he gets enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Chow Chow

Originating from China, the Chow Chow is a medium to large-sized dog standing 17 to 20 inches tall and weighing 45 to 70 pounds.

Chow Chows are, in general, fairly low energy. They’ll only need a couple of walks a day at a moderate pace to fulfill their exercise needs.

These fluffy dogs may look like teddy bears, but they might not appreciate being treated like one. This is a dignified breed with a stubborn streak. While that may be tricky, if you can find ways to overcome it and enjoy the challenge of training, Chow Chows make fantastic apartment dogs.

Bolognese

The Bolognese is a fluffy little dog measure 10 to 12 inches tall and weighing just 5.5 to 9 pounds. This is a breed that will become very attached to its owner. If you’re looking for an incredibly devoted dog to join you in your apartment, this is the breed for you.

The Bolognese is a calm dog, requiring little in the way of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Although they have playful natures, their low energy makes them ideal for owners who prefer calm, quiet playing instead of rambunctious barking and jumping.

Japanese Chin

These unique little toy breed dogs measure 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 7 to 11 pounds. You’ll recognize the Japanese Chin by their long, silky fur, flat faces, and their eyes which give them a perpetually surprised expression. They can be suspicious of new people, but will rarely be aggressive, making them fit for apartments.

The Japanese Chin only needs one or two slow walks a day to meet their exercise needs. This makes them ideal for equally low-energy owners.

French Bulldog

These little dogs weigh under 28 pounds and measure 11 to 13 inches tall. French Bulldogs are incredibly adaptable dogs that will do just as well in an apartment as they will in a house with a yard.

One of the things that makes these dogs so adaptable is their calm, low-energy natures. While some Frenchies will love being involved in dog sports like agility or obedience, most of them much prefer curling up with you to watch a movie. They won’t need more than a short, daily walk.

As many flat-faced breeds, you should take care not to exercise your Frenchie if it’s too hot outside. Air conditioning is a must if you live somewhere warm with your French Bulldog.

Lhasa Apso

This little breed is known for its long, silky fur and elegant countenance. Weighing in at 12 to 18 pounds and measuring between 10 to 11 inches tall, the Lhasa Apso can most certainly fit comfortably into your apartment.

The Lhasa Apso may be slightly more high energy than other breeds on this list, but the good news is that they’ll often exercise themselves. They will have no issue running around the house by themselves to burn off any energy they have.

The main thing to remember with these dogs is to give them plenty of brain games, as they are highly intelligent and need to be prevented from becoming bored.

Bull Mastiff

Standing 24 to 27 inches tall and weighing 110 to 130 pounds, the Bull Mastiff might seem like a bizarre choice for an apartment dog. However, these dogs are surprisingly adaptable. Although they are highly individualistic, meaning that characteristics can vary greatly within the breed itself, many Bull Mastiffs are incredibly low maintenance, making them great apartment dogs.

You’ll need to give your Bull Mastiff daily exercise, but he’ll likely only need a moderate amount. A walk or two every day at a normal pace should be enough for your Bull Mastiff.

These dogs were originally bred as guardians, so you’ll want to make sure to put in the effort to socialize yours with humans and other dogs properly to prevent any aggression.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a tiny dog, measuring only 6 to 9 inches tall and weighing no more than 14 pounds. They were bred to be companions to the Chinese emperor, and have retained much of their regal natures.

The Pekingese is a very low-energy dog who will choose sitting on your lap over going for a walk any day of the week. This breed can, however, be prone to obesity. So make sure you provide your dog with at least some daily exercise.

Basset Hound

With their long ears, short legs, and soulful expressions, the Basset Hound is easily recognizable. They measure up to 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 65 pounds.

These dogs are total couch potatoes. While you’ll need to make sure they get enough exercise to prevent them from becoming obese, you won’t have to worry about taking them for any vigorous workouts.

Basset Hounds are goofy, loveable little dogs that adapt extremely well to apartment life.