Top 5 dog breeds perfect for apartment living

City-living in Australia has many perks: convenient transport, cafés on your doorstep, and low-maintenance homes. But for many would-be pet-owners, it raises a question: can you really share an apartment with a dog and still live happily (and neighbour-peacefully)?

The good news is: absolutely.

With the right breed, a thoughtful routine, and plenty of love, apartment dog-life can be a joy. Here we’ve pulled together five of the best-suited dog breeds for apartment living, breeds that keep in mind space constraints, neighbours, and busy urban lifestyles so that you can pick a four-legged companion that fits your flat as seamlessly as your furniture.

What to look for in an apartment-friendly dog

Before we hit the list, a quick note on what makes a dog well-suited to apartment living. Several sources highlight the key traits:

• A calmer temperament and moderate exercise needs. Even a large dog can thrive if it’s mellow indoors. 
• Not prone to constant barking or hyperactivity (you’ll want a neighbour-friendly pooch). 
• Adaptability to indoor living rather than constant yard time. Some breeds even prefer lounging to running. 
• Practical considerations: building rules, neighbours, inner-city walks, balcony, or small outdoor space.

With that framing, here are the five breeds that repeatedly appear in lists and stand out for their suitability for apartment living.

1. Bichon Frise

Small, charming, and genuinely built for companion life, the Bichon Frise gets multiple mentions in “best apartment dog” lists. These playful and affectionate breeds only need around 30 to 60 minutes of low to moderate exercise a day, making them great for city living.

Why they’re a great fit:

• Weight around 4-8 kg and height under ~30 cm, which is very manageable in a flat. 
• Low shedding and hypoallergenic coat make them easier to handle in units. 
• They’re social, content to relax, yet enjoy daily walks and attention.

What to keep in mind: Though low-shedding, their coat requires grooming, and they’re not ideal if you leave them alone for long periods.

In a nutshell: If you want a small, cheerful, indoor-adaptable dog, the Bichon Frise is a top pick.

2. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog ticks the box for compact size, cool personality, and minimal fuss. It’s no wonder why you’ll find them in every trendy inner-city neighbourhood.

Why they’re a great fit:

• Small to medium size, generally low-to-moderate exercise needs.
• Friendly, affectionate, and comfortable indoors.
• They’re very quiet, so your neighbours will barely notice them.

What to keep in mind: Their short snout means heat risks in Australian summers, and they may snore or have breathing challenges. Training and health checks are key. Additionally, make sure your building has an elevator or be prepared to lug your Frenchie up several flights.

In a nutshell: For those wanting a stylish, cuddly companion that suits apartment-living, a Frenchie is hard to beat.

3. Greyhound

Yes, a “large” dog! But when it comes to apartment life, and despite their athletic pedigree, the Greyhound is more than happy to lounge at home.

Why they’re a great fit:

• Big but very calm indoors. Essentially, “45 mph couch-potatoes” once exercised. 
• Minimal grooming needs, low-to-moderate activity after a good daily walk or run.

What to keep in mind: They do need secure off-lead time (if your building has access) and enough space to stretch, so perhaps better for a roomy apartment rather than a shoebox.

In a nutshell: If you have the space and are drawn to a gentle giant, the Greyhound offers surprising apartment-ability.

4. Cavoodle

A breed very much bred for life as a companion in modern homes, Cavoodles are amongst the best apartment dogs, considered highly adaptable and well-behaved when they’re given plenty of mental stimulation.

Why they’re a great fit:

• A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle: small to medium size, friendly temperament.
• Low-shedding (thanks to the Poodle side), which suits indoor/flat living.

What to keep in mind: They do benefit from mental stimulation (they’re smart) and regular grooming for the coat. Cavoodles can also be vocal, so make sure to train your pup from day one to keep the neighbours (and you) happy.

In a nutshell: The Cavoodle is an excellent all-rounder for apartment owners wanting a dog that blends well with indoor urban living.

5. Maltese

The delightful little Maltese rounds out the five, loved for their easy-going and affectionate nature. Low on shedding and exercise needs, this breed is a great character to share an apartment with.

Why they’re a great fit:

• Very small in size, affectionate, low noise levels.
• Often good for apartment dwellers seeking a “lap dog” vibe.
• Friendly and will get on well with other animals and humans.

What to keep in mind: Malteses tend to bark when they hear something unfamiliar, so keep this in mind if your block is particularly noisy. Training from day one helps.

Wrap-up: If you’re in a one-bedder, studio, or smaller unit and want a gentle indoor companion, the Maltese is a strong candidate.

Choosing a dog for an apartment isn’t about picking the smallest or most glamorous breed. It’s about matching the dog’s temperament, exercise, and noise needs with your lifestyle, space, and building.

If you’re mindful of neighbours, building rules, daily walks, and enrichment, any of the five breeds above can be a brilliant partner for apartment life.

Ready to bring paws into your pad? Make sure you ask your strata or body corporate if pets are welcome, get your “pet resume” ready, pick a breed that suits your rhythm, and you’ll be on your way to the delight of having a dog in your home. We wish you the best!

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Are you more of a cat person? Check out our article on the 5 most adorable cats for your apartment.

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