At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Coco, Teddy
Dog breeds for apartments
10 breeds whose size we rate small or medium, whose exercise we rate lighter or moderate, and whose descriptions do not mention barking or howling. Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier lead the list. Check your lease and building rules on size and breed first.
What we looked at
- Size small or medium, by weight
- Exercise lighter or moderate
- No barking or howling in its descriptions
The breeds, in the order the quiz ranks them
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, light grooming to weekly brushing, sheds some
Most common names: Bella, Luna, Coco
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Max, Coco
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Bella, Coco, Max
At a glance: small to medium size, lighter exercise, light grooming, sheds some
Most common names: Luna, Lola, Bella
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Teddy, Luna, Bella
At a glance: small size, a good daily walk, weekly brushing, sheds some
Most common names: Charlie, Teddy, Archie
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Teddy, Bella, Charlie
At a glance: small size, lighter exercise, light grooming, sheds some
Most common names: Luna, Coco, Lily
At a glance: small to medium size, lighter exercise, light grooming, sheds some
Most common names: Bella, Stella, Lucy
Side by side
| Breed | Size | Coat | Grooming | Shedding | Exercise | Voice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shih Tzu | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Chihuahua | Small | By variety: short and smooth or silky and feathered | Light to weekly | Moderate | Lighter exercise | - |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | A good daily walk | - |
| Maltese | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| French Bulldog | Small to medium | Short and smooth | Light | Moderate | Lighter exercise | - |
| Havanese | Small | Long hair | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Small | Silky and feathered | Weekly | Moderate | A good daily walk | - |
| Bichon Frise | Small | Curly | Regular | Lower | Lighter exercise | - |
| Pug | Small | Short and smooth | Light | Moderate | Lighter exercise | - |
| Boston Terrier | Small to medium | Short and smooth | Light | Moderate | Lighter exercise | Its descriptions mention less barking than most |
General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.
Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.
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