{"id":79167,"date":"2022-11-15T11:37:19","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T19:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=79167"},"modified":"2026-01-20T16:46:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T00:46:54","slug":"best-dogs-for-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/best-dogs-for-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Best Dog Breeds for Apartments, Plus 8 Training Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even pet-friendly apartments can have their own limitations when it comes to your four-legged friend. You should be mindful of everyone around you while <\/span>renting an apartment with a pet<\/span><\/a>. If you plan to buy or adopt a new dog, it\u2019s important to consider their characteristics and personalities. It\u2019s also important to consider the regulations on your lease and personal living limitations before adopting a new dog, as some apartments have size and <\/span>breed restrictions for pets<\/span><\/a> moving in.<\/span><\/p>\n

All dogs come in different sizes and different barks. Some breeds are known to bark more frequently or louder than other breeds. Likewise, some breeds may be easier to train not to bark than others. It can be difficult to find the perfect combination of characteristics you desire in a dog that\u2019s also a perfect fit for living in a<\/span> small apartment<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Luckily, we had experts weigh in to deem some of the best small and quiet dogs for apartment living. Plus, some useful tips on how to help train your doggo for your apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quiet dog breeds for apartments<\/h2>\n

Keep in mind that any dog breed can be quiet or loud depending on their personality, temperament, and level of socialization. Not all dogs fit their standard stereotype. In fact, Michael Accetta, founder of<\/span> Matador Canine Brilliance<\/span><\/a>, notes \u201cthe quietest dog breed that I have come across is the trained one. Noise, tone, and intensity might change from small to large breeds, but the frequency with which they make noise can be heavily influenced by training.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some recommended quiet and small dog breeds for apartments by experts:<\/p>\n

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    French Bulldogs<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Frenchies are cute dogs that tend to bark less than other breeds. In fact, these pups like to communicate in unique ways, such as through yodels and chirps that are more low-pitched than your typical bark. A French Bulldog is also small enough to easily live in a <\/span>studio apartment<\/span><\/a>, which might be a big space for them. Their energy levels are not through the roof, and they\u2019re great as a family addition. Dani Miles, an expert in pet health at<\/span> The Daily Dog<\/span><\/a>, tells us that \u201cFrench Bulldogs are known to be well-mannered dogs. A French Bulldog would love to spend their days cuddling on the couch instead of barking and whining.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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      Shih Tzus<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      A Shih Tzu can make a\u00a0 great apartment companion, especially if you have guests often. They are known to be friendly and calm around strangers, kids, and other pets. Not only that, but they are affectionate creatures and prefer to stick close to their owner. A plus is they fit nicely on your lap cause they\u2019re so small in size<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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        Pugs<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Apartment living can sometimes feel cramped, so having a big dog could take up more space than you want. Also, many apartments have size restrictions on animals allowed to live in apartment units. Consider Pugs, they might be the best apartment dog for you. They\u2019re relatively low energy, not yappy, and they typically weigh around 30 pounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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          Chihuahuas<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Known to be one of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas are cheerful and lively pups. Since they\u2019re such small dogs, this could be an apartment owner\u2019s best option because they don\u2019t require much space or require much exercise. They\u2019re huge apartment dwellers. Early socialization and training will encourage them to be their most delightful selves.<\/span><\/p>\n

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            Greyhounds<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Although a Greyhound doesn\u2019t necessarily fit the \u201csmall dog\u201d category, they are known to be quiet and calm. Greyhounds are known to be delicate and affectionate in nature which makes them easy to train. \u201cGreyhounds are notoriously quiet and do not have a strong bark instinct, making them great apartment dogs. They are active dogs, however, and will need to go on regular walks,\u201d recommends Alex Klinghoffer, CEO of<\/span> Quiet Spot<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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              Boston Terriers<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              A Boston Terrier is a great dog for apartment living. They also don\u2019t have a strong bark instinct, and they\u2019re pretty small. As long as you remember to take them on frequent walks, they\u2019ll be more than happy to chill out on the couch with you. They can be considered a great pet choice if you\u2019re looking for a quiet dog breed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                Yorkshire Terriers<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Yorkies are so small in size that they don\u2019t need lots of exercise to be comfortable staying indoors. This small dog breed belies its personality, which is considered feisty and energetic. Just make sure you<\/span> create a pleasant living environment for your pet<\/span><\/a> Yorkie. They\u2019re sensitive to the cold so they\u2019re prone to shivers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                  Havanese<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Named after Havana, these dogs were born to live in the city, no matter if you\u2019re renting in downtown <\/span>Boston, MA<\/span><\/a>, or in the suburbs of somewhere more temperament like <\/span>Austin, TX<\/span><\/a>. Havanese dogs are perfect for small apartments due to their tiny stature. They\u2019re thrilled with snoozing on the couch and exploring the apartment daily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                    Small Poodles<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Poodles can be known for their wild hair-dos, but they\u2019re also an intelligent breed, making them some of the best apartment dogs. You\u2019ll find training on the easier side, and even an indoor environment can be enriching for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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                      Bernese Mountain Dog<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      The big, lovable Bernese Mountain Dogs can be less active than other breeds and do not need much stimulation. Cora Caiffone from<\/span> Dogs Love 2 Train<\/span><\/a> recommends \u201cBernese Mountain Dogs as a great apartment dog. Although they are quite large in size, they don\u2019t seem to bark much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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                        Golden Retrievers<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Golden Retrievers are an amazing family addition to your home, as Cora Caiffone also mentions that Goldies do not seem to bark much. With lots of love and socialization, you will find your Goldie to be comfortable and happy inside your apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Tips to prevent your dog from barking too much in the apartment<\/h2>\n

                        Dogs are beautiful creatures that bark as a form of communication. There are many reasons why your dog might be barking. Maybe they’re looking for your attention, want to go for a walk, use the bathroom, or alerting you about a possible intruder or strange noise they heard. If you\u2019re dealing with noise complaints about your dog\u2019s relentless barking, figure out why your dog is barking in the first place. When you finally find the root cause, you may be able to diminish the \u201cbarking\u201d factor and help your dog to be a good neighbor. <\/span><\/p>\n

                        Here are some expert tips on how to prevent your dog from barking in your apartment:<\/p>\n

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                          Training<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Most dogs respond well to training. Here are some tips from Dani Miles of The Daily Dog on how to use the \u201cquiet\u201d command:<\/span><\/p>\n

                          Take the following steps<\/span><\/p>\n