Top 10 Apartment Dogs by Shedding, Noise, Energy & more
Many people think dogs are messy and loud and avoid taking on new responsibilities. Some dogs may be shedders or bark too much, but this list can help you find the best dog breed to keep in an apartment, with all the pros and cons of shedding, exercise, and noise.
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1. Shih Tzu
2. Greyhound
3. Poodle
4. Maltese
5. French Bulldog
6. Pug
7. Yorkshire Terrier
8. Teckel / Dachshund
9. Pekingese
10. Chihuahua
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a loving, smart, and easy-to-train dog. It doesn’t shed because its hair keeps growing and needs regular trimming. Many owners choose to trim all its hair in summer for easier cleaning. In winter, using a metallic brush and detangler helps keep its coat tidy. This breed also needs daily eye cleaning due to its large, tear-producing eyes. It’s a low-maintenance pet, making it a top choice.
Shih Tzu Rating
Shedding Very Low
Noisy Moderate
Grooming Moderate
Energy Moderate
Trainability and Obedience Moderate
Can Be Left Alone High
2. Greyhound
The Greyhound is an energetic and athletic dog often used for racing. However, it also enjoys lounging and doesn’t bark much. It loves long walks to run but spends afternoons sleeping indoors. The Greyhound sheds a lot, but grooming is easy due to its short coat.
Greyhound Rating
Shedding High
Noisy Low
Grooming Low to Moderate
Energy Moderate to High
Trainability and Obedience High
Can Be Left Alone High
3. Poodle
The Poodle comes in toy, miniature, medium, standard, and mixed sizes, making it a great apartment dog. It is active and requires moderate to high exercise, balanced by its obedience and intelligence. Poodles have continuous hair growth and need haircuts every 6-8 weeks, but they shed very little. They are also moderate barkers, so neighbors usually won't be bothered.
Poodle Rating
Shedding Very Low
Noisy Low to Moderate
Grooming Moderate
Energy Moderate to High
Trainability and Obedience High
Can Be Left Alone High
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a cute lap dog that is curious, loving, and full of energy. If not trained well, it may bark a lot. This breed needs two walks a day and plenty of indoor play to stay happy and avoid boredom-related destruction. Grooming is simple, as they shed little due to their continuously growing hair. Special tools are only needed during the cold season when their hair grows back.
Maltese Rating
Shedding Very Low
Noisy Moderate to High
Grooming Moderate
Energy Moderate
Trainability and Obedience Moderate
Can Be Left Alone High
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a calm and friendly dog that doesn't bark much. Instead, it often snorts and grunts, and some can snore a lot. Frenchies don't need much exercise or attention and can be left alone for a while. Providing some chew toys will keep them occupied indoors. They do shed, so you'll need the right tools to keep your carpets clean. Frenchies are the fifth most popular breed.
French Bulldog Rating
Shedding High
Noisy Low
Grooming Moderate to High
Energy Moderate
Trainability and Obedience Moderate
Can Be Left Alone High
6. Pug
The Pug is a calm and friendly dog that loves to please its owner. It's a good choice for busy families since it doesn't need a lot of exercise—just two short walks a day. Pugs are quiet, so they won’t disturb your neighbors. However, they shed a lot and need regular brushing. Their eyes also require special cleaning to stay comfortable. Overall, Pugs make excellent apartment dogs.
Pug Rating
Shedding High
Noisy Low
Grooming Moderate to High
Energy Moderate to High
Trainability and Obedience High
Can Be Left Alone High
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier enjoys being with people. Its loving personality and high intelligence make it a great companion. However, some Yorkies can become anxious if left alone for too long. Regular hair trimming is necessary because their hair keeps growing. As a Terrier, they need more exercise than other small dogs and can be quite noisy.
Yorkshire Terrier Rating
Shedding Very Low
Noisy Moderate to High
Grooming Moderate
Energy High
Trainability and Obedience High
Can Be Left Alone Low to Moderate
8. Teckel / Dachshund
The Teckel, often called the "wiener dog", is a friendly and intelligent breed that enjoys human companionship. Despite being used for hunting small prey, it can be content lounging on the sofa for an afternoon. The Teckel comes in three varieties: longhaired, shorthaired, and wired-haired. All varieties shed frequently and may bark excessively, but they can still make good apartment dogs.
Teckel / Dachshund Rating
Shedding High
Noisy Moderate to High
Grooming Moderate to High
Energy High
Trainability and Obedience High
Can Be Left Alone Moderate to High
9. Pekingese
The Pekingese was the royal dog of China for centuries. This brave, flat-faced breed loves attention from people. They shed moderately, especially in spring, and require daily brushing to keep their coat shiny. They have low energy and are not very noisy. Taking them for walks twice a day keeps them happy and healthy.
Pekingese Rating
Shedding Moderate
Noisy Low
Grooming Moderate to High
Energy Low
Trainability and Obedience Moderate
Can Be Left Alone Moderate to High
10. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and is often chosen as a small, portable pet. However, they can have a bad temper and are known for barking a lot. They dislike being left alone, even for a short time. Chihuahuas are not very energetic and prefer lounging on the couch rather than going for walks. Longhaired Chihuahuas require more grooming than shorthaired ones to avoid tangles. Both types shed hair, so they need regular brushing.
Chihuahua Rating
Shedding Moderate to High
Noisy High
Grooming Moderate to High
Energy Low to Moderate
Trainability and Obedience Low to Moderate
Can Be Left Alone Low to Moderate
Choosing a dog will change your life. Use this guide to find the best dog for you, your home, and your lifestyle.
