#20. Lowchens
If you have a lot of money to spend and you really want a small apartment dog, then the Lowchens might be the dog you are looking for. You’d be surprised, but it isn’t uncommon for people to pay as much as $10,000 or more for one of these dogs.
Lowchens are referred to as little lions, as its name literally translates to Little Lion Dog. They are a non-sporting dog and have been bred all the way back to the Renaissance. How do we know this? There’s evidence of them in some very important Renaissance paintings. You wouldn’t be surprised at this point but Lowchens were very popular within the aristocracy.
#19. English Mastiff
While you might be confused about why such a big dog is part of our list of apartment dogs, you’d be surprised to know that these are gentle giants that love nature. Their appearance hints a bit on the fact that they aren’t super active, but rather move slower than its size suggests.
However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t require attention or action, walking your English Mastiff is certainly a must! Their temperament is of good nature; they are affectionate, calm and protective dogs that will make you feel extra safe at home.
#18. Welsh Corgi
At this point everybody knows what a corgi looks like, it seems that we’ve all fallen in love with their cute butts that resemble hearts. The Welsh Corgi, better known as just corgi, is a cattle-herding dog that originates from Wales. There are two types, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Their temperament is great for an apartment; they are affectionate, smart and alert dogs. Their size is also perfect for a small apartment since most corgis are about 10 inches tall. Don’t be fooled by their small legs though, these are actually quite muscular and strong.
#17. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is the dog that you usually associate with the elite. They are intelligent, bold, independent and courageous dogs despite their tiny size. How small are they? The maximum weight of a Yorkshire Terrier is about 7 pounds!
Back in the 19th century, they were used to catch rats in clothing mills; their tiny size made them ideal for them to go down under the machinery. Also known as Yorkies, these are probably the best traveling companions give you can easily put them in a large bag if they get tired!
#16. Russian Toy Terrier
The Russian Toy Terrier (Russkiy Toy) is a very small dog bred in Russia. It’s an elegant yet very lively dog of high intelligence and they show interest in pleasing their owners. Their lineage goes back to Russian aristocracy, back when they used to breed them from the English Toy Terrier.
These dogs need to have people around them. In fact, they thrive around humans and will not be pleased if they are neglected. The Russian Terrier is super versatile; it can either run around the apartment and expect you to chase it, or it can sit on your lap all day and relax.
#15. Pekingese
One of the most ancient breeds, this dog is called a Pekingese. They are also referred to as lion dogs given how much they look like the lions in ancient Chinese myths. While they are small, they weigh up to 14 pounds. They are charming and lively and will develop a tight bond with their human companion.
The story of the Pekingese is that it used to be a lion that was shrunk by a Buddha. Given the breed is so ancient, it would be impossible to track down its original beginnings. For centuries, the Chinese have been interested in breeding flat-faced lapdogs, and the Pekingese is a great example of this.
#14. Dachshund
The Dachshund, most commonly referred to as a wiener dog or a sausage dog, is one of the most famous dogs out there. Let’s face it, sausage dogs are iconic. With their long backed bodies and tiny short legs, it’s impossible not to recognize one of these fellas trotting towards you.
While they aren’t exactly built for strenuous activities such as swimming and running long distances, that doesn’t mean they aren’t full of energy. They are a bit aggressive, stubborn and super smart, which makes them the perfect watchdog.
#13. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is one of the most loved dogs in Japan. However, it’s gathering quite the attention in the West. They are easily recognizable by their fox-like face that displays a very smart and alert expression. Shiba Inus have bold personalities that accompany their strong body.
While the Shiba entered the United States in 1954, their breed dates back to 300 B.C in Japan. “Shiba” means brushwood in Japanese, alluding to its history as a hunter dog in the mountainous terrain of Japan. The Shiba Inu is the oldest and smallest dog out of all the Japanese dogs.
#12. Jack Russel Terrier
Are you looking for a playful dog full of life that will liven up your days? The Jack Russel Terrier is the way to go. With its English origins, energetic behavior and will to work, this breed makes the perfect hunting dog. How to make them happy? Make sure they know you’re their companion.
While they can live in small apartments, they do need daily exercise, which means that if you are a very busy human that won’t be able to take their pooch at least twice a day on a walk, the Jack Russel might not be the best suit for you.
#11. Shar-Pei
Shar Peis, and we are not talking about High School Musical, are small dogs that resemble the English Bulldog. They are full of courage, will be loyal to their owners forever, and have an impressive amount of endurance. They weigh between 45-60 pounds and are about 18-20 inches tall.
Their physical appearance might come off as a bit odd; their muzzle resembles a hippopotamus, their eyes are small and sunken and make them look like they are scowling, and their tongue is blue-black. Their many folds of skin might fool you to think they are inoffensive, but if they feel threatened, you better be ready.
#10. Bull Terrier
Bull terriers are commonly seen as ultra-aggressive dogs. However, while they might be a threat to passing squirrels, their temper is not as bad as the media portrays. They are only 21 inches tall and weigh about 50-70 pounds.
While small, they have a strong built; with its muscular body and pointed ears, they are very agile and powerful dogs. But with early socialization, a good amount of training and a lot of love, they can easily become your perfect companion.
#9. Pit Bull
Another breed that is known for being voracious and aggressive, the pit bull is a short and stocky dog that will be loving and loyal if given the proper attention. They are courageous, competitive and extremely agile, which makes them ideal for competitions.
Pitbulls are great service dogs, therapy dogs, as well as family dogs. Many people immediately associate pit bulls to any small stocky aggressive-looking dog; however, the term pit bull encompasses four breeds. The American Pit Bull terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully.
#8. Chow Chow
It’s hard to not want to sleep on a Chow Chow given their impressive coat of fur which makes them look like the perfect pillow. Originating from northern China, Chow Chows are an independent, quiet yet loyal breed that can stand as tall as 20 inches.
They require quite a good amount of attention as well as exercise, so make sure that if you get one of these you satisfy those demands. Failing to do so is what most likely can make them restless and aggressive, which is something people don’t expect given their fluffy appearance.
#7. Basenji
Basenji is another type of hunting dog that originates from Africa. They weight about 22-24 pounds and are around 17 inches tall. They are graceful hounds, easily recognizable by their shiny fur coat, curled tail, and pointy ears.
What is most striking about these dogs in terms of physical appearance is their almond-shaped eyes and wrinkled forehead, which together convey some very human-like expressions. Basenjis don’t really bark, but rather make a noise that sounds like a chortle.
#6. Beagle
Beagles have a great temperament; they are curious, friendly and merry. If you want a hunting dog that is a loyal companion, you should definitely consider the Beagle. Beagles are very energetic and playful, which means they require a good amount of attention.
Given their ultra-sensitive noses, it is no surprise that they are the breed that is selected for luggage inspection in US airports. The Beagle Brigade is a team of both humans and beagles that search for any agricultural products that might be hiding in people’s luggage.
#5. Whippet
The Whippet, also known as the English Whippet or the Snap Dog, is a dog that descends from Greyhounds. While they might look aloof, they are extremely cuddly. Not only will they snuggle with you but they are a very clever and playful breed.
Whippets can weigh between 25-40 pounds and can be 22 inches tall. Their sleek face alludes to their ability to run at incredible speeds. While they enjoy being active, they are also interested in stretching and relaxing for long hours.
#4. Bichon Frise
Given their playful and curious appearance, it is no surprise that they are one of the happiest dogs out there. These fluff balls are charming and intelligent but require a good amount of attention. They are great companions but are not fighters at all.
The Bichon Frise is adaptable and is perfect for children. Their high energy thus makes them less ideal for the older population. However, given their tiny size, they don’t require super long walks, which means they can enjoy the space of a small apartment just fine.
#3. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a loyal, alert and curious dog with plenty of character. They are often described as “almost human” given their complex personality. Their affectionate temperament means that they are great for families with children.
Brussels Griffons can be clingy though. So if you are looking for a dog that will follow you around, this one is the way to go. Brussels want to make sure they have a tight bond with their favorite human, which means they’ll find any excuse to snuggle up to you.
#2. Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. They are friendly, playful and smart, which means that they will thrive in a family environment in a small home. Yorkipoos can reach 15 inches tall and can weigh between 4 and 14 pounds.
They have a beautiful coat of silky wavy hair that is prone to matting, which means that it is ideal to brush them daily to prevent dense and tangled clumps of hair. Yorkipoos, if properly raised, are quite sociable and make very docile companions.
#1. Shih Tzu
It’s hard to look at a Shih Tzu and not have your heart melt. Known for being extremely kind, affectionate and playful, they make the perfect apartment dog for a family with children. Shih Tzus are often described as having characteristics of several animals.
They are known in ancient China as little lions, they sometimes display behavior that alludes to a rabbit, they can sometimes resemble an old man, and they are as cute as a baby bear. Their origins go back to the Imperial breeders in China that developed the Shih Tzu from a Tibetan breeding stock.