Best 5 Small Apartment Dogs for Easy Compact Living

Updated 24 April 2025

Living in an apartment, tiny house, unit, townhouse, flat, or duplex can be challenging when owning a dog or wanting to become a fur baby owner. In this article, we’ll look at Australia’s five best small apartment dogs to help fill your small living space with personality and fun.

Luckily, several small dog breeds make great small apartment dogs. Let’s delve into the top 5 breeds to suit your small living space, and our tips on being a responsible small living area pet owner.

Helping you Choose the Perfect Small Apartment Dogs for your Space!

#1 French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are a popular choice for apartment living due to their small size and laid-back personalities. They are known for being affectionate, adaptable, and easy to train. French Bulldogs also require minimal exercise, which makes them excellent small apartment dogs.

French Bulldogs can be prone to health issues, particularly respiratory problems. It’s essential to keep their living environment clean and free of irritants like smoke or strong fragrances and to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or high humidity.

#2 Chiguahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them a popular choice for apartment living. They are also known for being loyal, loving, and easy to train. Chihuahuas require minimal exercise and can be easily trained to use a litter box or puppy pads, making them ideal pets for those living in small apartments.

One thing to remember with Chihuahuas is that they can be prone to separation anxiety, leading to excessive barking and destructive behaviour when left alone for long periods. It’s important to ensure your Chihuahua gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and to avoid leaving them alone for extended periods.

#3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a gentle and affectionate breed that makes excellent apartment pets. They are known for being intelligent, easy to train, and adaptable to various living situations. Cavaliers also have a low exercise requirement, which makes them a great choice for those living in small apartments.

Cavaliers can be prone to health issues like heart problems and ear infections. It’s important to keep their living environment clean and to provide regular grooming to prevent these issues from arising. You can see more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.

#4 Pug

Pugs are a popular choice for apartment living due to their small size and friendly personalities. They are known for being playful, affectionate, and adaptable to various living situations. Pugs also have a low exercise requirement, which makes them a great pet for those living in small apartments.

Pugs can be prone to health issues, particularly respiratory problems and skin issues. It’s important to keep their living environment clean and free of irritants like smoke or strong fragrances and to provide regular grooming to prevent skin irritations and a healthy coat.

#5 Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a popular choice for apartment living due to their small size and friendly personalities. They are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable to various living situations. Boston Terriers also have a moderate exercise requirement, which makes them great pets for those living in small apartments.

To avoid respiratory problems and skin issues, it’s essential to keep their living environment clean and free of irritants like smoke or strong fragrances and to provide regular grooming to prevent skin issues from arising. See more about Boston Terrier breed.

#6 Re-home a Small Dog

If you are looking for a fur baby for your apartment, consider re-homing a small dog that needs a home and lots of love. This may be a mixed breed dog, a pure breed, or an older dog. Sometimes, the small dog may come from a poor background and require extra reassurance and care. The Pet Rescue website features dogs available for adoption from all over Australia.

When re-homing a dog, providing a suitable and safe environment for its physical and emotional well-being is essential. Take the time to thoroughly assess these considerations before re-homing a small dog in an apartment setting. See our tips below.

Top Tips for Being a Responsible Pet Owner of a Small Apartment Dogs

• Renting? Check with your Landlord: Not all homes or apartments allow animals. It is wise to check with your housing authority if you can have a small dog.
• Small apartment dogs should be well-behaved, house-trained, and comfortable interacting in shared spaces such as elevators and hallways. Determine if you have the time and commitment to provide proper training and socialisation for your small dog.
• Be mindful of noise levels: Barking or howling can be disruptive to neighbours, so make sure your dog is well-trained and provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent excessive noise.
• Keep your apartment clean and tidy: Regularly clean up after your pet and keep their living space free of odours and messes.
• Provide enough exercise: Small dogs still need daily exercise, so provide enough physical activity for your pet to stay healthy and happy. Providing adequate exercise opportunities such as walks, playtime, or access to nearby parks is important. Walking, running, and playing outdoors are also great for your well-being!
• Socialise your dog: Introduce your small dog to new people and other animals to help them feel comfortable and confident in social situations.
• Follow apartment rules and regulations: Be aware of any rules or regulations in your apartment building regarding pets, and make sure to follow them to be a respectful and responsible pet owner.

Living with Small Apartment Dogs

Owning a small dog in an apartment can be a rewarding experience if you choose the right breed and take the necessary steps to be a responsible pet owner. The breeds mentioned in this article are great options if you live in a small apartment in Australia. Research the breed thoroughly, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and be mindful of your neighbours’ noise levels and other potential disturbances to be a responsible small dog companion and neighbour. With the proper care and attention, owning a small apartment dog can bring joy and companionship to your life and home.