Finding the right dog to bring into an apartment or other type of small space — while still being a respectful neighbor — can sometimes feel difficult. Apartment size, owner’s age, and lifestyle are all possible factors in determining what kind of dog suits a person’s situation.
But picking the right dog for an apartment is not as limiting as many people may think. There are many breeds that most potential dog parents have not even considered before.
To compile a list of the best dogs for apartments and small spaces, 24/7 Tempo reviewed information on each of the 282 dog breeds currently listed by the American Kennel Club, the country’s purebred dog registry. We included the 42 breeds the AKC has classified as most apartment friendly. Dog breeds are listed in order of overall popularity, from highest to lowest. Nine breeds are still fairly new in the U.S. and did not have a popularity ranking as of March 2021.
The best dogs for small spaces seem to be small — between 10 and 15 inches and weighing about 20 pounds on average. Most of the dogs on the list belong to the toy or terrier groups. Both types of breed groups typically live between 12 and 15 years.
Many of the best apartment dog breeds are laid back, loyal, and affectionate. According to the AKC, these breeds adapt well in small spaces.
Deciding who your best four-legged friend to share an apartment with may require more than inquiring about the dog’s activity needs. You may also want to consider how long a dog is expected to live — these 26 dogs have the shortest lifespan.
Click here to see the best apartment dog breeds in America
French Bulldog
> Personality: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
> Overall popularity: 2 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Weight: 28 pounds
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Group: Non-sporting
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Bulldog
> Personality: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
> Overall popularity: 5 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 14-15 inches
> Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Group: Non-sporting
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Yorkshire Terrier
> Personality: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
> Overall popularity: 13 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 7-8 inches
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Group: Toy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
> Personality: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
> Overall popularity: 17 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 12-13 inches
> Weight: 13-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Toy
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Shih Tzu
> Personality: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
> Overall popularity: 20 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 9-11 inches
> Weight: 9-16 pounds
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years
> Group: Toy
Boston Terrier
> Personality: Friendly, Bright, Amusing
> Overall popularity: 21 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 15-17 inches
> Weight: 12-25 pounds
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years
> Group: Non-sporting
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Havanese
> Personality: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny
> Overall popularity: 24 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 9-12 inches
> Weight: 7-13 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Group: Toy
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Pug
> Personality: Charming, Mischievous, Loving
> Overall popularity: 29 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 10-13 inches
> Weight: 14-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Toy
Cocker Spaniel
> Personality: Gentle, Smart, Happy
> Overall popularity: 30 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 15-16 inches (male), 14-15 inches (female)
> Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
> Life expectancy: 10-14 years
> Group: Sporting
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Chihuahua
> Personality: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
> Overall popularity: 34 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 5-8 inches
> Weight: 6 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Group: Toy
Basset Hound
> Personality: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
> Overall popularity: 36 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 15 inches
> Weight: 40-65 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years
> Group: Hound
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Maltese
> Personality: Gentle, Playful, Charming
> Overall popularity: 38 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 7-9 inches
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Toy
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Bichon Frise
> Personality: Playful, Curious, Peppy
> Overall popularity: 45 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Weight: 12-18 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years
> Group: Non-sporting
Whippet
> Personality: Affectionate, Playful, Calm
> Overall popularity: 59 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
> Weight: 25-40 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Hound
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi
> Personality: Affectionate, Loyal, Smart
> Overall popularity: 66 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Weight: 30-38 pounds (male), 25-34 pounds (female)
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Herding
Cairn Terrier
> Personality: Alert, Cheerful, Busy
> Overall popularity: 73 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 10 inches
> Weight: 13-14 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Terrier
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Chinese Crested
> Personality: Affectionate, Alert, Lively
> Overall popularity: 79 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Weight: 8-12 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-18 years
> Group: Toy
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Basenji
> Personality: Independent, Smart, Poised
> Overall popularity: 86 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)
> Weight: 24 pounds (male), 22 pounds (female)
> Life expectancy: 13-14 years
> Group: Hound
Brussels Griffon
> Personality: Loyal, Alert, Curious
> Overall popularity: 89 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 7-10 inches
> Weight: 8-10 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Toy
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Keeshond
> Personality: Friendly, Lively, Outgoing
> Overall popularity: 96 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)
> Weight: 35-45 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Non-sporting
Border Terrier
> Personality: Affectionate, Happy, Plucky
> Overall popularity: 97 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 12-15 inches
> Weight: 13-16 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Terrier
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Japanese Chin
> Personality: Charming, Noble, Loving
> Overall popularity: 111 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 8-12 inches
> Weight: 7-11 pounds
> Life expectancy: 10-12 years
> Group: Toy
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Toy Fox Terrier
> Personality: Friendly, Alert, Intelligent
> Overall popularity: 113 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 9-12 inches
> Weight: 4-7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Toy
American Eskimo Dog
> Personality: Playful, Perky, Smart
> Overall popularity: 119 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 9-19 inches
> Weight: 6-35 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Non-sporting
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American Hairless Terrier
> Personality: Energetic, Alert, Curious
> Overall popularity: 129 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 12-16 inches
> Weight: 12-16 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Group: Terrier
Australian Terrier
> Personality: Affectionate, Courageous, Spirited
> Overall popularity: 134 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 10-11 inches
> Weight: 15-50 pounds
> Life expectancy: 11-15 years
> Group: Terrier
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Bedlington Terrier
> Personality: Loyal, Charming, Frollicking
> Overall popularity: 141 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 15-18 inches
> Weight: 17-23 pounds
> Life expectancy: 11-16 years
> Group: Terrier
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Greyhound
> Personality: Gentle, Independent, Noble
> Overall popularity: 142 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
> Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
> Life expectancy: 10-13 years
> Group: Hound
Barbet
> Personality: Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured
> Overall popularity: 145 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 19-25 inches
> Weight: 35-65 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Sporting
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Löwchen
> Personality: Affectionate, Outgoing, Positive
> Overall popularity: 161 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Weight: 10-15 pounds
> Life expectancy: 15 years
> Group: Non-sporting
Affenpinscher
> Personality: Confident, Famously Funny, Fearless
> Overall popularity: 163 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 9-11.5 inches
> Weight: 7-10 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Toy
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Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
> Personality: Alert, Happy, Vivacious
> Overall popularity: 164 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 13-15 inches
> Weight: 25-40 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Hound
Cesky Terrier
> Personality: Clever, Adventurous, Family-Oriented
> Overall popularity: 191 out of all 195 on the AKC ranking
> Height: 10-13 inches
> Weight: 14-24 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Terrier
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
> Personality: Smart, Cheerful, Determined
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 13-16 inches
> Weight: 27-35 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12+ years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
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Biewer Terrier
> Personality: Intelligent, Devoted, Amusing
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 7-11 inches
> Weight: 4-8 pounds
> Life expectancy: 16 years
> Group: Toy
German Spitz
> Personality: Devoted, Lively, Attentive
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 12-15 inches
> Weight: 24-26 pounds
> Life expectancy: 13-15 years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
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Japanese Spitz
> Personality: Loyal, Playful, Smart
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 12-15 inches
> Weight: 10-25 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
Japanese Terrier
> Personality: Independent, Curious, Reserved
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 11-13 inches
> Weight: 5-10 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
Russian Toy
> Personality: Loyal, Smart, Charming
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 8-11 inches
> Weight: 7 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Miscellaneous Class
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Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
> Personality: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 9-10 inches
> Weight: 5-11 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-16 years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
> Personality: Playful, Versatile, Intelligent
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 8-15 inches
> Weight: 8-25 pounds
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years
> Group: Miscellaneous Class
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Bolognese
> Personality: Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted
> Overall popularity: N/A
> Height: 10-12 inches
> Weight: 6-9 pounds
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years
> Group: Foundation Stock Service
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