When choosing a dog breed to live in a small space, experts agree that size doesn’t matter; what matters most is their demeanor and energy level.
The Greyhound (The renowned “40 mph Couch Potato”)
Though they were originally bred to run alongside horse-drawn carts at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, greyhounds are famous for spending most of the day lazing around.
They were designed to expend all of their energy in a ten-minute sprint around your local dog park, and then snooze for the next eighteen hours straight.
Not only do they rarely bark, but they also lack an undercoat, which means less frenzied shedding than many other breeds.
While not completely silent, they tend to be timid and quiet dogs that are less like slobbery working dogs and more like extra pillow pets.
The Basenji
Originating from Central Africa, this ancient breed of hunting dog is heaven-sent for those who live in confined spaces.
They have a very odd, flatter larynx which actually disallows them from being able to bark. Rather than the jarring, loud barks that tend to upset the neighbors, they let out soft, infrequent chuckles or yodels.
Extremely independent cleaners, they spend their entire day grooming themselves like a cat which means less dirty dog smells lingering around your home.
Small and muscular, they don’t take up too much space.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels absolutely adore being close to their people. Centuries ago, these dogs were bred to keep their royal owners’ feet warm by sitting at their feet.
That instinct makes them ideal indoor dogs for small spaces. They tend to take on their owner’ energy levels and wants. So, if you’re working from home with your Cavalier on your lap at your desk, they’ll probably just chill under there with you for ages.
They also don’t have a huge prey drive like other terrier/spaniels. So your dog will not hang at the window all day neurotically watching squirrels outside.
Their small stature also makes it easy to pass them through tight hallways and crowded elevators.
The Great Dane
Despite what you may think when imagining placing a Great Dane inside of a studio apartment, giant breeds make wonderful apartment dwellers because they have extremely low energy levels.
Once they’re past the wild puppy phase, a couple of short walks daily is all it takes to keep them happy. These big dogs are also known for being pretty lazy companions who’d much rather chill on the sofa all day than trek around your place.
If a California king mattress can fit in your home, then so can one of these gentle giants.
The Japanese Chin
With an unknown past, this breed has been around for ages and is noted for its feline-like behaviors.
Japanese Chins love to sit atop furniture like the back of the sofa or a windowsill instead of lying on the floor. Extremely graceful and quick-stepping, they slip through narrow openings with silky sophistication, careful not to disturb any ornaments.
Since their sole purpose was to entertain in the hushed chambers of royalty, they rarely bark without cause or chew destructively out of boredom.
Even in a compact studio, a Japanese Chin’s petite build and cleanliness will ensure you maintain a chic living space.
The Whippet
Consider this breed to be a small (or medium, depending on how you look at it) Greyhound. Meaning, they have the same chill personality wrapped up in a tiny little package.
Whippets hate the cold and hard floors. They love to burrito themselves under blankets all day long on your bed or couch.
These dogs have a minimal doggy scent and a super short, fine coat that needs virtually no grooming, especially if you’re in a smaller place.
You’ll find that just five minutes of tug or a short walk is enough to wear this pup out for the entire day.
The French Bulldog
All dogs are bred for certain working traits, and these little bruisers are basically engineered for urban life.
They can’t handle high cardio or high temperatures (a result of their flat faces), so walking your Frenchy once around the block is plenty of exercise.
French Bulldogs are also famously quiet, communicating through amusing grunts, snorts, and sighs that won’t disturb your downstairs neighbors.
The Clumber Spaniel
Seeking a dog with a substantial build that won’t overwhelm a smaller living space, unlike a hyperactive retriever? Meet your new favorite dog: the slow-moving bird dog.
Clumbers are low to the ground with very heavy bones. They move at what’s been called a “proudly sedate” gait, perfect for those who cherish a peaceful home environment.
Unlike their hyperactive cocker spaniel relatives, Clumbers absolutely relish a sedentary life, with long naps being their favorite pastime.
Furthermore, their seemingly unflappable nature means they’ll happily go along with a predictable indoor routine without a fuss.
The Biewer Terrier
Unlike most terriers who can be high-strung, intensely vocal, or always on the lookout for something to obsess over, this little toy breed is quite the opposite.
They have one of the wackiest, happiest personalities in the toy group without the high-strung, neurotic energy most possess. They are so polite indoors; they love to entertain themselves quietly with one toy on the floor versus sprinting around your kitchen island for hours.
And since they are tiny, all of their exercise can be done right in your living room on a bad weather day.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
