Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
Small, adaptable and content with moderate exercise — these breeds are well-suited to apartments and smaller homes across Australia.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher — meaning "monkey-like terrier" in German — is a compact, sturdy dog with a comically serious monkey-like face. They are confident, curious and entertaining, with a terrier's tenacity packed into a tiny frame.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is proof that great things come in small packages. One of the most popular small breeds in Australia, Yorkies combine a glamorous, silky coat with the bold, feisty personality of their terrier heritage. They are spirited, tenacious and deeply loyal to their families.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog has become one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia. Their bat ears, compact body and affectionate personality make them favourites for apartment dwellers. Frenchies are adaptable, low-energy and thrive on human companionship.
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds. Pure white silky coat and dark soulful eyes. Feisty, fearless and playful. Best suited to adults or families with older, gentle children.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a dignified little dog with a long flowing coat. Bred as companions for Chinese royalty. Affectionate, sociable and adaptable — one of the most popular breeds in Australia. Excellent apartment dogs.
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog breed — but no one told them that. Enormous personalities and fierce loyalty. Best suited to adults or families with older, respectful children.
Pug
One of the most lovable, comical and people-devoted dogs. Wrinkled face, curly tail and soulful eyes. Live to be with their people. Low exercise needs and adaptable — popular apartment dogs.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, fluffy white dog with a gentle, affectionate nature. Bred as companions for European royalty. Playful, adaptable and people-oriented. Excellent choice for allergy sufferers due to low shedding.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso was bred as interior temple sentinels in Tibet — they would alert monks to intruders. Reserved with strangers but devoted to family. Independent and sometimes stubborn. Not for families with young children.
Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terriers are small but perfectly formed — short, sturdy dogs with a wiry weatherproof coat, a little fox-like face and characteristic satellite-dish erect ears. Despite their tiny size they are confident, energetic and have a will of their own. Originally bred to flush foxes from their dens.
Beagle
The Beagle is one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia. Their gentle temperament and happy nature make them ideal family dogs. Beagles are scent hounds who will follow their nose anywhere — a secure yard is essential. They are vocal and hate being left alone.
Dachshund (Smooth Haired)
The Dachshund is instantly recognisable for their long body, short legs and confident swagger. Despite small size, they have enormous personalities. Bred to hunt badgers underground — they retain that tenacious spirit. Devoted to their families but can be stubborn.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a big personality in a tiny body — fluffy, foxy-faced and full of confidence. Lively, curious and alert. Best suited to adults or families with older children.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier is one of the most affectionate and gentle dog breeds. Sweet, expressive eyes and silky coat. Adaptable, sociable and thrive on human company — truly lap dogs at heart.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog looks like a miniature Rough Collie. Bred to herd sheep on the Shetland Islands. Alert, active and responsive. Excellent family dogs who are devoted and gentle with children.
West Highland White Terrier
The Westie is a small, sturdy white terrier with a big personality. Bred to hunt vermin in the Scottish Highlands. Cheerful, confident and devoted. Popular for their manageable size and friendly nature.
Schnauzer (Miniature)
The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust, bearded terrier with a big-dog personality. Bred to hunt rats on German farms. Alert, spirited and devoted. One of the most popular small breeds — excellent family dogs.
Papillon
The Papillon is named for their butterfly-like ears (papillon is French for butterfly). One of the most intelligent and athletic toy breeds. Cheerful, friendly and trainable. Excel at dog sports despite small size.
Apartment dog tips
- ✅ Daily walks are essential — even small dogs need regular outdoor exercise.
- ✅ Mental stimulation (puzzle feeders, training) is just as important as physical exercise.
- ✅ Consider your neighbours — look for breeds known for being quieter.
- ✅ Crate training helps your dog feel secure in a smaller space.
- ✅ Dog parks are a great way to give apartment dogs off-leash time to run.