The 10 best dog breeds for apartment living

Breeds marked as suited to apartments in our profiles come first, ordered by their energy rating from lowest to highest, then by lower average weight and alphabetically. Every apartment dog still needs daily walks and company.

No. 1 — Japanese ChinSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5An elegant little dog of the Japanese nobility, the Japanese Chin is calm, refined and very affectionate with its family.
No. 2 — BologneseSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5A small, all-white Italian bichon with a fluffy coat, the Bolognese is calm, affectionate and devoted to its owners.
No. 3 — PekingeseSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5Once the dog of China's imperial palaces, the Pekingese is dignified, independent and devoted to its owners, with the look of a little lion.
No. 4 — King Charles SpanielSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5A small, short-nosed companion spaniel with a soft expression, the King Charles is calm, affectionate and perfect for a quiet life.
No. 5 — Shih TzuSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5Gentle, cuddly and full of charm, the Shih Tzu is a calm little companion dog, perfect for apartments but sensitive to heat.
No. 6 — Lhasa ApsoSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5A small, long-coated guardian of Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso is proud, watchful and very attached to its family.
No. 7 — PugSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5A small dog with a wrinkled face and a comic nature, the Pug is affectionate, sociable and made for indoor life, away from the heat.
No. 8 — French BulldogSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5Compact, funny and very cuddly, the French Bulldog is an ideal city companion, as long as it is well protected from heat.
No. 9 — BulldogSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5Stocky, placid and very affectionate, the Bulldog is an endearing indoor companion, but extremely sensitive to heat.
No. 10 — Shar PeiSuited to apartments · Energy: 2/5Recognisable by its wrinkles and blue-black tongue, the Shar Pei is a calm, independent dog deeply attached to its family.