15 Best Apartment Dogs Under 20 Pounds

Why Size Matters in Apartment Dog Selection

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on dog ownership — it just means being smart about which breed you choose. Dogs under 20 pounds are naturally better suited to tight spaces: they take up less room on the couch, produce less waste, and are far easier to navigate through busy hallways, small elevators, and narrow stairwells. According to AKC’s guide to apartment dogs, size alone isn’t the whole picture — temperament, exercise needs, and noise level matter just as much.

That said, keeping a dog under 20 pounds gives you a head start. You can invest in a compact dog bed that fits anywhere in your apartment, use a lightweight harness designed for dogs under 20 pounds, and enjoy walks that don’t require your full physical strength to manage. If you want more guidance on building a great routine, our guide on apartment dog training tips covers the essentials from day one.

We evaluated each breed below on four key criteria: space adaptability, noise level, exercise requirements, and ease of care. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding a second pet to your city apartment, this list has a match for you.

The 15 Best Apartment Dogs Under 20 Pounds

1. Chihuahua (2–6 lbs)

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed recognized by the AKC — and one of the biggest personalities in a tiny package. Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their primary owner, need minimal outdoor exercise, and are perfectly content curling up in a lap all afternoon. According to AKC Chihuahua breed info, they’re alert and can be vocal, so early socialization and consistent training are key for apartment life. Once properly trained, however, a well-socialized Chihuahua is a remarkably easy apartment companion. Their tiny size means even a studio apartment feels spacious to them.

• Weight: 2–6 lbs
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Best For: Singles, seniors, quiet households
• Barking Tendency: Moderate to high (trainable)

2. Pomeranian (3–7 lbs)

Pomeranians are fluffy, spirited little dogs that punch well above their weight in personality. They’re curious, playful, and love learning tricks — making mental stimulation as important as physical exercise. Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, but their compact size and adaptable nature make them natural apartment dogs. Poms can be vocal, particularly around strangers, so early training is essential. They thrive in homes where someone is around often, so they’re ideal for remote workers or retirees in a city setting.

• Weight: 3–7 lbs
• Energy Level: Moderate to high
• Best For: Active owners with time for grooming
• Barking Tendency: Moderate to high

3. Maltese (4–7 lbs)

The Maltese is a classic lap dog with a silky white coat and a gentle, affectionate temperament. They’re among the calmest small breeds you can choose for an apartment, rarely needing more than a 20-minute walk per day. The AKC Maltese breed info highlights their low-shedding coat as a major bonus for apartment dwellers with limited vacuuming time. Maltese dogs do love human company, so they’re happiest in homes where they won’t be left alone for too many hours at a stretch. They’re also a popular pick for first-time owners due to their forgiving, patient nature.

• Weight: 4–7 lbs
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Best For: First-time owners, seniors, work-from-home owners
• Barking Tendency: Low to moderate

4. Shih Tzu (9–16 lbs)

Originally bred as palace lap dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus were practically engineered for indoor living. They’re calm, friendly, and remarkably low-energy — perfectly happy spending most of the day lounging on a soft blanket while you work. Their flowing coats need regular grooming, but their sweet temperament and easy-going attitude make that trade-off worthwhile. Shih Tzus are notably quiet compared to other small breeds, which is a huge plus if you have thin walls and close neighbors. They’re consistently ranked among the best breeds for best apartment dogs for busy professionals.

• Weight: 9–16 lbs
• Energy Level: Low
• Best For: Busy professionals, families, seniors
• Barking Tendency: Low

5. French Bulldog (under 28 lbs, typically 16–24 lbs)

French Bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity among city dwellers — and for good reason. They’re affectionate, low-energy, relatively quiet, and absolutely thrilled by couch time. The AKC French Bulldog profile notes that Frenchies rarely bark unnecessarily, making them ideal for apartment buildings. They do need brief daily walks, but won’t drag you through a five-mile run. The main health consideration is their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, which means they can overheat in warm climates and shouldn’t be over-exercised. With proper care and a good vet relationship, a French Bulldog is one of the most reliably happy apartment pets you can own.

• Weight: 16–28 lbs (most under 24 lbs)
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Best For: All owner types, especially those wanting a relaxed companion
• Barking Tendency: Low

6. Yorkshire Terrier (4–7 lbs)

Yorkies are bold, confident dogs that have no idea how small they are. They’re fiercely loyal, highly trainable, and their hypoallergenic coat makes them a popular choice for apartment dwellers with allergies. While Yorkies can be vocal when they sense something suspicious, consistent training from puppyhood keeps excessive barking well under control. Their small size means they tire out quickly indoors, and a daily walk or two is plenty. Pair a Yorkie with puzzle toys for small dogs in apartments and you’ll have one very mentally satisfied pup.

• Weight: 4–7 lbs
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Best For: Allergy sufferers, active singles, families
• Barking Tendency: Moderate (very trainable)

7. Pug (14–18 lbs)

Pugs are one of the most laid-back and lovable apartment dogs on this list. They adore human company, have low exercise requirements, and spend a good portion of the day sleeping — which suits apartment life perfectly. Like French Bulldogs, Pugs are brachycephalic, so heat management and avoiding over-exertion are important health considerations. They do snore and snuffle charmingly, but they’re not excessive barkers. Pugs thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too frequently, so they’re best for owners who work from home or have flexible schedules.

• Weight: 14–18 lbs
• Energy Level: Low
• Best For: Owners who are home often, families with older children
• Barking Tendency: Low

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (12–18 lbs)

If there’s one breed that seems purpose-built for apartment living, it’s the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavaliers are gentle, adaptable, and deeply affectionate — they’re happiest wherever their person is, whether that’s a 500 sq ft studio or a spacious loft. The AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile describes them as one of the most adaptable of all breeds. They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, and they rarely bark without cause. A 20–30 minute walk daily keeps a Cavalier happy and healthy. For more ideas on keeping your dog content in a smaller space, see our guide on how to keep your dog happy in a small apartment.

• Weight: 12–18 lbs
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Best For: First-time owners, families, seniors, everyone
• Barking Tendency: Low

9. Boston Terrier (12–25 lbs)

Boston Terriers earned the nickname “American Gentleman” for their tuxedo-like markings and polished temperament. They’re smart, energetic in short bursts, and deeply attached to their families. Boston Terriers adapt well to apartment routines — they love play sessions followed by long relaxation periods. Their short coat is extremely low maintenance, and while they can be playful and spirited, they’re generally not excessive barkers. One daily walk and an indoor play session keeps a Boston Terrier content. They’re particularly good with children and make excellent urban family dogs.

• Weight: 12–25 lbs (most under 20 lbs)
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Best For: Families, active singles, urban households
• Barking Tendency: Low to moderate

10. Miniature Schnauzer (11–20 lbs)

The Miniature Schnauzer is a spirited, intelligent breed that’s been a city-dweller favorite for decades. They’re alert and will announce visitors — but they respond well to training and can be taught to limit their alerts. Miniature Schnauzers are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which is a significant bonus in a closed apartment environment. They need more mental stimulation than some other small breeds, so puzzle toys and short training sessions help keep them sharp and satisfied. If you’re looking for a dog with personality and intelligence rather than pure couch potato energy, the Mini Schnauzer delivers. Check our list of low-maintenance dog breeds for busy owners if ease of care is your top priority.

• Weight: 11–20 lbs
• Energy Level: Moderate to high
• Best For: Active owners, allergy sufferers, families
• Barking Tendency: Moderate (trainable)

11. Havanese (7–13 lbs)

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog and one of the most sociable, cheerful small breeds you’ll ever meet. They’re gentle enough for children, playful enough for active owners, and calm enough for quiet apartment life. Havanese dogs are naturally quiet and are often described as “velcro dogs” because they love staying close to their people. Their silky, low-shedding coat does require regular grooming, but their easygoing temperament and minimal exercise needs make them an excellent all-around apartment companion. They’re also highly trainable, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

• Weight: 7–13 lbs
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Best For: First-time owners, families, social butterflies
• Barking Tendency: Low

12. Papillon (5–10 lbs)

Don’t let the Papillon’s butterfly-ear appearance fool you — this is one of the most athletic and intelligent toy breeds available. Papillons excel at agility, learn commands quickly, and love showing off their tricks. While their energy level is higher than some breeds on this list, their small size means that indoor play sessions can satisfy a good portion of their exercise needs. A Papillon that gets daily mental stimulation through training and a couple of outdoor walks is a calm, contented apartment dog. Their long, silky coat is surprisingly easy to maintain for a breed that looks so elaborate.

• Weight: 5–10 lbs
• Energy Level: Moderate to high
• Best For: Active owners who enjoy training, dog sport enthusiasts
• Barking Tendency: Moderate

13. Toy Fox Terrier (3.5–7 lbs)

The Toy Fox Terrier is a tiny powerhouse — athletic, quick, and deeply curious about the world. They’re one of the few terrier breeds that actually does well in apartments, primarily because their small size limits how much chaos they can create. They love to play and are surprisingly easy to train for a terrier. While they can be vocal when something catches their attention, consistent training helps manage their alert barking. Give a Toy Fox Terrier a stimulating toy and regular short walks, and they’ll thrive in your apartment.

• Weight: 3.5–7 lbs
• Energy Level: High
• Best For: Active owners who enjoy a feisty, engaging companion
• Barking Tendency: Moderate

14. Italian Greyhound (7–14 lbs)

The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, sensitive, and surprisingly mellow companion for apartment living. Despite being a sighthound — a breed built for speed — Italian Greyhounds are quite content to lounge indoors for long stretches between their daily zoomies. They’re quiet dogs that rarely bark unnecessarily, making them a dream for apartment buildings with noise-sensitive neighbors. They do need a warm coat in winter given their lean, low-body-fat physique, and they require a secure leash outdoors since their prey drive can kick in suddenly. For more breed comparisons, the quiet dog breeds for apartments roundup is worth a read.

• Weight: 7–14 lbs
• Energy Level: Low to moderate (with bursts of high energy)
• Best For: Quiet households, owners who value an elegant, sensitive dog
• Barking Tendency: Low

15. Miniature Pinscher (8–10 lbs)

The Miniature Pinscher — or “Min Pin” — is often called the “King of Toys” for its proud, confident bearing. What it lacks in size it makes up for in boldness: Min Pins are fearless, curious, and endlessly entertaining. They’re highly active for their size and need daily exercise and mental engagement to stay well-behaved in an apartment. With proper training and enough stimulation, a Min Pin is a loyal, spirited apartment companion. They do well with experienced dog owners who can channel their natural confidence constructively. A compact small dog food bowl sized for a Min Pin is all you need to feed this mighty little breed.

• Weight: 8–10 lbs
• Energy Level: High
• Best For: Experienced dog owners, active singles
• Barking Tendency: Moderate to high (trainable)

What to Look for in an Apartment Dog

Beyond sheer size, there are a few key factors that separate a great apartment dog from a challenging one:

• Noise level: Alert, vocal breeds can create friction with neighbors. Look for breeds with low-to-moderate barking tendencies, or commit to consistent bark-management training from day one.
• Exercise needs: Honest self-assessment matters here. If you can commit to two 20-minute walks daily plus indoor play, you open up a wider range of breeds. If your schedule is unpredictable, stick to lower-energy picks like the Shih Tzu, Cavalier, or Pug.
• Separation tolerance: Many small breeds can develop separation anxiety. Choose a breed known for independent temperament if you work long hours, or plan for a dog walker or daycare a few days a week.
• Grooming needs: Long-coated breeds like the Maltese and Shih Tzu require regular brushing and professional grooming. Short-coated breeds like the Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound are low-maintenance on this front.
• Sociability: If your building has communal areas or dog parks, a friendly, sociable breed will be less stressful to manage around other residents and their pets.

Equipping your apartment before your new dog arrives makes the transition smoother for everyone. A well-fitted harness for dogs under 20 pounds is essential for safe walks, and a cozy dog bed sized for small breeds gives your pup a dedicated safe space in the apartment — which also helps with settling in and reducing nighttime anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right small dog for your apartment comes down to matching your lifestyle with the right breed temperament. The 15 breeds on this list all stay under 20 pounds and have proven track records as city and apartment dogs — but they vary significantly in energy, grooming needs, and personality. The French Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are our top overall picks for first-time apartment dog owners. The Pomeranian, Papillon, and Miniature Schnauzer are great for active owners who want a lively little companion. And for the ultimate low-key apartment experience, you can’t go wrong with a Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Pug.

Whatever you choose, remember that the right training routine makes all the difference. Our complete guide to apartment dog training tips will walk you through everything from housetraining in a high-rise to managing leash reactivity in busy city environments.