The Best Small Dog Breeds For Apartment Living. With Cute Pics!

About 1.3 million Aussies live in apartments. If you’re among them, you may be yearning for a pup to share your space with while wondering how it could actually be possible. Good news – although larger and very energetic pups need plenty of space, there are small dog breeds that can live perfectly happily in an apartment.

In this article, we’ll highlight these compact canine cuties. And, being #InternationalCorgiDay on the 4th of June, we simply had to mention this charming pup in our list. Without further ado…

#1 The lively and lovable Corgi 🐶

When it comes to small dog breeds in Australia, the Corgi steals hearts with its undeniable cuteness and suitability for living in a smaller space. With their short legs and expressive faces, Corgis bring a touch of magic everywhere they go.

Corgis aren’t only cute but also active and intelligent. Regular walks, interactive toys (discover pet tracker tech for this), and obedience training will keep them happy and engaged. Plus, their friendly and sociable nature ensures they’ll make fast friends with your neighbours and fellow apartment dwellers.

#2 Small dog breeds like the Maltese 🐶

If you’re seeking a small dog breed that’s bursting with personality, look no further than Maltese dogs. These fluffy white bundles of joy are known for their adaptable nature and moderate exercise needs – making them well-suited to apartment living.

Maltese dogs have a low-shedding coat, so they’re low maintenance in this respect too. They have big hearts and are always ready for a play session or a snuggle on the couch.

Interested in other dogs that shed very little and therefore have fewer allergens? Read our article on so-called hypoallergenic dogs.

#3 Shih Tzu for you 🐶

The Shih Tzu, with its flowing coat and captivating eyes, is a small dog breed that exudes elegance and warmth.

Shih Tzus have a moderate activity level and are adaptable to different living environments, including apartments. Regular walks and interactive playtime will keep them happy and content. These little furballs have a knack for forming strong bonds with their humans and love snuggles and affection.

Socialising your Shih Tzu is essential, regardless of where you live. Introduce them to various people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Regular outings to parks, pet-friendly establishments, and meeting other dogs can contribute to their socialisation and overall happiness.

#4 The Yorkshire Terrier is one of these small dog breeds 🐶

The Yorkshire Terrier is a pint-sized bundle of joy known for its lively and lovable nature. They’re intelligent, playful, and fiercely loyal to their owners.

While Yorkies are energetic dogs, they don’t have extremely high exercise requirements. Daily walks, indoor play sessions, and interactive toys can help fulfill their needs.

Keep in mind that Yorkies have a tendency to be vocal and may bark to express themselves or alert you to potential intruders. It’s important to address excessive barking through training and positive reinforcement dog training to ensure a peaceful living environment for both you and your neighbours.

Socialising your Yorkie from a young age can also help reduce their tendency to bark unnecessarily.

#5 Miniature Pinscher is a pint sized plus 🐶

Often referred to as the “Min Pin,” these pint-sized powerhouses are known for their energy and alertness, making them a great fit for apartment living.

Miniature Pinschers are lively and active dogs that enjoy mental and physical stimulation. Regular play sessions, interactive toys, and daily walks will keep them physically and mentally satisfied in your apartment. Despite their small size, they have a fearless and confident nature.

#6 The Italian Greyhound doesn’t need to race 🐶

If you’re seeking a small dog breed that embodies elegance and athleticism, the Italian Greyhound is a perfect choice. Despite their active nature, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation.

They enjoy short bursts of outdoor activity, such as zooming around a park or participating in agility training. Inside the apartment, they appreciate a cosy spot to curl up and relax, making them ideal companions for those seeking a balance between activity and tranquillity.

Read about whether retired greyhounds are the perfect pet. You may just find one of the best small dogs for apartments to suit your lifestyle.

#7 His royalty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 🐶

If you’re searching for the best small dog for an apartment, look no further than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These lovable companions are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.

They’re easy-going and adaptable, making them well-suited to smaller living spaces. While they enjoy their outdoor walks, they also appreciate cosy indoor snuggle sessions. Their soft, wavy coats and expressive eyes add a touch of charm to any household.

With their loving and gentle nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will make your apartment feel like a true home.

Want some more small dog breed inspiration? Check out the cutest dog breeds on the planet!

Still haven’t found the right fit? These articles are sure to help:

• Best Dog Breed Considerations: How to Choose Your Pawfect Pet
• Exploring Different Breeds’ Traits for National Purebred Dog Day
• Lowest Maintenance Pets for Apartments
• Best Pets for Apartments in Australia – Plenty of Choice
• 10 New Dog Breeds to Celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day

And while we’re talking small dog breeds, did you know smaller dogs tend to have longer lifespans than big dogs – check out our dog age to human years calculator? That said, the record breaking oldest dog in the world ain’t too much of a little guy himself!

Big insurance for big and small dog breeds 👑

Because they all deserve proper health protection, we insure dogs big and small. And as you can see, with the latter there are plenty of good choices for small dog breeds in apartments in Australia. Living in a space without a huge garden doesn’t mean you have to go without the companionship of a pet.

At PD Insurance we want your pet to live a long, happy life. If the unthinkable happens and you have unexpected vet bills, our pet insurance will protect your pup (and your pocket) against all kinds of medical mishaps. Why not get a quick quote? It’ll only take a few minutes.