Living in an apartment doesn't mean giving up on having a dog. It means choosing the right breeds, organising your lifestyle thoughtfully, and dedicating quality time to exercise. Here are the 8 breeds that adapt best to city living.

Selection criteria

  • Size: small or medium
  • Energy: low or manageable with 2–3 walks a day
  • Barking: infrequent (for the neighbours' sake)
  • Adaptability: tolerates lifts, stairs and traffic
  • Independence: tolerates hours alone

The 8 best breeds

1. French Bulldog

Calm, affectionate and rarely barks. Downside: a brachycephalic breed that cannot cope with heat and is prone to respiratory problems. Moderate exercise only.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle, calm and adaptable. Loves company. Downside: predisposed to heart problems (mitral valve disease); annual cardiac check-ups are recommended.

3. Pug

Cheerful, comical and calm. Downside: brachycephalic; keep an eye on weight (they tend to become overweight) and breathing.

4. Bichon Frisé

Small (5–7 kg), cheerful and hypoallergenic. The coat requires grooming every 6–8 weeks. Excellent with children.

5. Shih Tzu

An Eastern breed, peaceful and a true lap dog. The long coat needs regular maintenance. Adapts very well to apartment life.

6. Dachshund

Lively but small in size. Downside: a fragile back (avoid jumping and too many stairs).

7. Maltese

Small (3–4 kg), playful and intelligent. Hypoallergenic. Suitable even for studio-flat living.

8. Boston Terrier

Compact (7–11 kg), energetic yet well-mannered. Rarely barks. An excellent city dog.

Breeds to avoid in an apartment

  • Border Collie / Australian Shepherd: far too much energy; they suffer
  • Husky / Malamute: they howl, escape and cope poorly with heat
  • Beagle: loud howling, restless nature
  • Jack Russell: too much energy for small spaces

How to organise apartment life

Walking routine

  • Morning: 30–45 min (toilet break + exploration)
  • Lunchtime or mid-day break: 10–15 min (at least for toilet needs)
  • Evening: 30–60 min (main walk)

Mental stimulation

  • Food puzzles (stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats)
  • 5 minutes of exercises a day (even in the living room)
  • Scent games (hiding treats around the home)

Space inside the home

  • A bed in a quiet area, away from high-traffic zones
  • Non-slip mats if the floor is polished
  • No access to unprotected balconies

Final thoughts

A happy dog doesn't depend on square footage but on the quality of time you give them. A large dog in a large house with an absent owner is unhappy; a Cavalier in a studio flat with an attentive owner thrives.

To find the perfect dog for you, read the guide to the 10 most popular breeds in Italy.