If you’re living the big city life, you probably live in a small apartment where you barely have any room to keep all of your things. Nevertheless, you love animals with all your heart and you really want to get a puppy you can come home to at night after a long day at work and snuggle with. Even though Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Rottweilers are all fantastic breeds to choose from, they are certainly not going to be able to live in an apartment. Big dogs require equally big spaces and room to move around. On the other hand, there are plenty of small and medium sized dog breeds to choose from that will live a long and happy life with you in your humble space. Check out the 11 best dog breeds for apartments and see which one you want to adopt today!

1. Yorkshire Terrier

It’s impossible to not fall in love with a Yorkie the first time you lay eyes on one. Yorkshire Terriers are super cute and they don’t take up a lot of space in your already small apartment. They don’t grow bigger than a medium sized puppy, so you won’t have a problem from this point of view. They will love you forever, while not requiring high maintenance and always ready to welcome you with a tiny wagging tail when you come home.

2. Basset Hound

Those long floppy ears are enough to make your heart melt in a second. Basset Hounds are adorable and lazy dogs that will probably be the perfect companion for being a couch potato. They’re great with neighbors and don’t make a lot of noise to disturb the other tenants in your building. Don’t let the sad eyes fool you, a Basset Hound will be delighted every time he sees his owner walk through the door.

3. Pekingese

This cute and furry little fellow can be the perfect roommate for living in a small apartment. He does not require a lot of exercise and you can walk him normally. A low maintenance dog, the Pekingese will probably spend more time sleeping during the day than anything else. That flattened face will make you want to love him for the rest of your life, but be careful, as this aspect also makes them prone to breathing conditions and problems with his respiratory system.

4. Pug

The Pug is personally my favorite dog breed. Just look at those huge eyes, that flat face and that corkscrew tail. If you see a Pug playing or running, your heart will instantly become silly putty. These chubby comrades are an ideal addition for your apartment life, as they are really small and forever loving. Don’t let appearances fool you though, their huge hearts make up for their tiny bodies.

5. Boston Terrier

This lively, intelligent and friendly dog breed is great for living with in a tight space. The ever tilting head of a Boston terrier will bring butterflies to your tummy and make you think “aww” at least several times a day. They are affectionate and very loving, absolutely adoring their owners. Boston Terriers have been dubbed as “The American Gentlemen”, so consider this kind and polite breed when you want to adopt a dog for your apartment.

6. Chihuahua

Even though celebrities and Taco Bell have contributed to the national fame of Chihuahuas, these super cute pooches are beloved especially thanks to their tiny size. The tallest it gets is 20 centimeters as an adult, so you can rest assured that it won’t take up extra space. Chihuahuas are quite low maintenance and don’t require excessive grooming or exercise.  They make excellent companion dogs and will always wiggle their way into your heart.

7. Great Dane

The Great Dane is certainly the most surprising pick in our list. Even we were shocked to find out that the Great Dane is an exceptional breed for living in an apartment, as they are not high on energy and they love snoozing on the couch all day. If you take a thirty minute walk with them each day, they will do just fine. You are going to need quite a big couch, though, as Great Danes can grow to be 34 inches tall (shoulder length).

8. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a delight to live with in a tiny space. When it comes down to laziness, they are at the top of the list. If they could sit on your couch all day and watch movies with you, they would be the happiest pups in the world. Like other popular apartment-friendly breeds, English Bulldogs don’t require a lot of exercise or grooming, just normal walks to get their business done. An extra bonus is that they don’t bark a lot and make noise; they would much rather snooze the day away.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

With such a royal name, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is actually a super friendly dog breed that enjoys living with you in your apartment. They adapt easily to any environment and are very nice to both people and other dogs. Even though this toy dog is very popular in the United Kingdom, Americans are also starting to become ever fonder of its beautiful and calm nature.

10. French Bulldog

Frenchies are fantastic! This dog breed is related to the English Bulldog, so you can understand why they make great partners for apartment living. French Bulldogs are small and loveable little canines that will keep a smile on your face for a long time.

11. Pomeranian

If you’re an apartment dweller, a Pomeranian might be the best companion for you. In fact, it’s actually better for Pomeranians to live in apartments than in backyards, as it does not tolerate cold or hot weather very well. The Pomeranian is absolutely adorable and a pleasure to admire; it will definitely make you think of the stuffed toys you grew up with. Enjoy their infinite love and affection!