Breeds · 15 entries

Dog breeds for flats and small homes

Size matters less than energy, noise and how a dog copes indoors. These cope best.

How we chose: Dog breeds rated 4 or 5 out of 5 for suiting a flat, then by how quiet they are.

1

Bichon Frise

Cheerful, gentle, playful · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

The Bichon’s curly white coat sheds very little, which makes it popular with people who dislike dog hair — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bichons are sociable and gentle, and generally get on…
The full Bichon Frise profile
2

Boston Terrier

Friendly, lively, gentle · 5–11 kg (11–24 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Nicknamed "the American gentleman" for its tuxedo markings, the Boston Terrier is a cheerful, sociable companion that suits flats and families. They are usually gentle with children and other pets, and most are keen…
The full Boston Terrier profile
3

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Affectionate, gentle, adaptable · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Cavaliers are sweet-natured lap dogs that get on with almost everyone. Sadly the breed is prone to serious inherited heart and neurological disease, so health screening is essential when choosing a puppy.
The full Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile
4

Chihuahua

Devoted, bold, alert · 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

The smallest recognised breed, the Chihuahua often bonds closely with one person and has the confidence of a much larger dog. Their size makes them fragile around rough play and small children, and easy…
The full Chihuahua profile
5

French Bulldog

Affectionate, playful, stubborn · 8–14 kg (18–31 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

French Bulldogs are compact, quiet and happy in a small flat, which has made them one of the most popular breeds in cities. They are funny, affectionate companions that rarely bark.Their flat faces come…
The full French Bulldog profile
6

Havanese

Playful, affectionate, sociable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Cuba’s national dog, the Havanese is a cheerful, gentle companion that loves people of all ages and usually gets along with other pets. They are clever and learn tricks quickly, which made them popular…
The full Havanese profile
7

Maltese

Gentle, playful, affectionate · 2–4 kg (4–9 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Lap dogs since the days of ancient Rome, the Maltese is affectionate, playful and happiest close to its people. The silky white coat sheds very little, which makes the breed popular with allergy-conscious owners,…
The full Maltese profile
8

Pomeranian

Lively, bold, inquisitive · 1.5–3.5 kg (3–8 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

The Pomeranian is a miniature spitz descended from much larger sled-pulling dogs, and still behaves as if it hasn’t been told. Poms are bright, confident and eager to be involved in everything, which makes…
The full Pomeranian profile
9

Pug

Charming, sociable, comical · 6–8 kg (13–18 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Pugs were bred purely as companions and excel at it: they follow their people everywhere and love company. Their flat faces cause breathing and eye problems, and they shed more than their short coat…
The full Pug profile
10

Shih Tzu

Outgoing, affectionate, calm · 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Shih Tzus were kept as companions in Chinese palaces. They are friendly, adaptable and happy in small homes, but their long coat and prominent eyes need daily care.Most owners keep their Shih Tzu in…
The full Shih Tzu profile
11

Yorkshire Terrier

Feisty, affectionate, brave · 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Bred to catch rats in Yorkshire mills, the Yorkie is a terrier in a silky coat: busy, curious and vocal. The hair-like coat sheds very little but mats quickly, and most pet owners keep…
The full Yorkshire Terrier profile
12

Dachshund

Bold, lively, stubborn · 7–14 kg (15–31 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Dachshunds were bred to go down badger setts, and they have the courage to match. Their long backs and short legs make spinal disc problems common, so weight control and sensible handling are essential.
The full Dachshund profile
13

Miniature Schnauzer

Alert, friendly, spirited · 5–9 kg (11–20 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Bred as farm ratters in Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bright and sociable little dog with a famous beard and eyebrows. They are good watchdogs — sometimes too good — and usually…
The full Miniature Schnauzer profile
14

Shiba Inu

Alert, independent, spirited · 8–11 kg (18–24 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Japan’s oldest and smallest native breed, the Shiba Inu is often described as cat-like: clean, self-possessed and selective with affection. Shibas are famously independent, which makes training a negotiation rather than a command, and…
The full Shiba Inu profile
15

Whippet

Gentle, quiet, affectionate · 11–18 kg (24–40 lb)

Suits a flat
Barking / vocal
Energy

Whippets are sprinters, not marathon runners: a couple of joyful bursts of top speed, then a long sleep under a blanket. Indoors they are quiet, gentle and very cuddly, which surprises people who expect…
The full Whippet profile

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