Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments: What is the Perfect Fit for You?

By Puppy Dreams Editorial Team · October 21, 2025

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a great dog. Many medium-sized dogs for apartments thrive in smaller spaces—as long as they get attention, care, and consistent training. If you're looking for a dog with the right energy, size, and behavior for your home, you're in a good spot. Let's look at which breeds might suit your apartment life and your family.

Key Takeaways

Quietest medium breeds: English Bulldogs, Whippets, Basset Hounds, Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, and Shiba Inus
Least shedding/hypoallergenic options include the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier, and Bichon Frisé
Some of the best medium-sized dogs for apartments include the English Bulldog, Whippet, and Cocker Spaniel, all of which adapt well to smaller living spaces
Best breeds for full-time workers: Basset Hound, Whippet, Bulldog, and Shar-Pei, as they tend to have low separation anxiety
Easiest to train for new owners: Miniature Australian Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Whippet, and Standard Poodle
The most important consideration for apartment living is matching a breed's energy and temperament to your lifestyle and the limitations of your home

Medium-Sized Dogs Suited for Apartment Living

Not every dog fits apartment life. So, which medium-sized dogs for apartments adjust best?

English Bulldog: Calm and quiet, Bulldogs enjoy naps and need only short outdoor trips. Their mellow attitude makes them a top choice for apartment living.
Whippet: Built for speed, but calm indoors, Whippets relax like cats. They're clean, quiet, and best kept with company if you're home during the day.
Cocker Spaniel: Smart and affectionate, Cockers adapt easily. They need walks and brushing but fit well in family apartments, especially with kids.
Basset Hound: Quiet and gentle, Bassets nap often and aren’t big barkers. Short walks and a soft bed keep them happy.
Poodle: With low energy and minimal shedding, Poodles (especially Miniature and Standard) are excellent for smaller homes.
Shar-Pei: Quiet and neat, Shar-Peis don’t demand constant grooming. New owners should commit to early training, as they can be headstrong.
Corgi: Lively but manageable, Corgis enjoy people. Training helps with barking, and daily walks will keep them balanced.
Beagle: Friendly and compact, Beagles need daily play. They can be vocal, so they are not ideal in buildings with thin walls.
Shiba Inu: Cat-like and tidy, Shibas rarely bark without cause. Early training helps manage their independence.

Quiet Medium-Sized Dogs For Apartments

English Bulldogs, Whippets, and Basset Hounds are among the quietest. City living means close neighbors and shared walls, which is why a quiet dog matters.

English Bulldog: They prefer naps over noise. Bulldogs don't need long walks and are slow-paced. Keep them cool—heat can bother them.
Whippet: Fast on the track but quiet indoors, Whippets rest much of the day and are gentle.
Basset Hound: With their calm nature, Bassets tend not to respond to every sound outside. They enjoy short strolls and cozy corners.

Breeds That Are Good for Quiet Buildings

The Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, and Shiba Inu are top picks for low-noise apartments. A Shar-Pei is a calm, steady dog with little interest in barking. Chow Chows are private and polite, while Shiba Inus are rare barkers and are ideal for small homes when trained early.

For more information on breeds, explore available breeds near you.

Medium-Sized Dogs For Apartments That Don’t Need Daily Runs

Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and French Bulldogs enjoy rest more than exercise. French Bulldogs enjoy gentle play and do not tolerate heat. Quick walks or indoor fetch usually meet their needs. Basset Hounds are slow walkers who prefer to lounge, and English Bulldogs are heavy and calm, avoiding stairs and heat but rewarding you with naps and loyalty.

With the right indoor behavior and attitude, these medium-sized dogs for apartments help keep city life peaceful.

Easy-to-Train Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments

For a first-time owner living in an apartment, an easy-to-train dog is a huge benefit.

Miniature Australian Shepherd: Smart and eager, Mini Aussies are great for learning new tricks quickly. They thrive with structure and rewards.
Cocker Spaniel: Friendly and patient, Cockers enjoy training sessions. Treats and praise help shape good habits early.
Basset Hound: Easygoing, though sometimes stubborn. Keep sessions short and upbeat for the best results.
Whippet: Gentle and clean, they respond well to firm but kind training. They enjoy your company and routines.
Standard Poodle: Bright and fast learners, Poodles adapt well. Their low-shedding coats need grooming but are easy on allergies.

Training Tips: Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments

Use crate training to create safe spaces
Walk twice daily and include basic commands
Offer puzzle toys to prevent boredom
Practice calm greetings with a “place” command

Clear expectations and consistent guidance go a long way—especially in smaller homes.

Hypoallergenic or Low-Shedding Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments

Medium Dogs That Shed the Least

Poodles
Portuguese Water Dogs
Boston Terriers

Poodles are clean, smart, and allergy-friendly. Their coats trap hair and dander, keeping spaces tidier. Portuguese Water Dogs shed less and handle small homes fine if walked. Boston Terriers have minimal shedding, low odor, and are great with first-time owners.

Minimal Grooming Needs

Boston Terriers
Basenjis
Whippets

Boston Terriers require easy wipe-down maintenance. Basenjis are self-cleaners with minimal odor and are nearly silent. Whippets are low-shedders with sleek coats that need only occasional brushing. Matching a dog's grooming needs to your time and comfort can lead to a neater home.

Medium-Sized Dogs for Apartments with Kids

Best Apartment Dogs for Kids

Cocker Spaniels
English Bulldogs

Cocker Spaniels are friendly, loving, and sized right for apartment life. English Bulldogs are slow-moving and gentle, so they manage well around young children.

Other Family-Friendly Picks

Basset Hounds
French Bulldogs

Bassets stay calm during action-packed playtime. French Bulldogs are quiet companions that love cuddles.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Medium-Sized Dog For Apartments

The best medium-sized dogs for apartments match a breed’s temperament to your lifestyle. If you prefer quiet evenings, aim for a low-key dog like a Bulldog or Basset. If you’re often active, a Mini Aussie or Cocker Spaniel might be a better fit. Helpful accessories for apartment living include a crate, puzzle toys, and soundproofing to reduce barking.

Your Trusted Partner for Finding a Puppy

The right medium-sized dog can bring a lot of joy to your home. At Puppy Dreams, we help you find the perfect companion that fits your lifestyle. Our team specializes in helping families find a dog that will be a happy, peaceful addition to their apartment.