/

Top 10 Dog Breeds for Condo & Apartment Living in Canada

Living in a condo or apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life with a dog. The key is choosing a breed that adapts well to smaller spaces, has manageable exercise needs, and thrives with family companionship. This guide highlights 10 breeds that are known for being great fits for Canadian condo and apartment living.

Small fluffy dog sitting on a sofa in a modern Canadian condo with a city skyline in the background, symbolizing condo-friendly dog breeds.
Published on
September 30, 2025

What Makes a Dog Condo-Friendly?

Apartment life brings unique challenges and opportunities. When choosing a breed, consider:

  • Size & space needs - smaller or medium-sized breeds adapt better.
  • Energy levels - lower to moderate activity needs are ideal indoors.
  • Noise tolerance - less likely to bark excessively at neighbors or hallway sounds.
  • Trainability - easier to housetrain in shared living environments.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This affectionate toy breed is adaptable and thrives in smaller homes.

  • Temperament: Gentle, loving, and easy to train.
  • Energy Needs: Low to moderate - daily walks and indoor play are enough.
  • Condo Fit: Perfect for families or singles wanting a calm, friendly companion.
  • Fun Fact: Cavaliers are happiest when curled up on the couch with their people.

Learn more about this affectionate companion in our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide .

2. French Bulldog

Compact and sturdy, Frenchies are known for their quiet nature and affectionate personality.

  • Temperament: Loyal, playful, and relaxed.
  • Energy Needs: Low - enjoys short walks, not high-intensity exercise.
  • Condo Fit: Excellent for urban living; low-barking tendencies.
  • Fun Fact: Despite their name, French Bulldogs originated in England.

Discover more about this compact and loyal breed in our French Bulldog Breed Guide .

3. Poodle (Miniature & Toy)

Smart, hypoallergenic, and adaptable, Poodles fit well into condo life.

  • Temperament: Intelligent, social, and eager to please.
  • Energy Needs: Moderate - enjoys games, walks, and mental stimulation.
  • Condo Fit: Great for allergy-sensitive households and easy to train indoors.
  • Fun Fact: Poodles are one of the most versatile and trainable breeds.

See why Poodles are one of the smartest condo-friendly dogs in our Poodle Breed Guide .

4. Shih Tzu

A lap dog at heart, the Shih Tzu is calm, affectionate, and bred for companionship.

  • Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, and charming.
  • Energy Needs: Low - happy with short walks and indoor play.
  • Condo Fit: Ideal for smaller homes and quieter lifestyles.
  • Fun Fact: Once bred as royal companions for Chinese emperors.

Explore this charming lapdog in our Shih Tzu Breed Guide .

5. Beagle

Though curious and playful, Beagles adapt surprisingly well to apartment life with enough walks.

  • Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate, and curious.
  • Energy Needs: Moderate - daily exercise required, but settles indoors.
  • Condo Fit: Best for families willing to provide consistent walks and mental stimulation.
  • Fun Fact: Beagles are scent hounds, known for their love of sniffing trails.

Learn more about this playful and curious breed in our Beagle Breed Guide .

6. Boston Terrier

The “American Gentleman” is small, sturdy, and adaptable, making them a favorite city dog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, lively, and affectionate.
  • Energy Needs: Moderate - short walks and play sessions keep them happy.
  • Condo Fit: Compact size, easy to groom, and generally quiet.
  • Fun Fact: Named for their Boston origins in the late 1800s.

Discover why the “American Gentleman” makes such a great condo dog in our Boston Terrier Breed Guide .

7. Dachshund

These spirited little dogs are small enough for any condo, but they bring big personality.

  • Temperament: Playful, curious, and loyal.
  • Energy Needs: Moderate - short daily walks and playtime.
  • Condo Fit: Perfect for smaller spaces but needs training to curb barking.
  • Fun Fact: Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers.

Explore the personality of this spirited little dog in our Dachshund Breed Guide .

8. Bichon Frise

Fluffy, cheerful, and hypoallergenic, the Bichon Frise is well-suited to indoor living.

  • Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and playful.
  • Energy Needs: Low to moderate - enjoys short walks and indoor play.
  • Condo Fit: Small, quiet, and allergy-friendly.
  • Fun Fact: The Bichon’s name means “curly-coated dog” in French.

Learn more about this fluffy, allergy-friendly breed in our Bichon Frise Breed Guide .

9. Chihuahua

Tiny but full of character, Chihuahuas are great companions for city dwellers.

  • Temperament: Alert, affectionate, and confident.
  • Energy Needs: Low - short walks and indoor play are enough.
  • Condo Fit: Perfect for very small living spaces, but can be barky without training.
  • Fun Fact: Chihuahuas are one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas.

Discover the history and care of this tiny but bold breed in our Chihuahua Breed Guide .

10. Maltese

This ancient toy breed is affectionate and low-energy, thriving in smaller living spaces.

  • Temperament: Gentle, loving, and adaptable.
  • Energy Needs: Low - short walks and plenty of cuddles.
  • Condo Fit: Ideal for seniors, singles, and smaller families.
  • Fun Fact: Maltese dogs were favored by aristocrats in ancient Rome.

Read more about this gentle, adaptable breed in our Maltese Breed Guide .

Canadian Considerations for Condo Dogs

Condo and apartment living in Canada adds a few unique challenges:

  • Cold winters: Choose breeds comfortable with sweaters or short outdoor breaks.
  • Noise: Train puppies early to ignore hallway sounds and elevators.
  • Space: Maximize enrichment with toys, puzzles, and indoor play.

Conclusion

Condo living doesn’t limit your options when it comes to choosing the perfect dog. By focusing on size, temperament, and adaptability, you can find a companion who will thrive in smaller spaces.

Weekly newsletter
No spam. Just the latest releases and tips, interesting articles, and exclusive interviews in your inbox every week.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest blog posts

Top 10 Dog Breeds for Condo Living
Small fluffy dog sitting on a sofa in a modern Canadian condo with a city skyline in the background, symbolizing condo-friendly dog breeds.

Living in a condo or apartment in Canada? These 10 dog breeds are adaptable, friendly, and well-suited to small-space living.

Top 10 Dog Breeds for Canadian Families
Collage of ten popular dog breeds for Canadian families, including Labrador, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Beagle, Shetland Sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newfoundland, Australian Shepherd, and a mixed-breed.

Looking for the perfect family dog? This guide highlights the top 10 dog breeds for Canadian families, with tips on temperament, energy needs, and Canadian lifestyle fit.

How to Socialize Your Puppy
Golden Retriever puppy sniffing noses with a Jack Russell Terrier at a park, supervised by their owners, symbolizing safe socialization.

Socialization is one of the most important steps in raising a happy, confident dog. This guide explains when to start, how to introduce your puppy to new experiences, and common mistakes to avoid—so your puppy grows up calm, well-adjusted, and friendly.

Independence Games to Prevent Separation Anxiety
Golden Retriever puppy sitting calmly on a dog bed while its owner walks out of the room, symbolizing independence training to prevent separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety often begins in puppyhood. This guide teaches you how to build independence early with simple games, daily routines, and training tips. Learn how to raise a confident puppy who feels calm when left alone and avoid common mistakes that lead to future anxiety.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Young Beagle sitting in a living room surrounded by chewed furniture and scattered pillow stuffing, symbolizing dog separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral challenges for dogs, leading to stress, barking, and even household destruction. This in-depth guide explains why it happens, how to recognize the signs, and step-by-step strategies—including desensitization, enrichment, and professional support—to help your dog feel calm and secure when left alone.

Dog Park Etiquette 101: A Canadian Guide
Group of dogs of different breeds playing together in a fenced Canadian dog park while their owners watch and supervise on a sunny day.

Dog parks are a fantastic way for dogs to exercise and socialize, but they only work when owners follow good etiquette. This Canadian guide covers the essential do’s and don’ts — from supervising your pup to respecting local bylaws — so every visit is safe, fun, and stress-free.