15 Best INDOOR Dogs (with Pictures) Apartment + Low Shed

If you’re an apartment-dweller and wondering whether you can have a dog, this blog post is for you! Not only are these breeds suitable for living in smaller spaces, but they also tend to shed less. Some of them are even hypoallergenic, which makes them perfect for people with allergies.

In this blog post, we’ll share some of the best indoor dogs that shed minimally.

Table of Contents

1. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of dog originating in the county of Yorkshire in England. Though the breed was originally developed for hunting vermin, it is now better known as a companion animal. Yorkshire Terriers are typically very affectionate and loyal dogs, making them ideal pets for families.

Teacup Yorkshire Terrier sitting on a couch.

They are also relatively easy to train and care for, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.

However, Yorkshire Terriers do require some special considerations. Their small size means they can be easily injured, so they should not be allowed to play with larger dogs. In addition, their long coat needs regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles from forming.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that has been popular in France for centuries. Loyal and affectionate, the Bichon Frise makes a wonderful companion dog. Despite their small size, Bichon Frises are surprisingly sturdy and are known for their playful nature.

Bichon Frise so white — Bichon Frise is so white as a cloud!

They are also relatively easy to train, and their hypoallergenic coat makes them a good choice for people with pet allergies. Although they do require some grooming, Bichon Frises are generally low-maintenance dogs that are easy to care for.

3. Maltese

The Maltese is a small, hypoallergenic dog breed that originates from the Mediterranean island of Malta. Despite their diminutive size, Maltese are known for being fearless and energetic. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them a popular choice for families with children.

Maltese with an underbite runs at the park.

Maltese are very sociable dogs and thrive on human companionship. They are known for being affectionate and devoted to their owners, and they generally get along well with other pets in the home. While they do not require a lot of exercise, Maltese enjoy daily walks and play sessions.

4. Havanese

The Havanese is a small, playful breed of dog that originates from the island of Cuba. They are known for their gentle disposition and outgoing personality, and they make wonderful companion dogs. Havanese are also highly intelligent and easily trained.

Their coat is long and silky and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, and silver. The Havanese is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

5. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small, alert breed of dog that originated in Tibet. They were bred as watchdogs and are known for their deep, loud bark. Lhasa Apsos have a long coat that can be either straight or slightly wavy.

The most common colors are black, white, and brown. They are a relatively healthy breed of dog, but they are prone to certain health conditions, such as patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.

Lhasa Apsos typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are good companion dogs and do well in apartments or homes with small yards. With proper exercise and training, they can be calm and well-behaved indoors.

However, they do require regular grooming to maintain their long coat.

6. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a small, compact dog breed that originally hails from Germany. Also known as the “monkey dog” due to its monkey-like features, the Affenpinscher is a playful and intelligent breed that makes a great companion for active families. Standing between 9 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder, the Affenpinscher has a rough, wiry coat that is typically black, gray, or silver.

Affenpinscher on a leash — Affenpinscher out on a leash.

Despite its small size, the Affenpinscher is a courageous breed that is not afraid to take on dogs many times its size. With a lifespan of 12-14 years, the Affenpinscher is a relatively long-lived breed that makes a great choice for those looking for a lifelong canine companion.

7. Basenji

The Basenji is a small, short-haired dog originally from Africa. Also known as the Congo Dog or African Barkless Dog, the Basenji is known for its unique yodeling bark. These alert and active dogs are relatively easy to train and make excellent watchdogs.

hiking with a Basenji dog — Even though they are small, some Basenji dogs take to hiking and long walks

They are also relatively calm indoors, making them ideal pets for city dwellers. However, they do require regular exercise and may be prone to wanderlust if left alone for too long.

8. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small, white breed of dog that originates from the city of Bologna in Italy. The breed is also known as the Bichon Bolognese, the Bolo for short, or the Botoli. The Bolognese is a descendant of the Maltese and shares many of the same characteristics, including a long, silky coat and a playful, friendly personality.

bolognese dog breed — The Bolognese dog breed – you read that right! Small and playful.

However, the Bolognaise is slightly larger than the Maltese and has a more robust build. The breed is relatively rare outside of Italy but is gaining popularity in other countries due to its charming nature and easy-to-care-for coat.

9. Coton De Tulear

The Coton De Tulear is a small, hypoallergenic breed of dog that is known for its fluffy white coat. These dogs originated on the island of Madagascar, and they were once the companions of royalty. Cotons are affectionate and gentle animals that make great family pets.

Coton De Tulear outdoors — Coton De Tulear standing outdoors.

They are also relatively easy to train, and they are not known for barking excessively. However, like all dogs, they require regular exercise and grooming. Cotons are a relatively rare breed, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.

If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, the Coton De Tulear may be the perfect dog for you.

10. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is a small dog breed that stands no taller than 10 inches at the shoulder. They are intelligent and active dogs, and they make great companions for families with older children. Toy Poodles are also easy to train, and they are known for being very obedient.

Toy Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and they have been bred in many different colors, including black, white, cream, brown, red, silver, blue, and gray.

11. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that originated in Germany. The breed is descended from the Standard Schnauzer, and it shares many of the same physical characteristics, including a square-shaped head, bushy beard, and thick eyebrows.

Miniature Schnauzer toys — Miniature Schnauzer’s toys at the background.

Miniature Schnauzers typically weigh between 11 and 20 pounds and stand between 12 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed has a wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Common coat colors include black, silver, salt and pepper, and white.

12. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the “Scottie,” is a small dog breed of Terrier type. The Scottie is a very independent, rugged, and alert breed of dog. They are one of five breeds of Terriers that originated in Scotland.

Black Scottish Terrier sitting on the ground.

Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt rodents and other vermin.

The Scottie has a wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. They come in brindle, black, and wheaten colors. Scotties are very intelligent and spirited dogs.

They can be willful at times, but they are also very loving dogs. Scottish Terriers require daily exercise and need to be brushed regularly to prevent the matting of their coats.

13. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a breed of dog native to China. Though their exact origins are unknown, they are thought to be descendants of Tibetan Mountain dogs. Shih Tzus were once prized by Chinese nobility, and they continue to be popular pets today.

They are known for their long, flowing coats, which can come in a variety of colors.

14. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a small breed of dog that originates from Scotland. Though they were originally bred as working dogs, they are now more commonly kept as pets. Westies are known for their independent nature and strong personality.

They are also very active and playful and make excellent companions for children.

15. Silky Terrier

The Silky Terrier is a small, energetic dog with a silky, shiny coat of fur. Also known as the Sydney Silky Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier, the Silky Terrier is a toy breed originating from Australia. The Silky Terrier was originally bred to hunt rodents and other vermin, but today they make excellent companions.

They are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, and they are also known for being very loyal. Despite their small size, Silky Terriers have plenty of energy and need daily exercise. They are also known for being barkers, so if you’re looking for a quiet dog, the Silky Terrier is probably not the right breed for you.